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.

Author Archives: Kate Humphreys

  1. Banijay Rights Launches New Website and Catalogue

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    Banijay Rights today unveils its brand-new catalogue and refreshed website following the integration of Banijay Rights and Endemol Shine International.

    In keeping with Banijay’s latest re-brand, the fresh new website provides access to almost 90,000 hours of finished programming and an extensive formats catalogue. The modern and engaging site, which taps into the Banijay B, connects buyers with standout mutli-genre programming, company news and is supplemented with an app for on-the-go access. Designed and created by Rawnet, the website also gives users an enhanced screening experience, with the ability to create or receive programme playlists.

    The latest programme catalogue from Banijay Rights covers storytelling for every audience and can be found by visiting: www.banijayrights.com/catalogues

    Included in the new drama slate is 6 x 30’ dark comedy, Two Weeks To Live, starring Emmy® Award-nominee Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones) produced by Kudos for Sky One and Now TV; Adult Material, a 4×60’ title produced by Fifty Fathoms for Channel 4, telling the story of leading British pornstar, Jolene Dollar, played by Hayley Squires, juggling on-set glamour and motherhood at home; five-part drama from Tiger Aspect for ITV, Viewpoint, a contemporary surveillance thriller starring Harry Bradbeer (Killing Eve), explores whether it is ever possible to observe the lives of others with true objectivity and zero effect; and from Yellow Bird, comes six part Swedish true crime, The Hunt For A Killer, for SVT.

    Unscripted new releases include 4 x 60’ series, Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime; one-off documentary, Leigh-Anne: Colourism and Race, from Dragonfly Film and Television for BBC Three; and Idris Elba’s Fight School  (4 x 60’ for BBC Two), a timely and important series from Workerbee, which won’t pull any punches.   

    Elsewhere, entertainment format, I Got You Babe, is a hilarious singing competition, which sees six celebrities team up with a puppet each to become the country’s best singing duet; in Fame Maker, contestants can be seen but not heard, as they sing under a soundproofed glass dome; and new dating experiment, Alone Together,  leaves two strangers spend days in complete isolation on a stunning Swedish island to give love the chance to blossom.

    The catalogue and website is now available to clients worldwide: www.banijayrights.com. The announcement follows Banijay Rights’ recent unveiling of its newly-formed sales team, led by Chief Executive Officer, Cathy Payne.

  2. Banijay Rights Confirms New Sales Structure

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    Leading distributor, Banijay Rights, today announces its new sales structure following Banijay’s recent acquisition of EndemolShine Group.

    Spearheaded by CEO Cathy Payne, the scaled-up distribution entity commands a catalogue of 88,000 hours, comprising some of the biggest brands on the planet, such as Survivor, MasterChef, Temptation Island, Mr Bean and Grantchester.

    Headquartered in London, the global team will also have sales representatives in offices around the world, including Paris, Moscow, Sydney, LA, Miami, Mumbai and Singapore.

    Covering the sales business within the EMEA territories under the guidance of EVP, Tim Mutimer, will be Chris Stewart, confirmed as SVP UK & Ireland, Claire Jago (SVP Nordics), Matthew Hodges (SVP German Speaking EMEA), Elliott Chalkley (SVP Italy & Iberia), Alex Le Merle as SVP Benelux and Paris-based Isabelle Queme (SVP French Speaking EMEA). Samia Moktar is VP for CEE & Airlines, Marion Vergnaud (VP, Greece, Turkey, Romania & Baltics), Robin Pollok (VP Middle East, Israel & Africa), based in Moscow, is Alexander Rubanov VP Russia & CIS with CEE support by Tatjana Kostovski Sales Manager.  Across social media and digital monetisation, the team is completed with the appointment of Shaun Keeble as VP Digital.

    In Asia, Rashmi Bajpai is confirmed as EVP for the region, alongside Daryl Kho (SVP Asia – Formats) and Kanchan Samtani as VP Asia handling finished tape. Lyle Bettson-Barker is appointed as SVP Australia & NZ and Kell Hoddinott as VP Australia & NZ. Veronique Verges takes the role of SVP Latam Finished Tape, with Michelle Wasserman as SVP Latam Formats, and Lauren Farrar is VP for AVOD & US Minor. Matt Creasey, who was confirmed earlier this summer as EVP Sales acquisitions, co-productions – Rest of World, will oversee the aforementioned sales operatives outside of EMEA.

