BBC Worldwide, FremantleMedia Oz form content partnership

BBC Worldwide and FremantleMedia Australia have come together to create a partnership to produce BBC entertainment formats down under.

The multi-year agreement with see BBCWW Australia & New Zealand and FMA work on current BBC catalogue formats and future general entertainment titles.

BBCWW’s extensive content catalogue includes formats such as Top Gear, and Dancing with the Stars, while FMA is behind Australian shows such as Australia’s Got Talent, The X Factor, Project Runway and Grand Designs.

BBCWW Australia and NZ’s managing director Jon Penn said there was “huge potential in our entertainment formats catalogue” and that FMA’s “proven track record” in production and multiplatform brands would be key to the partnership.

“This deal will enable BBC Worldwide to grow its content business in Australia, which in turn will provide more exciting commercial opportunities off screen. This is a key plank of our strategy going forward and I am delighted that we have found the best partner to help us to realise this,” he added.

FMA’s regional CEO for Australia and New Zealand Ian Hogg said the two companies “have a shared DNA for creative excellence” and that the partnership would be “transformational for both”.