Non-Fiction
FremantleMedia international expands with creation of FremantleMedia canada
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International (FMI) has officially announced the creation of FremantleMedia Canada, a Toronto based sales office for its distribution operation. The office will be headed by Susan Hummel, who has recently been hired as Senior Vice President of Distribution and Sales and starts her new position early March.
While FMI has always had a strong presence throughout Canada, the creation of this new sales office in Toronto exemplifies the company’s long term commitment to the market/region. Having a dedicated team on the ground will enable the company to organically grow its business in the highly competitive market across Canada, in both the English and French languages, maintaining the company’s position as a leading global distributor.
Reporting directly to New York-based Lisa Honig, Senior Executive Vice President, FMI, Hummel will lead FMI’s first local distribution office in Canada. She will be responsible for developing and managing strategies to license FremantleMedia content to the various distribution platforms, including traditional broadcasters, pay TV, new media, digital, etc. She will also create local marketing initiatives that will support the sale of key content within the territory.
“It’s a very exciting time at FMI with the company’s larger commitment to the Canadian TV market. While this last year has been one of transition, the result has been an increased focus on investing in both in-house and third party content and development, as well as a re-energized commitment to building our scripted portfolio,” said Lisa Honig, Senior Executive Vice President, FMI. “Canada has always been one of our largest territories for international distribution and having a local team led by Susan is going to help us to build upon on our already solid foundation and growing portfolio of content.”
“I’m proud to be at the forefront of the creation of a larger FMI presence throughout Canada,” said Hummel. “It’s great to be part of the newest FMI office, right from the ground-breaking. I look forward to expanding FMI’s existing relationships across all platforms throughout Canada.”
Hummel comes to FMI from MGM where she most recently served as Senior Vice President of U.S. Basic Cable and Canada Television Distribution based in Toronto. During her time at MGM, Hummel also held positions as the Senior Vice President of North American Television Distribution, as well as the Vice President of Television Distribution for Canada. In addition to her time at MGM, Hummel brings with her experience from the U.S. programming and acquisitions side of the business, having worked at Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and FX.
MUMBAI: Dharma Cornerstone Agency is turning the page. The talent venture created by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Bunty Sajdeh’s Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment is being reshaped as both partners head in different directions, according to media reports.
What began as a bid to bring top-tier celebrity representation under one roof is now winding down its joint structure. With each company pursuing its own strategy in a fast-evolving talent industry, the partnership has reached its final chapter.
Reports suggest that Dharma is buying out Cornerstone’s 45 percent stake in the LLP. Once the transition is complete, Dharma is expected to hold full ownership and steer the operation entirely on its own.
The move comes at a time when celebrity and creator management is splintering into more specialised, independent models. Agencies are sharpening their focus as the entertainment economy grows more crowded and competitive.
DCA has represented a starry roster featuring Tiger Shroff, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Tripti Dimri, Aditya Roy Kapur, Neha Kakkar and Jubin Nautiyal, along with rising names including Ibrahim Ali Khan and Shanaya Kapoor. As the curtain falls on the joint venture, both Dharma and Cornerstone are expected to manage their talent stables separately.
The industry will watch closely as the two now script their next acts.