    Managing incoming product, Simon Cox will take on the role of SVP, Acquisitions, working with Emily Elisha, who is named VP, Acquisitions.

    Cathy Payne, CEO says: “We are proud to have such a dynamic and experienced team in place. Armed with great talent and an unrivalled catalogue of depth and strong storytelling, I am confident Banijay Rights will deliver the service and content expected from one of the world’s most significant distribution players.”

  3. Mark and Carl Fennessy to Step Down from EndemolShine Australia

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    Banijay today announces Co-CEOs, Mark and Carl Fennessy, will step down from their roles at EndemolShine Australia, with Peter Newman set to run the business as Chief Executive Officer. The brothers leave behind an incredibly healthy business, which they have led for over ten years.

    Mark and Carl Fennessy will depart EndemolShine Australia. During their tenure, they oversaw the merger of the Endemol and Shine businesses in Australia and have subsequently led the team’s development and production of many major global entertainment franchises. Industry leaders, they have spent the last decade entertaining the nation and audiences across the globe, leaving behind a healthy pipeline and back catalogue.

    Having been with Shine/EndemolShine Australia for eight years, most recently as Chief Content Officer, Newman will now strategically lead the business’ content pipeline and overarching operations. He joined Shine back in 2012 as Creative Director, before taking up the CCO post in 2018. Overseeing one of the biggest unscripted production slates in the world, he has been significantly involved in hits including MasterChef Australia, Big Brother, Australian Survivor, Married at First Sight and LEGO Masters.

    Prior to his appointment at Shine, he was Head of Production and Development at Australian broadcaster, SBS. Having begun his career in his native city of London, he has also held a number of roles across the UK’s independent production sector, most notably at the BBC. Throughout his career to date, he has developed, commissioned and produced a host of award-winning programmes, receiving an International Emmy and Best of Rose at the Rose D’or for Go Back to Where You Came From, AACTA awards for MasterChef Australia, Australian Ninja Warrior and Australian Survivor, and Logie awards for Gogglebox amongst others.

    Marco Bassetti Chief Executive Officer, Banijay comments: “The Fennessy brothers have long-served as commendable businessmen at the forefront of the country’s creative industry and we wish them all the best with where their artistic journey takes them next. We now welcome Peter who is a commercially sound producer and entrepreneur and has all the attributes we look for in our leaders. Having been close to the business’ creative core and key in driving the success of the label’s most recent hits, he is an incredible asset to Banijay as we continue to evolve our creative vision and set our strategy in Australia.”

    Peter Newman comments: “It’s been amazing to work with Mark and Carl over the last eight years and it’s an honour to take up the reins of this impressive newly-combined company. EndemolShine Australia has always been about supporting and empowering the great people behind the world-class production of our shows. I’m incredibly proud of our workplace culture, our focus on creative excellence and will ensure we continue to do what we do best; working with our broadcast partners to deliver their audiences outstanding content. Banijay generates some of the world’s best TV formats and I can’t wait to bring them to life here in Australia.”

    Mark and Carl Fennessy comment: “Ten years ago we commenced a journey with Elisabeth Murdoch to ‘Inspire, Create and Shine’. The period since has been like one long day filled with rewarding experiences and great success but the time has come for the next adventure. We’re grateful to the broadcasters for their support and we salute our incredible team of talented executives with whom we’ve had the privilege to lead. We look forward to a much-needed break and extend our best wishes to Banijay.”

  4. Team Whistle, Banijay Group and The Natural Studios Announce Bear Grylls Digital Network, Launching This Fall

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    Today at NewFronts Team Whistle, a global media and entertainment company that includes Whistle, Tiny Horse, New Form and Vertical Networks, announced a partnership with Banijay Group, which has a joint venture with The Natural Studios, to launch the Bear Grylls Digital Network. The partnership will produce digitally native shows, bringing the far-reaching world of Bear Grylls through multiple series to social platforms like never before.

     

    Team Whistle, Banijay and The Natural Studios will build the leading digital-only network for brand-safe, outdoor lifestyle and adventure programming, with content and series featuring Bear Grylls and Team Whistle talent. With travel currently on hiatus for most people around the world, Bear’s global adventures serve to encourage viewers of all ages to be inspired to explore and be challenged to go for it in their lives – and to be empowered with adventure skills. The forthcoming network’s slate of series reaches young audiences through Team Whistle’s expertise in relatable, uplifting content to introduce a new generation of adventurers to the outdoor icon’s shows.

