Lisa Earnshaw, Author at Banijay Group - We are Banijay

Cris Abrego and Eva Longoria Join Forces to Launch Hyphenate Media Group

16th October 2023 3:32 pm Comments Off

Leading entertainment executive and entrepreneur Cris Abrego and celebrated director, producer, and activist Eva Longoria announced today that they have formed a new media holding company and premium content studio, Hyphenate Media Group. The new venture will invest in creator-led enterprises as well as develop and produce its own slate of original programming. Abrego will serve as the CEO of the company, and Longoria will serve as its Chief Creative Officer. Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, led by Chairman Stéphane Courbit and CEO Marco Bassetti, where Abrego has served as Chairman of the Americas since 2020, has made a strategic investment in the new business to accelerate its growth.

The announcement was made by Abrego and Longoria during a dedicated keynote at MIPCOM Cannes: The Future of Content: What Comes Next?

Collaborators for twenty years, Abrego and Longoria have identified a number of creator-led enterprises with proven leadership and the potential to scale and will dedicate the initial phase of Hyphenate Media Group’s growth to building out its portfolio of partners. As the industry finds itself at an inflection point, Hyphenate offers an alternative model, supporting creator-entrepreneurs as they build their own production companies and develop a slate of projects to sell independently. The new venture will drive the creative output and deal-making capacity of each partnered company through capital investment, brand development, and the collaborative advantage and infrastructure provided by Hyphenate’s core leadership team.

With an eye towards capturing the rapidly evolving marketplace, which is driven by an ever younger and more diverse audience, Hyphenate Media Group will leverage its co-founders’ commitment to address the industry’s urgent demand for ground-breaking premium content with an inclusive approach and broad appeal. As a destination for visionary multi-hyphenate creator-entrepreneurs, Hyphenate is poised to provide the entertainment industry with a business solution by enabling a multiplicity of connections to audiences around its different brands.

To jumpstart its own independent studio function, Hyphenate Media Group has acquired the full slate of UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, the independent production label founded by Longoria in 2005 and behind titles such as Telenovela, Grand Hotel, and Searching for Mexico. UnbeliEVAble Entertainment projects will be folded into the core operations of the new business, with Hyphenate taking over and advancing the entire lineup as well as developing new scripted and unscripted programs. Its first title, Apple TV+’s Land of Women, is expected to be released in 2024. Both Abrego and Longoria will produce exclusively for the new company, and all television projects directed by Longoria will be produced under the new banner.

Abrego and Longoria are currently in negotiations with several key executives and anticipate announcing their leadership team later this year.

Cris Abrego, Co-Founder and CEO, Hyphenate Media Group: “With Hyphenate Media Group, Eva and I are building an engine for culture-defining content by investing in visionary multi-hyphenate artists and providing these extraordinary creative leaders with the resources and infrastructure they need to scale their businesses. Through capital, brand development, and the leadership provided by Hyphenate, we will drive their creative output, enhance their deal-making capacity, and grow their brands, building franchises driven by original IP. Over the course of my career, I have scaled multiple production studios, starting with my own and, more recently, on behalf of Banijay. I have known Stéphane and Marco for many years, and I am grateful to count on their support and investment in this next chapter.”

Eva Longoria, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Hyphenate Media Group: “With Hyphenate Media Group, Cris and I are leveraging the power of the creative industry’s greatest resource, the multi-hyphenate, to help meet audiences and the industry where they are. We are answering the industry’s call for premium inclusive content with broad appeal and an undeniable point of view. Our intention is to provide greater financial participation for makers, creators, talent, and entrepreneurs – the Hyphenates. Given the multiple transformations that our business is undergoing, I cannot think of a better time to lean into makers, who are the essential drivers of the creative enterprise.”

Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay: “Hyphenate Media Group is a studio with a truly unique perspective. Combining Cris’ standout creative leadership with Eva’s reputation as a celebrated producer, director, and activist, this is a powerful home where multi-hyphenate voices can truly tell inclusive mainstream stories. And, with an ambitious vision, unrivaled credentials, and an impressive growth trajectory, this marks the perfect first strategic investment for us in the U.S. scripted market; a space we’d explored for some time but never, until now, found the right fit to cut through.”

Renowned as an entrepreneur, entertainment executive, award-winning producer, showrunner, and philanthropist, Abrego serves as Chairman of the Americas for media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay. He previously served as CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings, where he grew the company aggressively by scaling several acquisitions under its banner, including Endemol Shine Boomdog, Endemol Shine Brasil, and Truly Original. As co-founder and CEO of 51 Minds Entertainment in 2003, Abrego was one of the pioneers of the celeb-reality genre with breakthrough unscripted formats such as The Surreal Life and the many spin-offs it generated. He grew that company from its boutique beginnings to be a major unscripted studio acquired by Endemol five years later. Abrego also serves as Chair of the Television Academy Foundation, the charitable pro-social arm of the Television Academy, and as a member of the Executive Committee for the Television Academy.

