Zodiak strikes formats deal with Japan’s Asahi

Zodiak Rights has become the latest international producer and distributor to strike a development deal with Japanese broadcaster Asahi Broadcasting Corporation.

The deal is Zodiak Rights first co-development deal in the region.

The two companies will create new formats for international distribution; Zodiak’s internal creativity and innovation unit with join with the Japanese broadcaster’s production team to co-create, co-develop and co-produce unscripted entertainment formats that will premiere on Asahi.

This is Asahi’s latest international deal following arrangements with FremantleMedia to mine its formats library.

Separately, Warner Bros is working with rival broadcaster TV Asahi on entertainment format Everything’s A Race.

Jane Millichip, Managing Director, Zodiak Rights, London said: “We are delighted to be partnering with one of Japan’s leading commercial television networks. We look forward to collaborating on format development and creating pilots that will spawn internationally successful series.”