ITV has bought a majority stake in DiGa Vision, the US production company behind MTV’s hit supernatural drama Teen Wolf.
The UK broadcaster has made an undisclosed upfront cash payment for a 51% stake in DiGa Vision and has the right to buy the remainder of the company at a later date.
DiGa Vision is the latest in a run of acquisitions – in the past 18 months ITV has snapped up Gurney Productions, High Noon Entertainment and Thinkfactory Media in the US as well as UK producers The Garden and Big Talk.
As well as Teen Wolf, MTV’s longest running drama series, DiGa produces reality and lifestyle shows including Girl Get Your Mind Right, Celebrity Home Raiders to air on Lifetime in March.
The firm was founded by former MTV executives Tony DiSanto and Liz Gateley.
Paul Buccieri, President & CEO, ITV Studios US Group, said: “Tony and Liz have an excellent track record in creating original, engaging and compelling reality and scripted programming with an impressive content pipeline which feeds into numerous networks. They’re a true creative force and will be a great addition to the ITV Studios US Group of companies.
“They have developed a brilliant understanding of pop culture and really know what appeals to the key teenage and young adult demographic which is reflected in their online, mobile and social media strategy together with a successful brand extension and merchandising arm. We’re really excited to work with DiGa Vision and look forward to helping them grow and reach their full potential.”
Tony DiSanto and Liz Gateley added: “We are thrilled to join forces with ITV, a company that is truly committed to creative risk taking and great content. Paul Buccieri and his team share our sensibility and enthusiasm for breaking new creative ground and we look forward to this next step in DiGa’s evolution.”