Celebrated globally for her breadth of work in front of and behind the camera, Longoria founded production company UnbeliEVAble Entertainment in 2005, soon after her breakthrough onscreen role on Desperate Housewives. The prolific company has since been behind hits including Grand Hotel (ABC), Telenovela (NBC), the Emmy Award-nominated documentary Reversing Row (Netflix), and the celebrated culinary docuseries Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico (CNN), distributed by Banijay Rights and available at MIPCOM 2023. Named by Variety as one of its “Directors To Watch” in 2023, Longoria made her feature directorial debut with the critically and audience-acclaimed Flamin’ Hot, released earlier this year by Searchlight Pictures on Disney+ and Hulu. The film was Searchlights Pictures’ most streamed premiere ever. Longoria also directed and produced the Sundance-premiered and critically acclaimed documentary La Guerra Civil, chronicling the historic bout between boxing legends Oscar de la Hoya and Julio César Chávez, which will be released by DAZN in 2024. A dedicated philanthropist and activist, she has consistently lent her voice to a range of key issues, including diversity and inclusion in the media, Latina entrepreneurship, and STEM education.

Cris Abrego remains Chairman of Americas for Banijay alongside his role of Co-Founder and CEO, Hyphenate Media Group.

About Hyphenate Media Group

Led by entertainment executive and entrepreneur Cris Abrego (Co-Founder and CEO) and celebrated director, producer, and activist Eva Longoria (Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer), Hyphenate Media Group is a new media holding company and premium content studio that aims to capture audiences through ground-breaking and culture-defining content.

In addition to developing and producing its own slate of original scripted and unscripted programs, Hyphenate invests in creator-led production companies, scaling these enterprises through capital investment, brand development, and the infrastructure and collaborative advantage provided by Hyphenate’s core leadership team.

To jumpstart its own studio function, Hyphenate acquired the full slate of UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, the independent production label founded by Longoria in 2005 and behind titles such as Telenovela, Grand Hotel, and Searching for Mexico. Hyphenate’s first title, Apple TV+’s Land of Women, is expected to be released in 2024.

About Banijay

Launched in 2008, media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, is home to over 130 production companies across 21 territories, a multi-genre catalogue boasting over 180,000 hours of original standout programming, and a complementary live entertainment business – Banijay Events.

Imagining and delivering high-quality, multi-genre IP that was born locally and travels globally, the business offers the best stories told the best way, and represents some of the biggest global brands in the market including Survivor, Big Brother, Peaky Blinders, MasterChef, Rogue Heroes, Marie Antoinette, Mr Bean, Love Triangle, Hunted, The Summit, Black Mirror, Blow Up!, and Starstruck among others.

Built on independence, creative freedom, collaborative entrepreneurialism, and commercial acumen, the company, operates under the direction of Chief Executive Officer, Marco Bassetti. It is under his leadership, the business has grown to reach €3.2bn in revenues and €472m in EBITDA for 2022.

Scenery Partners with Sarah Jessica Parker and Banijay Rights on Front Row

8:50 am Comments Off

Scenery, a joint venture with Banijay Benelux, today announces it is partnering with Sarah Jessica Parker’s Pretty Matches Productions on Front Row, a feature-length premium documentary following a group of talented Ukrainian ballet dancers, produced in collaboration with Banijay Rights. The Emmy-award winning producer and actress will serve, alongside The Ruderman Foundation, as Executive Producer with Scenery (Human Playground for Netflix) producing.

Front Row is directed by Miriam Guttmann (multi-award-winning director of Seeds of Deceit) and is represented globally by Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay.

In this extraordinary feature, Guttmann follows a group of Ukrainian dancers in exile, as they form a new ballet company, ‘United Ukrainian Ballet’. While performing Alexei Ratmanskiy’s version of ‘Giselle’ in Washington D.C., Alexis, one of the leading ballet dancers, befriends Oleksandr, a front-line soldier, who lost both his legs in battle on the Ukrainian border with Russia. A friendship forms and Oleksandr is welcomed into the rest of the ballet company. Subsequently joining the ballet company, he remains even more determined to dance with his disability.

A tale of adversity, the devastation of war remains evident through video calls between the dancers and their families back home, contributing to a deep sense of survival guilt among the dancers, especially given Oleksandr’s condition. Through collaborative choreography and performances, the Front Row, and the front line, symbolically merge, emphasising the strength and resilience of everyone involved.

