GRB Ent. launches scripted wing

GRB Entertainment, which up until now has exclusively produced and distributed non-fiction programming, is launching a scripted division. Initially, the new division will acquire scripted films to be distributed internationally to both television and theatrical platforms. Later, GRB plans to produce its own films, said Marielle Zuccarelli, who has just been promoted to president of GRB's international division. "Going into scripted is very new for us," said Zuccarelli, who has been acquiring and distributing non-fiction TV series -- including Discovery's "Auction Kings," Animal Planet's "Pit Boss," WE's "Braxton Family Values" and CNBC's "American Greed" -- internationally for GRB for more than eight years. Prior to that, Zuccarelli distributed scripted programming for New Films International and Hypnotic. To launch the new division, GRB has hired Todd Olsson, veteran of Disney and Sobini Films, as vice president of feature films. Olsson says that the made-for-TV movie market is heating up across the globe as the reality trend fades a bit. "With the technology available now and the diversification of platforms, programming ends up being king," Olsson said. "A lot of the films that were staples that they could run again and again, for which they may own the rights for the next 15 years, have become outdated. Channels want stuff that's modern." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com