Zodiak Americas’ Apploff deal ‘template for the future’

Zodiak Media’s US arm has created a partnership with Don’t Forget the Lyrics executive producer Jeff Apploff – a deal Zodiak says acts as a template for its stateside business.

Under terms of the agreement with Apploff Entertainment, Zodiak and Apploff will work together on develop and create new unscripted formats.

Apploff Entertainment will relocate to Zodiak’s Santa Monica base, where it will work closely with Zodiak America COO Tony Yates, who exec produced Fox’s Don’t Forget the Lyrics along with Apploff, to co-develop projects. Zodiak Rights will then sell the shows on the global market.

The deal also gives Apploff access to Zodiak’s local development teams in more than 20 territories and the group-wide Creativity and Innovation.

“We’ve designed this deal as the template for the future of our North American business,” said Jonny Slow, CEO, Zodiak Americas. “It allows producers like Jeff to remain independent and maintain a distinctive voice while simultaneously providing them with a highly motivated international partner and the global infrastructure necessary to drive a hit show.”

Zodiak Americas launched in the later half of 2012 to consolidate Zodiak’s production and distribution hubs across the region in cities such as Miami, Bogota and Sao Paolo. It produces shows such as ABC’s Secret Millionaire and Celebrity Wife Swap, TruTV’s Hardcore Pawn and SET’s Mexico’s Next Top Model.

“Zodiak is the perfect partner as we pursue Apploff Entertainment’s strategic expansion into becoming a full-service production company,” said Apploff.