Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, is set to launch a diverse range of new factual content at MIPTV, drawing on a new first look deal, its ongoing partnerships with acclaimed independent producers and the latest programming, already pre-sold to a number of territories, delivering from within the Group.

An exclusive first look deal has been signed with Cardiff-based independent Nimble Dragon, an ambitious new production company specialising in popular factual and sports entertainment. Established in 2017 by Creative Directors Tess Cuming and Dylan Wyn Davies, Nimble Dragon focuses on delivering distinctive high-quality programming for multiple platforms. The first series signed by Banijay Rights is the recently announced Sun, Sea and Brides To Be, a 20 x 60’ series produced for Channel 4. The show captures all the emotion of couples heading to Cyprus to get married. Featuring tireless problem-solving wedding planners, budget-busting young bridezillas, heart-warming marriages after illness, and wedding parties spiralling out of control – the series follows all the ups and downs as staff and guests collide in a high-stakes drama of tears, tantrums and plenty of tiaras.

Also launching at MIPTV is two seasons of 7Wonder’s Back to the Land, with a total of 15 x 50’ episodes available produced for BBC Two. Presented by Kate Humble, the series meets the passionate people who are pioneering a rural revolution; turning the traditional view of what it takes to make a living in the sticks on its head as they strive to make their business a success. Along the way, Back to the Land unveils some of the British countryside’s hidden gems and shines a light on reinventing traditions, creating new industries with provenance and reviving the rural economy.

Already pre-sold to a number of territories, single documentary Putin and The Mafia (60’), from Banijay Group’s KM for France 2 and RTS, will debut at MIPTV. For the first time, links about the Head of State and the Russian mafia are thoroughly investigated and new truths are unearthed. Also from KM comes the revealing 60’ documentaries Inside Lehman Brothers for Arte, which looks back on the bank’s collapse 10 years ago through the personal testimony of some of the key whistle-blowers, and has presold to YLE (Finland), Radio-Canada (Canada), RTBF (Belgium), RTS (Switzerland), SVT (Sweden), DR (Denmark) and VPRO (Netherlands), and Carlos The Jackal for France 2, a profile of one of the world’s most notorious terrorists, which has also presold to RTBF, RTS, SVT and YLE.

Two new seasons from globally-popular factual series will showcase, including series three of Minnow Films SAS: Who Dares Wins. Produced for Channel 4, the 5 x 60’ series sees a new group of civilian recruits put through an extraordinary series of physical and psychological tests, each taken from the real selection process for the SAS. Dedicated veterinary surgeon Professor Noel Fitzpatrick is back with a fifth season of ratings-winning series The Supervet (20 x 60’, Blast! Films for Channel 4). Taking life-saving care to a whole new level, charismatic and passionate Noel leads his team at his cutting-edge veterinary hospital Fitzpatrick Referrals, often the last-chance saloon for Britain’s most sick and injured pets.
Tim Mutimer, CEO at Banijay Rights, commented, “MIPTV is shaping up to be a very strong market for new factual content and I’m particularly delighted to announce our new partnership with the team at Nimble Dragon. The opportunities for factual programming in the global market are greater than ever, and collaborations with leading, innovative producers such as Nimble Dragon are key in meeting and exceeding the requirements of our international partners. With brand new light-hearted entertainment, emotional real-life stories and timely current affairs arriving, our factual portfolio delivers content that will appeal to a wide range of platforms and broadcasters.”