Comments Off on The Osbournes FAST Becomes New Channel
Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces the launch of The Osbournes FAST Channel, in a move that will see the iconic US reality series made available on free ad-supported services for the first time.
The Osbournes launches this month on Rakuten TV, LG Channels, Xumo Play, TCL, VIZIO, Sling Freestream,Plex, Anoki and VIDAA across the US, UK and Canada.
The channel comprises all seasons of original reality series The Osbournes (2002-2005), which followed the domestic lives of rock star Ozzy Osbourne, his wife Sharon, their children Jack and Kelly, and their dogs in a raw, warts and all look within the inner circle of ‘The Prince of Darkness’. The Osbournes achieved the highest ratings in MTV history and in 2002 won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Program.
Complementing this is The Basement Tapes – a new fly on the wall series which sees comedian Amy Miller join Ozzy, Sharon and the family as they rewatch all episodes from the original series, taking a comedic and reflective look on their lives 20 years ago.
Shaun Keeble, VP Digital, Banijay Rights, said: “The Osbournes are not only one of the world’s most influential families, but their series is one of the most important reality series of all time – providing some of the most outrageous and entertaining TV moments of the last few decades. To leverage this show’s catalogue and launch the family to the FAST stratosphere is an exciting moment for us at Banijay Rights. We are sure new audiences will enjoy discovering this iconic family while fans of the original series will enjoy reliving their incredible television moments.”
The Osbournes builds on Banijay Rights’ success in the global FAST channel market, which last year saw the distributor launch The Mr Bean Animated and Live Action FAST channels – now published across 34 different territories and 10 platforms.
Comments Off on Banijay Media Germany and Innovation Media Launch Strategic Partnership with Combat Sports Live Event
Content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment today announces a strategic partnership between Banijay Media Germany, the creative and marketing agency of Banijay Germany, and European martial arts and live events specialists, Innovation Media. Coinciding with the agreement, the companies unveil their first collaboration, The Ultimate HYPE – a live martial arts event, confirmed for 4 October in Germany.
Combining Innovation Media’s extensive experience in live events and martial arts, and Banijay Media Germany’s expertise in ticketed events, marketing and multi-platform distribution, the two companies will build on the growing popularity of combat sports – as demonstrated by significant broadcast deals and platform partnerships for the likes of UFC, Professional Fighters League, ONE Championship and Bellatour. Together, they will develop, produce, market, and distribute bold and original martial arts entertainment through social and TV formats, and live events.
The Ultimate HYPE, taking place at Rudolf Weber Arena in Oberhausen, will feature top reality stars and creators competing in a variety of combat disciplines including boxing and MMA. Participants will receive professional training over the coming weeks and months, which will be documented for audiences.
Christian Nienaber, Managing Director of Banijay Media Germany says: “Boxing and martial arts are booming, supported by millions of enthusiastic fans online. We’re doing something new – training celebrities and creators in various disciplines, accompanying them, and letting them compete against each other live. Ultimately, it’s the symbiosis of live event and storytelling across media, and with Innovation Media, we’ve found the perfect partner.”
Ingrid Langheld, Managing Director of Banijay Media Germany adds: “We’ve previously worked with Innovation Media in the area of ticketing for high-profile martial arts events. Now we’re joining forces and building our first project together with The Ultimate HYPE. I’m very excited about this partnership!”
Lukas Band, Managing Director of Innovation Media comments: “Live events in the field of martial arts and entertainment are our passion. With The Ultimate HYPE and Banijay Media Germany, we are taking the next step and offering fans and viewers even more, live on-site, and at home, with a fantastic evening gala, red carpet, music acts, and, of course, fighting – plus exclusive content across all platforms.”
Tickets for “The Ultimate HYPE” on October 4, 2025 at the Rudolf Weber Arena in Oberhausen can now be reserved at ultimatehype.de and myshow.de.
The strategic partnership echoes Banijay Entertainment’s wider growth in the sports genre, following its launch of Banijay Sports, and through live events, which is spearheaded by Banijay Live, its dedicated live event and experiences business
Comments Off on First-Ever MasterChef Creators Edition Launching in Brazil with YouTube
Content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment today confirms MasterChef Creators, a new production from Endemol Shine Brasil, in partnership with YouTube. Echoing Banijay Entertainment’s wider growth in branded entertainment and its efforts to bridge the gap between creators and creatives, the new extension is supported by LATAM Airlines. Comprising three episodes, it will air weekly from 6 May on the MasterChef Brasil YouTube channel.