Sarah Jessica Parker is an award-winning actor, producer, and businesswoman. Parker starred as Carrie Bradshaw on the HBO television series Sex and the City (1998-2004), a role she reprised on the HBO Max show And Just Like That which premiered in 2021. Parker served as an executive producer for both series. She recently starred on Broadway opposite her husband, Matthew Broderick, in the revival of one of the great American comedies, ‘Plaza Suite’, which will be showing at London’s Savoy Theatre for the very first time from Wednesday, January 17th through Sunday, March 31st.

Parker also currently serves as a Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for the New York City Ballet.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Executive Producer, Pretty Matches Productions: “Front Row puts perseverance and the human condition on display against the punishing backdrop of war. Giving these dancers an international platform to tell their stories through the power, beauty and grit of ballet is a profound honor.”

Isidoor Roebers, Founder and Producer Scenery: “Front Row is set to be a fascinating insight into the world of ballet, showcasing the unwavering determination and dedication of a group of dancers from Ukraine. Front Row is a nuanced and multi-layered piece, giving a sneak peek into an untapped world of dance and adversity. Sarah Jessica’s involvement in the project, thanks to our partnership with CAA, will undoubtedly add an enriching and inspiring dimension, making it an unmissable title for buyers around the globe.”

Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, said: “We were captivated to join Scenery in producing this incredible story from the outset and now with the equally passionate Sarah Jessica Parker on board, we are excited to present this feature documentary to the international market.”

Front Row is made possible with the support of the Netherlands Film Production Incentive and Banijay Rights, which will globally distribute the title. Sarah Jessica Parker and Alison Benson executive produce for Pretty Matches Productions, with co-executive producer Claire Demere and associate producer Gaby Edwards. The film is supported by executive producers The Ruderman Foundation and Bart Meuter.

The film is currently in postproduction and is expected to be complete in early 2024.

The project joins Banijay’s prestigious slate of documentaries unveiled for MIPCOM 2023.

Banijay Rights to represent music documentary features The Musical Mind: A Portrait in Process and My Name’s Ben Folds, I Play Piano

14th October 2023 5:04 pm Comments Off

Banijay Rights today announces it has the global distribution rights to theatrical feature documentary The Musical Mind: A Portrait in Process and feature concert film My Name’s Ben Folds, I Play Piano, as MIPCOM 2023 gets underway this week.

Both films come from powerhouse South Australian team of Oscar-nominated director Scott Hicks and celebrated producers Kerry Heysen and Jett Heysen-Hicks, with their world premieres set for this month’s prestigious Adelaide Film Festival.

The Musical Mind: A Portrait in Process explores the power of the musical brain. Inspired by the 25th anniversary of his movie Shine, director Scott Hicks reveals the creative process of elite international musicians, with unprecedented access to their private worlds, processes, and obsessions. The film Shine is the linking device between four musicians /contributors: David Helfgott (subject of the original movie), celebrated musician Ben Folds, Australian rock star Daniel Johns, and Simon Tedeschi, who was hand double for the young David in the original movie.

My Name’s Ben Folds, I Play Piano is a symphonic concert spectacle featuring Emmy award-nominated composer and rock maestro Ben Folds with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. The film offers unique coverage of the rock pianist including the remarkable creation of a new song from scratch, live onstage, via audience participation when Folds achieves the extraordinary feat of inducing the crowd to sing a choral refrain in three-part harmony.

Both documentary features are Beyond May 30 Entertainment productions in association with Banijay Rights.

Cathy Payne, CEO, Banijay Rights, said: “These are two unique and highly entertaining premium documentary features that showcase world class musical talent and the inner workings of their craft. Both are excellent additions to our MIPCOM line-up and we’re in no doubt they will be highly sought after by international buyers in Cannes.”

Scott Hicks added: “I’m delighted to be working with Banijay Rights on the release of my latest music-based documentary features, celebrating superstar musicians in their private worlds and exploring their unique creative processes.”

Both features join Banijay’s outstanding slate of titles at MIPCOM including documentary highlights Four Kings (w/t) and Moulin Rouge: Yes We Can Can, as well as The Other Mrs Jordan, Sharon and Ozzy: Home to Roost, Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy and The Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson. These autumn highlights complement the 172,000 hours of globally renowned, stand-out IP within Banijay’s catalogue.

Visit us at C.20 in front of the steps of the Palais des Festivals.

EndemolShine Nederland Turns Entertainment Upside Down

13th October 2023 5:03 pm Comments Off

Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces a brand-new format from EndemolShine Nederland, part of Banijay Benelux. Original game show, Upside Down, will reside on RTL 4 and is set for international travel via Banijay.

In this feel-good family entertainment game show, the studio is literally turned upside down. Each episode sees two celebrity teams undertake all kinds of topsy turvy challenges and Q&A games unlike anything they have seen before, because everything in this innovative format, is upside down. Taking studio entertainment to new dimensions and testing the celebrities’ agility, teamwork, and quick thinking, the challenges comprise everything from physical stunts to brain-teasing quizzes, guaranteeing a hilarious adrenaline-fueled experience for both contestants and viewers alike.

