Seeking to expand a global platform for its clients,Hollywood talent agency Endeavor has teamed up with TW1, the television,broadcast and new media arm of IMG, to launch a new partnership calledTransend.

Transend willpackage and distribute TV programming and formats in all media. It has alreadyset up its first two projects, Vegas Law, a reality series about a flamboyant defence attorney and Shaquille, a behind-the-scenes show aboutbasketball star Shaquille O'Neal.

Former TargetEntertainment head of programming Ian Moffitt has been named managing directorand will oversee Transend from Los Angeles. Moffitt previously worked at TigerAspect and Carlton International.

Endeavor'stalent roster includes Matt Damon, Keira Knightley, Diane Lane, Jude Law, ChrisRock, Adam Sandler, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Scorsese, David O Russell, and PaulThomas Anderson.

TWI's clientsinclude the International Olympic Committee, the All England Lawn Tennis andCroquet Club (more commonly known as Wimbledon) and the Nobel Institute. Thecompany has an international sales force operating out of more than 40 globaloffices.

"We are excitedto create this partnership with TWI, the world's largest independent sportsproducer and a major international distributor of programming," the Endeavorpartners said in a joint statement.

"Combined withthe versatile and talented entertainment clients Endeavor represents and theleadership of Ian Moffitt, who will helm the new venture, Transend guarantees awinning company for the world market."

"This is theperfect marriage of Endeavor's extraordinary reach in the Hollywoodentertainment environment and TWI's world-class sales and distribution teams,"TWI chief executive officer Bill Sinrich said.

"Ian Moffitt'sbusiness development expertise and genuine passion for television will bring aunique mix of skills to Transend, which will help make it the independentdistributor of choice for the US independent production sector."

"I am thrilledto be joining Transend at the outset," Moffitt added. "This is a fantasticopportunity to introduce hot properties and clients to new audiences andbuyers.

"With thebacking of TWI, whose reputation for deal making, rights management anddistribution is second to none, coupled with Endeavor's diverse and prolificclients and extensive contacts network, we are on to a winner."