MUMBAI: Pukeko Pictures, known for the show ?The WotWots? as well as being the affiliate television company of Richard Taylor?s Weta Workshop, has announced a first look deal with television format creator, distributor FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) to produce scripted content along with the appointment of Adam Fratto as executive VP, Development.

Based at FremantleMedia?s L.A. office, Fratto will report to Pukeko Pictures? co-owner Martin Baynton and will work alongside FME senior VP of global content Jeff Tahler and FremantleMedia US senior VP of scripted programming Tony Optican on the development of new scripted television series. These will benefit from the expertise from within the New Zealand entertainment sector, in particular the world-renowned talents of the Wellington film and television production industry and the Weta Workshop facilities.

The deal further expands FME?s global initiative, which has recently included ?The Wedding Band? from Tollin Productions for TBS in the US, and ?Hit And Miss? from Abbott Vision for Sky Atlantic in the UK.

Pukeko Pictures co-founder Richard Taylor said, "We are proud and delighted to have formed this partnership with FremantleMedia Enterprises, a global entertainment leader. Together with Adam EVP, Development, we look forward to creating high-quality and universally appealing productions. Adam brings to the partnership years of industry experience with Atticus Entertainment and Piller/Segan and we are thrilled to announce his appointment".

Pukeko Pictures is affiliated with the Oscar and Bafta award-winning Weta Workshop through founding partners Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger, known internationally for their work on films including the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, King Kong, Avatar, The Adventures of Tintin and The Hobbit and television shows Hercules and Xena and their own IP developed brands Jane and the Dragon and The WotWots ? Season 1 of the series.

FremantleMedia Enterprises Global CEO David Ellender said, "The teams at Pukeko and Weta Workshop are respected the world over for their work at the cutting edge of the film and television industry. Adam?s appointment offers up tremendous opportunities, allowing for incredibly close collaboration between our two organisations on the development, financing and production of innovative new drama series that will appeal to audiences around the globe."