Set to premiere next year on RTL4, Upside Down promises to keep viewers entertained as they try to decipher, which way is up?

Rob van der Vleugel, Managing Director EndemolShine Nederland comments: “This striking format brings a new dimension to entertainment, and we look forward to viewers enjoying the excitement and humour as their favourite celebrities compete in this gravity-defying game. With a strong visual identity, Upside Down offers a memorable viewing experience suitable for a wide audience of all ages.”

James Townley, Chief Content Officer Development at Banijay adds: “This new mind-bending format offers a fresh and exhilarating take on the genre, delivering truly unmissable entertainment for a broad audience to enjoy together. EndemolShine Nederland is known for its creative ambition, and it’s great to see them develop another bold and innovative show with international potential.”

EndemolShine Nederland, part of Banijay Benelux, creates and delivers high-class multi-genre productions including Big Brother, LEGO Masters, Deal or No Deal, as well as ideating new formats like Blow Up, which recently aired its second season on RTL4, with local adaptations in Germany, New Zealand and Australia; and Domino Challenge, adapted in France.

Banijay Kids & Family to Represent Animated Series Charlie and Lola

12th October 2023 10:18 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 it has acquired the rights to preschool animation series Charlie and Lola.

A Tiger Aspect Kids & Family property, the series has won numerous industry accolades, including multiple Children’s BAFTAs. The iconic series, which combines 2D cut-out style animation and photomontage with a children’s voice cast, is based on the award-winning picture book series by Lauren Child. There have been three seasons to-date, totalling 78×11’ and 2×22’ episodes, which first launched on CBeebies in 2005.

Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay Kids & Family says: “Charlie and Lola is a really strong, evergreen property which continues to attract young global audiences. I am such a huge fan of this series and with our strengthened commercial capabilities across distribution, digital and licensing, we feel there is huge potential for us to amplify the brand internationally.”

Tiger Aspect Kids & Family (a Banijay Kids & Family company) is a multi-BAFTA-winning production label, which works in live action and animation, from preschool through to family content. It has created iconic series including Mr Bean: The Animated Series, Aliens Love Underpants, Tinga Tinga Tales, Danny & Mick, Corpse Talk, and the recently announced Super Happy Magic Forest.

Banijay Kids & Family is part of media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay.

Family Channel and POP Pounce on Shasha & Milo

10th October 2023 11:53 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 new sales for original comedy-action seriesShasha & Milo.

Through Banijay Kids & Family’s distribution arm, Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution, POP (UK) and WildBrain’s Family Channel (Canada), have acquired the Zodiak Kids & Family France (part of Banijay Kids & Family) and Pingo Entertainment-produced series.

The 25 x 22’ episodes and 12 x 2’ shorts are centred around two 12-year-olds, Shasha and Milo, as they juggle everyday life, alongside their secret roles as the Crescent Island Guardians. Combining action and comedy, our protagonists are tasked with protecting the island from villainous cats and their plots to gain ultimate power, whilst navigating their own ability to transform between human, cat, and a formidable hybrid form.

Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay Kids & Family says: “From its inception, we believed that Shasha & Milo was going to resonate with global audiences, and these latest sales are testament to its universal appeal. With the combined talents of Zodiak Kids & Family France, and Pingo Entertainment, the series incorporates strong storytelling and stunning visuals, for a premium kids show, which evidently, is in high demand.”

Francesca Newington, Director, POP Channels, says: “The hugely entertaining Shasha & Milo cleverly combines exciting superhero action, feel-good comedy and thrilling storylines. It’s a magic formula which we know our devoted POP viewers are going to love! POP is the UK’s largest commercial children’s channel, where the adventure and laughter never stops, and so we’re thrilled that Shasha & Milo is going to be a brilliant addition to the channel portfolio. We can’t wait to bring this fantastic, fun-filled franchise to UK Free TV screens.”

Warner Bros. Discovery Latin America, Tencent (China) and EBS (Korea) have previously been confirmed to broadcast the upcoming series.

Shasha & Milo is a co-production between Zodiak Kids & Family France (a Banijay Kids & Family company) and Pingo Entertainment. Benoît di Sabatino, Gary Milne and Hee Seok Shin are Executive Producers. Seul Gee Yoo is Co-Director and Creative Producer, and Hyeong Min Kim is Co-Director.

Pingo Entertainment exclusively controls all rights in Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia, Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution controls international distribution rights in the rest of the world.

Young People Embark on SimpelZodiak’s The Life Trail

6th October 2023 10:54 am Comments Off

Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces SimpelZodiak, part of Banijay Benelux, will produce adventure reality The Life Trail for Videoland. This eight-part series was developed by SimpelZodiak and RTL Creative Unit, together with Nasrdin Dchar, Walid Benmbarek, and Erik Wegewijs.

