Electus International Secures Multi-Title Deal with Discovery Networks CEEMEA

NEW YORK, Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ben Silverman's multimedia entertainment studio Electus, an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI), today announced that its global distribution arm, Electus International, has secured a multi-title, finished tape deal with Discovery Networks Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) for four unscripted titles including AMERICAN DIGGER, FASHION STAR, FLIP MEN and MOB WIVES: CHICAGO. These series will broadcast across Discovery Networks 105 countries within its CEEMEA territories from January 2013 on their flagship network brands Discovery Channel and TLC.

"From the groundbreaking format of Fashion Star and unforgettable personalities in Mob Wives: Chicago to the relatable concept and environments of Flip Men and American Digger, we're pleased to bring these four titles to viewers who will appreciate the authenticity and engagement of today's unscripted television," said John Pollak, President of Electus International. "We are equally excited to continue our relationship with Discovery Europe, as we stay committed to bringing diverse and compelling stories and characters to audiences around the world."

"Discovery Networks CEEMEA is pleased to be partnering with Electus International to provide our viewers with the very best in factual and lifestyle entertainment, designed to appeal to both global and local audiences," said Paul Welling, SVP and Head of Channels for Discovery Networks CEEMEA. "With a proven track record for delivering compelling series and attracting fresh talent, Electus is a natural partner for Discovery Networks and we look forward furthering our already-strong relationship in the future and providing our audiences with content they love to watch."

American Digger follows former professional wrestler turned modern day relic hunter Ric Savage as he and his team from American Savage seek to unearth valuable Americana from historically significant sites. The search is often the easiest part — stubborn landowners against the search are often harder to penetrate than the ground to be excavated. What artifacts Ric's crew does find are sold for a substantial profit, once the property owners receive their share.  In addition to two recovery experts, Rue Schumate and Bob Buttafuso the American Savage team is a family affair: Ric's wife Rita and their 25-year old Giuseppe round out the group. American Digger is created and executive produced by Gurney Productions (Auction Hunters).

Fashion Star gives 14 unknown designers the chance to compete for a life-changing opportunity: a multi-million dollar contract to launch their clothing lines in Macy's, H&M, and Saks Fifth Avenue, three of the largest retailers in the U.S. Contestants are put to the test in a series of real-world scenarios to determine who has the vision, drive, and talent to build a fashion empire. It's not all sketching and stitching--even with top experts as their guides and mentors throughout the process, competing designers must be as skilled in the business of the cutthroat fashion industry as they are in their creativity. Fashion Star is executive-produced by Elle Macpherson, Ben Silverman, and Jimmy Fox of Electus, Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth of The Magical Elves, Rick Ringbakk of 5x5 Media and EJ Johnston and James Deutch of EJD Productions. 

Flip Men showcases the young, entrepreneurial duo of Utah-based Doug Clark and Mike Baird navigating the risky business of purchasing and flipping foreclosed properties. In each episode, the hosts walk viewers through the fickle process while providing tips and expert analysis along each journey. The additional twist?  Doug and Mike often aren't sure what lies behind the literal door — biohazards, squatters, or utter disrepair — making for some nasty surprises for them and viewers alike. Time is of the essence as the duo cleans up, renovates, stages, and markets the redone property, proving that this isn't your average makeover. Flip Men was created and executive produced by Dave Broome (The Biggest Loser) and 25/7 Productions.

Mob Wives: Chicago follows the lives of five women allegedly connected to "The Outfit," Chicago's Mob, as they bear the cross of their Mob-associated fathers. With lives that are right off the pages of a story book, each woman has chosen her own way to live her life in the city that was once home to Al Capone, both in spite and because of their fathers. Along the way the women battle friends, families, and each other as each tries to do what's best for herself and her children. But ultimately, it is the ghost of the fathers they battle, living and dead, as they try to overcome and persevere in the face of notorious legacies. Mob Wives: Chicago is created and produced by JustJenn Productions and executive produced by Electus and the Weinstein Company.

"Expanding our strong relationship with Discovery into the Eastern European and Middle East/African territories has been a standing priority for Electus International," said Diego Piasek, Director of Sales for Electus. "American Digger, Fashion Star, Flip Men and Mob Wives have been global successes for us this year, and we're thrilled for four additional titles to find a home with Discovery these new and exciting markets."

About Electus
Electus is the first integrated multimedia entertainment studio to unite producers, creators, advertisers and distributors under one roof and produce all forms of content for distribution across a variety of platforms around the world. Headed by Ben Silverman in partnership with IAC (NASDAQ: IACI), the company connects advertisers, distributors and content creators early on in the development process, enabling marketers and advertisers to be a true partner in campaigns and content creation. Electus International, the global distribution arm of Electus, is responsible for all international sales and distribution for Electus' programming and its studio partners as well as programs and formats from other well-known 3^rd party providers. For more information on Electus, visit www.electus.com.

About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.8 billion cumulative subscribers in 217 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 153 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including Revision3. In Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, 10 Discovery brands reach 179 million cumulative subscribers in 105 countries with programming customized in 19 languages.

Media contacts:
Electus
Justine Sacco
(212) 314-7326
[email protected]

Sunshine Sachs
Jessica Berger
(212) 691-2800
[email protected]  

Discovery Networks CEEMEA
Sharon Ezzeldin   
+44 7920769665
[email protected]

SOURCE Electus