MGM Television and Mark Burnett Announce Multi Year Production Deal with Bethenny Frankel

MGM Television and Mark Burnett, Worldwide Television Group Chairman, partner with entrepreneur, television personality, author, philanthropist, BETHENNY Frankel for a multi-year deal for unscripted development expanding upon Frankel's previous television and business experiences. Frankel represented herself in the deal along with attorneys Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, P.C?

Frankel got her start as a contestant on "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart" in 2005 and then later joined the team on "Shark Tank", both produced by MGM Worldwide Television Group Chairman Mark Burnett. Now, the development deal will include work for unscripted projects where Frankel will serve as an executive producer and/or appear on-camera.

"We are thrilled to have BETHENNY Frankel join the MGM television family and bring her unique entertainment savvy that has been loved by viewers since her appearance on 'The Apprentice and Shark Tank,'" said Burnett.

"Bethenny is a force. Her energy, attitude and entrepreneurial experience aligns perfectly with what we have planned for MGM in the years ahead for new network, cable, SVOD and Syndication series," says BARRY Poznick, President, unscripted television for MGM Television Group.

"I am truly honored, humbled and grateful to be working with the powerhouse game changer Mark Burnett, the innovative BARRY Posnick and to have access to the unparalleled resources at MGM television. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I intend to maximize its potential," said Frankel.

Bethenny Frankel is a self-made businesswoman, TV producer, multiple New York Times bestselling author, and mother. BETHENNY is the Founder & CEO of Skinnygirl, a lifestyle brand offering practical solutions to women, including the recent launch of the Skinnygirl Jeanswear Collection, which sold out on HSN within its first few hours. She is a star in the popular Bravo series "The Real Housewives of New York City" and can be seen as a shark on ABC's critically acclaimed series "Shark Tank." BETHENNY became an instant fan favorite, showcasing her entrepreneurial prowess and gut instincts alongside the panel of investors.

As a runner up on "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart," her success then led her to Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New York City," which at the time, was the highest rated series in Bravo history. This followed with the spin-off series, "Bethenny Getting Married?" and "Bethenny Ever After... "

Viewers were captivated by her wit, wisdom and humor as they followed her personal life becoming a mother and her professional journey creating the Skinnygirl empire. She eventually brought her distinct voice and candid point of view to "Bethenny," where she hosted her nationally Syndicated daytime talk show program. BETHENNY started her own TV production company, B Real-ity, producing two seasons of FYI's "Food Porn," and was the creator, producer and star of Bravo's hit real estate show "Bethenny and Fredrik."

Bethenny has also been named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Celebrities by Forbes and graced their cover in 2011. She recently was seen on the cover of AdWeek as a challenger brand creator.

Bethenny's life's experiences had inspired her to help other women in crisis find their own strength and resilience with the launch of B Strong, in partnership with Dress for Success. B Strong then evolved into B Strong: Disaster Relief, creating a worldwide initiative, aiding in devastated areas such as Texas, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Mexico, North Carolina and Florida.