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.
Comments Off on Welcome to Menopause – The New Factual Series from Pineapple Entertainment
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay today announces that Pineapple Entertainment will produce Welcome to Menopause (Velkommen til Overgangsalderen) for DR1 and DRTV. In this factual series, researchers, everyday Danes, and some famous faces come together to shine a spotlight on the often overlooked topic of menopause.
Menopause affects at least half of the world’s population and costs societies millions, yet it is barely spoken about. This series aims to change this as the participants candidly share their experiences, delving into the challenges and concerns that come from perimenopause, both physically and mentally. Celebrities, including Danish actors Lærke Winther and Lone Hertz, and rower Mette Bloch, also talk honestly about how they felt when they stepped into the next era of life. Building on these personal stories are researchers who discuss the different available treatments and share the studies that have been done so far in Denmark and where it is falling short…
Ole Rahbek, Managing Director of Pineapple Entertainment says: “We hope that this series will generate valuable conversations, provide information, and raise awareness amongst all demographics. We are very thankful to all the participants who shared their experiences, and we hope that Welcome to Menopause will help to smash the taboos surrounding this topic.”
Pineapple Entertainment is known for its lifestyle programming and strong comedy slate with its credits including One Night In Denmark (TV2 Zulu), Christmas Beer Calendar (Viaplay), The Nightshift (TV2), The Diamond Family (TV2 Echo) and Fanø (TV 2 Fri) amongst others.
Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces Simon’s Cat (a Banijay UK company), and Beacon Music (part of Banijay Brands), have joined forces to release a one-hour LoFi film with original music and bespoke animation.
The globally loved animated sensation will release its latest production on the official Simon’s Cat YouTube channel today. An increasingly popular genre, particularly online, the Simon’s Cat LoFi beats are made for moments of serenity or focussed productivity. One hour of gentle Simon’s Cat animation will be played against the backdrop of original music, LoFi Lab, consisting of 10 tracks, specially commissioned from Banijay’s music library platform, Beacon Music.
Simon Tofield, creator of Simon’s Cat says: “We are always looking to new, innovate ways we can engage with our loyal audience, and demand for LoFi content is extremely high. The charming and mellow animation, which is synonymous with Simon’s Cat, is a great fit for this genre, and the beautiful music, from our colleagues at Beacon Music, is the perfect accompaniment.”
Created by award-winning illustrator, animator and director, Simon Tofield, Simon’s Cat was first seen on YouTube in 2008. Part of Banijay UK, the brand is now a major global success, with over 3bn online views and 21m fans across TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X. The Simon’s Cat brand also enjoys international success across multiple categories including gaming, publishing, and apparel.
Comments Off on Banijay Asia and EndemolShine India Restructure for Growth
Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, two of India’s leading content and production companies (and part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay), have announced a team restructuring aimed at fuelling future growth in the Indian and Asian entertainment space. This strategic alignment comes within months of Banijay acquiring Endemol Shine India, and consolidating both businesses under Deepak Dhar’s leadership.
As part of the restructuring, and to unlock greater synergies between the two entities, five key personnel (from within the group) have been moved to pivotal group leadership roles that will shape both companies’ (Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India) future growth paths:
Rishi Negi – Group Chief Operating Officer
Mrinalini Jain – Group Chief Development Officer
Shyam Rathi – Group Chief Financial Officer
Lalit Sharma, Head – Legal
Fiona Machado, Head – HR
Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO of Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India, commented on development, “Our mission has always been to create exceptional content that captivates audiences across India and beyond. With this strategic restructuring, we are taking another step forward in our commitment to be the torch-bearers for first-class storytelling across screens. This core team brings an invaluable wealth of experience and expertise, and together, we will unlock the next phase of our growth.”
The synergy created by this restructuring effort is expected to enhance Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India’s ability to develop and deliver high-quality content, explore new business opportunities, and provide even greater value to their partners and audiences alike.
