Lisa Earnshaw, Author at Banijay Group

Banijay Kids & Family Inks Content Deal with TheSoul Publishing

19th September 2023 9:48 am Comments Off

Banijay Kids & Family, the global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, today announces a deal with award-winning digital studio, TheSoul Publishing.

The collaboration will introduce some of Banijay Kids & Family’s globally loved titles, including Mister Maker, Let’s Play and Lilybuds, to TheSoul Publishing’s FAST, AVOD and social content proposition. Known for channels, such as 5-Minute Crafts®, the No. 1 DIY digital brand in the world, Bright Sideand 123 Go!, TheSoul Publishing reaches over 2 billion followers across its portfolio of platforms including on Facebook, Instagram, Snap, TikTok and YouTube.

Banijay’s Alongside Mister Maker, Let’s Play and Lilybuds, as well as TheSoul’s 5-Minute Crafts, Slick Slime Sam, and Frankenfood, are among the multiple entertainment brands featured on this newchannel and VOD offering for social media and streaming platforms.

Dan Lewsey, Global Head of Digital, Banijay Kids & Family says: “Combining TheSoul Publishing’s expertise with our diverse catalogue of premium kids’ brands, allows us to reach our audiences across a multitude of growing and emerging platforms. This collaboration ensures some of the most popular kids brands in the market are available to a wide audience and demonstrates our commitment to supercharging the commercial performance of our IP.”

Jonathan Shrank, Head of Broadcast Content Distribution, TheSoul Publishing says: “TheSoul’s presence on streaming platforms worldwide, and our hugely popular, diverse, and engaging kids’ content offering is a perfect match for Banijay Kids and their fantastic shows. As platforms look for unique and compelling programming, pairing the world’s largest international content distributor with the world’s most viewed digital content company is a can’t miss opportunity! Additionally, we are very excited to bring our incredible social media reach to Banijay’s fingertips and to see this relationship blossom.”

With a diverse catalogue of award-winning content, Banijay Kids & Family partners with leading broadcasters and platforms globally, producing a broad range of shows for kids and families. Notable credits include Zodiak Kids & Family France’s global franchise Totally Spies! which will be returning to screens with a rebooted series from 2024; the iconic Mr Bean: The Animated Series from Tiger Aspect Kids & Family; and from Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK, Mister Maker, the popular ultimate interactive arts and crafts show for younger kids, broadcast in over 200 territories.

Movimenti Production Bolsters Senior Leadership Team

18th September 2023 10:28 am Comments Off

Movimenti Production (part of Banijay Kids & Family), Italy’s leading independent production and animation studio, today announces three key hires, with Cristiana Buzzelli as COO, Alessandra Principini as Fundraiser, and Federico Rognoni as CFO.

Movimenti’s CEOs and Creative Directors, Giorgio Scorza and Davide Rosio, continue the company’s growth plan by strengthening production management and development, fundraising and financial divisions.

Reporting directly to Giorgio Scorza, new COO, Buzzelli, will oversee the management of the company’s IPs, from the financing and co-production stage to market launch, playing an active role in defining corporate strategies, working in synergy with the Banijay Kids & Family team. Buzzelli joins Movimenti Production after a long tenure at Rainbow S.p.A. where she started as Sr. Licensing Manager – Publishing and Home Video, moving to the role of VP Global Contents – OTT distribution, Gaming, Publishing, Music and finally as SVP Contents and Licensing.

Movimenti Production also announces Principini as Fundraiser. A film and TV professional since 2004, she was most recently responsible for fundraising activities at 3D Produzioni. Alessandra will further grow Movimenti Production’s connection with film commissions and institutions on opportunities related to funding and beyond.

New CFO, Rognoni, will manage the company’s economic and financial activities plus its subsidiaries, namely the 2D animation studio DogHead Animation and the 3D production company MoBo. Rognoni previously held senior financial roles as Viacom, Inc. And Discovery, Inc.

