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’ Survivor Lands New Adaptation in Mexico

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    Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, today announces a new local adaptation of its Emmy Award-winning reality format, Survivor, in Mexico.

     

    Produced by Acun Medya for Mexican nationalbroadcaster, Azteca Uno, filming will take place in the Dominican Republic with the series due to launch later this summer. Arturo Islas has been confirmed as the host for Survivor Mexico.

     

    Acun Medya has already successfully produced 15 series of Survivor for broadcasters in Greece, Turkey and Romania.

     

    Since its launch in 1997 the Survivor franchise has seen more than 305 series filmed in 57 locations.  It has proven hugely popular with audiences worldwide, with multiple long-running series airing in Spain, Australia, Israel, Italy, South Africa, Benelux, Denmark, and Hungary.

     

    In recent weeks France has seen recording-breakingviewership, reaching an audience of over 7 million viewers. Whilst the format has continued to be a ratings juggernaut for 40 seasons in the US, this is the first time Survivor will be remade for a central American territory.

     

    Elliott Chalkley, Vice President of Sales, Banijay Rights comments,“Survivor is the original adventure reality gameshow and continues to be a big hit for international broadcasters. Set in a beautiful and exotic location with an intriguing mix of contestants, the constantly changing, layered and complex challenges have strong appeal especially among the younger audience demographic.”

     

    Acun Ilıcalı, Acun Medya Group Founder and President says, “We are very excited to introduce Survivor, one of our favoriteshows,to theAzteca audience. A true reality experience that we havehadthe privilege to produce for many years together with Banijay/Castaway. We hope our viewers will love this amazing adventure and experience ofSurvivor which is filled with fun and excitement.”

     

    Alberto Ciurana, Chief Content & Distribution Officer, Azteca Uno adds, “The Mexican audience, now more than ever, demands and deserves high quality content that evokes powerful emotions and promotes family togetherness. At TV Azteca, we work with the best strategic partners to offer world-class programs, such as Survivor Mexico”.

  2. IWC to Make New Location Shows for Channel 4

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    IWC, a Banijay Group company, today announces it has been commissioned to make 18×60’ episodes of Location, Location, Location: 20 Years in the Making (w/t) for Channel 4.

     

    In the 20th anniversary year of the hit show, Location, Location, Location: 20 Years in the Making (w/t) will bring together some of our most memorable stories from the past offering up the social history, from bust to boom and back, of house buying in Britain over a generation. Each episode will explore a theme, from the toughest markets over the years and the times people have questioned whether it’s a good time to buy a property, to million-pound homes and first-time buying.

     

    Punctuating some of our top home search stories, there will be new stats, giving rundowns on how buying property has changed over the years. Crucially though, each programme will be naturally filled with the energy and tone we’ve come to know and love from the series. Lots of lovely properties, lots of tricky searches and lots of fun from Kirstie and Phil.

     

    Mark Downie, Creative Director of IWC said:“Over the last twenty years, on Phil and Kirstie’s watch, property became a British national obsession. This new series offers their peerless perspective on how, over two decades, the dips and swoops of the property market have transformed Britain and by extension changed the lives of every one of us.

     

    At IWC, like our peers across the industry, we are using innovative and creative ways to continue to make programming for our buyers, whilst adhering to social distancing and lockdown measures.”.

     

    The filming of the next series of Location, Location, Locationhas been pushed back in light of government advice and in order to protect our presenters, contributors and crew. The production continues to safely run a core team and IWC is looking forward to taking on the challenges of new house-hunters as soon as conditions allow.

     

    The series has been commissioned by Deborah Dunnett, commissioning editor Channel 4, and is Executive Produced by Gerard Costello for IWC.  Location, Location, Location: 20 Years in the Making, will be distributed globally by Banijay Rights.

  3. Norwegian Prime Minister to play All Against 1 on NRK

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    Norwegian PM Erna Solberg will play against the nation in a special episode of All Against 1 on Norway’s national day, May 17th. The Høyre/conservative party leader will compete against the viewers as a usual player, solving tasks and experiments themed for the national day.

     

    All Against 1 season 3 has already succeeded in gathering Norwegian families this winter, with an average share of 53% and 817,000 viewers every Saturday. Staying on-air during the Covid-19 crisis, production made some creative adjustments in line with the new regulations and post-lockdown, the ratings went up.

     

    May 17th has always been a day where families and communities gather to walk in parades, eat lots of ice cream and play fun games like the potato run, sack race and tug of war. In this special episode, the Prime Minister will face experiments and challenges inspired by these games and even more importantly: the families can gather around the TV and still get a piece of the national day fun, regardless of the corona restrictions.

