Entertainment One has inked a first-look deal with “Chopped” creators Cleve Keller and Dave Noll, Variety has learned.
Under the new pact, the duo will develop and produce original unscripted programming via their Keller/Noll banner with eOne.
“Cleve and Dave have generated a legacy of successful, game-changing series which brilliantly translate around the world, and we are delighted to forge this relationship with them. It’s very exciting to foster more and more innovative content through close collaboration with inspiring creative partners,” said eOne Television’s executive vice president of U.S. alternative programming, Tara Long.
Keller and Noll commented, “We create shows that are universal, format-able and global. eOne is recognized for its excellence both in the U.S. and internationally, and we are thrilled to unite with their amazing team.”
Aside from Food Network’s hit competition series “Chopped,” Keller and Noll have designed many unscripted formats together that have resulted in shows including “Rocco’s Dinner Party” on Bravo, “Heat the House” on HGTV, “Your Mama Don’t Dance” on Lifetime, “Master of the Mix” on BET, GSN’s new game show “Winsantity,” plus global game shows “Momentum,” “Unbeatable” and the first-ever Japanese game show to be created outside of Japan, “You Vs.” In 2009, the pair began running the creative for Barry Diller’s production company Notional. They have worked with broadcast and cable networks including CBS, CMT, Comedy Central, E!, Fox, NatGeo, plus production companies Endemol, Fremantle and more.
“Chopped” has also spun off international versions “Chopped Canada” and “Chopped South Africa,” plus spinoffs “Chopped Champions,” “Chopped All-Stars” and the recent pint-sized addition “Chopped Junior.”
The unscripted deal marks a continuation in growth for eOne’s Television’s alternative department, which has secured deals with Purveyors of Pop, Two Fifteen West Entertainment, Creature Films and more. Under Long’s leadership, the division has been eyeing global expansion, and is currently behind BET’s “Belleville,” WEtv’s “Mary Mary,” David Spade’s TruTV prank show “Fameless” and more.
