News

19 October 2009

ENDEMOL SECURES THIRD PARTY DISTRIBUTION DEAL IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Endemol, a world leader in entertainment programming today announced it has secured its first third party distribution deal in Russia.

Endemol has partnered with Moscow based Red Square Company for Fashion Court, Let's Get Married and Pride of the Nation, three new formats that will be represented by Endemol throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

Fashion Court turns a Cinderella into a Princess and sees participants' personal style examined by a famous couturier judge. The studio audience acts as a jury and decides whether they agree with the defense or prosecution. Fashion Court won Russia's TEFI award in 2008 for ‘Best Entertainment Programme' and has an average audience share of 30%.

Let's Get Married helps a bride or groom find their other half, out of a choice of three prospective love candidates. Each potential partner must surprise, amaze, charm, impress and attract bride or groom, who has the ultimate choice in their future. Let's Get Married also won a 2008 TEFI award and has average audience share of 30%.

Pride of the Nation honors the most loved songs from different decades through a series of live performances. Each song is judged by a panel of experts including famous composers, directors, artists and actors. There can only be one winner and the best song performed at the live gala finale is crowned most popular song of all times. Pride of the Nation is a weekly prime-time show (average share 28%).

Marina Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Central and Eastern Europe Operations comments; "Fashion Court, Let's Get Married and Pride of the Nation are already proven hits in Russia and we are delighted to be working with Red Square to distribute them across Central and Eastern Europe. This is a key region for Endemol and we're looking forward to offering local broadcasters these great new shows."

Andrey Kurpatov, Chief Executive Officer of Red Square Company adds: "We're pleased an international leader like Endemol will be distributing three of our most successful formats- Fashion Court, Let's Get Married and Pride of the Nation. We developed these hugely successful series with the Russian broadcaster Channel One and we're sure they will be just as popular throughout the rest of the region."

The deal with Red Square Company represents another step forward in Endemol's strategy for growth in third party distribution. Endemol recently announced two major third party partnerships; an international distribution and production deal with Jerry Seinfeld for his newly created comedy-reality format The Marriage Ref and a global distribution deal with LMNO Productions, one of Hollywood's largest independent producers of reality and non-fiction television programming.

Channel One Russia, Red Square and Endemol have also partnered to produce the Russian version of hit global format Wipeout. The companies have previously worked together on seven successful seasons of Star Academy.