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 SBS Broadcasting and facilities firm Dutchview. She left SBS last year before joining commercial space flight business Space Expedition Corporation. At Blue Circle she will be assisted by creative director Raul Ter Linden.

Both Zijlstra and Schlick will report directly to FremantleMedia’s CEO, Cecile Frot-Coutaz.

The FremantleMedia boss said: “By taking more of a label approach to our drama and entertainment output in this market, Willem and Georgette can capitalise on the opportunities available to us and really focus on our commitment to expand our scripted business while continuing to build on our world class entertainment operation.”

Zijlstra founded FourOne.Media in 2006. He said: “Given my long track record in drama, and FremantleMedia’s ambition to expand its focus in this area, it makes absolute sense for me to take on this more targeted role. I’m thrilled to be able to focus my attention on developing a series of new and original shows for Dutch audiences, which have the potential to travel around the world.”