Comments Off on Banijay Belgium to Make The Flemish Audience Starstruck
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay today announces Banijay Belgium will produce Starstruck for VTM. This Flemish adaptation is the fifth version of the hit studio entertainment format created by Remarkable Entertainment (part of Banijay UK).
Three times the fun, talent, and reveals, Starstruck welcomes a trio of everyday people with exceptional talent to the stage as they team up and transform into the same iconic star. Rival groups battle it out to prove why the audience and expert judges should vote them the winning team. However, each performer must stand out as only one contestant can go through to the grand final and take their shot at winning the cash prize.
Originally created by Remarkable Entertainment, this commission marks the fifth adaptation, having already aired in territories including the UK, where Starstruck has enjoyed two seasons on ITV and ITVX, Chile, Bulgaria and Denmark, where it repeatedly won its slot across all demographics when it aired earlier this year.
Isabelle Dams, Managing Director of Banijay Belgium says: “With an incredible set, unbelievable transformations, and raw talent, Starstruck is the perfect show to bring multiple ages together. I am looking forward to the audience seeing the trios perform iconic songs from a range of eras and genres. ”
Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay adds: “Starstruck is a party of high-energy, spectacular shiny-floor entertainment. First airing in 2022, the fact it has sold to five territories is testament to the strength of the format, and its adaptability.”
Banijay Belgium is a leading production company whose slate includes high-quality television in nearly every genre. Its non-scripted offering includes Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Hunted, and Fear Factor amongst others.
Comments Off on Banijay CEO Confirms Global Sports Drive
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, has today confirmed its intentions to trigger a significant push into the world of sport under the banner of new division, “Banijay Sports”. Building on the group’s existing capabilities, the business will now look to broaden its efforts in sportainment, documentary and digital, via new partnerships, content investments and M&A. The move, which will not venture into broadcast and streaming rights, was announced by CEO, Marco Bassetti, in a dedicated keynote at Content London 2023.
With the sports industry rapidly growing, spearheaded by the monumental increase in the value of rights in this area (set to break $60bn in 2024), Bassetti cited the complementary nature of this genre to its content and distribution business, and the notable demand from clients, in the decision to launch the new department. The latest push will ramp up the existing efforts already in-play worldwide specifically with documentaries: That Peter Crouch Film (Workerbee for Amazon Prime Video), Human Playground (Scenery and Workerbee for Netflix), Tyson Bruno (Workerbee in association with Sky Studios for Sky), two seasons of La Leyenda de Sergio Ramos (Endemol Shine Iberia for Amazon Prime Studio), Warnie (Endemol Shine Australia, in association with VicScreen for Nine Network), Daum (Doc.Banijay, part of Banijay Productions Germany for Sky) and upcoming Four Kings (Workerbee for Amazon Prime Video).
Elsewhere, Banijay Benelux plays home to leading Dutch sports player, Southfields, which delivers coverage, talk shows, documentaries and more, with highlights including All-in team Jumbo Visma for Amazon Prime Video. And, just this year, Banijay Iberia struck a deal to launch LaLiga Studios, a new sports-related content production company led by Chalo Bonifacino Cooke; and Endemol France acquired Puzzle Media, which is credited for long-running Riding Zone(14 years on France Télévisions). The latter follows additional label launches with sports stars Teddy Reiner, and Blaise Matuidi et Charles Villeneuve.
Banijay CEO, Marco Bassetti, adds to his comments on-stage: “While we’ve already made some considerate moves in sport across our global footprint of talented producers, we wanted to concentrate our efforts in building value in this space. In having a centralised division, we have further capacity to deliver on partnerships, carve greater volume, mobilise digital opportunities, and ultimately, fulfil our ongoing goals to scale the group.”
The news follows Banijay’s recent move into live events via Balich Wonder Studio, which specialises in institutional ceremonies, brand, and destination experiences. The ambition is Banijay Sports will also partner with the former to explore alternative content opportunities that capitalise on its expansive relationships linked to institutional ceremonies and large-scale sporting events.
As Banijay ramps up its efforts in direct-to-consumer digital activity, sports will also give the business a direct route to significant fan bases and youth-skewing demographics.