“We are constantly striving to be the leading player in Italian animation, both in our country and internationally. We are confident that the arrival of Cristiana, with her considerable experience, will be a fantastic support in the management of our productions,” says Giorgio Scorza. “We strongly wanted Cristiana, Alessandra, and Federico on board. With their knowledge and expertise, we are certain that each of them will play a fundamental role in Movimenti’s growth, both operationally and as inspirational leaders.”

Established in 2004 with bases in Milan, Florence, Rome and Bari, Movimenti Production has created and produced renowned animated TV series, feature films and short films, including Topo Gigio (Topo Gigio Srl, Rai) and the two Zerocalcare’s series for Netflix Tear Along the Dotted Line and This World Can’t Tear Me Down. Led by Giorgio Scorza and Davide Rosio, the company has established itself as a leading driver in the young adult animation space, and as a solid pre-school and kids animation partner, with high-quality standards, in both the Italian and international markets.

Banijay UK launches urgent internal investigation following serious allegations of misconduct by Russell Brand

17th September 2023 6:38 pm Comments Off

In light of the very serious allegations raised by Dispatches and The Times / Sunday Times investigation relating to the alleged serious misconduct of Russell Brand while presenting shows produced by Endemol in 2004 and 2005, Banijay UK has launched an urgent internal investigation and will cooperate with any requests for information from broadcast partners and external agencies. We encourage anybody who feels that they were affected by Brand’s behaviour while working on these productions to contact us in confidence by emailing [email protected] or via the anonymous link on http://speakup.banijay.com/

Banijay UK Partners with Creative Access to Launch Professional Development Programme for Under-Represented Freelancers

15th September 2023 12:15 pm Comments Off

Banijay UK has partnered with Creative Access to offer a bespoke, year-long professional development programme aimed at TV freelancers from historically underrepresented communities who have previously worked at Banijay labels.

The scheme, which is aimed at mid-level freelance staff progressing through the creative industries, will offer training, networking, support and workshops.

During the twelve months, focus will be on areas including: developing leadership skills, owning mistakes and building confidence, building resilience & managing work life balance and financial literacy. Successful applicants will also be mentored by a senior industry professional for six months.

Bella Lambourne, Director of HR & Operations for Banijay UK, said: “It’s an incredibly challenging time for the TV freelance community, and we are acutely aware that people from historically marginalised communities are often at a particular disadvantage. Banijay UK is committed to providing support and opportunities to those in the industry who need it, and we very much hope the scheme will help people develop invaluable skills and gain further experience.”

Bibi Hilton, CEO Creative Access, added: “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with industry powerhouse Banijay. We all know that freelancers in the broadcast industry are all too often the lifeblood and the lifesavers of TV and film organisations. They’re the flexible extra resource we bring in when the workload suddenly increases and there’s no time (or budget) to hire; bringing with them incredible specialist skills to transform output, they’re the crew on a TV production set who make mind-blowing, award-winning work and in a lot of cases are quite literally the entire workforce. And yet, as our data shows, many employers are not treating their freelancers in this way. Access to career development programme such as this can and should be transformative for.”

Applications close on September 24. Full details on eligibility can be found here https://opportunities.creativeaccess.org.uk/jobs?search=Banijay+UK&jobId=21422

Endemol Shine Italy Creates AI-Driven Improv Comedy, Fake Show

14th September 2023 10:51 am Comments Off

Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces Endemol Shine Italy, part of Banijay Italy, has created with Rai RadioTelevisione Italiana SPA a brand-new comedy entertainment format, Fake Show – Diffidate delle imitazioni. The new original show will air in primetime this autumn.

Hosted by Italian actor, comedian and author, Max Giusti, this original new format puts AI in the spotlight and celebrates the highest form of flattery, imitations. In each episode, brilliant celebrities showcase their improv skills, impersonating characters, dialects, objects, sounds and even their fellow showbiz counterparts. Alongside the famous faces is a comedic version of AI generating unpredictable situations, rules, and games, so expect hilarious laugh-out-loud viral moments.

