DiGa

DiGa is an independent production studio co-founded by former MTV executives Tony DiSanto and Liz Gateley on January 1, 2011.^[1] DiGa creates, develops and produces prime-time cable and network reality and scripted television programming, feature films and digital content across all platforms in partnership with Ben Silverman's multimedia studio, Electus,^[2] an operating business of IAC. Electus will retain exclusive distribution rights to all content and programming produced by the company with Electus’ International Distribution division distributing their projects internationally and aligning them with Electus’ advertising and marketing partners.

DiGa is headquartered in New York City with a production/edit center in Los Angeles.^[3]

Projects

Projects announced in development include:

• a comedy format from Nick Cannon’s NCredible Entertainment starring Amanda Diva;
• a fashion series with an interactive element from Jill Martin, television personality and author of Fashion for Dummies and the upcoming I Have Nothing to Wear;
• three series with Jackhole Productions

DiSanto and Gateley continue work MTV Networks in the ongoing development of multiple series, including the upcoming scripted MTV series Teen Wolf, a reinvention of the 1985 film.^[4]

Personnel

Tony DiSanto

Prior to forming DiGa, DiSanto and Gateley were creative executives for MTV.^[5] In June 2009, DiSanto was appointed President of Programming of MTV. While there, he was responsible for the creation of the MTV reality shows Teen Mom, Jersey Shore and 16 and Pregnant. With Gately, he was also responsible for the development of MTV's new scripted dramas including Hard Times of RJ Berger and Teen Wolf.

Liz Gateley

Gateley joined MTV in 2003 as the Vice President of Development and worked her way up to become Head of Series Development for MTV. In her first year at MTV she created the reality show Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and executive produced the spin-off, The Hills. She was also involved in the creation of Run’s House, America’s Best Dance Crew, 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom. In addition, Gateley developed the scripted series Hard Times of RJ Berger, and the upcoming series Teen Wolf.^[6] Prior to joining MTV, Gateley worked at Lifetime Television where she was responsible for the development of various series and specials, including Strong Medicine, The Division, Intimate Portrait and Weddings of a Lifetime.

Mike Powers

Producer Mike Powers was named Creative Executive at DiGa, where he is responsible for managing production and development. Working alongside Powers, Scott Silberman serves as Executive in Charge of Production, supervising the logistics of production and development.^[7]

Powers has been involved in television production and development for the past twenty years.^[8] He has been involved in development and production of such MTV series as Total Request Live, Made, Roomraiders, Boiling Points, House, The X Effect, Maui Fever and Life Of Ryan. In 2008, Powers left MTV to work independently on such projects a College Life, Sex With Mom and Dad, The Buried Life and World Of Jenks.

References

1. ^ James, Meg (24 January 2011). "Former MTV executives Tony DiSanto and Liz Gateley form studio within Ben Silverman's company". The Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/01/former-mtv-executives-tony-disanto-and-liz-gateley-form-studio-within-ben-silvermans-company.html. Retrieved 22 February 2011. 
2. ^ "Former MTV Creative Duo Tony DiSanto and Liz Gateley Partner to Form DiGa; Production Studio will Create & Develop Content Across All Platforms in Partnership with Electus" (Press release). Electus. 24 January 2011. http://www.electus.com/press-releases/former-mtv-creative-duo-tony-disanto-and-liz-gateley-partner-to-form-diga. 
3. ^ "Former MTV Executives Launch Production Company DiGa". TheWrap.com. 24 January 2011. http://www.thewrap.com/television/column-post/former-mtv-executives-launch-production-company-diga-24170. Retrieved 22 February 2011. 
4. ^ "Electus, DiGa unveil new projects". C21 Media. 24 January 2011. http://www.c21media.net/news/detail.asp?area=1&article=59146. Retrieved 22 February 2011. 
5. ^ Steler, Brian (1 October 2010). "MTV Programming Chief to Step Down". The New York Times. http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/mtv-programming-chief-steps-down/?src=busln. 
6. ^ Albiniak, Paige (24 January 2011). "NATPE 2011: MTV Programmers Partner to Form DiGa Productions". Broadcasting & Cable. http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/462887-NATPE_2011_MTV_Programmers_Partner_to_Form_DiGa_Productions.php. 
7. ^ "DiSanto, Gateley unveil DiGa in partnership with Silverman's Electus (HWT)". 24 January 2011. http://www.hollywoodwiretap.com/?module=news&action=story&id=57120. Retrieved 22 February 2011. 
8. ^ Ben Block, Alex (24 January 2011). "Tony DiSanto, Liz Gateley Reveal New Production Company's Development Slate". Hollywood Report. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tony-disanto-liz-gateley-reveal-74944.