Los Angeles – Keshet International (KI), the global distribution and production arm of Keshet Media Group, and DC Media, the parent company of dick clark productions (dcp), have formed Keshet DCP, a joint venture dedicated to developing, financing and delivering high quality unscripted programmes to English and Spanish speaking U.S. audiences and beyond. 

Keshet DCP will leverage Keshet’s globally successful unscripted business with DC Media’s expansive U.S. infrastructure and production expertise. The announcement was made today by Keshet Media Group CEO Avi Nir, and DC Media CEO Allen Shapiro.

Current Keshet formats which the venture can tap include the family game show Sure or Insure (launched at MIPTV 2013 and sold to eight territories in a single month) and hit children’s talent show Master Class (sold to five territories).

“Keshet is a global leader in television programming with consummate leadership under Avi Nir, making them an ideal partner as we continue strategic growth in the U.S. and internationally,” said Allen Shapiro, CEO, dick clark productions. “By combining our powerful resources, we hope to create a vast slate of the most compelling unscripted programming possible.”

 

“We are privileged to partner with Allen Shapiro and the dcp team to launch Keshet DCP. dcp has delivered unparalleled unscripted programming to audiences for decades, and their expertise, proven track record and strong brand present the perfect partners for KI as we look to advance our content in the US,” said Avi Nir, CEO, Keshet Media Group. “Audiences demand higher quality content and entertainment experiences more so than ever, and with our new partner, and Keshet’s experience creating true multi-platform, cutting-edge content we are well-positioned to deliver innovative, superior programming to viewers everywhere.”

 

 One of the first shows the new venture will exploit is the trailblazing interactive talent format Rising Star, already an exciting new international format. Rising Star is a live talent show that that harnesses digital and social media innovation and marks the first format incorporating real-time voting by viewers via an app that is fully integrated into the show. The show is broadcast live throughout the season, and viewers play an integral role in every decision made from beginning to end.

 

Following the U.S. success of such scripted KI formats as Showtime’s Homeland based on Prisoners Of War, and the unscripted TBS hidden-camera ambush show Deal With It, the formation of Keshet DCP advances KI’s strategic expansion in the U.S. market. This continues KI’s growth around the world, having already established outposts in the U.K., Canada and Australia. The deal also expands DC Media’s leading presence in series television, building upon the company’s slate of acclaimed programming such as Emmy Award-winning So You Think You Can Dance and major television events the American Music Awards, Golden Globe Awards, The Academy of Country Music Awards and more.