     

    “This is about giving people access to the coolest tips and tricks of survival, as well as a look behind-the-scenes of my adventures, my life and my friends,” said Bear Grylls. “Ultimately, we want to empower people to be able to survive and thrive in the wild and in life.”

     

    “At The Natural Studios, we continue to strive to bring adventure and the great outdoors direct to people’s homes,” said Delbert Shoopman, Co-CEO, The Natural Studios. “Social provides that instant sense of intimacy and immediacy that fans and adventurers love. We can’t wait to get started on introducing our followers to more of our friends and remarkable fellow adventurers.”

     

    “Team Whistle’s positive and relatable media network reaches massive audiences with programming centered around lifestyle, sports, gaming and entertainment content, and Banijay and The Natural Studios are the perfect partners to bring the wild world of Bear Grylls to our viewers,” said Michael Cohen, president of Team Whistle. “Bear is a household name in outdoor and survival content, and these new digitally native shows will bring our uplifting attitude to a whole new world of outdoor adventure.”

     

    “Bear is a class act and a real force for good. He is the outdoor category,” said Benjamin Simon, head of Tiny Horse’s advertising sales group, Palomino. “I’ve had the good fortune to work with Bear on a handful of projects over the years and we’re thrilled to be reunited again as a part of Team Whistle. Now, in partnership with Banijay and The Natural Studios, we will bring a new slate of digital-first shows to young audiences, in collaboration with advertisers, that take audiences out of their comfort zones through new outdoor challenges and adventures.”

     

    The Bear Grylls digital network series will be distributed globally across Bear’s social channels including YouTube, Snap, Instagram, Facebook and more, and integrated with talent from those platforms. Team Whistle’s 4.2 billion global video views per month will be bolstered by introducing a new generation of young adventurers to Bear Grylls shows. With Palomino – recently voted a top 5 most trusted media sales group by The Myers Report– exclusively representing and leading advertising sales for the network, brands can also tap into a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

     

    The network will launch this fall and include several new formats developed specifically for this partnership.

  5. Banijay Rights Sells We Got This To Sundance Now

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    Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, today announces idiosyncratic crime thriller, We Got This, has been picked up by AMC Networks in the US, Canada and UK, for its streaming service Sundance Now.

     

    The 6 x 45’ scripted series, due to air this autumn, sees George English, an American living in Sweden, try to solve his financial woes with an unlikely solution – a 50 million Swedish Crown reward for solving the 30-year-old murder of the former prime minister, Olof Palme. English, played by Schiaffino Musarra, is grieving from the recent death of his father, and is then hit by the collapse of his career, when he receives an unsurmountable tax bill. Naturally, he begins to imagine that cracking the Palme case could be the simple answer to all his problems.

     

    Together with his closest friend, a not-so-intrepid journalist, who wants nothing to do with the case, a whacky conspiracy theorist and a former police officer, they follow the case into a web of twisted theories. After a major discovery, George finds himself on a head-on collision course with history, as their investigation goes from a laughing stock to a very real and closely-watched operation by the media, politicians, titans of industry and organisations that stretch far beyond the Swedish borders that, for a variety of reasons, would rather this case remain forever unsolved.

     

    Winner of the Series Mania 2018 co-pitch, We Got This is produced by Banijay Group’s Jarowskij and Film I Väst for public broadcaster SVT and Viaplay. Besides playing the lead role, Schiaffino Musarra is also the series creator and head writer. The drama finished airing in Sweden just days ahead of the announcement by the Chief Prosecutor, despite no new evidence, to close the Palme murder investigation, which had remained open since 1986.

     

    Sundance Now will feature its US and Canadian premiere in September 2020 with its UK date to-be-determined.

     

    Andreas Lemos, VP of Sales – North America, Banijay Rights comments,“We are thrilled to have a prestigious partner like Sundance Now on board for We Got This. North American and UK audiences will soon be able to enjoy this entertaining dark comedy born out of the unique mind of star and creator Musarra but built around the true-life mystery surrounding the assassination of Swedish PM Olof Palme.”

     

    Shannon Cooper, VP of Programming, Sundance Now, adds, “Sundance Now subscribers love to stream stories based on true crimes so this fascinating and funny approach to a real event makes for an extremely enjoyable series. We’re excited to partner with our friends at Banijay Rights to bring this true-life mystery to viewers in the US and UK.”

