Goffin inks reality deal at Fremantle

Burnett collaborator pacts with 'Idol' producer

By JOSEF ADALIAN

Goffin

Longtime Mark Burnett collaborator David Goffin is setting up shop at FremantleMedia North America, inking an overall deal with the "American Idol" producer.

Goffin co-created and exec produced Burnett's "Rock Star" franchises, which ran for two seasons on CBS. He also oversaw development and production of "On the Lot," the Fox reality skein produced by Burnett and Steven Spielberg.

Under the terms of the deal, Goffin will create and exec produce nonscripted skeins and multiplatform projects for Fremantle.

"David has an understanding of the reality genre, from concept to execution, that will make him a major asset to our company," said FMNA chief exec Cecile Frot-Coutaz.

Pact reps a reunion for Goffin and Fremantle: Goffin was a supervising producer on the first three seasons of "Idol."

"This is where I got my first big break, and now I'm returning to an organization that's even stronger," Goffin told Daily Variety.

The producer said he's hoping to work with Fremantle to evolve the nonscripted genre.

"It can't just do what it's been doing," Goffin said of reality TV. "It has to get to that next level. And if it doesn't include the Internet, I don't think it's going to reach that next level."

Goffin said he's already working on several potential multiplatform projects, all still at the pitch level. He's also available to "pinch hit" on existing FMNA skeins if needed, he said.

Before coming to Hollywood, Goffin toiled on Wall Street for five years as a corporate strategist. His TV resume also includes multiple seasons on Burnett's pre-"Survivor" hit "Eco-Challenge."