FremantleMedia launches off-shoot production house Spring
Production house FremantleMedia has launched a new division named Spring which will develop off-peak content for free-to-air networks as well as shows for digital and subscription channels.
Speaking at the launch last night, Ian Hogg, FremantleMedia Asia Pacific CEO said Spring will be to Fremantle what Jetstar is to Qantas.
“Spring’s been created to look after that lower portion of the market, effectively it’s our Jetstar to Qantas. FremantleMedia will always be our premium product, high value, glossy programming and Spring will cater for the other end of the market,” he said.
Fremantle’s portfolio includes Australia’s Got Talent, The X Factor, The Farmer Wants A Wife, The Apprentice and So You Think You Can Dance.
Hogg told Mumbrella: “Our main company will continue to do the stuff that we do really, really well but of course what FremantleMedia doesn’t do is produce programs for off-peak network broadcasts, the array of digital channels and for the smaller subscription channels so what we want to do is create content in areas that at the moment we’re not financially organised enough to create.”
When asked what the new division means for advertisers, Hogg said: “It means deeper integration. It means for the first time they’re going to have the opportunity to work with a company like Fremantle and we think we’re reasonably good at making good stories. Having tested the market and discussed this business with advertisers, they are all over it.”
Spring will operate as a stand-alone division with its own staff and premises. It will be headed up by FremantleMedia Australia managing director Melbourne Tony Skinner.
This looks like it is going to be a reality TV sweatshop. Oh I mean that as a positive thing.
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