Society is more complex than ever, and young people are among those struggling with their mental health, their self-esteem, and the question of how to approach challenges life throws their way. In The Life Trail, eight young people will embark on a life-changing adventure through Switzerland to improve their psychological wellbeing and overcome their greatest challenges. For some, that is depression and loneliness, whilst for others it could be struggling with their gender identity. Well-known Dutch actors Nasrdin Dchar and Walid Benmbarek will also face the intense challenges and accompany the team as they head towards the finish line, guided by the inspiring Erik Wegewijs (SAS: Who Dares Wins), a former member of the Royal Netherlands Army’s elite special forces unit (KCT). At the end of the show each person that completes the trip will be able to open their bespoke prize, a gift designed to spark their dreams.

Justine Huffmeijer, Managing Director at SimpelZodiak says: “This new format is authentic, emotional, and a real journey of self-discovery. The Life Trail is a balance between celebrity-led and relatable moving content, and we hope to empower audiences and those taking part. It has been great to work with RTL Creative Unit, Nasrdin Dchar, Walid Benmbarek and Erik Wegewijs to bring this format to life.”

James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay adds: “Set amongst a breathtakingly cinematic background this new IP brings a fresh angle to adventure reality as it is intimate and addresses authentic mental health issues many young people face. SimpelZodiak and RTL Creative Unit have beautifully captured this, and alongside motivational and engaging talent, have developed a format ripe for adaptations.”

SimpelZodiak is a specialist in reality, adventure, crime and factual entertainment, with the aim of telling stories with impact, which leave viewers inspired and entertained. Amongst its slate is Good Luck Guys, Hunted, Survivor, SAS: Who Dares Wins and Your Home Made Perfect.

Banijay Checks in at The Fortune Hotel

5th October 2023 3:04 pm Comments Off

Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay today announces it has acquired the global distribution rights to new ITV1 and ITVX reality entertainment series, The Fortune Hotel.

In a deal negotiated by Banijay Rights with Tuesday’s Child – the producer behind hit competition reality format, LEGO® Masters (with 20 versions produced globally) – Banijay will represent the format, with distribution arm, Banijay Rights, handling finished tape sales for the new primetime series, which invites viewers into a luxury Caribbean resort filled with glamour, opulence and deception.

Hosted by Stephen Mangan, the 8 x 60’ series will see 10 pairs of contestants arrive at The Fortune Hotel, where they will each be given an all-important briefcase. However, only one plays home to the ultimate cash jackpot of £250,000… Eight are empty, and one contains the dreaded Early Checkout Card – whichever pair is left holding that at the end of each show will see their stay brought to a dramatic, and premature, end.

The Fortune Hotel will launch on ITV1 and ITVX in 2024, produced by creators Tuesday’s Child who also retain the rights to produce the format in the US.

Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquisitions, Banijay and Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights said in a joint statement: “Building on our excellent long-standing partnership with Tuesday’s Child, we’re thrilled to now partner on The Fortune Hotel, the edge-of-your-seat competition series that provides twists aplenty in a fabulous sunny location. We’re excited by the potential for this format to travel across our production footprint and beyond and are in no doubt both format and finished series will resonate globally with viewers worldwide.”

Karen Smith, Managing Director, Tuesday’s Child, added: “We’re delighted to, once again, be working with Banijay on this new high-paced event series, continuing our ever-fruitful partnership which began with global format sensation LEGO Masters.”

Every day The Fortune Hotel contestants have the chance to try to uncover who has which case through playing compelling challenges, and as the “Whogotit” mystery ramps up for the hotel guests, viewers at home will remain deliciously in-the-know throughout, witness to all of their plans and strategies playing out.

The climax of each episode is the nerve-shredding case swap in the seductive Lady Luck bar where each pair must decide whether to keep or swap. Have the couple with the life-changing sum of cash managed to bluff and blag their way free of suspicion? Or will their case be ruthlessly taken off them? And who will be left holding the Early Checkout Card?

Ben Wilson is Series Editor for Tuesday’s Child with Steph Harris as Executive Producer.

Banijay Unveils Compelling Documentary Line-Up for MIPCOM 2023

4th October 2023 1:45 pm Comments Off

Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay today reveals its formidable line-up of premium documentaries for MIPCOM 2023. Showcasing the best new titles from its in-house collective of filmmakers and acquisitions from Banijay Rights, the slate reflects its growing commitment to this field and burgeoning portfolio of leading titles.

The diverse new offering includes Banijay’s Four Kings (w/t) and Moulin Rouge: Yes We Can Can; as well as third-party Banijay Rights-distributed titles, The Other Mrs Jordan, Sharon and Ozzy: Home to Roost, Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, and The Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson.

