Keshet & Dick Clark Prods. Launch Reality TV Production Company, Will Adapt Hot ‘Rising Star’ Format For U.S.

Keshet International, the global distribution and production arm of leading Israeli media company Keshet Media Group, and DC Media, the parent company of dick clark prods., have formed Keshet DCP, a joint venture focused on developing, financing and delivering unscripted programs to English- and Spanish-speaking U.S. audiences and beyond. One of the first shows the new venture will exploit is the much talked about interactive talent format Rising Star, a live talent show that for the first time incorporates real-time voting by viewers via an app that is fully integrated into the show. The show is broadcast live throughout the season, and viewers play an integral role in every decision made from beginning to end. Rising Star broke records this week in Israel on Keshet Channel 2, scoring a massive 49.4% HH share and 37.7% HH rating.

Under the deal, Keshet DCP, which will get an executive to run it soon, will have the U.S. rights to KI’s current catalog of over 20 unscripted formats, as well as Keshet’s future unscripted formats. Current Keshet formats include the family game show Sure Or Insure (launched at MIPTV 2013 and sold to eight territories) and hit children’s talent show Master Class (sold to five territories). “Keshet is a global leader in television programming with consummate leadership under Avi Nir, making them an ideal partner as we continue strategic growth in the U.S. and internationally,” said Allen Shapiro, CEO, dick clark productions. KI first broke into the US marketplace with the formats for Showtime’s Homeland based on Prisoners Of War, and the unscripted TBS hidden-camera ambush show Deal With It.

The formation of Keshet DCP advances KI’s expansion in the U.S. market and around the world, having already established outposts in the UK, Canada and Australia. The company had been looking for a U.S. partner and found it in DC Media, which had been mounting a push in the reality series arena where the company co-produces So You Think You Can Dance. The deal was initiated and brokered by Alon Shtruzman, Managing Director, Keshet International and Allen Shapiro, CEO, DC Media.