Banijay Group, the world’s largest independent content producer and distributor, today announces the acquisition of a majority stake in Terence Films, an award-winning French Scripted production label.
Founded in 2005 and 100% owned by Stéphane Meunier and Bertrand Cohen, Terence Films has been responsible for over 300 hours of premium Scripted programming across television, feature films and branded content. To date, titles have included Les Innocents for TF1 and now Amazon Prime Video, award-winning Fortunes for Arte and France 2, award-winning Foudre, and Cut, a co-production with Banijay Studios France and Adventure Line Productions for France 0.
Co-founder Meunier began his television career in journalism for M6 and then CAPA press agency, and was responsible for key magazine shows: Reporters, Zone Interdite, Envoyé Spécial and 24 HEURES. From there, he produced and directed a number of documentaries including multi award-winning “Les Yeux dans les Bleus”. In 2004, he transitioned to Scripted, making Ma Terminale for M6, where he met Bertrand, an Executive Producer on the show. Previously, Bertrand had operated in Scripted roles across JLA Productions, Hamster and Studio Expand, having started in TF1’s marketing department. He is also a writer on Scripted series: Summer Crush, Fortunes and Cut.
Banijay Group’s latest acquisition represents a commitment to strengthening its Scripted footprint in France.
Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay Group comments: “As we continue to grow our Scripted footprint worldwide, we are seeking to partner with leading storytellers who have a proven track-record for delivering mainstream content. Boasting an award-winning slate and an admirable reputation, Terence Films acts as the perfect addition to our existing portfolio and we look forward to collaborating with Meunier and Cohen to develop a raft of new drama for the local and global market.”
Stéphane Meunier comments: “With the market continuing to evolve and content increasingly transforming from local to global, we recognized the value in joining a large-scale Group like Banijay. Invested in storytelling, creativity, entertainment and importantly, distribution, the business provides the perfect home for Terence Films, taking us from a French drama specialist to a potential worldwide supplier.”
Bertrand Cohen comments: “We were always keen to collaborate with a like-minded business and Banijay Group is offering an international dimension. The company shares our passion for crafting strong narratives for broad audiences and we look forward to reinforcing opportunities of creation with coproduction.”