Breathing new life into classic IP

Joining the MGM Television team in 2019 as unscripted VP under Barry Poznick and Mark Burnett, Gambel has since taken on oversight of MGM Alternative's high-volume unscripted development slate. And while the gig incorporates developing original unscripted content with an eye towards formats that can travel internationally, it also involves striking high-profile partnerships with top talent such as Regina Hall and Kevin Hart, and with major brands such as Audible and Major League Soccer.

With a considerable cache of content to draw from via the MGM catalog, Gambel and team are now generating buzz with reboots: Are You Smarter than a Celebrity?, hosted by Travis Kelce, and American Gladiators, both for Prime Video. BW

What is the biggest opportunity for unscripted producers today?

"We are a business full of idealists and creative thinkers. We're facing unprecedented challenges, but I'm optimistic that we as unscripted producers are uniquely suited to navigate them. Here are three of the biggest opportunities I see:
Exploring new distribution and financing models is not only an opportunity, but a necessity, in today's market. By 'hubbing' formats like Traitors and MGM Alternative's Gladiators franchise, we're not only bringing costs down for our buyers, we're sharing production expertise across multiple territories and seeing environmental sustainability benefits with our efficiencies.
I see huge opportunity with legacy consumer brands fully financing new formats. Delivering brand messaging while entertaining viewers doesn't need to be mutually exclusive.
While the industry has contracted immensely over the past few years, one upside is that it's brought our global community of unscripted producers and execs closer together. One of the biggest opportunities I see is teaming up with partners in other global territories to share the risk -- and hopefully, reap the rewards -- of launching a show with cross-cultural casts in multiple territories simultaneously."