Ninja Warrior and The Bridge set design and construction outfit, The ATS Team, has launched its new original content production arm, ATS Originals and full production services arm, ATS Productions.
Prioritising challenge and game show formats, along with travel docuseries and dating show content, ATS Originals will focus on creating original, non-scripted formats for networks and broadcasters around the world. Its development slate already includes multiple concepts such as Million Dollar Fail, a unique Wipeout style competition and Brain Vs Body, a partnership with Mark Wahlberg’s production company Unrealistic Ideas.
VP of Development & Production, Mike Woodward will lead the new division from the US overseeing a UK team, which is piloted by Development and Production Executive, Shayna Waldman.
Along with ATS Originals, the company has also created ATS Productions, a division which will handle every stage of its upcoming projects, from casting in pre-production to post-production, as seen on the company’s recently released competition series, Clash of Trades. ATS Productions will also house its line production services, which has successfully completed 3 major productions internationally including multiple seasons of the hit global competition show, The Bridge and will continue to provide this service to channels, networks and other production companies on non-scripted formats, specials and series.
ATS Productions will be jointly led by The ATS Team’s Managing Director & EVP Production, Danny Sanz, with the North American arm led by Mike Woodward.
Danny Sanz, Managing Director ATS Global & EVP Production, The ATS Team says “Each year, our team works on up to 16 original and co-productions, which has allowed us to form great partnerships with talent and production companies over time, as well as create and pitch original ideas around the world. The set is an integral part of the challenge and competition shows we create, so it was no surprise when network execs came to us for our own series concepts. This accelerated new conversations with channels around the world and for us to share our unique ideas and evolve into becoming a full spectrum production company with a dedicated division to commit to our own originals.”
Mike Woodward, VP of Development & Production adds “As well as our constant commitment to providing world leading production services, the new divisions represent our dedication to using our experience to create globally exciting new formats. 90% of our focus will be Challenge, Competition and Game Shows, but it’s fun to work on passion projects as well, that many may not know us for. I find Talent, Travel and Paranormal exciting and Shayna in London has proven to be our master of Dating and True Crime. We’ll be taking these great ideas to MIPCOM and look forward to pitching them to the international market.”
Jon Creamer
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