James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay comments: “Accompanying an expansive development slate, these latest hot picks represent our rapidly expanding documentary portfolio, which is brimming with new, high-end programming, showcasing world-class talent and offering broadcasters and viewers an insightful, visual journey into some extraordinarily thought-provoking and fascinating subjects.”

Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions at Banijay Rights says: “This year’s slate is packed with engaging and eye-opening content, from unbelievable true crime to stimulating takes on food through its importance in global cultures to insights in globally recognised individuals. This selection of new titles along with the rest of the expansive slate continues to elevate our premium factual offering.”

During one week in 1993, half a billion people tuned into the biggest week in the history of British boxing.Four Kings (w/t), from Workerbee, part of Banijay UK, for Amazon Prime Video, is the story of four men from the same London neighbourhood who heralded a golden era and changed the way Britain viewed its black athletes. 30 years on, the documentary series will revisit the notorious rivalries of Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn; and Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno, combining archive footage of the clashes, and newly-captured exclusive interviews that reveal their tough struggles with mental health issues outside the limelight. The series is Executive Produced by Kevin Macdonald (Whitney, Janet, Bruno V Tyson).

Moulin Rouge: Yes We Can Can is a Dragonfly (a Banijay UK company) production for BBC Two and explores one of the most iconic cabarets in the world, and while synonymous with Paris, is actually run by a Brit… This six-part arts documentary follows artistic director Janet Pharaoh as she recruits a new cohort of dancers from Britain, all desperate to be cast in the Moulin Rouge’s high-kicking spectacular shows. Viewers are given a sneak-peek behind the scenes of the specular world-famous home of cabaret, to tell the story of the 450 staff members and creatives who meticulously ensure each night runs smoothly.

Banijay Rights internationally distributes third-party title The Other Mrs Jordan, a unique three-part documentary boxset for ITVX that explores the cat-and-mouse tale of a serial bigamist, fraudster, father, and psychopath who left a trail of destroyed lives all over the world. The title is produced by Circle Circle Films and October Films.

Famous family The Osbornes are used to cameras following their every move, but in Sharon and Ozzy: Home to Roost, we will see a different side to notorious heavy metal singer, Ozzy, and television personality and music manager, Sharon Osborne, as they return to Britain after over 20 years living in the US. This series documents their move home, as well as their children Kelly and Jack’s efforts to support them as they restart their lives in rural Buckinghamshire. The series is produced by Expectation for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Banijay Rights holding global distribution rights.

Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico, and Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, are CNN Original series produced by Raw TV, following the award-winning actors as they explore the rich culture, landscape, and cuisine of their ancestors. Banijay Rights handles global distribution for these globe-trotting travelogues outside the US.

The Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson chronicles the events that shaped British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his meteoric rise to power, and his extraordinary premiership. Hearing from his friends, enemies, and through rare archive footage, the 72 Films production for Channel 4 will give insight into his actions, his ambition, and the real events that have influenced modern British politics.

Banijay is supercharging its documentary offering by bringing together the best in-house Banijay productions from across the footprint, with premium third-party titles, all available to broadcasters and platforms around the world. The diverse catalogue includes titles like Lara from BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning director, Mags Gavan, and produced by Scenery, part of Banijay Benelux; and That Peter Crouch Film from Workerbee for Amazon Prime Video, an in-depth look at one of modern football’s most unique and beloved stars.

Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution Acquires Moominvalley

3rd October 2023 12:09 pm Comments Off

Banijay Kids & Family today announces its distribution arm, Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution, will represent all four seasons of the animated family drama series, Moominvalley. Inspired by the much-loved Moomin stories by Tove Jansson, it is produced by Finnish production company Gutsy Animations in collaboration with YLE and Sky and, additionally, Viaplay for the fourth season.

The Emmy®-nominated series brings the Moomins into 3D with a unique visual style combining high quality CGI and painterly effects. It is a whimsical, coming-of-age story of family and friendship, which explores humanity, relationships and emotions, as the Moomins work together to restore harmony to their titular home. The series also features a high-profile voice cast, including Rosamund Pike, Bel Powley, Warwick Davis, Matt Berry, Akiya Henry, Jennifer Saunders, Will Self, and Julian Barratt.

Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay Kids & Family says: “Moominvalley is a beautifully crafted animation, with timely themes of the environment, sustainability, and respect for nature, all of which will strongly appeal to our buyers globally. This is such an iconic brand that resonates with audiences of all ages and across borders, and it is a wonderful, complimentary addition to our diverse and exciting portfolio of titles.”

Katherine Senior, Head of International Sales, Gutsy Animations says: “I am delighted to be working with the great team at Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution to expand our international reach of the award-winning Moominvalley series. I am certain we will be bringing our animated family drama to many more homes around the world.”

