• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, August 17, 2011

Endemol, the studio behind reality series such as "Big Brother" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," is looking to grow its scripted business in the U.S. with a focus on developing prime-time dramas for cable. The company is launching Los Angeles-based Endemol Studios to be headed by CEO Philippe Maigret.

Jeremy Gold -- who has been senior vice president, scripted programming in the U.S. since 2008 -- becomes head of creative affairs. AMC is set to launch Endemol-developed western "Hell on Wheels" this fall, where Gold is the executive producer.

Maigret, a former Disney executive who has been head of rights acquisitions in North America since March 2010, will continue in that role as well, reporting to Endemol North America Chairman, David Goldberg.

The new studio operation "represents a significant step in our ongoing strategy to expand and diversify our activities in North America, at the same time helping fuel our global growth," stated Goldberg.

Endemol has a major presence with dramas, comedies and soaps in Europe, calling itself the market leader in scripted offerings in Holland, Italy, Spain and Australia. It also has had success in the U.K. Its worldwide scripted production increased by 48% between 2008 and 2010.

In the U.S., it will look to import successful international formats, while the studio will join others in co-producing roles.