While much of Hollywood focuses on high-price content, one producer caters to the need for low cost, ad-friendly streaming fare, including Judge Judy’s second act
are trying to stockpile content with wide appeal, much like traditional broadcast networks. A steady diet of niche programming aimed at upper-income viewers isn’t enough to sustain a streaming service, Mr. Koondel said.
Mr. Koondel is steering clear of the ambitious, scripted content that comes from the major media giants and focusing on programming that isn’t as high on their priority list. Shows he is developing include “Hollywood Now,” an entertainment news program intended for Amazon, and a reality show called “College Whisperer” about a group of children from challenging backgrounds trying to navigate the college application process with the assistance of coaches.
“Everyone else is, ‘How do I get my ‘Queen’s Gambit’ or ‘Game of Thrones,’ win an award and brag about how much money they spent on it?’” he said. “I’m about how many episodes can I make the most efficiently and deliver you the largest audience.” Before striking out on his own in 2018, Mr. Koondel was in charge of selling content for CBS, which syndicated “Judge Judy,” and its sister company Paramount. He earned a reputation for his intense, don’t-take-no-for-an-answer approach to deals.
“If he has to ruffle some feathers to make a sale, that doesn’t bother him at all,” said former CBS Chief Executive Joe Ianniello, to whom Mr. Koondel reported for several years. “He wasn’t so worried about his personal relationships inside the company.”A native New Yorker, the 58-year-old Mr. Koondel had a rough childhood. His father died suddenly when he was a boy and his mother subsequently struggled with substance abuse. He and his brother were put into foster homes.
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