The award-winning Finnish content creator Marika Makaroff is creative director of Moominvalley. The series director of the first two seasons is the Oscar®-winning Steve Box (The Curse of the Were-Rabbit). Season 3 is directed by the episode directors from previous seasons; Nigel Davies, Sara Barbas (Final Call), Darren Robbie (Doc McStuffins) and Jay Grace (Shaun the Sheep). Season 4 series director is Nigel Davis (Shaun the Sheep Movie). Season 1 is produced by the BAFTA®-winning producer John Woolley (Shaun the Sheep), Season 2 by Louise Holmes (Shaun of the Sheep) and Seasons 3 and 4 by Stephen Dorrance (Happy!). Head writers for the first three seasons are the Emmy®-winning writing duo Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler (Peter Rabbit). Season 4 head writer is Diana Whitley (House of Anubis).

The 3D animation is made at Anima Vitae – a Finnish animation studio located in Helsinki and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The score music is composed by the acclaimed percussionist Samuli Kosminen, multi-instrumentalist Jarmo Saari and violinist Pekka Kuusisto.

Banijay Reveals Premium Scripted Slate for MIPCOM 2023

9:49 am Comments Off

Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay today reveals its array of stellar scripted titles for MIPCOM 2023 with This Town, Three Little Birds, Fallen, Murder in Hanko, Brocéliande, and Rivière-Perdue, headlining the offering for international buyers.

Cathy Payne, CEO Banijay Rights says: “With new angles, gripping scripts, and clever character development, we are heading into MIPCOM with a strong slate which is sure to capture the attention of broadcasters and platforms worldwide. These titles are great additions to our rich catalogue, reflecting the evolving market and our commitment to representing the best content out there.”

Christian Wikander, Global Head of Scripted at Banijay comments: “This portfolio of fantastic stories is a testament to the distinct identities and unrivalled creativity of the talent and labels across the Banijay footprint. As well as resonating with a wide audience, scripted titles like La Caza. Monteperdido which is being adapted for France as Rivière-Perdue, are perfect for local remakes with their compelling narratives and universal themes. Collaboration continues to be at the heart of what we do, and with multiple co-productions amongst this offering, it is great to see our companies partnering with those in the wider industry to maximise and ensure the reach of innovative, original ideas.”

The UK continues to offer a strong slate of premium scripted with This Town, a major new drama from Peaky Blinders and SAS Rogue Heroes creator, Steven Knight, set in a world of family ties, teenage kicks and the exhilarating music of a generation. This Town tells the story of a band’s formation against a backdrop of violence, capturing how creative genius can emerge from a time of madness. The series is produced by Kudos, part of Banijay UK, and Nebulastar for the BBC, and co-produced with Mercury Studios, in association with Kudos North.

In addition, Three Little Birds, from Tiger Aspect, in association with Douglas Road Productions (both Banijay UK companies), for ITV and BritBox International, tells the story of three woman who travel to Britain from Jamaica in the late 1950s to start a new life in the ‘mother country’. It is a triumphant celebration of immigration, community and the strength of Black womanhood inspired by the story of writer and Executive Producer Sir Lenny Henry’s mother and all those who have travelled from one country to another to make a new home.

From the producers of Bron (The Bridge), Top Dog, and Beck, is Fallen, the highly-anticipated crime drama created and written by Camilla Ahlgren, the screenwriter behind iconic series Bron (The Bridge), along withMartin Asphaug and Alex Haridi. Starring Sofia Helin and Hedda Stiernstedt, it is produced by Filmlance, co-produced with C More, TV4, ZDF, and Film i Skåne.

Jarowskij Finland is also meeting the demand for strong crime series with Murder in Hanko. Set for Nelonen and Ruutu, it sees Vera, a police officer, become entangled in a murder investigation and the return of her estranged father, Ruben. Exploring familial ties amidst a shocking and tense backdrop, the gripping series is based on author Matti Remes’ Ruben Waara novels.

Banijay is also highlighting Brocéliande, the latest thriller from Banijay France’s Shine Fiction in co-production with Les Films du Printemps for TF1. Is it just a coincidence that renowned biologist Fanny Legoff is the last person to see two people before they disappear? Will she be able to prove her innocence and find out who is really behind these crimes?

Rivière-Perdue, a co-production between Terence Films and Gétévé Productions, along with TF1, is the first adaptation of La Caza. Monteperdido, the hit drama based on Agustín Martínez’s best-selling novel of the same name, which Banijay Iberia’s DLO Producciones created. With tremendous casting the series centres around the mysterious reappearance of Anna five years after going missing. Commissioner Balthus and Captain Alix Stern must embark on a race against time to piece together what happened and find Lucie who disappeared at the same time.