Comments Off on Banijay Unveils Banijay Branded Entertainment
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today unveils its all-new branded content department – Banijay Branded Entertainment (BBE). Overseen by recently appointed Head of Branded Entertainment Business Development, Carlotta Rossi Spencer, the division is tasked with further evolving the group’s global efforts in this space.
Housed centrally within Banijay, BBE will leverage the group’s expansive global production expertise to deliver against brand briefs both at a local and global level. Tapping into worldwide ad, media, and event agencies, and liaising directly with brands, it will supplement traditional marketing offerings with powerful content that elevates their storymaking capabilities and aids them in bridging deeper connections with their consumers. In doing so, BBE aims to ambitiously expand the volume of opportunities year-on-year across the entity’s 21-territory footprint.
Carlotta Rossi Spencer, Head of Branded Entertainment Business Development, Banijay says: “Crafted stories. Passionately told… BBE embodies the Banijay spirit and reflects our ambitions to drive up our activity in the branded content space. While we have some fantastic producers worldwide already dedicated to this area, we recognised the need to take a holistic approach to agencies and brands alike, and hope to inspire them to dream bigger and bolder, with content that creates powerful connections with their audiences.”
BBE provides centralised support for Banijay’s teams creating branded content around the world – of which there are currently 11, varying from dedicated labels to immersed teams in multifaceted prodcos. Recent successes including Electric Robin’s Live Italian with Birra Moretti and Niall Horan’s Homecoming: The Road To Mullingar with Lewis Capaldi with Guinness, both for Prime Video; Banijay Italia’s Lindt Maître Chocolatier, which aired on TV8 in Italy; and the multi-territory Hairstyle The Talent Show with Alfaparf from Shine Iberia which has produced five local versions covering Spain, Italy, the U.S., Mexico and Brazil. In addition to the in-house production houses, the department will also partner closely with Balich Wonder Studio and Banijay Events on its brand-led activations to extend deal potential.
Comments Off on Banijay Brands Partners with ZURU for MasterChef Mini Range
Banijay Brands, the commercial arm of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces it has partnered with leading toy and consumer goods company, ZURU, to launch a new MasterChef Mini Brands collectables range.
ZURU is one of the largest toy companies in the world, and the creator of Mini Brands, a global phenomenon, shipping over 1.5bn units over the last two years. This new partnership will see a range of miniature MasterChef dishes, to create Mini versions at home, available online and in stores. In addition, the collection will expand into a broad range of mini home products based on the hugely popular MasterChef Arovo range.
Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands says: “MasterChef has a broad global fanbase and this new range will cater to our younger audiences and the MasterChef champions of the future. ZURU is a great partner with its products promoting quality, innovation and creativity – values which are synonymous with the MasterChef brand.”
The multi-award winning, iconic cookery show, created by Franc Roddam, has been wowing global audiences for more than thirty years. There were 56 productions in 2022 – its best year yet. With more than 90 licensees around the world, the MasterChef brand extends into a huge range of successful commercial activities from an extensive range of consumer products, publishing, and the world can engage with MasterChef through live experiences such as cruises.
Comments Off on Banijay Finland Enters The Love Triangle
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces Banijay Finland will produce Love Triangle for MTV3. Known locally as Kolmiodraama, this is the third adaptation for the format originally created by EndemolShine Australia in conjunction with 9Network.
This revolutionary relationship show turns modern dating on its head by challenging singles to redefine their concept of a perfect match. Through texts and calls, they must choose between two people based solely on a deeper connection. One suitor embodies the singles’ ‘type’ whilst the other reflects a partner with qualities that will bring out the best in them. Will they break their dating patterns? After making their choice, the singles move in together, testing the strength of their bond. But remember, a triangle is made of three… Mid-season, these new couples will soon face a shocking make-or-break twist that turns this experience upside down.
Love Triangle is currently airing its second season on Australian streaming service, Stan, following a successful first launch. Workerbee TV (part of Banijay UK) has also revealed it will be adapting the format for E4.
