Fremantle Group today announced a new structure in Australia that will bring the development and production of all entertainment, reality, and game show formats under world-leading unscripted producer, Eureka Productions, led by Co-CEOs Chris Culvenor and Paul Franklin. Fremantle Australia’s interim CEO, Greg Woods will take on the CEO role permanently, to lead the other side of the Australian business, which will focus on the development and production of drama, documentaries, and factual-skewing programs.
The new structure follows Fremantle’s increased shareholding in Eureka last year and will see the label take on production of all Fremantle’s entertainment catalogue, including Australia’s Got Talent, Australian Idol and Farmer Wants A Wife.
Under Woods’ leadership, Fremantle Australia will continue production of factual-skewing formats Grand Designs and Restoration Australia whilst continuing to build its documentaries business and place a greater emphasis on global drama production in Australia where it is firing up its premium scripted series with a host of shows set to deliver in 2022 including; Barons, a thrilling 8 part drama series and Significant Others a 6 part psychological drama both programs commissioned by ABC, with major production investment from Screen Australia and financed with support from Screen NSW. Further, production is under way for two local Netflix commissions, Heartbreak High a reboot of beloved ’90s teen drama and Wellmania a comedy drama, executive produced and starring actor and comedian Celeste Barber.
Jennifer Mullin, Group CEO, Fremantle, said: “Greg has been a key part of the Fremantle Australia leadership team for thirteen years, this is a natural progression at an exciting time for the business. I have known and worked with Chris and Paul for many years and have no doubt that our entertainment catalogue in Australia will continue to thrive in their hands.”
Greg Woods, CEO, Fremantle Australia, said: “I am incredibly excited to be taking up the reigns at Fremantle and looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. I am so very proud to be working with the most talented and passionate people who will shape the irresistible content of the future.”
Chris Culvenor and Paul Franklin, Co-CEO’s of Eureka Productions, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Eureka representing and producing Fremantle’s amazing unscripted catalogue, which includes some of biggest entertainment, reality, and game shows in the world. All at Eureka are truly excited to be bringing these formats to life in Australia.”
Eureka Productions was founded in 2016 by unscripted veterans Chris Culvenor and Paul Franklin, with backing from Fremantle. Headquartered in Los Angeles and Sydney, the company has since become one of the world’s fastest growing production companies, with a portfolio of over 40 series for network, streaming, cable, and digital platforms in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. In 2021, Fremantle increased their investment in Eureka, taking a majority stake in the company.
In the U.S., Eureka’s credits include ABC’s breakout returning hit Holey Moley and a slate of other popular series such as Full Bloom (HBOMax), TwentySomethings Austin (Netflix), Name That Tune (FOX), Frogger (Peacock), The Real Dirty Dancing (FOX), Crikey It’s the Irwins (Discovery) and a line-up of soon-to-be announced new series.
In Australia, Eureka’s slate includes Luxe Listings for Amazon, Amazing Race Australia for TEN, Parental Guidance for Nine, Farmer Wants a Wife for Seven (a co-production with Fremantle), and many more.
Before launching Eureka, Chris and Paul worked together for more than ten years on major franchises including MasterChef, MasterChef Junior, The Biggest Loser, The Voice, and The Apprentice, in addition to having produced together at Fremantle Australia.
