Fashion Star - The New Series From Electus - To Premiere Across Asia On DIVA Universal

Fashion Star - The New Series From Electus - To Premiere Across Asia On DIVA Universal

NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fashion Star - a new reality competition show hosted and executive produced by Elle Macpherson - will premiere across 20 countries in Asia on DIVA Universalin Spring 2012, following the show's debut on NBC in the U.S. on Tuesday, March 13(th) at 9/8c. In the 10-episode competition series, Macpherson is joined by fashion icons Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos as celebrity mentors. The announcement was made today by Universal Networks International and Electus International, the global distribution arm of Ben Silverman's multimedia entertainment studio Electus, an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI).

"Fashion Star brings together top undiscovered designers, celebrity mentors and influential retailers in an exciting, new television format that the world has never seen before," said John Pollak, President of Electus International. "With this new series, audiences will finally have the opportunity not only to watch, but to actively participate in building the world's next major fashion brand, and we are excited to be premiering this compelling show across Asia with DIVA Universal."

Fashion Star gives 14 unknown designers a life-changing opportunity to win a multi-million dollar contract to launch their clothing lines in Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue - three of the largest retailers in the U.S. Contestants will be put to the test to see how they react in a variety of real-world scenarios to determine who has the vision and desire to build a fashion empire. With top experts as their guides and mentors throughout the process, designers will have to be as adept in the business of fashion as they are in their creativity.

Each episode kicks off with an exhilarating fashion show featuring musical performances, dancers, and models in front of a live studio audience. Every fashion show will be built around a weekly challenge that is designed to further develop each designer's brand.

Buyers from Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue will serve as the judges, making on-the-spot decisions each week as they bid against each other to purchase the work of these up-and-coming designers. The night following each episode, the winning designs will be available online and in retail stores in the U.S. In the end, the designer who most successfully combines fashion and business will become the next "Fashion Star" and receive the prize of a lifetime - an exclusive capsule line in each of the three retailers.

"The Fashion Star format is one-of-a-kind in reality fashion entertainment and an exciting addition to DIVA Universal's strong line-up of new shows this year. Fashion Star will greatly appeal to DIVA Universal's female audience with its fresh format and high entertainment value," said David Gunson, Vice President of Channels, South East Asia, Universal Networks International.

The Fashion Star format was developed by Ben Silverman of Electus (NBC's The Biggest Loser,The Office, and The Tudors), Rick Ringbakk of Emmy Award-winning 5x5 Media (Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution), and E.J. Johnston and James Deutch of EJD Productions.

The show is executive-produced by Elle Macpherson, Ben Silverman of Electus, Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth of The Magical Elves, Rick Ringbakk of 5x5 Media and EJ Johnston and James Deutch of EJD Productions. Electus International retains all international distribution rights.

For embeddable clips and full episodes from "Fashion Star," please visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/.

For artwork and a complete press kit from the show please visit the NBCUniversal Media village website at http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/.

Please follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NBCFashionStar and on Twitter @NBCFashionStar.

About Electus

Electus is the first integrated multimedia entertainment studio to unite producers, creators, advertisers and distributors under one roof and produce all forms of content for distribution across a variety of platforms around the world. Headed by Ben Silverman in partnership with IAC [NASDAQ: IACI], the company connects advertisers, distributors and content creators early on in the development process, enabling marketers and advertisers to be a true partner in campaigns and content creation. Electus International, the global distribution arm of Electus, is responsible for all international sales and distribution for Electus' programming and its studio partners as well as programs and formats from other well-known 3(rd) party providers. For more information on Electus, visit www.electus.com.

About Universal Networks International

Universal Networks International, the global channels division of NBCUniversal, is one of the world's premier entertainment networks, delivering quality content and compelling brands to 150 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia. The portfolio includes the brands - Syfy, Universal Channel, DIVA Universal, Studio Universal and 13th Street Universal and now, with the acquisition by Comcast Corporation, E! Entertainment Television, The Style Network and Golf Channel. These brands deliver a full range of entertainment experiences to local audiences across the globe. Universal Networks International also operates Movies 24 and has an interest in the KidsCo joint venture.

Universal Networks International is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

Media contacts:
Electus
Stacy Simpson
(212) 314-7326; Stacy.simpson@iac.com

Sunshine Sachs (Electus)
Jessica Berger
(212) 691-2800; berger@sunshinesachs.com

Marlene Ee
Universal Networks International, Asia
+65 6326 1872; marlene.ee@nbcuni.com

SOURCE Electus

Electus

Web Site: http://www.electus.com

-------
Profile: intent