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ProSiebenSat.1’s Studio71 multichannel network unit has hired reality-TV veteran Rabih Gholam as president of unscripted television.
Gholam most recently served as executive VP, head of unscripted programming for Ryan Seacrest Prods., which he joined in June 2014. In the newly created role at Studio71, Gholam will develop TV opportunities and intellectual property for Studio71’s top YouTube and social-media influencers. He will report to Studio71 board member Michael Green.
Studio71, which last month changed its name from Collective Digital Studio following ProSieben’s acquisition, has previously produced and distributed TV shows that originated with YouTube talent Those include “Fred” on Nickelodeon, RocketJump’s “Video Game High School” on Netflix and Epic Meal Time’s “Epic Meal Empire” on FYI Network.
“Continuing to develop and produce original premium content is our top focus, and Rabih brings years of experience and relationships in unscripted television to Studio71, so we can maximize opportunities for our creators across every possible platform,” Green said in announcing his hire. “We want to create hits, and he’ll help us do so.”
Gholam added that platforms like YouTube, Vine, Instagram and Snapchat are “one big casting call.”
“I’ve been charged with developing the right projects and formats for (digital stars), whether those projects live on TV or one of today’s many digital platforms,” he said.
Gholam’s credits include “The Surreal Life,” “The Mole” and “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” At Ryan Seacrest Prods., Gholam developed two shows that went straight to series, “Becoming Us” for ABC Family (now Freeform) and “I Love Kellie Pickler” for CMT.
Prior to RSP, Gholam served as EVP of alternative programming at Endemol’s 51 Minds production banner and was an executive producer at MTV where he helped launch “The Hills.” Gholam also spent time in late-night television working as a producer on “Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn” and “Talk Show with Spike Feresten.”
