Sydney, Australia – Southern Star Entertainment has announced that it will rebrand the company to become Endemol Australia.

The company will continue to build on its heritage, creating new drama and entertainment hits for the Australian and international markets, as well as producing Endemol’s global blockbusters. Endemol first ventured with Southern Star in 2000 before acquiring 100% of the company in 2009. 

The change has been initiated by Chief Executive Officer Janeen Faithfull, who in the 18 months since she was appointed has overseen the successful return of the reality juggernaut Big Brother, the drama renewals of Offspring and Puberty Blues as well as new commissions across all genres and broadcasters.The rebranding process will roll out over the coming months and will be in full effect by February 2014.

She says, “As Endemol Australia we’ll continue to build on the heritage and successes of Southern Star. 

“Since the 70’s this company has had several different incarnations and has evolved through the decades with a strong and valuable identity in drama and children’s programmes, and more recently in factual, reality and entertainment.  We now produce content across all genres and media.”

“Today we continue to be one of the most successful and prolific production companies in Australia and we belong to the Endemol group, the world’s largest independent production company, with around 90 companies in over 30 countries.  We’re proud of that association.”

Endemol Australia’s current slate of programmes include key drama commissions Offspring, Puberty Blues and Party Tricks (Ten) and Gallipoli(Nine); entertainment formats Big Brother and When Love Comes to Town(Nine); original formats Crash Test Mummies and Daddies (ABC), the comedy series Legally Brown (SBS), along with children’s series Hairy Legs (Seven/ ABC) and In Your Dreams (Seven) and many more projects in development.