Fremantle & Keshet International strike formats deal

Fremantle Australia has forged a deal with Israeli-based Keshet International to adapt non-scripted formats in Australia and New Zealand.

The catalogue includes existing formats such as singing format Showdown, dance series Masters of Dance, celebrity-led docu-reality series Anna’s 12 Steps To Love (pictured) plus upcoming titles.

It also includes entertainment and factual entertainment formats from independent production companies supported by the UK’s Greenbird Media, in which KI has a majority stake, including musical game show Playlisters; reality series Bad Habits, Holy Orders (pictured) ; dating show Personal Dater; and social experiment format Bussing.

Kelly Wright, VP Distribution and New Business, Keshet International, said: “Fremantle’s tremendous production strength in Australia and New Zealand, as well as their ability to successfully adapt formats to the needs of the local market, makes this an incredibly exciting opportunity. We’re looking forward to bringing our diverse slate of innovative non-scripted formats, backed by Fremantle’s development twists and production might, to the region.”

Chris Oliver-Taylor, CEO Asia Pacific, Fremantle, said: “The opportunity to partner with creative powerhouse Keshet gives our Australian development slate great depth, and enhances our ability to sell and create amazing content. Our brilliant creative team, led by Director of Content, Jennifer Collins, and Director of Unscripted, Caroline Spencer, are exceptional at adapting international formats for our local market, and we expect great success to come from our partnership with Keshet International.”

The deal does not include KI’s scripted and finished tape catalogue.