Endemol strengthens presence in France

MUMBAI: Television format creator and distributor Endemol is further building its scripted business in France.

Gaumont executive Jean-Beno?t Gillig is joining Endemol France along with his scripted production operation L?onis. As part of Endemol France?s scripted division Endemol Fiction, L?onis will produce series for prime time and daytime as well as feature length TV movies. Gillig?s role will also include the development of international co-productions for Endemol Group.

Projects currently underway at L?onis include ?La M?thode? Claire, a 90 minute drama for M6, starring Mich?le Laroque, which will be presented at La Rochelle Fiction Festival, and ?L?hiver du Pr?sident?, a political one off special for Canal+.

Gilig reports to Nicolas Coppermann who was appointed Endemol France MD in June and now also becomes Endemol Fiction MD.

Virginie Calmels continues as Endemol Fiction CEO in addition to her roles as Endemol France chairman and Endemol Group COO, which she took up in May this year.

Also incorporated within Endemol Fiction is production operation Les Films de la Prod, which has already produced successful scripted programming for the French market.

Nora Melhi, former Head of Endemol Fiction, is stepping down and departing from Endemol.

Calmels said, "I am thrilled to have such a high calibre of talent with us. I am in no doubt that with Nicolas, Jean-Beno?t and the brilliant team at Endemol Fiction, we will soon reach our target of having scripted represent 20% of our business in France."

This announcement follows a sustained period of expansion in scripted programming for Endemol, with revenue growth of over 81 per cent from 2008 to 2011 including 34 per cent year on year growth in 2011. Last year Endemol?s scripted business generated over 2000 hours of programming and revenues of ?328 million, representing 24 per cent of Group revenue.