Warner Bros. TV Unit Hooks Up with ‘Dating in the Dark’ Producer

The studio’s Warner Horizon Television signs a development and production deal with Jon de Mol’s Talpa Media

 "Big Brother" creator Jon de Mol and Warner Bros. TV are partnering to develop new reality series for the U.S. market.

Talpa Media, the Dutch company owned by de Mol, has entered into a development partnership with Warner Horizon Television, the unscripted and cable series unit of WBTV. The deal gives Warner Horizon access to Talpa’s library of reality and game show formats, while providing Talpa greater access to the U.S. marketplace and Warners’ production and development knowledge.

While Talpa last year found modest success with ABC’s adaptation of its "Dating in the Dark" format — the series recently snagged a second season order — the company has yet to emerge as a major player in the States.

It had flirted with acquiring Bunim-Murray Prods., but so far, nothing has come of that rumored deal. Three years ago, Talpa also set up a "Big Brother" – like format called "The Golden Cage" at ABC, but the network ultimately passed on the project.

"Golden Cage" remains in the Talpa library now available to Waner Horizon, along with titles such as "Pretty Smart," "Viper’s Nest" and "Guesstimation."

The deal with Warner Horizon is similar to one Talpa established with Shine France late last year.

Comments