     

    Erlend Hernø Røeggen, CEO in Nordisk Film TV Norway said: “It’s great news and so exciting! Hats off to the team that managed to pull this season off against the odds, showing that it’s still possible to gather families around the TV at the weekend. The prime minister’s appearance in the show confirms the status and the strength of All Against 1, even in challenging times.”

     

    All Against 1 was co-developed by Nordisk Film TV Norway and Nordisk Film TV Denmark. Banijay Rights sells the format and finished tape globally. There have been six versions of the show to date worldwide.

  4. The Natural Studios Signs Up The Turner Twins

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    The Natural Studios, a JV formed with Banijay Group, today announces it is set to bring the Turner Twins to the small screen. Building on the business’ track-record in high-quality, popular adventure programming, Co-CEOs, Bear Grylls and Delbert Shoopman will place the thrill-seeking modern British adventurers in a range of precarious outdoor survival scenarios for audiences to enjoy. Development is currently well underway on a number of projects for UK and US broadcasters.

     

    The Turner Twins are pioneering British explorers who have undergone a host of world-first expeditions to aid medical and scientific research. Monitoring the performance of historic clothing and equipment and their genetic and physical makeup, the two have travelled into the unknown, reaching several Poles of inaccessibility. Having rowed the Atlantic Ocean, climbed Mount Elbrus, attempted to trek the Greenland Ice Cap, and reached the Australian, North and South American and Iberian Poles, they are no strangers to danger and going where no man has gone before.

     

    In a bid to reach all Poles of inaccessibility, the Twin’s adventures continue, discovering new knowledge to inspire positive change in the world. Now, having already partnered successfully with Banijay Asia in India on Into the Wild, The Natural Studios will team up with Banijay Group’s UK-based RDF Television to project the explorers to screen worldwide.

     

    Delbert Shoopman, Natural Studios comments: “It’s amazing to discover raw talent like the Twins. With a proven track-record in pushing the boundaries of exploration and an impressive on-screen presence, they were always destined for television. Development is already in the works and while we, like everyone, are adapting to the new protocols around production, we are confident, that with RDF, we can bring an entertaining, high-adrenaline offering to market with universal appeal.”

     

    The Turner Twins will provide the inspiration for the development process between The Natural Studios’ Bear Grylls and Delbert Shoopman and RDF Television’s Head of Factual Entertainment, Dan Barraclough. All projects will be developed in line with ongoing global Covid-19 restrictions.

  5. RTVE and Dlo/Magnolia Produce Ruralitas, an Insight into Life in Rural Spain

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    RTVE and Dlo/Magnolia, a Banijay Group company, confirm the launch of a new series for La 2. Ruralitas will hear from those that have chosen to live in the most remote areas of the country.

     

    Ruralitas tours Spain connecting the inhabitants of the sparsely-populated areas with the rest of the country. Locals offer first-hand accounts of living in rural communities and their motivations for doing so; from a cheesemaker in La Rioja, agents from the Alicante Civil Guard, to the mayor of a small town in Almería.

     

    In the first episode, Ruralitas travels to the mountainous inland area of Lugo and the remote village of Pena da Nogueira. This village has only six inhabitants, one of which is Alberto. He shares how he returned to Pena da Nogueira to install his ancestors’ hives and make his passion for bees a way of life.

     

    The episode will also accompany a couple of travelling veterinarians, Verónica and Benito, who, on board their mobile surgical unit, attend to the animals of those living in San Millán de Juarros, southeast of the province of Burgos.

     

    Ruralitas is an original RTVE production in collaboration with Dlo/Magnolia.

  6. From the Twisted Mind of Executive Producer Ryan Reynolds and Hosted by Adam Scott Don’t Premieres on ABC, Thursday, June 11 (9:00 – 10:00 p.m. EDT). Watch it. Don’t Miss Out

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    ‘DON’T’ click here for a first look

     

    Executive produced by Ryan Reynolds and hosted by Adam Scott (“Big Little Lies”), “Don’t” is a comedic physical game show where doing nothing is what it takes to win (finally!). Contestants are given the opportunity to team up with their family and friends for the chance to win a cash prize of up to $100,000 by tackling hilarious tasks, each with the simple rule: “DON’T.”From Banijay Studios North America, ABC’s newest summer game show premieres THURSDAY, JUNE 11 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT).

