Japan’s multi-platform entertainment network, Fuji Television Network, Inc. (Fuji TV) and Global production and distribution studio, The Story Lab announced today that they have entered into a strategic alliance to co-create IP for the global marketplace.
The new partnership will see the two companies jointly develop and produce original unscripted formats that will initially launch on Fuji TV in Japan before being distributed internationally by The Story Lab.
Development is currently underway on a new studio-based entertainment show, with The Story Lab bringing in UK producer and long-term partner, Rumpus Media, to support adaptation and roll out in key markets. Scheduled to launch on Fuji TV at the end of March 2021, the show will be taken out to the international market by The Story Lab in April. Further details will be announced in due course.
Yuki Matsumoto, Producer, Fuji Television Network, Inc. comments: “Japanese entertainment shows are among the most innovative and unique formats in the world. Our partnership with The Story Lab will allow us to leverage this creative edge by developing IP that is tailored for global audiences while retaining the exciting elements that make our shows stand out from the rest.”
Ryuji Komiya, Head of Format/Producer, Global Business, Fuji Television Network, Inc. adds: “Joining forces with The Story Lab will allow us to further build on the success of our formats around the world while strengthening our business internationally. The combination of The Story Lab’s global expertise and Fuji TV’s creative perspectives will help both parties to develop IP we may never have come up with on our own.”
Fotini Paraskakis, EVP Entertainment for The Story Lab comments: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Fuji TV to develop scalable entertainment formats that will combine global appeal with Japanese-inspired innovation. This partnership is the latest example of The Story Lab leveraging its global network and relationships to serve the ever-growing market demand for exciting and distinctive unscripted content.”
Fuji TV’s international format hits include “Iron Chef” which has been locally adapted in eight countries and “Hole in The Wall” which has been sold to over 50 territories.
The partnership with Fuji TV follows The Story Lab’s launch and roll out of numerous international formats in 2020, including remotely filmed cooking show “All Together at The Table”.
■About Fuji TV
Since its establishment in 1959, Fuji Television has shared countless stories of love and friendship, good and evil. Fuji Television has maintained its position as the leading commercial broadcaster in the Japanese media industry, by delivering innovative dramas, variety shows, news, sports programmes, and motion pictures.
With over 60 years of experience, Fuji Television has accumulated extensive expertise and knowledge in producing hit TV shows and formats, such as “Hole In the Wall”, “Total Blackout”, “The Noise”, and “Iron Chef” , prompting scripted adaptations in local markets, as well as co-producing original programmes with major overseas production companies.
■ABOUT THE STORY LAB
The Story Lab is a global entertainment studio, headquartered in London with offices in 23 markets, including Los Angeles, Shanghai, Madrid, Mexico City, Paris, Moscow, Hamburg, and Mumbai.
Founded in 2015, The Story Lab finances, develops, produces and distributes entertainment formats, series and films, working closely with creators, producers and IP owners around the world. The Story Lab provides entertainment marketing consultancy, production and distribution services to many global brands and advertisers.
The company’s extensive slate includes breakout international prime time TV formats “Game of Clones”, “All Together at the Table” and “All Star Driving School”, global Netflix film release ‘The Coldest Game’ and a number of dramas, docuseries and podcasts in development.
The Story Lab currently employees 300 entertainment, marketing and investment professionals across the world. For more information visit http://storylab.com
■ABOUT RUMPUS MEDIA
Set up by Emily Hudd and Iain Wimbush in 2013, Rumpus Media create content across a broad range of genres and platforms, successfully producing a raft of shows in the UK and successfully partnering with The Story Lab on the global roll out of factual entertainment series All Star Driving School. For more information visit rumpusmedia.co.uk.