     

    Streaming service Sundance Now offers a rich selection of original and exclusive series from engrossing true crime to heart-stopping dramas, and fiercely intelligent thrillers from around the world; all streaming commercial-free.

     

  6. RDF to Bring Back Puppy Series with 12 New Families for BBC Two

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    RDF, a Banijay Group Company, today announces it has been commissioned by BBC Two to make a 6×60’ prime-time specialist factual show: 12 Puppies and Us: The Next Chapter.

    The new series will follow 12 families across Britain who have just become puppy owners, as they navigate their first difficult, but also joyful, few months together. It will also re-visit some of the dogs who featured in previous RDF series, 10 Puppies and Us, that aired on BBC Two in 2018, to find out how the different breeds have developed over the last two years.

    12 Puppies and Us: The Next Chapter will feature both adopted rescue and responsibly-bought puppies, that face a range of behavioural challenges a new puppy can present, from the first ever walkies to toilet training fails. From today’s most popular breeds such as Whippets and Dachshunds, to dogs who provide specialist services and care, this series will explore how to raise a puppy from cradle to adolescence and on to adulthood.

    Dan Barraclough, Executive Producer, RDF said:“The recent lockdown has seen a surge in interest from people wanting to take on a puppy and from a really diverse range of families and backgrounds. From tiny dogs like the Chinese Crested Powderpuff to Great Danes, people are looking into some very different breeds, so it will be intriguing to see how each family deals with the challenges of their particular pup. And they’ll be growing up in dramatically different environments – from city flats to open farmland. It will also be fascinating to be able follow up on the pups from previous series to see how they have developed over 2 years. There will be some recurring bad habits, but also some surprising transformations to marvel at.”

     Abigail Priddle, Commissioning Editor, Specialist Factual, BBC Two said: “I’m so excited to have a new cohort of puppies joining us on BBC TWO. From large dogs to small, rescue pups to responsibly bred, this series will be a wonderful way of sharing in the joys, troubles, tips and training that come with a new four-legged friend.”

    12 Puppies and Us: The Next Chapter was commissioned by Patrick Holland, Controller, BBC Two and Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Science and Natural History. The Commissioning Editor is Abigail Priddle and it is Executive Produced by Dan Barraclough at RDF. RDF is part of Banijay Group, and all worldwide rights to 12 Puppies and Us: The Next Chapter are owned by Banijay Rights.

  7. Dime Quién Soy: Movistar+’s first international production with the U.S set for Autumn release

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    DLO Producciones, a Banijay Group company, confirms Dime Quién Soy (Tell Me Who I Am), produced in collaboration with Movistar+ and Telemundo, will be released this Autumn. The original scripted series (9 x 50’), based on the novel by Julia Navarro will air on Movistar+ and Telemundo in the USA.

     

    Dime Quién Soy will follow Amelia Garayoa and her relationships with Santiago, Pierre, Albert and Max, through some of the most important events of twentieth century Europe. The journey will take the audience from the Franco uprising to the liberation of Berlin; through the communist boom in Stalin’s Moscow, the barbarity of the Warsaw ghettos, Rome during the last years of the Duce and the decline of Nazi Germany in occupied Athens.

     

    This high-end drama was filmed in nine countries, over 300 locations. Award-winning actor Irene Escolar stars as Amelia Garayoa, leading an international cast of 160 actors and 3,000 extras.

     

    Showrunner and CEO of DLO Producciones José Manuel Lorenzo, “Dime Quién Soy is one of the most complex and ambitious projects that I have covered throughout my life. Over the last six years, it has gone beyond a professional obsession and become a personal one. I am excited about the idea of finally being able to share the result.”

     

    Director Eduard Cortés said,”This series is shot with authenticity and all the intensity needed to enable the viewer to greatly enjoy the adaptation of the novel by Julia Navarro.”

     

    This international co-production was created by José Manuel Lorenzo, directed by Eduard Cortés and written by Piti Español, with Beta Films owning the distribution rights.

  8. The Natural Studios, Ben Grass and Christophe Charlier Combine Forces on Monte Cristo

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    The Natural Studios, Ben. Grass and Christophe Charlier today confirm they are collaborating on a new reimagining of The Count of Monte Cristo.  Written by Tom Williams (Kajaki, Base, Chalet Girls), Monte Cristo will create a completely fresh and modern take on the timeless classic.