Tatu Ferchen, CEO Banijay Finland says: “Finnish audiences should prepare to be gripped in Love Triangle,as it perfectly addresses modern dating dilemmas fuelled by endless choices on apps and preconceived ideas of what your soulmate will look like. The singles’ journeys are a mix of joy and heartache, promising viewers an emotionally-charged experience packed with drama and surprises.”
Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay adds: “Love Triangle is testament to the creativity and skill of the EndemolShine Australia team in crafting attention-grabbing reality television which global audiences love. We can’t wait to see the local spin added to the Finnish and UK versions, as Love Triangle travels around the world.”
Banijay Finland is behind local versions of numerous hit prime-time shows including Survivor, The Best Singers, Temptation Island and Home of the Year, as well as creating titles such as Chef Around the World.
Comments Off on Yellow Bird Appoints Elin Kvist as VP/Creative Director
Swedish scripted company Yellow Bird, part of Banijay Nordic, today announces it is bolstering its senior management team, with Elin Kvist joining as VP/Creative Director. She will begin the position in January 2024.
Kvist joins from Stockholm-based company FLX, where for three years she has held the post as Head of Drama. The label is behind numerous scripted series, feature films, non-scripted series, and commercials. Notable scripted successes include The Dark Heart, helmed by Gustav Möller, Blinded by Jens Jonsson, and Surburbia, directed by Henrik Schyffert. FLX is also set to release upcoming series Marked for Life, directed by Felix Herngren and Henrik Björn, The Breakthrough, directed by Lisa Siwe, and Stenbeck, helmed by Goran Kapetanovic. Prior to her time at FLX, Kvist spent six years at broadcaster TV4, rising to become Head of Development, Drama.
Elin Kvist comments: “I’m incredibly excited to join Yellow Bird, which has always been a strong producer of high-quality and impactful drama in the Nordics. Whilst there is a lot happening in our industry, the company is well-positioned to continue creating powerful series and films, and to further ramp up the collaboration with the international creative community. I’m really looking forward to joining the next phase of the company’s growth and to achieve great things together with the team.”
Jakob Feeney, CEO at Yellow Bird comments: “Elin’s appointment marks the next step in Yellow Bird’s evolution. There have never been higher expectations on us as producers, both from broadcasters and audiences across platforms, to deliver scripted content with a wide reach that leaves a lasting impact. With Elin joining Yellow Bird, she brings the energy and vision to elevate our scripted slate in Sweden and internationally to the next level.”
Yellow Bird credits include a TV drama prequel to Jo Nesbø’s highly acclaimed, fast-paced corporate thriller Headhunters for CMore, a third run of crime drama Bäckström, as well as well-known hits Threesome and The Truth Will Out. Earlier successes include Millennium Trilogy, Occupied, Rebecca Martinsson and over 30 Wallanderfilms.
Comments Off on By Order Of The Peaky Blinders Gresham Blake Unveils Exclusive Collection
Renowned British fashion designer, Gresham Blake, joins forces with the multi-award-winning Peaky Blinders, for a range of specially curated accessories and clothing items in celebration of the show’s 10th anniversary.
As a long-standing fan of the series, Gresham was inspired by its flawless styling and dazzling fashion. “I admire Peaky Blinders for its impeccable style and attention to detail” says Gresham. “The show’s beautiful 1920s fashion and striking imagery were a great source of inspiration when designing the collection, allowing me to create unique, bold, and timeless pieces.”
To bring to life the exclusive collection of hand-crafted, bespoke pieces, Gresham Blake has worked with some well-known fans of the show, each bonded by a deep, long-standing passion for the iconic series. Ray Winstone, Romesh Ranganathan, Mark Williams, and Tony Pitts join dancers Aishwarya Raut, Max Day, and Alex Soulliere from Rambert (the dance company behind the hugely popular stage show Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby) to star in the launch campaign, wearing Gresham’s exquisite Peaky Blinders creations.
“The collection has modern day wearability whilst echoing the traditional Peaky style’ adds Gresham. “The characters’ confidence and rebellion resonate with my own creative spirit.”
