Cecile Frot-Coutaz


New World Order: Executive perspective

In the second part of our report into the wave of top-level consolidation in the international TV business, key execs explain how current events are affecting their businesses. David Frank, founder, Dial Square 86 Having launched and built one of the original super-indies, RDF, steered it through an IPO and then run the company that […]

New World Order

Following confirmation of the game-changing Shine Group-Endemol merger and the emergence of an increasingly more consolidated TV business landscape, Stewart Clarke and Jesse Whittock speak to influential executives about key changes the industry is undergoing.   Mergers, acquisition and consolidation are not a new phenomenon in the media and entertainment sector. The clue is in […]

FremantleMedia UK scouting for CEO after Geater exit

FremantleMedia UK is looking for a new CEO following the news that Sara Geater is leaving the company. She will depart at the end of the month with Richard Holloway, managing director of FremantleMedia prodco Thames, becoming interim CEO until a replacement is found. FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot Coutaz told staff of Geater’s departure yesterday. […]

FremantleMedia cuts deal with YouTube MCN BroadbandTV

Production company FremantleMedia has tapped YouTube multichannel network (MCN) provider BroadbandTV to track and manage fan-uploaded content for over 200 of its shows including American Idol, The Price is Right, Got Talent, Baywatch and The X Factor. FremantleMedia will use BroadbandTV’s content management team and Viso Novi technology platform to manage fan-produced content. BroadbandTV operates […]

FremantleMedia takes 75% of Jersey Shore’s 495

FremantleMedia has acquired a 75% stake in Jersey Shore producer 495 Productions. The deal hands the production and distribution giant the option to acquire the remaining 495 shares in the future. Founded in 2006 by SallyAnn Salsana, 495 is best known for creating reality hit Jersey Shore (pictured) for MTV, which was the network’s highest […]

Willems out and Heuten in at FremantleMedia Belgium

FremantleMedia has hired Dave Heuten (pictured) as co-managing director of its production business in Belgium The former SBS exec will work with the Belgian businesses other MD Stefan De Keyser and replace Kristine Willems who is leaving FremantleMedia at the end of March. Willems was appointed in 2012 and replaced FremantleMedia Belgium’s long-serving boss Gert […]

FremantleMedia poaches Garcia to launch Spain office

X Factor producer FremantleMedia is launching an office in Spain and has poached Nathalie Garcia from local producer Plural Entertainment to run it as CEO. At the Madrid-based FremantleMedia España, Garcia will report directly to FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz and has been tasked with overseeing strategic plans and overall management of the business, along with […]

FremantleMedia hires MGM’s Hummel for Canada base

FremantleMedia is opening up shop in Canada and has poached MGM executive Susan Hummel to run it. FramentleMedia Canada will be a Toronto-based distribution operation under the command of Hummel, who will be senior VP, distribution and sales when the division launches in March. Hummel is currently US studio MGM’s senior VP, US basic cable […]

FremantleMedia refocuses Netherlands production effort

FremantleMedia is splitting its production operation in the Netherlands into distinct units covering drama and, separately, entertainment. Drama efforts will be channelled through local prodco FourOne.Media with Willem Zijlstra at the helm. Another local prodco banner, Blue Circle, will handle entertainment and format production. It will be run by Georgette Schlick, the former CEO of […]

Richter to lead FremantleMedia International

Red Arrow International’s managing director Jens Richter will take on the global distribution business of producer FremantleMedia next year. Richter has been appointed CEO of FremantleMedia International and will take up the job in December 2014 upon the ending of his current contract. He replaces David Ellender, who was one of a number of executives […]