Banijay Group is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay Group is present in 16 territories.
Banijay Group is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay Group is present in 16 territories.

Banijay Rights sells acclaimed drama series to Viasat World for Epic Drama

23 November, 2017

Banijay Rights, the international distribution arm of Banijay Group, has sold two of its prestigious drama series to leading international media company Viasat World for its brand new content platform, Epic Drama. Current ratings smash hit The Restaurant and the award-winning Versailles will join the launch slate of the new channel and SVOD service. The deal expands Viasat World’s partnership with Banijay Rights as it purchases more varied programming to fit its growing and diverse channel portfolio.

Available in all Epic Drama markets, and exclusively to some – the ‘of-the-moment’ titles set to join the Pay-TV and Catch Up line-up include SVT’s (Sweden) biggest original commission and most successful drama ever The Restaurant S1 (10 x 60’). The critically acclaimed impassioned family saga about love, conflict and betrayal is produced by Jarowskij, in collaboration with SVT, Viaplay, Film i Väst.  Also acquired is headline-grabbing Versailles S1 (10 x 60’), co-produced by Capa Drama, Zodiak Fiction, Incendo for CANAL+  – a lavish high end drama series with an impressive and unprecedented budget at the time it was produced.

Karin Heijink, VP Content and Product at Viasat World, comments: “We’ve been working hard to compile a launch slate for Epic Drama which lives up to the brand’s bold and lavish promise, as well as securing more of the greatest drama series to premiere on the channel exclusively in our key markets. Epic Drama’s exceptional slate is testament to the strength of our relationships with our valued and trusted content distribution partners such as Banijay Rights, alongside our expertise in content curation. We’re very pleased to welcome these world-class drama series for our viewers.”

Caroline Torrance, Head of Scripted at Banijay Rights, said: “We are delighted to continue to build and strengthen our relationship with Viasat World.  These two series are ‘best in class’ dramas and we are certain that they will attract a wide audience when Epic Drama goes live in many parts of the world next month.”

Epic Drama will launch on 14 December in Viasat World’s key markets.

Banijay Rights holds worldwide distribution rights to The Restaurant and Versailles.