Japan’s Tokyo Broadcasting System has tapped former MTV Entertainment Studios and Sony Pictures TV exec Elwin de Groot has joined 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.”
De Groot’s recent gigs included serving as head of development at Youngest Media Group, where his deals included partnerships with LeBron James’ SpringHill Company and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine. He was senior development producer at MTV Entertainment Studios (where he co-developed Paramount+’s “All Star Shore”) and was senior alternative development producer at Sony Pictures Television. He also launched and ran the LA office for All3Media’s Optomen Productions, and spent six years as senior creative director at Armoza Formats, co-creating formats including Fox’s “The Four,” NBC’s “I Can Do That” and ITV’s “Babushka.” At Talpa Media, he developed Net5’s fashion format “Beat the Top Designer.” De Groot started at Endemol Shine, working in development and marketing.
“TBS’ success is built on relationships and instincts, and Elwin has spent decades proving he has both,” TBS International chief product officer Goshu Segawa said in a statement. “He has a keen eye for what works across many markets and cultures and a proven track record of taking formats from concept to international hit.”
Tokyo Broadcasting System produces NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” with A. Smith & Co.; that show enters Season 18 this summer.
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