RayWinstone says: “Peaky what a blinder, showcasing lots of new talent. The styling is as sharp as a razor, just like Gresham Blake.”
Romesh Ranganathan adds: “I love Peaky Blinders and the opportunity to join Gresham Blake’s makeshift gang, a designer whose work I think is incredible, was too good an opportunity to miss. Plus, I just wanted to look really cool.”
Gresham Blake’s Peaky Blinders range will be available via a series of online, limited run, drops. To secure access to the limited-edition runs, fans can register interest and pre-order via www.greshamblake.com/peakyblinders & via Instagram @greshamblake. Competitions and giveaways will also be offered via social media.
The first limited-edition accessory drop will go on public release on Tuesday 21st November at 09:00 UK GMT – just in time for buyers to bag the perfect Peaky Stocking Filler.
Drops throughout 2024 will include off-the-peg suits and a series of impeccable, made-to-measure tailored options. Inspired by the 1920’s Birmingham gangsters, each item incorporates Gresham’s renowned sophisticated sartorial twist, sense of fun and attention to detail.
Echoing the values synonymous with the Peaky Blinders brand, Gresham Blake is known for his distinctive, innovative designs and meticulous attention to detail. His designs often incorporate elements of British heritage, whilst pushing the boundaries of traditional tailoring with his unique style and impeccable craftsmanship. He established his brand, Gresham Blake, in 1999 and has since gained recognition for his bold and daring approach to menswear. Gresham Blake takes pride in producing durable garments through “slow fashion” involving fairtrade and environmentally conscious workshops and mills.
Peaky Blinders was created and written by Steven Knight (SAS Rogue Heroes, Taboo, See, Great Expectations). The series is produced by Caryn Mandabach Productions and co-produced with Banijay UK’s Tiger Aspect Productions. The global Peaky Blinders brand is owned by Caryn Mandabach Productions. Distributed by Banijay Rights, it has sold in more than 183 countries and is widely available internationally on Netflix.
Banijay Brands, the commercial arm of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, represents the critically acclaimed series, which enjoys international brand success across multiple categories including gifting, live experience, apparel, accessories, and essentials. Officially licensed products are proving a hit with consumers and retailers, with over 40 licensees across multiple territories.
Max Day, Aishwarya Raut and Alex Soulliere are part of the cast of Rambert‘s Peaky Blinders: the Redemption of Thomas Shelby, an explosive and exhilarating performance inspired by the TV series. Adapted for the stage by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and choreographed and directed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer, the show returns to stages around the country from September 2024. Ahead of that, Rambert will mark 10 years of Peaky Blinders with a new dance theatre film Peaky Blinders: Rambert Dance which will be aired on the BBC later in the year, following a limited cinema release.
Comments Off on Banijay Appoints Małgorzata Perkowska-Czaja as MD, Endemol Shine Poland
Banijay today confirms new leadership for its Warsaw-based outfit, Endemol Shine Poland, appointing Małgorzata (Gosia) Perkowska-Czaja as Managing Director. A leading local executive, she will be tasked with evolving the business’ slate, diversifying its offering to identify new revenue streams, and strengthening and innovating its commercial strategy to futureproof and bolster growth. In line with the hire, the label will now fall under the Banijay Germany group umbrella, with the role reporting to Endemol Shine Germany’s MD, Fabian Tobias.
Endemol Shine Poland alumni Perkowska-Czaja joins from Rochstar, where she has spent a year as MD, responsible for devising and executing the label’s market and sales strategies to ensure a broadening of its client base. She also led on deal negotiations, format and film development, as well as commercial diversification and expansion. Previously, she spent seven years at Endemol Shine Poland, leaving as director of non-scripted sales. Here she oversaw the company’s slate of hit entertainment formats and super brand executions including MasterChef and its spin-offs and Big Brother for TVN; All Together Now and Family Food Fight for POLSAT; The Wall (and international hub) and Don’t Forget the Lyrics! for TVP; and Fort Boyard for Viaplay, as well as branded content and commercial deals for a number of its titles.
