Endemol, the TV production company whose properties include “Big Brother,” said it will spend up to 30 million euros ($40 million U.S.) in Endemol Beyond, a venture to produce digital video spanning multiple genres in markets worldwide.
Endemol Beyond will create a premium network of connected international and local channels across platforms including YouTube, Yahoo, AOL, MSN and Dailymotion. Firm will invest in “high-end original productions,” with channels themed by genres including comedy, entertainment, fashion and film. Endemol said it will acquire third-party programming as well.
To date, Amsterdam-based Endemol has launched more than 100 YouTube channels in Germany, operating under the Endemol Beyond banner. Georg Ramme, who has established and led the German operation, is now managing director of Endemol Beyond International, reporting to Lucas Church, chair of Endemol’s Group Commercial Board.
“Endemol is more than just a great television company; we’re a global content creator across all platforms, and we want to further invest in our own creativity and IP (intellectual property) to stay innovative,” Endemol Group president Tim Hincks said.
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The company said the new venture will springboard off Endemol’s core content business, and accelerate the expansion of existing digital video hubs in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Endemol plans to enter other “growth markets” with the digital video push in the future.
