Nellie Andreeva

Talk show host Wendy Williams and her manager-husband Kevin Hunter have formed Wendy Williams Prods, a production company that will focus on development and production of reality, game and talk shows for the cable and broadcast markets. Lionsgate-owned Debmar-Mercury, producer-distributor of Williams’ nationally syndicated The Wendy Williams Show, will be a partner in the new company, which has tapped veteran producer Lisa Knapp as SVP  Development. Williams will serve as executive producer of the projects developed through her company and may also have an on-camera role in some. “This is a dream come true,” she said. “As anyone who watches my show knows, I am a huge fan of all reality and game shows, and know a thing or two about talk.”

Knapp has specialized in reality “docu-soap” programming, including Knievel’s Wild Ride and Gene Simmons Family Jewels for A&E, Bands Reunited and Ambushed for VH1, The Bachelorette for ABC and Mommas Boys for NBC. From 2008-10, she headed development for 44 Blue Prods. Jill Ramsey, currently VP of Wendy, Inc, who negotiated the deal on behalf of Williams and Hunter, will also serve as VP of Wendy Williams Prods, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.