DCD Partners Lazarus For Transatlantic Productions

The independent TV production and distribution group, DCD Media, has announced that it is co-venturing with Sheldon Lazarus, Executive Producer of Penn & Teller: Fool Us, (ITV1), Richard Hammond's Blast Lab (BBC1), Billy The Exterminator (A&E), and Mall Cops: Mall of America (TLC) in a new television production company that will focus on factual, factual entertainment and reality programming for the international market.
Headquartered in London with a production office in Los Angeles, RIZE will be developing and producing unscripted TV, scripted TV, branded entertainment and film for network, cable and syndication on both sides of the Atlantic.
In addition to creating original programming, the stand-alone company operating under the DCD umbrella will adapt existing international formats for the US market.
Sheldon Lazarus has been Creative Director, Factual at DCD-owned reality, factual and factual entertainment producer September Films since 2007.
His prestigious track record in delivering successful non fiction programming includes hit reality series Billy The exterminator, currently in its third Season on A&E, Saturday night entertainment show Penn & Teller: Fool Us, with Jonathan Ross, for ITV1, the BATA-winning Children’s game show Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab for BBC1, and Mall Cops: Mall of America for TLC.
Sheldon has also built a strong reputation as a producer of top rated documentaries such as 650 lb Virgin for TLC, China’s Elephant Man for National Geographic & Channel 4 (Cutting Edge), Roma 2008 Best Factual Award nominee The Pregnant Man for Channel 4 (Cutting Edge) & Discovery Health, Half Ton Teen for Channel 4 (Cutting Edge), The Girl with Two Faces and Half Ton Mum for Channel 4 (Bodyshock), and Baby High for MTV US.
The brand new company already has a slate of exclusive TV projects about to go into production including a major new series for the BBC, and a primetime returnable series for a major cable network in US.
Sheldon Lazarus, Creative Director, RIZE, said: "My objective is to create series concepts and formats that can be sold and distributed around the world and I am thrilled to join forces with DCD Media and have access to the group's extensive domestic and international resources.
"Our shared vision makes it an ideal partnership, and I am excited by the prospects of this collaboration."
David Green, Chief Executive of DCD Media, commented: "DCD is delighted to have invested in this new venture; it is a natural progression for Sheldon, and a valuable brand addition to the DCD family.
"RIZE fits perfectly with our strategy of taking advantage of current opportunities present on both side of the Atlantic, and furthers the Group's aim to strengthen our position in the non fiction market. Sheldon brings an exceptional track record of innovative concepts and proven successes, and in return, DCD offers him the support of a global infrastructure."
Sheldon Lazarus will leave his current role at September Films to lead his new production company, and RIZE is in the process of putting its executive team together both in the UK and the US.
RIZE will be represented by CAA in the US.
(BMcC)