Leonardo Pasquinelli, CEO Endemol Shine Italy says: “Fake Show promises a comedic and fun evening highlighting the world of impersonation, improv and imitation. We’re excited to showcase AI in helping create eccentric sketches which the audience will love to watch again and again. Full credit to the team behind the format’s creation and delivery, including our very talented host, Max Giusti.”

James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development adds: “We are seeing continued demand for light-hearted formats that put a smile on viewers’ face, and Fake Show guarantees just this. With AI at its heart, this ground-breaking format is versatile, scalable, connects audiences and we’re excited to see what the future holds for it.”

EndemolShine Italy is behind the local production of high-profile entertainment formats including Big Brother for Canale 5 and Deal or No Deal for Rai1, as well as LOL: Last One Laughing Italy and Celebrity Hunted for Amazon Prime Video.

Banijay Paints Nordic Deals with NRK and DR for Portrait Artist of the Year

13th September 2023 5:40 pm Comments Off

Banijay Nordic today confirms two deals for factual entertainment format, Portrait Artist of the Year. In Norway, Nordisk Banijay is producing a first season for NRK, and in Denmark, Mastiff Denmark will bring the show back to DR1 after a year-long hiatus.

Created in the UK by Storyvault and represented internationally by Banijay, Portrait Artist of the Year gives gifted painters a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to paint a star from an illustrious cast of celebrity sitters. Spanning A-List icons, acclaimed authors, elite sportspeople and hit musicians, how will the artists react to the famous face in front of their easel?

The format is set to debut on Norway’s NRK, with six episodes recorded in museums across the country. Meanwhile, production for a 6 x 60 episode run is underway in Denmark for DR1. The news comes as Sky Arts in the UK prepares to celebrate the artistic brilliance of the format with its 10^th anniversary, including a special Portrait Artist of the Decade episode, with the winner of each series returning to paint Dame Judi Dench. The main series has an array of celebrated sitters, with the winner receiving a £10,000 commission to create a portrait of world-renowned conservationist and ethologist Dr Jane Goodall DBE, (Founder, Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace), to be exhibited at the UK’s National Portrait Gallery in December. In the UK, the series has grown its audience in every one of the nine transmitted series to date.

Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations, Banijay says: “Storyvault has created a masterpiece format with Portrait Artist of the Year and it’s brilliant to partner on the international roll-out. These latest deals from Nordisk Banijay for NRK, and Mastiff Denmark for DR1; along with the 10^th anniversary celebration in the UK, are testament to how adaptable, joyful, and accessible this show is. These values perfectly align with what many broadcasters are looking for right now.”

Sam Richards, Co-founder, Storyvault, says: “Since its launch Portrait Artist of the Year has been responsible for shining a light on over 800 emerging artists internationally, many of whom have gone on to much wider success. We are thrilled that both Norway and Denmark will have the opportunity to become part of the format’s legacy.”

Oslo-based Nordisk Banijay, headed up by Erlend Røeggen, is behind a range of reality, entertainment, and factual hits, including 71 Degrees North and All Against 1. Meanwhile, with Kristian Farcin-Leth at the helm, Mastiff Denmark produces local versions of global formats like Starstruck and Good Luck Guys, and creates new IP such as Drag Me Out.

The UK version of Portrait Artist of the Year is produced by Storyvault Films, with Series Editor Nelda Sale and Series Director is Southan Morris. The Series Director of Production is David Buckley. Executive Producers are Danielle Graham, Samantha Richards and Stuart Prebble.

Banijay Kids & Family Expands its Commercial Division

10:12 am Comments Off

Banijay Kids & Family, the global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, today announces the appointment of Roubina Tchoboian as Head of Global Licensing.

Reporting into Banijay Kids & Family’s Chief Commercial Officer, Delphine Dumont, Tchoboian will be responsible for growing the international licensing portfolio for the division’s brands, which includes animated spy-fi franchise Totally Spies!, upcoming CGI series Shasha & Milo, and iconic preschool brand Topo Gigio.