     

    Set in the present day, the film focuses on the friendship and bitter rivalry that develops between two special forces soldiers who are sent to war in Afghanistan. The film acts as the first foray into scripted feature films for The Natural Studios (Into the Wild with Bear Grylls) following its partnership with Banijay Group in 2019.

     

    Bear Grylls and Delbert Shoopman said: “We loved the idea of updating this universally-loved story of friendships, betrayal and revenge, and were completely taken by Tom Williams’ original and innovative take. This is action adventure storytelling at its finest and celebrates above all, resilience and redemption.”

     

    Ben Grass and Christophe Charlier said: “It’s an honour to collaborate with Bear, Del and Tom, on this fresh reworking of the Alexandre Dumas classic. We aim to create a captivating action film with great scale and sweep that is certain to thrill global audiences.”

     

    The producers will shortly enter talent discussions with a view to film in 2021. The project will be produced by Bear Grylls and Delbert Shoopman for The Natural Studios, and Ben Grass and Christophe Charlier.

  9. FameMaker: Stefan Raab and Brainpool develop new music show for ProSieben

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    Brainpool confirms casting is underway for new music show, FameMaker. Produced this summer in collaboration with Stefan Raab for ProSieben, the show promotes “listening with your eyes”.

    In each episode, the judges, known as #FameMakers, must try and determine each contestants’ talent without hearing them sing. Encased in a soundproof dome, each singer will perform on stage and the individuals on the panel must pull their #FameMaker lever if they believe in what they see. Doing so lifts the dome and reveals the singers’ voice. But will the instincts of the #FameMaker be right and will they like what they hear?

    For the finale, the #FameMaker has to produce a performance for their contestant demonstrating the very best their candidate has to offer – no matter their singing ability. After the performances, it is down to the viewer to decide who deserves to win! Will they go for the best singer or will the best entertainer take home the trophy? Stepping up to the judging challenge are German comedy stars Carolin Kebekus, Luke Mockridge and Teddy Teclebrhan, who are themselves immensely musical.

    Stefan Raab:“A good voice does not equal success; success arises in the mind. If this show had existed in 1992, I would have signed up immediately, as I have never been able to sing very well. Don’t miss out, apply now!”

    ProSieben station chief Daniel Rosemann:“In FameMaker, Stefan Raab combines music, comedy and competition. The show promises to be great fun, not least because of our #FameMakers Carolin, Luke and Teddy.”

    You can now apply for FameMaker under www.famemaker.de.

  10. Televisión de Galicia Renews Wife Swap for Second Season

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    Dlo/Magnolia, a Banijay Group company, confirms that A Miña Familia Pola Túa (Wife Swap) has been renewed for a second season on Televisión de Galicia (TVG). Already in pre-production, the show will be produced in collaboration with La Región Televisión.

    The commission follows the successful season one, which broadcast last January to an average of 76,000 viewers, driving a 9.8% share. A Miña Familia Pola Túa increased the average audience numbers for the channel’s slot, particularly capturing the attention of young viewers.

    Wife Swap gets to the heart of how we live, with each episode following two spouses as they switch households. Aided only by an instruction manual left by their predecessor, they must spend the first week living according to the rules of the house. However, in the second week they are free to run the household as they see fit. This format is packed with drama and encourages the families to reflect and learn from one another.

    Casting for the upcoming series is already underway, with the team of A Miña Familia Pola Túa looking for sixteen families to exchange a family member for a week and take part in this unique experience.

    A Miña Familia Pola Túa is the local adaptation of Banijay Rights’ global hit Wife Swap format which has had 29 international remakes including versions in Italy, the United States and Australia.

  11. Banijay Rights Signs Scripted Package Deal with CANAL+ Group in France

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    Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, today announces it has signed a comprehensive package deal for its high-end, blockbuster dramas with CANAL+ Group, the major French audiovisual media group, for its channel POLAR+.  The complete deal, including relicenses, will give POLAR+ subscribers access to over 85 hours of Banijay Rights’ critically acclaimed scripted shows and TV movies.

     

    The agreement between Banijay Rights and CANAL+ Group covers a full slate of titles with the acquisition of popular new dramas: Wisting, Public Enemy, Rebecka Martinsson and newly launched Belgian drama, GR5: Into the Wilderness.