With over 60 scripted production labels within Banijay, these titles join a strong slate of premium diverse fiction that includes drama, series, and feature films. The portfolio includes critically-acclaimed hits including The Sixth Commandment, streamer commissions like Carême and Billionaire Island, and returners including Rogue Heroes, Marie Antoinette, Anonymous, The Rig, Beck, Domina and more. Banijay also represents scripted formats available for adaptation including familiar titles such as Bron (The Bridge), Penoza,Broadchurch, Younger, and newer titles including Anonymous, Fallen, Dance Brothers, Soul Sister and Then You Run. 2023’s hot picks follow a strong year of around 130 launches for Banijay in 2022, of which 70% were non-English language.

Banijay Spotlights Adventure, Reality Competition and Factual in its Autumn Line-Up

2nd October 2023 11:18 am Comments Off

Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay today reveals its autumn slate of non-scripted formats set to be showcased at MIPCOM 2023. With an unprecedented line-up of six premium multi-genre titles, the content champion is set to enter the market with bang, as it unveils its upcoming hits to the world’s linear and streaming clients…

Banijay’s Creative Networks is highlighting original blockbuster adventure reality series, The Summit, Rush and Shaolin Heroes, as well as reality competition formats Deal or No Deal Island and Buddy Games. In addition, the company is strengthening its factual reality offering in BANGED UP (w/t).

James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay comments: “Last year alone, Banijay delivered 145 new format launches, and in 2023, our incredible creatives continue to raise the bar with new, high-quality, original ideas that are already capturing audiences around the globe. From The Summit to Buddy Games, we see fantastic potential in this slate as it truly captures audience desire for attention-grabbing, entertaining shows packed with adventure, that are unique and scalable. We look forward to finally showcasing these innovative titles to our clients worldwide at MIPCOM, leveraging the strength of our brilliant teams whilst on-the-ground in Cannes.”

This year’s autumn slate offers exhilarating adventure reality series including two new formats from EndemolShine Australia with 9Network; The Summit and Rush. Set in New Zealand’s southern Alps, The Summit sees a group of strangers carrying an equal share of money, but to win the cash, they must reach the peak of a distant mountain in just two weeks. All that stands in the way, are a series of adrenaline-charged challenges and the unpredictable elements of human nature. Elsewhere, Rush is the new travel adventure series where twelve everyday people are dropped into the heart of some of the most pulsating cultural festivals, huge events, and exotic locations. They are without all their senses, and knowledge of their location, and must work together to complete the missions set by the host and reach the “Escape Zone”. The last team to get there is forced to eliminate one member of their team until only one person emerges to scoop a life-changing prize.

From Metronome is Shaolin Heroes for TV 2 Denmark, where celebrities undertake the ultimate test by embarking on a transformational journey alongside world-class Shaolin Masters. By surrendering to the ancient and uninterrupted traditions of the legendary Shaolin Warrior Monks, the celebrities will find unexplored facets of themselves they never knew existed.

Meanwhile, on the reality competition front, the iconic format Deal or No Deal is back, but like you have never seen it before… In a new spin-off created by Endemol Shine North America for NBC, Deal or No Deal Islandsees cases hidden all over an island with millions of dollars split between them, which contestants compete to retrieve, so they can play a game of Deal or No Deal against the Banker. The banker’s challenges are pulse pounding and mind-bending designed to test every facet of the contestants, as they try to secure the most valuable cases to play Deal or No Deal. Mystery and millions await in this new format that transforms the iconic game show into an innovative social experiment.

Airing on CBS is Buddy Games, which adapts the comedy directed by, and starring, Josh Duhamel, into areality competition format. Produced by Bunim/Murray Productions, “ride or die” friends get the chance to relive their glory days and compete in an assortment of absurd physical and mental challenges in the outdoors while bunking together in the same lake house. To celebrate the launch of this brand-new title to the world, Josh himself is making his way to the French Riviera to join executive producer and President, Bunim/Murray Productions, Julie Pizzi down at MIPCOM.

Showcasing the diversity of Baniijay’s slate is BANGED UP (w/t), created by Shine TV for Channel 4. In this fact-ent format, which veers into the documentary space, six male celebrity inmates will be incarcerated in a UK prison environment alongside their criminal cellmates. There they will interrogate the criminals on their prison experiences and crimes – all while experiencing the impact of the prison system themselves – for better or worse.

Banijay will be holding exclusive invite-only masterclass sessions during MIPCOM, where they will lift the lid on the all the details of these next generation entertainment formats. The new offerings join renowned long-running superbrands like Big Brother, Survivor, and Deal or No Deal, which are all returning to the UK later this year, as well as travelling returners, Star Academy, Save the Date, Love Triangle, The Fifty, Popstars, andThe Block.

News regarding Banijay’s scripted and documentary slates for MIPCOM to follow…

Author Archives: Lisa Earnshaw