     

    “I’m excited for people to see ‘Don’t’ and feel we made the right call in changing what was the working title: ‘Please Do Not,’” said Adam Scott.

     

    In each episode, members of a four-person team strive to accomplish various challenges, such as “Don’t Blink,” “Don’t Look Back” and “Don’t Play Ball in the House,” as they work together to build their bank. If they fail a challenge, they don’t earn money and suffer ridiculous consequences. Along the way, they’ll have the choice to take risks by pushing the Don’t Push Button or taking a chance on a Don’t You Dare, You. In the end, whatever money they have left in their bank – if anything – is theirs to keep. The series is voiced by Ryan Reynolds and features hilarious, unexpected moments that break from the traditional game show format.

     

    Produced by Banijay Studios North America, “Don’t” is executive produced by Ryan Reynolds, David Goldberg, Caroline Baumgard, David Hurwitz, Conrad Green and George Dewey. The “Don’t” format is distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

     

    ABC Media Relations

    Cheryl Pratesa

    cheryl.pratesa@abc.com

     

    Lauren Milovich

    lauren.milovich@abc.com

     

    Banijay Studios North America

    Kelly Kimball

    k2@kkimballpr.com

     

     

    Follow ABC Publicity on Twitter and Instagram.

     

    Follow “Don’t” (#Dont) on Instagram, Twitterand Facebook.

     

     

  7. Banijay Rights Expands Leadership Team

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    Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, today announces it has bolstered its leadership team, with Roisin Thomas remaining as COO and John Richards taking up the post of CFO. Both reporting to Chief Executive, Cathy Payne, who today starts her new role, the newly devised team will oversee all operational and financial matters for the growing division.

     

    Since 2015, Thomas has served as COO at the distribution business, having joined Zodiak Media back in 2011 pre its merger with Banijay Group, where she served as Chief of Staff to two successive Group CEOs. She started her career as a corporate media lawyer and spent over five years at leading media law firm Olswang, where she advised on a range of high profile corporate and commercial deals. She also fulfilled roles at EMI Music and Matheson after qualifying in Ireland in 2004.  Moving forwards, she will support Payne in developing and implementing Banijay Rights’ overarching business strategy.

     

    Richards joins the company from Endemol Shine International, where, since 2015, he was Chief Financial Officer and before that, Finance Director of Endemol Worldwide Distribution.  There, he was responsible for providing direction and leadership for the finance team and working with CEO, Cathy Payne, to help achieve growth. Having also served for four years as Finance Director of Tiger Aspect Productions and Darlow Smithson Productions, he led the merger of both companies into Endemol Group in 2009 following their sale by IMG. Before that, Richards spent over seven years with IMG having qualified at PWC in 2000.

     

    Cathy Payne says: “As the business sits on the cusp of major growth, it was important to have a strong team in place to manage us efficiently through the changes. In Roisin and John, we have the perfect mix of financial acumen, operational nous and extensive industry knowledge, making us well-prepared for the future. I look forward to getting started with the new team today.”

     

    Roisin Thomas says: “We have a busy road ahead and as the business approaches a significant phase of growth, John’s expertise is very much welcome. I look forward to partnering with him and Cathy to take Banijay Rights to the next level with the support of our wonderful team.”

     

    John Richards says: “Banijay Rights boasts a sterling reputation, multitude of content and has an exciting future ahead. It’s great to be re-joining Cathy there and I am pleased to working with Roisin to drive further growth for the business.”

     

    Cathy Payne now serves as CEO of Banijay Rights, with Tim Mutimer taking up the post of EVP, EMEA Sales & Acquisitions.

  8. Banijay Group Enlists Cathy Payne to Lead Distribution

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    Banijay Group today confirms the appointment of Cathy Payne as CEO, Banijay Rights. Previously CEO, Endemol Shine International, she has been brought on board to lead the business’ growing global distribution strategy and activities and take the division through its impending next phase.

     

    An industry veteran, Payne brings a wealth of experience and commercial acumen, and will be tasked with overseeing the positioning and exploitation of Banijay Rights’ expanding catalogue, building the business’ reputation and that of its brands across the world. The move follows almost ten years of service with Endemol, most recently under the guise of Endemol Shine International, where she directed all worldwide distribution efforts, steering its six-territory strong team and in-house and third-party content sales, as well as working closely with the commercial team on IP exploitation. During her tenure, she projected the business’ Scripted capabilities through international co-productions and was behind the global roll-out and success of numerous hit brands including Peaky Blinders, Mr Bean, Grantchester, Tin Star and Younger, alongside the continued longevity ofHome and Away, in addition to working alongside the production and creative businesses on expanding non-scripted franchises: MasterChef, Big Brother, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Ambulance and Lego Masters.

