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May 29, 2006 (Los Angeles and Tokyo) - Nippon Television Network Corporation (NTV), Japan’s largest commercial broadcaster, has signed with International Creative Management for representation. ICM, one of the world’s largest talent and literary agencies, represents creative talent in the fields of motion pictures, television, music, publishing and new media. The agency’s clients include such noted actors as Mel Gibson, Denzel Washington, Richard Gere and Jodie Foster as well as directors such as Roman Polanski, Baz Luhrmann and Woody Allen.
NTV boasts an extensive catalog of formats, which ICM will expand into the U.S. market. ABC recently ordered six episodes of “Master of Champions,” a variety stunt show that pits world-class performers against each other in a series of outrageous challenges. Based on the NTV format, “World☆Records,” the U.S. version is slated for a summer debut on ABC.
“There is a heightened interest in Japanese formats now,” said Steve Wohl, ICM Senior Vice President and Head of Alternative Programming. “The world market has shifted toward these loud, fun shows, which have unequivocally attributed to NTV’s success.”
“We are delighted to work with ICM to expand our format business in the United States,” commented Shinji Takada, Director General of the Content Business Division of NTV. “We will continue to produce unique and exciting programs which will entertain not only the Japanese audience but also the audience around the world.”
Wohl and Michael Tenzer, ICM Senior Vice President and Head of Television Business Affairs, will work closely with NTV and Tim Crescenti, of Small World IFT, NTV’s format consultant, to secure deals with U.S. broadcasters.
NTV has consistently dominated the ratings among Japanese broadcasters. Its catalog of formats includes “Dragons’ Den,” a competition between ambitious entrepreneurs, which airs on BBC, ”Masquerade,” a contest testing human creativity, “Family Wisdom,” a lifestyle variety format, and a multi-story reality format based on the legendary Japanese variety show, “Denpa Shonen.” Established in 1952, NTV is Japan’s oldest commercial broadcaster.
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About Nippon Television Network Corporation
Established in 1952, Nippon Television Network Corporation (NTV) is the first commercial broadcaster to launch in Japan with 29 affiliate stations throughout Japan and 11 overseas news bureaus. NTV, as a broadcaster, produces highly acclaimed programs with its in-house production/technical teams for the terrestrial and satellite channels, and uses its diverse multi-media functions for merchandising, DVDs, live events, Internet business, international TV distribution and others. For 10 consecutive years from 1994, NTV achieved the quadruple crown title of annual viewer ratings (Prime time, Golden time, all day and non-prime time) competing with four other commercial networks in the Kanto area.
About ICM
International Creative Management, Inc. (ICM) is one of the world’s largest talent and literary agencies, with offices in Los Angeles, New York and London. ICM represents creative and technical talent in the fields of motion pictures, television, publishing, music, live performance, commercials and new media. ICM was formed in 1975 through the merger of Creative Management Associates and The International Famous Agency. In 2005, the company raised equity financing from Rizvi Traverse Management and other institutional investors to fund strategic growth.
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