Reveille ("The Biggest Loser") is getting into business with Stella Stolper, the former VH1 Celebreality executive who recently split with Ish Entertainment partner Michael Hirschorn.
The reality factory and Stolper are launching Wikked Entertainment, a talent-driven production company to be run by Stolper. Reveille will supply financial, production and distribution support for the unit. Naomi Bulochnikov of Ish will head development for Wikked.
TheWrap last month broke the news that Hirschorn and Stolper had parted ways due to creative differences, and that Hirschorn would continue to run the Lionsgate-based Ish.
Reveille managing directors Howard T. Owens and Mark Koops issued a joint statement citing Stolper’s "outstanding taste, producing prowess and ability to read the Zeitgeist" as reasons for making a deal with her.
“As we continue to identify key production talent to drive our US and international growth strategy, we’re excited to collaborate with Stella on her sensational new programming slate," the executives added.
Stolper is expected to work closely with Reveille owner Shine Group’s distribution arm, Shine International, to bring Wikked formats to the international market. Wikked will develop both unscripted and scripted projects, with an emphasis on talent-driven ideas.
During her tenure at VH1, Stolper — working for Hirschorn — attracted talent such as Drew Barrymore, the Wayans Brothers and Mo’Nique to the cable network, building the network’s Celebreality brand. At Ish, Stolper and Hirschorn launched MTV’s "Paris Hilton’s My New BFF" and the DJ AM project "Gone Too Far," among other shows.