     

    Prior to taking on the role of Chief Executive, Endemol Worldwide Distribution, in 2009, Payne was Chief Executive at Southern Star International. There, over the course of 20 years, she was responsible for building one of the largest distributors of English-language content outside of the U.S.

     

    In line with the expansion plans for distribution, Tim Mutimer will now fulfil the role of EVP, EMEA Sales & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights. Working collaboratively with Payne, he will oversee the team and all activity for the region.

     

    Payne will adopt her new role on Monday 27 April 2020, reporting to CEO, Marco Bassetti.

     

    Marco Bassetti, Chief Executive, Banijay Group comments: “Cathy is an exceptional leader and incredibly well-respected industry mogul. A creative entrepreneur with extraordinary market knowledge and commercial intelligence, she is behind some of the world’s biggest distribution successes. Having worked with her directly and admired her work from afar, we have long-followed her journey and could not be more excited to have her joining ours, as we continue to build the business and its footprint worldwide.”

     

    Cathy Payne adds: “It has never been a more exciting time for content creation and distribution, and I am energised to be joining the team as it embarks on this period of expansion.”

     

    The Banijay Rights catalogue currently comprises some of the world’s leading formats and titles including Survivor, Versailles, Temptation Island, Wife Swap, The Restaurant, The Inbetweeners, The Crystal Maze, Wisting, Occupied and The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds.

  9. IWC to Make Shelf Isolation Series for BBC Scotland

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    IWC, a Banijay Group company, today announces it has been commissioned to make an 3×30’ series, Shelf Isolation for BBC Scotland.

     

    At a time where we are being asked to stay indoors, some of us may now be able to read more books, watch that classic movie and finally catch up on one of those box-sets our friends have been raving about. In this brand-new series, Shelf Isolation, award-winning author and cultural guru, Damian Barr, will be remotely meeting with some famous Scottish names to get their tips on what to read, watch and listen to. The line-up includes actor, Mark Bonnar (Quiz, Shetland, Line of Duty, Guilt, Catastrophe), comedian, actor, writer and director, Greg Hemphill (Still Game, Chewin’ the Fat), and award-winning crime writer, playwright and graphic novelist, Denise Mina.

     

    Damian will be interviewing his guests from his home via an app to record the discussion and giving us a window into their homes. In these intimate talks, he will not only be finding out what cultural pleasures our guests would most recommend to help get us through these troubled times, but also the emotional impact they have and how they reveal something about their own lives.

     

    Pauline Law, Executive Producer and Head of Factual at IWC said:“Damian’s passion for literature and culture, and his skills as an intelligent and nuanced interviewer make him the perfect presenter to get recommendations out of some of Scotland’s best-loved celebrities. We are looking forward to finding creative and innovative ways to produce this show for BBC Scotland in these extraordinary times.”

     

    Damian Barr said: “The books, films and music we love say so much about us – every time we pick up a novel or sit down to another box set, we add another chapter to the story of ourselves.  And they give us the chance to forget about the world around us and disappear somewhere else, if only for a while.  Right now we can’t leave home but we can still travel and meet new people and have new experiences in books, tv and film “Shelf Isolation” gives us a unique glimpse into how some well-known folk are self-isolating as they reveal what’s getting them through –  the classics they’re returning to or their latest box-set binge.  I’m delighted to be presenting this show and hope it gives viewers (and me!) inspiring, distracting and comforting recommendations. Join us!”

     

    “I’m looking forward to a new series of The Big Scottish Book Club later in the year but in the meantime,  “Shelf Isolation” will provide some much needed fun, humour but also insightful chat on what are the best books, movies and box sets to catch up on at this time” says Gareth Hydes, Commissioning Editor, BBC Scotland… “Damian Barr was a great host for the first series of Big Scottish Book Club and there couldn’t be anyone better to get some top names opening up about their favourite books and entertainment choices. ”

     

    The series has been commissioned by Gareth Hydes, commissioning editor BBC Scotland, and is Executive Produced by Pauline Law for IWC.  Shelf Isolation will be distributed globally by Banijay Rights.

