MGM Television launches Unscripted Global division

Mark Burnett, Chairman of Worldwide Television Group, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), and MGM Television announced it has launched a new division dedicated to the distribution and international development of the studios’ unscripted format content globally.  

Former Mark Burnett Productions executives C. Scot Cru and Patrice Choghi have returned to lead the company’s efforts and expand the reach of the distribution of their formats around the world.

The new division, MGM Global Formats & Unscripted Content will be responsible for the international distribution of the studios’ formats, expanding relationships with international producers and aligning international production to support MGM’s existing distribution structure.

Cru will serve as EVP and lead the division reporting to Barry Poznick, president of Unscripted Television, with Choghi joining as SVP. The duo will work closely with Chris Ottinger, president of Worldwide Television Distribution and Acquisitions and in support of the distribution team worldwide.

“I’ve known Scot for more than 20 years. He is a consummate dealmaker who has a stellar reputation with broadcasters and producers around the world. I’m so happy to be working with him and Patrice again as we move to grow our business internationally,” said Mark Burnett, Chairman of MGM Television.

Cru and Choghi will be across all international format and business development. In a joint statement, they said “We’re very excited to be back at the iconic MGM Studios working with Mark, Barry and so many talented colleagues with whom we have a long and rich history with. MGM’s slate and worldwide resources are second to none and we look forward to diligently expanding the reach of the global format business alongside such a fantastic team.”