Japan’s Tokyo Broadcasting System has tapped former MTV Entertainment Studios and Armoza Formats exec Elwin de Groot to join the Japanese network as senior unscripted development executive. The news comes after de Groot served as an advisor for Tokyo Broadcasting System over the past 18 months, helping it establish a Los Angeles office.
As de Groot joins full time, Tokyo Broadcasting System has been looking to expand its reach into the U.S., with plans to develop original IP and adapt aired formats for audiences here. As part of that mandate, sales and development executive Shuji Maeda recently moved to Los Angeles from the company’s Tokyo headquarters.
As de Groot moves into his in-house role, Tokyo Broadcasting System has been partnering with production companies on new IP; the company is also expanding its format “Kasso,” an original skateboarding entertainment series, which has now aired for three seasons on the broadcaster. The first “Kasso Fest” live event here took place in Long Beach this past March.
“I am thrilled to be working with TBS to expand its presence in the U.S. market,” de Groot said in a statement. “Their impressive catalog is bold and distinctive, and their creative vision continues to push boundaries in the format space.”
