Press release from FremantleMedia
Top New Zealand cook and food writer Annabel Langbein, TVNZ and FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) jointly announced today that they have partnered to produce and distribute a new TV series fronted by Langbein.
The 13-part series Free Range Cooking with Annabel Langbein will be produced and broadcast by TVNZ, with FME managing worldwide distribution through its global network. FME is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia and a global leader in the commercial management and development of entertainment brands.
The series will screen on TV ONE in 2010 and will showcase Central Otago, where Annabel spends a lot of time with her husband and children on their family farm. Annabel will cook with Central Otago’s bountiful produce, creating dishes based around fresh seasonal ingredients which home cooks everywhere can easily replicate in their own kitchen.
Filming for the series starts in November.
“Throughout the show I’ll demonstrate how easy it is to be a star in your own kitchen,” said Annabel. “I’ll draw inspiration from the wonderful produce of Central Otago and show viewers the tricks to preparing simple yet stylish fare to share with family and friends.”
The TV series will be produced by Dana Youngman, one of New Zealand’s most experienced television producers who has produced and executive produced many of New Zealand’s most loved lifestyle and entertainment programmes. Dana is also a former head of TVNZ’s internal production unit.
FME will market the series internationally using the proven formula they have created to build brands such as Jamie Oliver, Martha Stewart and Bill Granger, and will maximise the international profile Annabel has developed through her award-winning cookbooks.
TVNZ’s general manager of Commissioning, Andrew Shaw, said the network was delighted to welcome Annabel to the TVNZ family:
“We have the greatest respect and admiration for Annabel and the brand that she’s built up as a result of her drive and expertise. We are greatly looking forward to working with Annabel and FME, and to broadcasting this really beautiful programme in 2010.”
Jon Penn, CEO Asia Pacific, FME, commented, “Annabel is already an established figure in New Zealand and with the great production team behind the show and our track record of developing major cooking brands and personalities around the globe, this project is going to be very exciting.”
Annabel continued, “I am so excited about this incredible new chapter in my career and the exciting opportunities it will bring. My books are already distributed in nine countries so the TV series will provide me with fresh opportunities to further develop my brand in markets such as Europe and the US, as well as the chance to develop new skills in the world of television.”
Annabel’s cooking cleverly combines the best of what nature has to offer with a global pantry of flavours, to produce the simplest most delicious dishes. She said, “Free Range Cooking with Annabel Langbein will make home your favourite restaurant.”