     

    GR5: Into the Wilderness(8 x 45’), is a psychological thriller new to the Banijay Rights catalogue. Launched in spring to the international market, the drama is co-produced by Zodiak Belgium and Red Balloon for VRT and ZDF Neo. Shot entirely on location, this layered, character-driven series takes viewers through the dark woods and the everchanging landscapes of the Alps in search of the truth as to what happened to a missing girl. Everybody is a suspect. Directed by Jan Matthys (Quiz me Quick, In Vlaamse Velden, The Last Kingdom), GR5: Into the Wilderness, is set to premiere later this year on POLAR+, the CANAL+ Group channel dedicated to drama thrillers.

     

    Following its success in major territories, such as the UK, US and Spain, Norwegian crime drama, Wisting (10 x 45’), is included in the CANAL+ Group acquisition. Starring Sven Nordin and Carrie-Anne Moss, this popular series follows homicide detective William Wisting as he wrestles with the most challenging and shocking case of his career: a wanted American serial killer living among them. Based on best-selling books by Jørn Lier Horst, Wisting is produced by Cinenord and Good Company Films, in co-production with Viaplay, Degeto Film,TV3 Norway and Ripple World Pictures.

     

    Also secured in the deal are both seasons one and two of Yellow Bird’s production for TV4 Sweden, Rebecka Martinsson; a riveting drama series based on the acclaimed author, Åsa Larsson’s, best-selling crime novels. Set in the remote and spectacular landscape of northern Sweden, series one sees lawyer Rebecka Martinsson, leave behind a great career in Stockholm and return to her small hometown to investigate the murder of a close childhood friend. Rebecka is pulled into a thrilling hunt for the murderer who may kill again.  As she homes in on the truth, Rebecka is forced to confront a traumatic past event which still haunts her and caused her to abandon the very place she lived as a child.

     

    Winner of the hotly contested inaugural MIPDrama Screenings Buyers’ ‘Coup de Coeur’ Award, and a primetime ratings hit for RTBF, Public Enemy, series one and two,have also been sold to CANAL+ Group. The Belgian crime thriller is a co-production between Entre Chien et Loup and Playtime Films for RTBF in Belgium. The series centres on the story of Guy Béranger, a dangerous child murderer at the end of his prison sentence. His release on parole to the custody of the monks at Vielsart Abbey leads to an outcry from the nearby small village and to the rest of the country.

     

    The French linear premiere for series two of Rebecka Martinsson will be on POLAR+ later this year. Meanwhile, Wisting, along with season one of Rebecka Martinsson and Public Enemy, are currently available on the POLAR+ replay service, which is accessible via myCANAL.

     

    Isabelle Queme, VP of Sales, Banijay Rights comments,“We are sure that the range and depth of the titles acquired and re-licensed by CANAL+ Group will be well-received by their audience and will help to maintain the CANAL+ Group reputation as the go-to platform for high-end scripted content.”

     

    Jean-Marc Juramie, Senior EVP, Pay TV Content, CANAL+ Groupsays,“We are thrilled at CANAL+ Group to offer the best of thriller series to POLAR+ subscribers who are eager to discover new stories and talents from all-over Europe.”

  12. Temptation Island to Return to Finland This Autumn

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    Nelonen and Banijay Finland, a Banijay Group company, today announce Temptation Island is set to return for an eighth season this autumn. The latest 22×60’ Finnish run emerges as Covid-19 restrictions begin to ease in the territory.

     

    The local version, based on the Banijay-owned hit reality format, will follow the journey of unmarried couples at a crossroads in their relationship. Together, they will travel to a secluded location in Finland, where they separate and join a group of eligible singletons. Will they embrace the ‘single life’? Address some difficult realisations about themselves and their relationship? Or will it reinforce their feelings for one another?

     

    Temptation Island, which has already enjoyed stellar ratings in previous seasons, offers escapism, entertainment and familiarity in a time of great uncertainty. With safety remaining of utmost importance to Banijay Finland, production will be executed in line with all current restrictions, legal and governmental guidelines.

     

    Tatu Ferchen, CEO of Banijay Finland commented:“We are incredibly proud to be in a position to get productions up and running again in Finland. While a number of restrictions remain in place, we will take all the necessary measures to provide a safe environment for our cast and crew. Temptation Island provides the perfect balance of escapism, drama and entertainment and as a proven staple of schedules worldwide, could be the distraction audiences need at the end of these dark few months.”

     

    This latest commission follows a raft of successful global adaptations of the format including Spain, where the first season on Cuatro and Telecinco closed with 3.6 million viewers.  To date, the show, which is distributed by Banijay Rights, has enjoyed 19 versions globally.