A digital warm-up for the show’s upcoming linear season, the series builds on MasterChef Brasil’s significant online presence, uniting six of the country’s top food influencers to recreate iconic dishes in the famous kitchen. Under the supervision of judges Helena Rizzo, Henrique Fogaça, and Erick Jacquin, with hosts Fih and Edu (Diva Depressão channel), the winner will receive a grand prize of R$200,000.
Mare Leal, Director of Branded Content, Endemol Shine Brasil says: “The success of this format online, with millions of views and interactions, helps MasterChef Brasil expand its business opportunities. Creating this special edition with a major partner like YouTube further strengthens our brand’s journey. Moreover, it is an opportunity for brands to connect with the creators’ audiences and the engaged community of show fans, which in this edition, includes support from LATAM Airlines.”
Esly Paiva, Google’s Head of Content Projects, adds: “The partnership between YouTube and Endemol Shine Brasil stems from our Brand Solutions division’s ongoing mission to translate trends, and create relevant initiatives for brands and audiences. By featuring creators as both hosts and contestants in MasterChef Creators, we strengthen their connection with fan communities and the show’s followers. Additionally, we celebrate the growing trend of YouTube content consumption on connected TVs, by leveraging a classic television format. This project gains further strength with LATAM Airlines as a sponsor, recognising the value of the initiative and authentically connecting with the show’s concept, as we will see throughout the episodes.”
MasterChef is a multi-award-winning cookery format which has been changing lives for decades. Represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment, MasterChef was created by Franc Roddam and has been commissioned in more than 70 markets, with over 700 seasons aired around the world. To-date, MasterChef Brasil has run for 11 successful series on Band, and has enjoyed a number of successful spin-offs including last year’s newest iteration, MasterChef: Dessert Masters. It has also garnered an impressive social media community, attracting more than 25 million people to MasterChef Brasil digital content, with over 668,000 online mentions and over 7 billion organic impressions.
Endemol Shine Brasil is behind many of the region’s top unscripted and scripted series including The Wall (Globo, Telefe, Chilevisión, Canal 10, Caracol Televisión), All Together Now (Record TV, Caracol Televisión), Deal or No Deal (SBT), Family Food Fight (SBT, Amazon Prime), The Four (Record TV), and Dancing With The Stars (Record TV).
Comments Off on Nordisk Banijay and TV 2 Check Celebrities into The Fortune Hotel
Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces a Norwegian adaption of gripping strategy game show, TheFortune Hotel, marking the third territory to commission the format. This first-ever celebrity edition, produced by Nordisk Banijay for TV 2, is set to premiere later this year. Originally created and produced in 2024 by Tuesday’s Child for ITV1 and ITVX, The Fortune Hotel also sold to Sweden and is represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment.
In the Norwegian edition, 11 celebrity pairs check in to a lavish hotel, where the stakes couldn’t be higher. Each pair receives an identical briefcase, but only one contains a life-changing cash prize, while another holds an “Early Checkout” card. As the tension builds, each pair must navigate intense challenges, unexpected twists, and dramatic case-swapping at the hotel’s Lady Luck bar. In the thrilling finale, only one pair will remain, taking home the coveted grand prize. The UK version reached 3.1 million viewers and enjoyed 5.9 million streams on ITVX, and returns for a second series later this year.
Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquisitions, Banijay Entertainment says: “What sets The Fortune Hotel apart is not just its glamourous setting, but the high-stakes drama from the game’s suspenseful twists and nightly case-swap. It’s a gripping game of trust, tension and strategy, elevated by the power-plays and alliances the pairs form. We see potential in this format expanding internationally, and believe this version will be particularly exciting for Norwegian audiences.”
Erlend Hernø Røeggen, CEO Nordisk Banijay adds: “This format thrives on tension, tactical alliances, and suspenseful decision-making, all set against the backdrop of a luxurious, sun-drenched hotel. With celebrities also in the mix, we expect The Fortune Hotel will attract audiences looking for pure escapism and thrilling drama.”
