Sander Schwartz plots new indie

Just days after leaving FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment, LA-based producer Sander Schwartz is plotting a return to television production by launching his own indie.

Schwartz told TBI he is in the process of developing his own production company and plans to make an announcement on its structure and make up “within months”.

He had previously planned to launch a production indie before taking up the challenge to launch and build FremantleMedia’s children’s and family business in 2009.

With his most recent role now over, Schwartz has been meeting with partners in LA this week to discuss financial and strategic plans.

TBI has learned the new business will not be kids content-focused but instead target a range of genres.

“My next career endeavour will include kids content but it won’t be just about kids; I don’t currently see great opportunities for start-ups there. I’m not turning my back on the kids biz but I’ll be more focused on genres with lower barriers to entry and more growth potential. I am planning to develop and produce TV programming aimed at a broader spectrum of audience segments.”

Schwartz exited FremantleMedia last week, as TBI revealed on Wednesday. RTL-owned FremantleMedia has insisted his departure does not signal an exit from the kids TV business and last week pointed to its slate of 15 active projects as evidence of its commitment.