Burbank, CA, March 20, 2012 – FremantleMedia North America (FMNA), the producers behind numerous successful television brands including FOX’s “American Idol” and “The X Factor,” and NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” has signed an exclusive multi-year overall deal with preeminent producer Matt Kunitz to develop and produce new, original unscripted programming. Kunitz, whose credits include the long-running hit series “Wipeout” and “Fear Factor,” joins FremantleMedia in May. The announcement was made today by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America.
“We are thrilled to partner with Matt who has such an unprecedented track record of producing shows that families can watch together,” said Frot-Coutaz. “We are anxious to create big, broad entertainment shows with Matt and give them the kind of support and global infrastructure that we are confident FremantleMedia can provide,” she added.
“As I close a chapter on twelve great years with Endemol, I'm very excited to start a new relationship with FremantleMedia North America. I have always been impressed with the quality of talent within the FremantleMedia organization and the tremendous success of their shows,” said Kunitz.
Kunitz will be joined by Rebecca Shumsky Quinn, who will serve as his development executive. Matt Kunitz joins FremantleMedia North America from Endemol USA, which he served as executive producer of the hits “Wipeout” (ABC) (which he also created), “Fear Factor” (NBC) and “101 Ways to Leave a Game Show” (ABC). Kunitz was the driving force behind all seven seasons of “Fear Factor.” He also served as executive producer of “Dog Eat Dog” (NBC). Prior to Endemol, Kunitz had a six-year overall deal at NBCUniversal.
In 1993, Kunitz joined MTV’s “The Real World” for the show's second season and quickly rose through the program's production ranks to become the show runner. He was involved during five years of the show and his creative contributions to the pop-culture fixture helped to develop the brand, which is now entering its 27th season.
A native of San Diego, Kunitz graduated from the University of Southern California's School of Cinema and Television in 1990.
Kunitz is represented by Greg Lipstone of ICM and attorney David Tenzer.
About FremantleMedia North America
FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) is the U.S. production division of global media giant FremantleMedia. Based in Burbank, California, FMNA produces entertaining and innovative programs for network, cable, syndicated and online platforms, including the Emmy-nominated musical/reality phenomenon “American Idol” (FOX), “The X Factor” (FOX), “America’s Got Talent” (NBC), “Family Feud” (syndicated), “The Price Is Right” (CBS), “Let’s Make A Deal” (CBS), “Hole In The Wall” (Cartoon Network), “Total Blackout” (Syfy premieres 2012) and the first scripted series “The Wedding Band” (TBS premieres 2012).
Press Contact:
Neil Schubert
FremantleMedia North America
818-748-1148
Neil.Schubert@fremantlemedia.com