Electus, the multifaceted production and distribution entity spearheaded by Ben Silverman, has inked a deal to make several series available on
Discovery networks outlets overseas. The deal covers Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, where Discovery has a presence in 105 countries.
The four series --
“American Digger,” “Fashion Star,” “Flip Men” and “Mob Wives: Chicago” -- will be available in January on Discovery Channel and TLC.
Stateside, “American Digger” and “Flip Men” air on Spike, “Fashion Star” on NBC and “Mob Wives: Chicago” on VH1.
“American
Digger” chronicles a former pro wrestler’s ventures into relic hunting. “Fashion Star,” where Silverman is an executive producer, is a reality-competition series where a
contract with top retailers is the prize. “Flip Men” focuses on a pair of Utah-based entrepreneurs flipping foreclosed properties. “Mob Wives: Chicago,” where Electus is a
co-producer, focuses on five women allegedly married to mob associates.
The arrangement is not the first between Discovery and Electus International. In July, the two signed a deal giving
Discovery’s Italy arm a first-look arrangement.
Discovery says it reaches 1.8 billion subscribers in 217 countries and territories. Revenue from international networks grew from $363
million to $390 million in the third quarter. Ad dollars were up 3%.