Universal Music Group‘s foray into the world of TV and movies continues.
Just days after announcing that UMG is producing a documentary about INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, now we learn that Universal’s Interscope Geffen A&M is getting into drama.
The Santa Monica-based label group, home to Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga, has signed a multi-year, multi series deal with Los Angeles-based studio Keshet.
The two parties are ‘developing, producing and distributing music-related original digital scripted and non-scripted video content’, which will be primarily distributed on digital platforms in the US.
Hmmm. Isn’t Apple Music currently developing and signing up music-themed programmes for big money? Just a thought.
The first fruit of the Interscope Geffen A&M / Keshet partnership will be TRACKS – described as ‘a unique coming-of-age series mixing edgy, gritty drama with the real-world music scene’.
It follows five twenty-somethings who ‘find common ground in live music as they make their way through life’s many unexpected turns’.
“This is part of our broader strategy to create high-value content.”
Jeremy Erlich, Interscope Geffen A&M
Interscope Geffen A&M CFO-EVP of Business Development Jeremy Erlich (pictured, main) said, “We’re excited to partner with Keshet to produce innovative short- and long- form visual content to tell our artists’ stories.
“This is part of our broader strategy to create high-value content and provide new and exciting opportunities for our artists.
“TRACKS is truly an exciting new project which blends a scripted drama with live performances in an episodic show.”
Sebastian Burkhardt, SVP Digital & Acquisitions, Keshet International, commented: “The development of original digital programming that resonates with the cord-cutting millennial audience is at the core of our strategy, and we see music and partnering with some of the hottest names in the record industry through Interscope Geffen A&M as a key driver to making that happen.
“With our first joint project, TRACKS, we are well on a path to success.”
Keshet and Interscope will jointly distribute the content in the U.S., with Keshet International leading the global sales charge for TRACKS and other series in development.
Who is Keshet International?
The company owns 70+ properties that include hit drama Prisoners of War, the original Israeli version of the Emmy-winning Homeland and the espionage thriller False Flag.
Headed by CEO Alon Shtruzman, it includes Keshet’s local production outposts (Keshet UK, Keshet Asia and Keshet Studios in the US) as well as its global distribution arm.Music Business Worldwide