Banijay Entertainment continues to expand its third-party portfolio with a complementary range of successful formats, including 99 to Beat, which recently launched in the UK and Italy; The Bloody Game, returning to Norway; and Genius Game, coming to the UK soon, presented by David Tennant. Other titles include The Game of Wool from Hello Halo, part of STV Studios; Korean reality format My Name is Gabriel, produced for JTBC and Disney+; factual-entertainment format, Atypical Critics, created, developed, and produced in French-Canada by Pixcom; heist-themed gameshow, The Infiltrators from Cowshed Studio; and riotous game show Clone Heads from Objekt.
The Fortune Hotel joins Nordisk Banijay’s impressive slate which includes Are You For Real?, All Against 1, Born Winners, Portrait Artist of the Year Norway, and long-running hit 71 Degrees North.
Comments Off on RTÉ, in association with Banijay Rights and Screen Ireland, announces new John Butler Comedy-Drama ‘These Sacred Vows’
RTÉ, in association with Banijay Rights and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, announces These Sacred Vows. The new comedy-drama series is written and directed by award-winning Irish screenwriter John Butler, about an Irish wedding in Spain; a week of day-drinking and chaotic nights where secret fears, jealousy and desire bubble to the surface.
With a stellar Irish cast including Tom Vaughan-Lawlor (Love/Hate, Avengers: Infinity War/Endgame), Justine Mitchell (Derry Girls, Smother), Jason O’Mara (Agents of SHIELD, The Man In The High Castle) and India Mullen (Normal People, Say Nothing), the show starts production on location in Tenerife today (Monday 7 April).
Banijay Rights will handle the global distribution of the series. The show will be produced by Rob Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan from Award-winning Irish independent production company Treasure Entertainment, whose credits include the John Butler feature films Papi Chulo, Handsome Devil and The Stag along with the IFTA-winning TV sketch show Your Bad Self, Paddy Breathnach’s Oscar-shortlisted Viva and most recently John Carney’s Flora and Son and his upcoming Power Ballad. These Sacred Vows was commissioned by David Crean, Acting Head of Drama, RTÉ.
These Sacred Vows series (6 x 60min) opens the morning after the wedding, when the body of a priest is found floating face-down in the swimming pool of the young guests’ villa. Over the course of six episodes, the action jumps back in time to revisit the key events of a wild previous week, each from the perspective of a different character.
Fr. Vincent is played by Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, mother-of-the-bride Sandra by JustineMitchell, father-of-the-bride Jerry by Jason O’Mara (Smother, The Man in the High Castle). The cast also includes Adam John Richardson (Vikings: Valhalla, The Dry), Tom Hanson (Brassic, The Outlaws), Jade Auguste (His Dark Materials, Trauma), Aaron Heffernan (Brassic, Femme) and Aoife Hinds (Normal People; Dune Prophecy). Also joining the cast are Irish comedians Shane Daniel Byrne and Catherine Bohart.
Executive Producers of These Sacred Vows are for RTÉ David Crean, Acting head of Drama and Dermot Horan Director of Acquisitions and Co-Productions; Rob Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan will produce for Treasure Entertainment; Cathy Payne and Simon Cox for Banijay Rights and Kate McColgan for Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
David Crean, Acting Head of Drama RTÉ said: “RTÉ is excited to bring John Butler’s brilliant new drama to screen. His story leaps of the page with life and fun and naughtiness and will be such a treat for Irish audiences in what is a big year for RTÉ drama . These Sacred Vows underlines RTÉ’s commitment to showcase the very best of Irish talent and deliver a range of fantastic local drama to audiences in Ireland.”
John Butler, who recently wrote and directed on three series of The Outlaws with Stephen Merchant for BBC One and Amazon Prime (winning an RTS award), added: “I love the idea of six films of the same style, all set in the same place on successive days, with each of those characters experiencing the madness of an Irish wedding very differently. Irish weddings are unique – and uniquely mad – and can be related to by everyone because (as with vermin) you’re never too far away from the looming spectre of Someone’s Big Day.”
Rebecca O’Flanagan and Rob Walpole for Treasure “We are so happy to working with our collaborator and friend John Butler on this bitingly funny yet moving project. John is a master at combining the sublime with the ridiculous and never more so than in these beautifully crafted scripts. RTE have been enthusiastic supporters of this project from the very first verbal pitch; Screen Ireland have been long time supporters of our work with John; and to have Banijay on board across global distribution rounds out the finance beautifully. In front of the camera we have assembledour dream team of established talent and exciting fresh faces. We are so excited for this one”.
Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights: said: “With a stand-out script, acting line-up and creative team, These Sacred Vows is set to be the latest in a long line of hit TV dramas to hail from Ireland. We’re excited to build on our long term relationship with RTÉ as the international partner on this returnable drama, which we are presenting to the market later this year.”
Kate McColgan, Head of Television, Fís Éireann/ Screen Ireland said: “Screen Ireland is delighted to support the production of These Scared Vows. I would like to congratulate John Butler and the entire team at Treasure for creating a very clever, funny and compelling television series that will be destination viewing, not just for Irish audiences, but for those who love great TV around the world. Screen Ireland is very proud to have supported John Butler throughout his career and we look forward to Irish audiences seeing this major TV series on RTÉ next year.”
Comments Off on Screentime New Zealand and LUMA Partner to Scale Up Magic for Queenstown
Screentime New Zealand, part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces its investment in the award-winning Southern Light Orchestra Project, LUMA, as it partners with the SILO team to bring a brand-new, family-friendly night walk to Queenstown. Hosted at the town’s Kiwi Park, a five-acre wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of New Zealand’s native species, tickets for LUMA Enchanted go live on 25th April, with the experience running through winter 2025.
Aligned with its home – Kiwi Park, which is home to over 20 species of native birds and reptiles as part of nationally managed conservation programs – LUMA Enchanted offers visitors an immersive, mystical experience centred around New Zealand’s unique wildlife. Previously a cornerstone arts and culture event, LUMA will now for the first time lean into Screentime New Zealand’s unrivalled track record in scripted television production, to combine artist installations with expert storytelling, taking the offering to the next level. Transforming the setting with the latest in light and sound technologies, the united team will deliver an innovative sensory experience that will enhance the natural beauty of the park and its important conservation message.
Philly de Lacey, CEO, Screentime New Zealand, comments: “For over eight years, LUMA has been key to Queenstown’s annual calendar of events. In bridging its specialism in light and sound with our expertise in drama and entertainment, we recognized we could bring added value by scaling up the experience. We have always believed storytelling doesn’t have to be confined to one medium, and thanks to Banijay Entertainment’s entrepreneurial spirit, we have the freedom to flex. Through LUMA Enchanted, we hope to showcase the power of storytelling in a way that transforms this unique event into an unmissable, immersive spectacle.”
Duncan Forsyth – LUMA Originator, comments: “Whilst working on our long-term plan for LUMA, we were approached by a collaborator from last year’s event. Screentime NZ approached us with an opportunity to take LUMA into the next chapter. Having worked closely with the team before—including when they captured some incredible moments for ‘A Remarkable Place to Die’ at LUMA24—we knew they understood the heart and soul of the event. This partnership allows LUMA to evolve in a new home at Kiwi Park, with Screentime bringing their expertise in storytelling and production to create LUMA Enchanted. We’ve had a glimpse of what’s to come and we’re excited to help bring this new experience to life.”
Richard Wilson – General Manager, Kiwi Park, comments: “Kiwi Park is passionate about protecting and showcasing New Zealand’s native wildlife, and LUMA Enchanted is a fantastic way to highlight this in a completely new light. Partnering with LUMA and Screentime New Zealand allows us to combine conservation with creativity, offering a unique experience that brings the park to life in an immersive way. This event will not only provide visitors with a magical journey through our landscape but also support our ongoing conservation efforts. We’re excited to see the park transformed and to share this special experience with the community and visitors alike.”
As a family-owned and operated sanctuary, Kiwi Park is committed to wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, and education, making it the perfect setting for this reimagined event. By merging storytelling, creativity, and environmental awareness, LUMA Enchanted will offer visitors a one-of-a-kind night-time experience that not only captivates but also contributes to the park’s conservation efforts, ensuring that each ticket purchased helps support the protection of New Zealand’s native species.
Tying in with LUMA’s original ethos, LUMA Enchanted is dedicated to connecting people and engaging local artists to support local businesses, education, and creative networks. As an annual activation, each year it will enjoy a creative overhaul to ensure continued originality in concept – enthralling attendees time and time again.
With Screentime New Zealand’s investment and storytelling expertise, LUMA, previously a five-day festival, has now been supercharged into a winter-long ticketed event, set to become a whimsical, awe-inspiring spectacle for tourists and local families alike. In taking residency at Kiwi Park, this new offering will not only transform the visitor experience but also bring added exposure and support to one of Queenstown’s most important conservation hubs. Visitors can expect the experience to take roughly 45 minutes to one hour.