  10. CJ ENM and Bunim/Murray Productions Unveil New Large-Scale Physical Game Show, Cash Back

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    Asian TV giant, CJ ENM, and leading U.S. producer, Bunim/Murray Productions (Keeping up with the Kardashians, The Real World), today announce the launch of a new co-produced physical game show, Cash Back. Already commissioned by South Korea’s tvN for two pilot episodes, the original format champions athleticism and fun, while tapping into the world of Moneymojis.

     

    In each episode ofCash Back,top-tier athletes, including Olympic gold medalists and national champions, navigate crazy obstacles to bank as much money as possible. But there is a catch. The money is in the form of Moneymojis – objects of various shapes, sizes and weights that are difficult to move. There is no point in just grabbing the Moneymojis. They must collect them from the obstacle courses and safely bring them to the vault. Combining fitness with brainpower, the game will unfold in a gigantic set, where three teams of Moneymoji Hunters will battle it out each episode. Across three rounds of obstacles, they will be tested on jumping, power and climbing, to reach the final round.

     

    In the local version for tvN, 18 top Korean athletes from seven sports, including MMA, speed skating, basketball, gymnastics, water polo, swimming and Korean wrestling, have joined the cast to hunt for cash.

     

    CJ ENM’s producer Kim In-ha comments:“Because we can live stream popular TV shows from other countries anywhere these days, there seems to be no border when it comes to content. With this trend in mind, we worked with Bunim/Murray Productions to create a show that can be enjoyed globally.”

     

    Gil Goldschein, Chairman, Bunim/Murray Productions comments: “Cash Back has all the makings of a top entertainment format – originality, high stake challenges and the novelty factor. Combining fun with athleticism, this is the uplifting show that could be a welcome relief for audiences across the world post Covid-19.”

     

    The show will broadcast for two weeks starting on Sunday, April 19th. Control over international distribution of the format lies with CJ ENM (Asia) and Bunim/Murray Productions (worldwide excluding Asia).

  11. European Song Contest Winner Conchita Wurst and Steven Gätjen Set to Present the Free European Song Contest Live on ProSieben

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    Glamour and gala on the international stage: Conchita Wurst, winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2014, and ProSieben Oscar legend, Steven Gätjen, will present the new Free European Singing Competition from Stefan Raab and ProSieben, live on Saturday, 16 May 2020.

     

    ProSieben CEO Daniel Rosemann:“Conchita and Steven are the perfect choice for a big, musical evening. Conchita thrilled millions of people with his Eurovision Song Contest performance and won the contest. No one is better placed for this European musical idea. Steven is at home at the world’s big galas and the perfect host with outstanding live experience.”

     

    Which musician will sing into the hearts of the audience at the #FreeESC for Italy? Who makes Turkey at one with the whole of Europe through its performance? Which performer enchants the audience for Israel? And who will score for Germany? At the Free European Song Contest, prominent musicians perform their songs live for their country of origin on the biggest international stage of the evening in the Cologne-based studio. In the end, the audience awards points and selects the first winner of the new, free European song competition.

     

    Stefan Raab and ProSieben celebrate a great European music event on television and bring people from all countries together through music.The show is produced by Raab TV, part of Brainpool, a Banijay Group company. Of course, all current legal requirements and those of the health authorities will be met during production.

     

    The Free European Song Contestairs live at 8.15pm on Saturday, May 16, 2020, on ProSieben and Joyn – #FreeESC.

  12. Stefan Raab and Prosieben Announce Live European Singing Competition

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    Brainpool, a Banijay Group company, today announces that following the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020, Stefan Raab and ProSieben will now produce and broadcast a new competition – the Free European Song Contest. Airing live on Saturday 16 May, the show will celebrate passion, fun and a love for music.

    Following the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020, spectators and fans across the land shared their disappointment. With a gaping hole left in the schedules, Stefan Raab decided to organise a special-edition competition, an idea enthusiastically supported by Raab’s home station, ProSieben.  

    Stefan Raab comments: “Music connects people, especially in difficult times. This marks the birth of a new, and free, European song competition. This marks the birth of the Free European Song Contest. Special challenges need special solutions and this evening will see Europe come together in a special and unique way.” 

    Daniel Rosemann, Managing Director at ProSieben said: “Stefan Raab loves music and he loves Europe. We are happy about the great opportunity to live and celebrate Europe in these times with a new music competition and are really looking forward to the Free European Song Contest.” 

    ProSieben will broadcast the Free European Song Contest live from Cologne on Saturday, 16 May at 8:15pm. The show is produced by Brainpool’s Stefan Raab.  

    N.B. All current legal and health and safety requirements will be met during production. 

    Show hashtag: #FreeESC