Endemol buys Russian company - Variety

WeiT acquisition boosts scripted output

LONDON Endemol is beefing up its scripted programming in Russia with the acquisition of a controlling stake in local shingle WeiT Media for an undisclosed sum.

In recent times the "Big Brother" producer has made only one scripted show in Russia, but the relationship with WeiT, founded in August 2009 by producer Timur Weinstein, will see a significant boost to this part of the global production giant's activities.

The move will see WeiT become producer of Endemol's scripted and entertainment formats in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan

Endemol Moscow will continue to operate separately and expand Participation TV, Astrology TV and other interactive business from Russia into CIS and Central and Eastern Europe.

This year WeiT has been commissioned to produce 16 local scripted projects.

These include sitcoms, a sketch show, soaps and a documentary series for Russian broadcasters, plus two feature films and one full-length animated movie.

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