Tchoboian joins the company from Cloudco Entertainment (formerly American Greetings) where she was Vice President of International Licensing, responsible for driving international partnerships for brands such as Care Bears and Holly Hobbie. Prior to that she held roles working across the sales teams at Zodiak Rights and BSkyB.

Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay Kids & Family says: “With a strong track-record in delivering creative and successful global licensing programmes for one of the biggest properties in the world, Roubina is a fantastic addition to the company. As we continue to diversify our commercial activity for our broad IP portfolio, she will be instrumental in driving our growth in this area.”

Roubina Tchoboian added: “Banijay Kids & Family is home to a raft of premium, world class children’s content, from established hits like Totally Spies! to exciting new IP coming through. With high demand from young audiences to engage with their favourite shows beyond the screen, there is huge potential for our portfolio, as we look to grow and strengthen our ranges of licensed products and experiences.”

With a diverse catalogue of award-winning content, Banijay Kids & Family partners with leading broadcasters and platforms, producing a broad range of shows for kids and families. Notable credits include Zodiak Kids & Family France’s global franchise Totally Spies! which will be returning to screens with a rebooted series from 2024; the iconic Mr Bean: The Animated Series from Tiger Aspect Kids & Family; and the classic brand Topo Gigio which has been lovingly reimagined by Banijay’s Movimenti Production.

Banijay Kids & Family Boosts its Digital Network

6th September 2023 10:59 am Comments Off

Banijay Kids & Family, the global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, today announces a partnership with YouTube revenue experts, The Polar Bears, to supercharge the commercial performance of its digital network.

The partnership will see Banijay Kids & Family leverage The Polar Bears’ expertise, to grow and unlock new revenue streams across its digital channel network, via paid media, advertising sales, sponsorship, branded content and ad funded programming.

Dan Lewsey, Global Head of Digital, Banijay Kids & Family says: “With an extensive catalogue of globally loved brands, we are reaching huge audiences every day through our digital network. Innovating and adapting to an ever-changing market is at the heart of what we do, and by working with The Polar Bears, we can optimise monetisation of these views and deliver an additional, healthy revenue stream.”

Elliot Baum, Founder, The Polar Bears add: “The Banijay Kids & Family’s award-winning catalogue is an enticing proposition for advertisers looking for innovation and safe, premium environments on YouTube. The broadcast presence and global scale; will give brand partners the confidence to create unique digital activations on YouTube. We’re excited to work with these brands and help shape the Banijay Kids & Family digital commercial solutions for the future.”

Banijay Kids & Family, the specialist production and distribution arm of media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, is home to some of the biggest kids brands in the world. Its portfolio of iconic and globally-loved shows generates 75 million global monthly digital views with the likes of Lolirock, Mister Maker and Totally Spies!.

With a diverse catalogue of award-winning content, Banijay Kids & Family partners with leading broadcasters and platforms, producing a broad range of shows for kids and families. Notable credits include Zodiak Kids & Family France’s global franchise Totally Spies! which will be returning to screens with a rebooted series from 2024; the iconic Mr Bean: The Animated Series from Tiger Aspect Kids & Family; and the classic brand Topo Gigio which has been lovingly reimagined by Banijay’s Movimenti Production.

Banijay France Unveils Management Team

1st September 2023 1:30 pm Comments Off

Banijay France, part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces its new management team, with Sébastien Petiot and Delphine Plantive joining the leadership team as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Editorial Strategy and New Business respectively. Both roles are effective from 1^st September, and report to Alexia Laroche-Joubert, the local holding’s recently appointed President and Chief Executive Officer.

As COO, with President and CEO, Laroche-Joubert, Petiot will be responsible for defining Banijay France’s strategy, and supporting all 15 labels within the French portfolio, which produce a diverse line-up of over 2,670 hours of programming each year. Most recently, he spent six years with ITV Studios France, where he left as COO, having begun his career at TF1 as Head of Non-Scripted and Artistic Director. He joined ALP in 2006, where he held the position of Managing Director for eight years, working on local versions of Banijay’s Wife Swap and Survivor (Koh Lanta) before leaving for ITV Studios.

