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Fremantle Intl Distribution inks deal with Miramax & Weinstein Co for ‘Project Runway’
MUMBAI: Fremantle International Distribution (FID), the distribution arm FremantleMedia, has successfully brokered a key deal with US studio Miramax and Harvey and Bob Weinstein’s new company, Weinstein Company Inc. for the hugely successful fashion reality series, Project Runway. The announcement was made by FID managing director David Ellender.
This news comes just as FID learns that Project Runway, along with two of its other hottest properties, American Idol and The Apprentice are among the 57th annual Primetime Emmy Awards nominees in the Outstanding Reality-Competition Programme category.
In addition FID also announced its first sale of Project Runway to Viasat Broadcasting in Scandinavia.
The Project Runway acquisition deal includes worldwide rights (excluding the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada) to the American version of the series, as well as the worldwide format, excluding the US, UK, and Italy.
Fremantle International Distribution will handle sales of the series and will work closely with FremantleMedia Worldwide Entertainment, which will be responsible for securing local commissions for the format internationally. Lyndsey Posner of ICM was instrumental in bringing the two groups together.
“The Weinstein’s have a tremendous understanding of the global marketplace and are well aware of the inherent power of well -produced content. The Weinstein Company’s choice of Fremantle International Distribution as a partner vividly illustrates the division’s amazing growth and success,” said Ellender.
“I am certain that Fremantle International Distribution was the right choice to handle this show. They will bring Project Runway to new audiences around the world. Fremantle’s expertise creates new revenue streams that allow for more creativity and diversity in the shows we develop,” said Harvey Weinstein.
Project Runway, which featured super model Heidi Klum and Elle magazine, was a smash-hit success when it aired on Bravo in the US last year. The show’s finale attracted over two million viewers, delivering the highest audience figures for any Bravo programme during the 2004-05 season to date. A second series of the show is currently in production.
“Project Runway is a very hip and entertaining show, and considering the huge success it has had in the US, we have no doubt that it will be a fantastic hit worldwide. High fashion is of interest to viewers around the world and we are certain that broadcasters everywhere will be drawn to this global theme,” added Ellender.
Hosted by Klum, Project Runway gives 12 talented fashion designers the opportunity of a lifetime – a chance to have their designs shown in front of the global fashion community in New York and displayed in Elle magazine. Through a series of challenges, designers are eliminated, ultimately leaving one to claim their place in fashion’s spotlight. In addition, 12 up-and-coming models join the designers on their quest for celebrity. Each week, models are also eliminated until one is left standing.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
