Endemol in Tie-Up with Kazakhstan's Channel 7
As part of the long-term partnership, Endemol's Weit Media becomes the principal production partner for Channel 7, and Endemol Worldwide Distribution will provide a range of finished programming to the broadcaster from its international library. Endemol will in total be responsible for delivering some 25 percent of Channel 7's new schedule, Kazinform refers to World Screen. For more stories visit www.worldscreen.com .
Weit Media productions for Channel 7 include a Kazakh version of The Money Drop (local title Show Sorok Millionov Tenge), which launches January 22. Shows from Endemol Worldwide Distribution include Wipeout USA, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Make Me a Supermodel and Water Rats, as well as Supersize vs. Superskinny and Snog Marry Avoid.
Bibigul Zheksenbai, chairman of the board of directors at Channel 7, commented: "The market for locally produced TV content in Kazakhstan is in its early stages and represents only 20 percent of the output currently broadcast by the biggest TV channels. This is the reason we decided to join forces with a credible partner with world class expertise in TV content production and a diverse portfolio of titles for broadcast and adaptation."
Marina Williams, the CEO of Central and Eastern European Operations at Endemol Group, added: "This represents another significant step forward in Endemol's growth strategy across the CIS region. In particular this partnership will see Weit Media become one of the first local producers of TV content in Kazakhstan, where there is enormous potential for growth in original output."
Timur Weinstein, producer and co-owner of Weit Media, said: "The Central Asian TV market is extremely attractive with a growth rate that outpaces the European TV sector by approximately 50 percent. Channel 7 is one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing broadcasters here and we are extremely excited to be playing a role in their future."