Meanwhile, Plantive will steps in as Director of Editorial Strategy and New Business. In this new position, hermission is to ensure the smooth editorial co-ordination of all Banijay France’s companies, which will include initiating partnerships, and bringing onboard new talent and business opportunities for labels within the company. Her remit also includes supervising the market research, audience, and monitoring team within the local holding. She steps up from ALP, where she has been Director of Creation, Development and Diversification since 2011, and prior to that, she spent eight years as Director of Development at Endemol.

Alexia Laroche-Joubert, President and CEO Banijay France says: “Sébastien and Delphine bring extensive industry experience and knowledge to their new positions, and these skills will be invaluable as we strive to meet our common objectives: to deliver outstanding growth, with a strong content offering across all platforms, and to foster the best possible support for our producers, creatives and labels. These appointments cement my vision for the future of Banijay France, and I’m excited for the successful future ahead.”

Banijay France is home to a diverse range of non-scripted and scripted labels, producing across all platforms and linear channels. Their portfolio includes new original content for the French market, as well as adaptions of Banijay’s global formats. Labels within the Banijay France footprint include, for entertainment: Adventure Line Productions, Air Productions, Banijay Productions France, DMLS TV, Endemol France, H2O Productions, KM Production and Tooco. And in scripted, Banijay Studio France, Shine Fiction, Fiction’Air, Marathon Studio, Terence Films, Montmartre Films and Screen Line Productions.

Banijay France Announces New Leadership Team at Adventure Line Productions

31st August 2023 12:06 pm Comments Off

Banijay France, part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces new senior leadership at ALP, with Frédéric Lussato, promoted to President and Julien Magne becoming Managing Director. Both roles are effective from 1^st September in line with Alexia Larouche-Joubert’s promotion to CEO, Banijay France.

Lussato, who previously served as Managing Director, ALP, has been upped to CEO, while Magne has been promoted from Director of Programmes to Managing Director. Together, they will lead ALP’s strategic operational strategy, using their expertise to further develop the company’s pipeline of new and returning hits, like TF1’s Koh Lanta (Survivor), on-air for 20+years; and France 2’s Fort Boyard, which has enjoyed a 30+ year run to date.

Alexia Larouche-Joubert, CEO of Banijay France says: “After seven years by my side, the choice to promote Frédéric and Julien within ALP was a natural one. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved working together, expanding ALP’s offering while maintaining a commitment to quality and broad audience engagement. Their complementary skills, deep knowledge of ALP’s programmes, and grasp of industry challenges will enable ALP to retain its unique know-how and storytelling in adventure entertainment and all related genres. I am confident Frédéric and Julien will further build and amplify our efforts, and I look forward to seeing the company expand under their leadership.”

Frédéric Lussato, President of ALP says: “This new role is a fantastic chance to further enhance ALP’s capacity for innovation, strengthening all areas of the business. I’m committed to meeting the latest industry challenges and the ever-evolving expectations of our clients and partners, and I’d especially like to thank Alexia for her trust, as we take the company through its next phase of growth.”

Julien Magne, Managing Director of ALP says; “I’m hugely excited for this opportunity to further contribute to ALP’s growth, a company whose thriving culture is recognised in France and beyond. With the support of an exceptional team, I am dedicated to maintaining our reputation for delivering excellence in all programming, especially adventure entertainment, and continue the drive to diversify into streaming.”

Lussato became CEO of ALP in 2016, having previously served as Managing Director of AB Groupe. He has held numerous senior roles including General Secretary at NRJ 12, when the channel launched, and Deputy Director, Television Development at Pathé group. Meanwhile, Magne joined ALP in 2013 as Director of Programmes and is also the producer of Koh Lanta (Survivor). He comes from a journalist background, working at France 2 and TF1, and in his career, has also produced a number of political and social documentaries.