The announcement follows Screentime New Zealand’s recent unveiling of Remarkable Studios, Queenstown’s largest wet weather cover and first studio facility. Since opening in Q4 2024, the site has played home to numerous high-profile production crews, illustrating the city is a leading home for film and television.
Adding LUMA Enchanted to its offering, Screentime New Zealand illustrates its ongoing commitment to supporting Queenstown’s economic growth, spurring employment along with both business and leisure tourism. The move will be supported by the team at Banijay Live, Banijay Entertainment’s dedicated live event and experiences business, with the view to long-term international roll-out.
Comments Off on Banijay UK lands solid position in Broadcast Indie Survey
Banijay UK demonstrated a stable 2024 performance in this year’s Broadcast Survey, posting revenues of £576.9m for 2024, +2% on 2023. The territory’s CEO Patrick Holland pointed to the “rebalancing of the slate to 50/50 scripted/unscripted” and “the robustness of the slate of returning shows, and how it’s been able to rejuvenate slates, particularly pushing towards streamers”. The figures landed as Last One Laughing UK, produced by its labels Initial and Zeppotron, secured a strong performance on Prime Video.
Comments Off on House of Games Goes Down Under! Claire Hooper Hosts the First International Adaptation
Hands on buzzers! It’s time to play Claire Hooper’s House of Games. The ABC is thrilled to announce the hilarious new nightly quiz show will premiere Monday, 21 April at 6.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
Hosted by one of Australia’s favourite stand-up comedians Claire Hooper, the play along at home quiz show will seefour celebrity players battle it out each week to test their skills in an entertaining series of trivia-based puzzles, riddles and brain teasers.
Host Claire Hooper says: “Well, I’m officially doing my dream job. House of Games, the UK cult favourite quiz show, is now here at the ABC. Each weeknight, before the news, I, Claire Hooper, will be testing celebrities with a series of ridiculous brain games and laughing when they struggle – in a fun way! Play along at home and work out if you’re smarter than the weekly lineups of my great mates”.
Each Monday to Friday night, four competing celebrities will back it up as Claire dishes out a different mix of head-scratching games all designed to fuel the celebrity players’ competitiveness and test their mental prowess.
Stepping up to the podium is an eclectic mix of famous faces, including Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm, television personality Jamie Durie, celebrity cook Julie Goodwin, ABC presenter favourites Costa Georgiadis and Zan Rowe, actor and performer Eddie Perfect and comedians Lizzy Hoo, Rhys Nicholson, Nazeem Hussain and Geraldine Hickey.
Following a quick-fire round, a nightly winner is declared each episode, awarding them bragging rights and their pick of the kitsch-inspired ‘House of Games’ merchandise. Who wouldn’t want to walk away with their very own ‘must-have’ salad spinner or fun fondue set?
At the end of the week points are then tallied and an overall weekly winner will be crowned champion and awarded the highly coveted ‘House of Games’ trophy.
Fun, witty and full of surprises, Claire Hooper’s House of Games is a limited series game show where the quiz is king, but the game will make you grin.
Always free and Always entertaining,watch all your favourite comedy and entertainment programs on ABC iviewnow.
Comments Off on Deal or No Deal Returns to Mexico and US Hispanic with EndemolShine Boomdog
Content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment today announces the highly-anticipated return of Deal or No Deal to Mexico (“LO TOMAS O LO DEJAS”) and the US Hispanic market after a five-year hiatus. Produced by EndemolShine Boomdog, with post-production by Wide Angle, both part of Banijay Americas, the hit game show is set to air on TelevisaUnivision’s Las Estrellas in Mexico and UniMás for US Hispanic audiences, with 60 thrilling episodes of high-stakes decision-making and unforgettable moments.
Presented by fan-favourite, actor and host Paul Stanley, Deal or No Deal Mexico challenges contestant’s intuition as they select from sealed briefcases, each containing mystery cash amounts, all while negotiating offers from the elusive Banker. With $100,000 USD at stake, every decision matters, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
One of Banijay Entertainment’s most enduring hits, Deal or No Deal has been adapted in over 80 territories, with more than 350 productions since its 2002 Dutch debut. Recent reboots in UK, and South Africa, along with record-breaking viewership in Italy, highlight the format’s lasting appeal. The recently announced Swedish edition for TV4, produced by Meter/Jarowskij in partnership with the Postcode Lottery, marks its return after 11 years.
