Ex-Fox content chief named Endemol Brazil boss

Former Fox International Channels content director Marcello Leão Braga has been named general manager at Endemol Brazil.

He will replace Juliana Algañaraz, who exited in August after a stint that included the launch of shows such as SBT’s Your Face Sounds Familiar (Esse Artista Sou Eu), Fox’s The Brain (Os Incriveis – O Grande Desafio) and Record’s Question of Weight (Além Do Peso).

At FIC Brazil, Leão Braga was responsible for developing, commissioning, promoting and producing programming, and overseeing production partnerships.

His new role takes effect immediately, based at Endemol’s São Paulo office. He will report to Martin Kweller, Endemol’s creative director and operations director for Latin America.

“Marcello is a highly skilled leader with extensive and wide ranging experience in the Brazilian market,” said Kweller. “He’s the ideal candidate to spearhead Endemol Brazil’s continued growth and I’m thrilled to have him on board.”
Endemol launched its Brazilian business in 2009, since which time it has sold numerous formats, including Extreme Makeover, The Money Drop and Conveyor Belt of Love, and produced original shows such as Varzea FZ.

Recent commissions include a second season of The Brain and a deal to bring YouTube comedy channel Porta Dos Fundos to Fox.

Endemol also has a Rio-based joint venture, Endemol Globo, which operates as a separate business. This firm has produced Endemol formats such as Big Brother, Next One and Step Right Up for Globo.