Ish Entertainment’s Michael Hirschorn and Stella Stolper are parting ways, roughly 18 months after launching their joint venture.
The reality and scripted TV production company, which has been operating under a joint venture at Lionsgate Television since April 2008, is expected to continue under Hirschorn’s direction, according to people familiar with the situation.
Stolper will work independently on her own projects, those same sources said.
It’s understood Hirschorn and Stolper split up largely due to creative differences over the direction of the company.
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Hirschorn and Stolper first came together at VH1, where he headed original programming and she served as senior VP of talent development.
His tenure at VH1 included the launch of hits such as "I Love the 80s," "Best Week Ever," "Hogan Knows Best" and the "Flavor of Love" franchise.
She attracted talent such as Drew Barrymore, the Wayans Brothers and Mo’Nique to VH1, building the network’s Celebreality brand.
When they formed Ish in January 2008, Stolper and Hirschorn signed a first look deal with the MTVN Music and Logo Group, an agreement that included three series commitments. They signed with Lionsgate a few months later.
Ish’s biggest success to date has been "Paris Hilton’s My New BFF," which was greenlit by MTV and has been widely distributed internationally (including a local version in Dubai).
The company’s other projects include the upcoming DJ AM series for MTV and the Antonio Sabato Jr. relationship show for VH1. Past series include "TI: Road to Redemption" and "50 Cent: The Money and the Power," among others.
Ish has been based in New York and Los Angeles.
