Lionsgate Teams with Executive Producer Jeff Apploff to Develop Nonscripted Series and Formats

Reflecting the continued growth of its programming business, Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) has formed a joint venture with renowned executive producer Jeff Apploff to create original nonscripted series and formats for Lionsgate Television through his Apploff Entertainment banner. The deal was announced today by Lionsgate Executive Vice President Alternative Programming Jennifer O'Connell.

Under the agreement, Lionsgate will have exclusive rights to television content produced by Apploff Entertainment. Already one of the largest independent television businesses in the world, Lionsgate Television Group, headed by Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs and Television Group President Sandra Stern, continues to scale its nonscripted operations alongside its leadership in premium scripted content.

In addition to the Apploff deal, the Company is readying the network reality series Kicking & Screaming for FOX and Candy Crush in partnership with CBS and Activision's King Digital Media. Lionsgate's growing slate of alternative programming, spanning network, cable, and digital platforms, includes Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian, premiering on January 12th on E!, and an upcoming series starring superstar Kevin Hart for the Company's Laugh Out Loud streaming platform. Lionsgate has also invested in leading reality producer Pilgrim Media Group.

"Jeff is a world-class showrunner, a respected collaborator and a prolific creator of high-end unscripted content with global appeal," said O'Connell. "As Lionsgate Television expands its alternative programming portfolio to include big formats that can travel around the world, we're fortunate to add Jeff and his talented team at Apploff Entertainment, including Wes Kauble and Danielle Peress, as rich sources of incredible shows and formats."

"I've built my entire career surrounding myself with amazing people who do incredible things, and Kevin, Sandra, Jennifer, Brian and the rest of the Lionsgate team are beyond exceptional," said Apploff, the President & CEO of Apploff Entertainment. "The opportunity for us to partner with a prestigious studio ramping up its unscripted slate was a no-brainer. Together we will form a creative force laser-focused on collaborating with top broadcasters and leading platforms to deliver quality content to audiences around the world."

Apploff Entertainment is a cutting edge production company that specializes in creating, developing and producing world-class content and groundbreaking formats globally in all forms of media. The company is renowned for its work with top broadcast networks, as well as creating and packaging custom content for world-famous mobile apps, celebrities and beloved brands.

Most recently, Apploff created the primetime musical game show Beat Shazam for FOX, which will be produced in conjunction with Mark Burnett. He also sold an original musical competition show and is preparing to shoot the broadcast pilot this year. Previously, Apploff executive produced the primetime network game show BOOM! for FOX, alongside Keshet and Dick Clark Productions. He also created and executive produced on the series Don't Forget the Lyrics! and Let's Ask America. In addition, Apploff served as executive producer on Take Me Out, Total Blackout, and Million Dollar Money Drop.

The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Laura Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Television Operations & Corporate Development, Audrey Lee, Executive Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Rahwa Ghebre-Ab, Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs, and Brian Tannenbaum, Vice President, Unscripted Television.

Apploff is represented by WME and Abrams, Garfinkel, Margolis & Bergson LLP

Don't Miss a TV News Story Sign up for all the news on the Winter season, discounts & more...