Electus, Bear Grylls exec create Jackknife indie

Electus and Bear Grylls Ventures exec Delbert Shoopman have joined forces to create a new US-based independent prodco, Jackknife Media.

Shoopman is head of production and head of branding at Grylls’ prodco BGV, and will remain in that position as well as running his new indie.

“Electus and Bear Grylls Ventures have worked closely together for years with great success, and Del is a big part of that,” said Chris Grant, CEO of IAC-backed Electus.

He added: “We wanted to formalise this amazing partnership, and take Del’s business and talents to the next level by providing a vehicle for him to pursue his own brand of programming.”

The new prodco said it will make premium unscripted programming for the US and international markets.

Shoopman is working on a range of survival series in the US and UK TV at the moment including The Island, Running Wild with Bear Grylls, Mission Survive, Survival School and Get Out Alive.

“Jackknife Media will be powered by Electus, which provides the infrastructure for us to begin selling and producing exceptional content immediately,” said Shoopman. “Chris Grant and his team are the best in the business, and Jackknife Media represents the next chapter in our successful partnership.”