Topkapi Films Announces New Management Team

9:40 am Comments Off

Banijay Benelux today announces a new management team at Topkapi Films, with Sebastian Korteweg joining the high-end scripted production company on 1^st September.

Korteweg will become part of the management team alongside Laurette Schillings, Frans van Gestel and Arnold Heslenfeld. He will assume business responsibilities, with a specific remit to connect the storymakers who craft compelling content with the business teams who are geared towards ensuring the company’s series and films effectively reach the right audience. Korteweg will eventually succeed Heslenfeld who is retiring in 2024.

Laurette Schillings, Partner and Producer at Topkapi Films says: “Sebastian’s experience and knowledge is very complementary to Topkapi. His experience is second to none, having honed skills at high-profile institutions. His background demonstrates he has a similar mindset to us here, and we are extremely pleased with his arrival. We would also like to thank Arnold for his dedicated years at Topkapi and wish him all the best for a well-deserved retirement. “

Sebastian Korteweg says: “In this new role as Producer at Topkapi, I’ll be able to fulfil my long-held aspiration to work on ground-breaking drama series and films for a diverse and international audience. I’m very much looking forward to working together with an enormously talented and experienced team of professionals.”

Korteweg has held numerous senior positions in the film industry. In recent years he was Content Acquisition Manager at Pathé and a programmer of Royal Theatre Tuschinski. He is also a committee member at Cinekid and a guest lecturer at the Netherlands Film Academy. Korteweg began his career at Eyeworks Film & TV Drama, and in his career he has held responsibility for the planning and co-production of films at RTL and Videoland, as well as sold film rights at Penguin Random House in Barcelona.

Topkapi Films will be bringing their premium content to this year’s Venice Film Festival, with their latest film Holly, produced by Prime Time and Mirage in coproduction with Dardenne brothers’ Les Film du Fleuve, Tarantula, Topkapi and Agat Films, making its international debut. Meanwhile, at the forthcoming Netherlands Film Festival, two series, Santos and Mocked Up, will premiere this September. Also coming up is the launch of their latest feature film on Netflix, Happy Ending.

Temptation Island Entices Poland For Its First Season

30th August 2023 10:15 am Comments Off

Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay today announces Endemol Shine Poland (a Banijay company) will produce the region’s first version of the hit international reality format, Temptation Island. The series will premiere on Polsat this autumn.

Temptation Island sees couples embark on a journey to test their commitment to each other. Separated into two different villas, the couples interact with a group of singles to determine if their love is strong enough to withstand the temptations and challenges they will encounter on the island. Will the couples return home stronger than ever, part ways and return home alone, or perhaps have formed a new connection with one of the singles?

The new Polish adaptation of Temptation Island is the 25^th market to adapt the show and comes after the recently announced productions for Mexico, Brazil and Argentina/Chile following an agreement between Banijay Mexico & US Hispanic, Endemol Shine Brasil and Amazon Prime Video. In addition, the IP enjoys long-running success in territories such as The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and the US where its latest season marked the 100^th globally for the format.

Ryszard Sibilski, Managing Director Endemol Shine Poland says: “Temptation Island has captured audiences around the world and I am looking forward to bringing our local feel to the format. The beautiful settings, combined with the intense emotional journey, promise a riveting viewing experience for Polishaudiences.”

Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay adds: “This hit relationship experiment format grips viewers as it is full of drama, taps into universal themes and relatable emotions. This latest commission alongside that of the hub in LATAM demonstrates the strength of this IP and the continued desire for high-volume reality programming.”

Endemol Shine Poland has over 20 years of experience producing hit shows including local adaptations of renowned brands Don’t Forget The Lyrics, MasterChef, LEGO Masters, Your Face Sounds Familiar, All Together Now, You Can Dance. New Generation, Money Drop and Big Brother amongst others. In addition, it is behind premium scripted programming such as Our Century for TVP 1 and Squared Love for Netflix.

Author Archives: Lisa Earnshaw