Electus and Shine International partner to launch Electus Distribution

February 2, 2010 by Lindsay Gibb

Today Ben Silverman’s newly formed multimedia company Electus, an IAC company, and Shine International, the international distribution arm of Shine Group, announced a partnership to create Electus Distribution.

The new distribution company will handle worldwide sales for Electus’ work including television, film and digital content. Electus Distribution will be run by Silverman and Shine International president Chris Grant and will be based at Shine International. The two parent companies are looking for candidates to staff the new division.

‘It’s a special thrill to collaborate with Ben, whose approach to international content has helped shape my vision of the distribution business, and whose pioneering work with international formats and shows has had a transformative effect on the TV landscape,’ said Grant in a statement. ‘We look forward to adding the tremendous range of content Ben will generate at Electus to our rapidly growing slate of international programming.’

In addition to the partnership between Shine International and Electus, the two companies will be looking for opportunities to co-fund projects and find third party production deals together.

The first distribution partnership for the new company is Israel-based Abbot Reif Hameiri Production Company. Under the agreement with Abbot Reif Hameiri, Electus Distribution will develop the prodco’s programming in the United States across all platforms, while Abbot Reif Hameiri has the opportunity to repurpose Electus’ content for the Israeli market.

‘This unique collaboration is the first of its kind in Israel, and provides an exceptional opportunity- both for talented artists and for our company,’ said Guy Hameiri, CEO, Abbot Reif Hameiri Production Company. ‘The industry in Israel is abundant with creative ideas that do not gain development and impact globally. Working with Electus will allow us to provide a proper platform for talented artists and strengthen our presence in the global content market.’

Silverman also expresses his happiness about the partnership.’The content distribution business is evolving rapidly and I’m thrilled to be partnering with my friends at Shine and working again with Chris Grant to build a next generation distribution company that taps into alternative models and new platforms. Chris is an innovator and leader with the best reputation in international distribution,’ said Silverman. ‘At the same time, the deal with Abbot Reif Hameiri will make great strides in sharing exceptional content throughout the world – both by bringing their outstanding multi-platform programming and talent to US audiences and by exporting Electus content to Israeli audiences.’

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