Endemol Opens U.S. Scripted TV Studio

Philippe Maigret CEO of LA-based independent operation

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 8/17/2011 10:46:17 AM

Endemol announced Wednesday the opening of an independent scripted TV studio operation, Endemol Studios, based in Los Angeles.

The new studio will focus on cable drama productions either based on original projects or adapted from the company's international portfolio. The studio will also partner with networks and producers on already-developed projects.

Philippe Maigret will serve as CEO, reporting to David Goldberg, chairman, Endemol North America. The former executive VP of North American acquisitions will continue to oversee all rights acquisitions within the region. Jeremy Gold will be joining Maigret as head of creative affairs; Gold had been the senior VP for scripted programming since 2008, launching Endemol USA's scripted TV division.

The news was first reported by Variety.

The launch of Endemol Studios is due partly to Endemol's recent string of success in U.S. scripted television, including the rights acquisitions of TNT's Leverage, TV Land's Hot in Cleveland, Happily Divorced and The Execs, and AMC's upcoming Hell on Wheels (which was developed by Endemol USA).

"Endemol Studios represents a significant step in our ongoing strategy to expand and diversify our activities in North America at the same time helping fuel our global growth. Philippe and Jeremy bring together a powerful blend of experience and a track record of delivering projects with global potential," said Goldberg.

Maigret added: "It is something of a wish fulfillment to build a new-generation TV studio business. Endemol Studios will draw on Endemol's world leading creative resources in the U.S. and around the world, as well as leveraging the Group's global distribution platforms."