Alejandro Rincón, Chief Executive Officer of EndemolShine Boomdog, says: “Deal or No Deal delivers gripping yet simple gameplay, delivering much-see entertainment. This high-volume, 60-episode commission marks a significant move by TelevisaUnivision, and is set to build a loyal following of both new and returning fans in both Mexico and across the US Hispanic market.”
Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay Entertainment says: “We are witnessing a global resurgence in game shows, with Deal or No Deal leading the charge. The return to Mexico and the US Hispanic market is testament to the format’s incredible, enduring ability to engage and excite broad audiences of all generations.”
EndemolShine Boomdog, part of Banijay Americas, is the Spanish-language producer behind some of the most important television brands in Mexico and the United States. Based in Mexico City, EndemolShine Boomdog produces top non-scripted and scripted series including International Emmy nominated series Me Caigo de Risa, Los 50, ¿Quién es la Máscara?, La Casa de los Famosos, La Casa de los Famosos México, MasterChef Celebrity, and global hit drama Como Agua Para Chocolate among many others. With a commitment to delivering top-tier content for Mexican, Latin American and US Hispanic audiences, the company continues to bring globally successful franchises to the market.
Comments Off on Scenery and AGC Unwritten to Launch Docu-Series on Infamous Scammer Hushpuppi
From CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, Scenery, a joint venture with Banijay Benelux, today announces Hushpuppi, a limited documentary series co-produced by AGC Unwritten, the non-scripted unit of AGC Studios (Netflix’s The Tinder Swindler), and African streamer Showmax. The three-parter marks the first partnership for the three companies and chronicles the unbelievable true story of the world’s most famous scammer. With production underway, and release expected in 2026, streamer Showmax has pre-acquired exclusive distribution rights for the African market, with the rest of the world available.
The series follows Hushpuppi’s transformation from humble beginnings in the impoverished neighbourhoods of Lagos, to international playboy flaunting his wealth with celebrities. But the reality was much more sinister. Trading on his notorious story to amass a seven-figure following on Instagram and infamously posing as a business tycoon, the international crime boss bankrolled it all with huge global cons. But that arrogance put him on the FBI’s radar and ultimately landed him in a US prison.
Lea Fels and Isidoor Roebers, Producers at Scenery: “This docu-series is an extraordinary tale about a kid from one of the poorest places in Nigeria that became a sought-after international criminal mastermind with millions of online followers. Bringing extensive experience in creativity and investigative journalism, AGC Unwritten is the ideal partner to bring this gripping story to life, and with Showmax onboard for African audiences, we are excited to showcase this new title to others in the market at CPH: DOX this week.”
Joel Zimmer, President AGC Unwritten: “We’re excited to partner with best-in-class companies like Scenery and Showmax, to bring this compelling and globally relevant story to life. Hushpuppi was adored by millions of followers who bought into his rags-to-riches business success, but his story is a cautionary tale of how easily social media can distort reality and how easily even sophisticated businesses can fall victim to clever cons.”
Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment for Multichoice and Showmax: “With Hushpuppi, Showmax continues to cement its reputation for producing world-class content, born in Africa – and we’re collaborating with other major global players to put our work firmly in the spotlight it deserves”.
Hushpuppi is produced by Scenery’s Lea Fels and Isidoor Roebers, and AGC’s Stuart Ford and Joel Zimmer, and co-produced by Showmax. It has been developed by creative producer Besma Lachhab from Scenery and Joel Zimmer and Matthew Horowitz for AGC, together with directors Sam Soko, an Emmy, Peabody, and PGA Award-nominated filmmaker based in Nairobi, Kenya; and Lauren DeFilippo, a New York-based filmmaker whose documentary Red Heaven was nominated for a SXSW’s Grand Jury Award. CAA’s Media Finance Group was involved in the packaging and financing of this series.
Comments Off on Screenline, StudioFact and Le Parisien Develop L’Arnaqueuse de Kiabi (W/T)
From Series Mania in Lille, Banijay France today announces Screenline Productions, StudioFact Stories, and newspaper Le Parisien, will jointly-develop new drama series, L’Arnaqueuse de Kiabi (W/T). The title is inspired by the ongoing Aurélie B case, which has captured the public opinion since October last year.