Marco Bassetti, Chief Executive Officer, Banijay comments: “A formidable leader, Gosia joins Endemol Shine Poland with an impressive track record in the local and international content space. With a breadth of experience spanning production and commercial strategy, complimentary values, and familiarity with Banijay and the company’s local team, she is very well-equipped to fulfil our ambitions in the Polish market, and I am sure under her stewardship we will see the label and its slate thrive.”
Małgorzata Perkowska-Czaja comments: “Endemol Shine Poland has built a reputation for high-quality entertainment, and re-joining the business as MD, I am looking forward to exploring new opportunities to diversify the slate and build on its performance in all genres. While the market is challenging right now, I have no doubt that via innovation and creativity, we can capitalize on new technologies and avenues for growth, cementing the company as the region’s number one and go-to for clients.”
In addition to her most recent roles, Perkowska-Czaja served for seven years as Head of Development and Sales, and producer for Golden Media/Mastiff Media Poland, having spent between 2004 and 2008 as production manager at Endemol Poland/Endemol Netherland – her first stint at the company. A varied career spanning leading global brands, she has also held a number of freelance positions, as well as posts for Reuters, VRT, CNBC and TVP. In addition to her professional credentials, she occasionally lectures at the National Film School in Łódź.
The news follows Ryszard Sibilski’s decision to step down from the business.
Comments Off on Banijay UK Appoints Leon Wilson as CEO of Shine and Zeppotron
Ex Talkback and Thames Managing Director and Co-Founder of Great Scott Media, Leon Wilson, has been appointed by Banijay UK CEO Patrick Holland as CEO of Shine and Zeppotron.
This announcement follows the news earlier this month regarding Shine TV’s Managing Director Jon Swain’s decision to step down from his role at the end of the year.
This overarching, executive role is tasked with the management of Shine, developing and broadening the range of its original IP, as well as overseeing its established slate including BBC’s MasterChef super-brands, Hunted and Celebrity Hunted and new Channel 4 streaming hit, Banged Up.
Leon will work with Creative Director Tim Whitwell, MasterChef Executive Producer David Ambler and the wider Shine team as the company continues to expand across streamers and broadcasters within factual, reality and entertainment.
Meanwhile, Zeppotron Managing Directors Ruth Phillips and Peter Holmes will work closely with Leon as they push into the streamer market and establish their exciting new slate of comedy/ents/reality formats to sit alongside their existing much loved brands such as BBC One’s Would I Lie to You? and Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Patrick Holland, CEO Banijay UK said of the appointment; “As well as being a brilliant creative, Leon has phenomenal amounts of energy, enthusiasm, and insight. I’m so delighted that he’s chosen Banijay for the next chapter of his impressive career and I know that the teams in Shine and Zeppotron will benefit greatly from his expertise.”
Leon Wilson added; “I can’t wait to start in this new role and work with the fantastically talented teams at Shine and Zeppotron. I love prisons, being hunted, eating, lying and four fifths of cats … as well as winning new commissions. It’s literally a dream come true.”
Leon was Managing Director of Talkback, followed by Managing Director of a combined Talkback and Thames between 2013 and 2019.
During this time, he consistently grew the businesses’ turnover and won a raft of new business; creating, selling and overseeing shows including Too Hot to Handle (Netflix), Harry’s Heroes: The Full English (ITV1), multiple Leigh Francis projects (Celebrity Juice, Through The Keyhole, and The Keith & Paddy Picture Show), Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow (ITV), Jon Richardson’s Ultimate Worrier (Dave) and Your Face or Mine (Comedy Central).
Most recently, Leon founded Great Scott Media with Ed Sleeman backed by All3 Media. The indie quickly grew a yearly turnover to £14m, with commissions including Love Trap (C4) and 10-part Netflix reality series Dated & Related. Earlier in his career, Leon worked on The Graham Norton Show, Dame Edna, Fantasy Football and The Friday Night Project.
Leon takes up the role at the end of the month and will report to Patrick Holland.