Based on the investigation and exclusive revelations from Le Parisien, the series will explore the story of Mrs Aurélie B, the former treasurer of fashion brand Kiabi, who allegedly embezzled over €100 million. An unassuming woman, she is accused of reportedly exploiting financial loopholes for over a decade to fuel an extravagant lifestyle. After a meteoric rise, it all came to a head when she was arrested by authorities in August 2024, but to date, she is presumed innocent, with the case ongoing.
Alexia Laroche-Joubert, President and CEO of Banijay France, and Frédéric Lussato, Screenline Productions say: “We recently made a strong debut into drama, and this new project keeps the momentum to deliver immersive and impactful stories that align with market expectation. The Aurélie B case is a fascinating story of alleged deception and fraud, driven by a complex, romantic character with a dark side. With Le Parisen and StudioFact by our side, we are confident this series will find its audience, especially those drawn to tales inspired by true events.”
Jacques Aragones and Roxane Rouas-Rafowicz, Directors and Founders of StudioFact Media group and Ivan Sadik, Managing Director of StudioFact Stories say: “The story of Aurélie B fits perfectly into StudioFact’s mission – to portray life in its shadows and its light. With the power of investigative journalism, we will bring this extraordinary case to life, crafting a drama that is as gripping as it is revealing.”
Screenline Productions launched in July 2023 and is behind Prime Video hit Culte, a fictional story inspired by a true event, the launch of Loft Story (Big Brother) in France, starring Anaïde Rozam, César Domboy, Sami Outalbali, Marie Colomb and Nicolas Briançon.
Banijay France is home to the industry’s best local and international talent, and boasts an ever-growing portfolio of premium, high-impact content, with titles like Shine Fiction’s Apple+ series Carême, international hit Marie Antoinette, Alain Goldman’s Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Montmartre Films for Netflix, and Montmartre, a co-production between Authentic Prod and TF1.
Comments Off on Banijay Rights Courts Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light in Australia
Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces that FoxtelGroup in Australia has acquired Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, as part of a raft of global deals for the BBC and MASTERPIECE PBS drama series.
The 6 x 60’ historical series has also been acquired by European channel ARTE, SVT in Sweden, NRK in Norway, YLE in Finland, DR in Denmark, HRT in Croatia, TVCine Channels in Portugal, YES in Israel, RTV SLOVENIJA in Slovenia, Freedom Media in Kazakhstan, BBC First in New Zealand and, as previously announced, Movistar Plus+ in Spain, in deals negotiated by the Banijay Rights sales team.
All broadcasters have acquired the critically acclaimed and award-winning first series – Wolf Hall – as part of their agreements.
Produced by Playground (All Creatures Great and Small, The Hardacres) and Company Pictures (Van Der Valk, Blood) for the BBC and MASTERPIECE PBS, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light is based on the final novel of Hilary Mantel’s award-winning trilogy. The series premiered on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Sunday 10thNovember 2024 in the UK and launched on PBS’ MASTERPIECE on Sunday 23rd March 2025 in the US.
Lyle Bettson-Barker, SVP Australia & New Zealand, Banijay Rights, who brokered the Foxtel Group deal, said: “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light boasts an extraordinary array of talent in front of, and behind, the camera and follows on seamlessly from one of the most critically acclaimed TV series of the last decade. The inner workings of Henry VIII’s court have long been fascinating to global audiences so we are excited that Foxtel is on board to take Thomas Cromwell’s navigation of this world to a whole new viewership.”
Colin Callender, Executive Producer, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, said: “Intimate, thrilling, and deeply moving, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light is as contemporary as ever – a story of loyalty and betrayal that just happens to be about people 500 years ago. The series received a rapturous response from critics and audiences alike when it premiered in the UK and we are delighted that through the good services of our partners at Banijay Rights the series will be seen by audiences all around the world.”
Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light sees Academy Award-winner Mark Rylance reprise his BAFTA-winning role of Cromwell, with Emmy Award-winner Damian Lewis returning as King Henry VIII. Directed by BAFTA award-winning Peter Kosminsky (The Undeclared War, The State) and adapted for television by recent Academy Award-winner Peter Straughan (Conclave, Tinker Tailor Solider Spy), the seriesfollows Thomas Cromwell as he continues to navigate the moral complexities of the Tudor court following the execution of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife.