Mariah John-Leighton, Author at Banijay

Banijay Rights Unveils Bosé Renacido at Content Americas Ahead of Icon’s Tour

16th January 2025 11:58 am Comments Off

Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces it is including revealing documentary boxset series Bosé Renacido amongst its line-up at Content Americas 2025 in Miami next week.

Produced by Shine Iberia (Banijay Iberia) for Spain’s Movistar Plus+, this landmark 4 x 60’ series explores the extraordinary life and career of legendary pop singer and actor Miguel Bosé. The documentary covers pivotal moments of Bosé’s life, from his childhood with his culturally iconic family and rise to international stardom, to his personal journey of fatherhood and his current life in Mexico.

The launch of Bosé Renacido coincides with Miguel Bosé’s highly anticipated 2025 concert tour, which spans Mexico, Latin America, and the US from February to December.

Michelle Wasserman, SVP Latam, US Hispanic & Brazil, Banijay Rights, said: “Bosé Renacido gives a deep and compelling insight into the fascinating life of one of Latin music’s most influential figures, Miguel Bosé. With intimate and exclusive access to Bose’s incredible personal and professional milestones, this documentary is a must-have for broadcasters seeking captivating factual programming at Content Americas, and beyond.”

Macarena Rey, Executive Producer of ‘Bosé Renacido’ and CEO of Shine Iberia, added: “I called Miguel when he was writing his book and told him: if you really want to tell your life story, it’s time to make an exclusive and unique documentary series. This is ‘Bosé Renacido’, a wonderful journey in which Bosé and 50 other people who appear in the documentary share unpublished anecdotes, details of their personal and professional lives, curiosities and a personal archive that is a real gem. Miguel has more lives than a cat, he is a life and another life and another life, that’s why it’s called ‘Renacido’. Today, a few months after its premiere, the series is the most watched non-fiction format in the history of the Spanish TV platform Movistar Plus+.”

An international artist with a career spanning almost five decades, Bosé stands as an iconic figure in both the music and film industries. He has sold more than 30 million records worldwide and starred in landmark films like Pedro Almodóvar’s High Heels.

Born in Panama City to actress Lucia Bosé and famed bullfighter Luis Miguel Dominguín, Bosé grew up immersed in the world of art and culture, mentored by family friends such as Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway.

Bosé Renacido forms part of Banijay Entertainment’s extensive slate of scripted, non-scripted and format titles for Content Americas 2025, which includes scripted series Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light and format MasterChef: Dessert Masters. Michelle Wasserman, SVP Latam, US Hispanic & Brazil, Banijay Rights, and Ivania Zamora VP Sales, Banijay Rights, will be in attendance at the market.

Since 2012, Shine Iberia has produced hit shows in Spain and Portugal, with home-grown content, as well as local adaptations from Banijay Entertainment’s diverse catalogue, including MasterChef and third-party formats such as Next Level Chef, Sewing Bee and The Voice Portugal. Shine Iberia also creates premium branded content such as Hairstyle: The Talent Show, producing five local versions covering Spain, Italy, the U.S., Mexico and Brazil, and Mistura Beirão. It recently moved into scripted programming with biopic Bosé, a collaboration with Elefantec Global and Legacy Rock for Paramount+.

Going Home for Love Brings Romance Across Continents for TVP

3rd January 2025 9:56 am Comments Off

Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces Endemol Shine Poland will produce a new season of reality dating format Going Home for Love (Żona dla Polaka), for TVP. Originally created by Nordisk Banijay Norway for TV2 Norway, this marks the fourth iteration of the format.

Going Home for Love follows four Polish-American bachelors in Chicago searching for love. These men, connected by their Polish heritage, invite intriguing Polish women to Chicago. The women experience the men’s lives, meet their families, and enjoy romantic adventures blending American and Polish traditions. As they navigate these encounters, the bachelors decide who to pursue further, potentially even visiting Poland to deepen connections.

Małgorzata Perkowska-Czaja, Managing Director of Endemol Shine Polska says: “Going Home for Love, is a seamless blend of romance and cultural exploration, which captures the essence of cultural identity and the universal quest for love. We are proud to bring this show to Polish audiences and connect them with these heartfelt stories and rich traditions.”

Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations, Banijay Entertainment says: “Małgorzata, and the team at Endemol Shine Poland, continue to boldly deploy great gems from our catalogue, highlighting the versatility and global appeal of our shows. In Nordisk Banijay Norway’s format, they have the basis of a fantastic dating show, and we cannot wait to see it reimagined through a Polish lens.”

Going Home for Love has also been adapted in Sweden and Ukraine.

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

THE BANFF WORLD MEDIA FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS FROM BANIJAY, FIFTH SEASON AND YOUTUBE, ALONGSIDE LEADERSHIP UPDATES

17th December 2024 12:18 pm Comments Off

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of new members and a new executive appointment to its esteemed Foundation Board of Directors

Joining the BANFF Board are three distinguished industry leaders:

● Prentiss Fraser, President, Television Distribution, FIFTH SEASON

● Andrew Peterson, Head of YouTube Canada

● Jane Rimer, Senior Vice President, Canada, Banijay Rights

In addition, Patrick Vien, Group Managing Director, International at A+E Networks, has been appointed as Vice Chair of the Board, succeeding Brenda Gilbert, producer and Co-Founder of BRON Media who will be remaining on the Board of Directors.

BANFF also recognizes and thanks two retiring Board Members for their outstanding contributions:

● Sally Catto, General Manager of Entertainment, Factual and Sports, CBC

● Colin Bohm, Chief Executive Officer, Toon Boom Animation Inc.

These leadership changes come on the heels of Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, being recently named Chair of BANFF’s Board of Directors.

“This is a pivotal moment for BANFF as we continue to grow our impact on and service to the global media industry,” said Cohan. “With the addition of such accomplished leaders to our Board, we are well-positioned to advance the Festival’s mission of facilitating major business partnerships and fostering creative collaboration on new film, TV and digital projects. There is more to come as we lead up to the 2025 festival. Stay tuned.”

Located in Banff, Alberta, Canada, BANFF is a premium marketplace and conference, an intimate space where unparalleled access, creative inspiration and expert insight combine to launch fresh content and new business strategies. With more than 45 years of history, the festival has grown into a must-attend annual event where media moguls, producers, creatives and industry stakeholders along with broadcasters and digital media companies tackle issues and trends, forge relationships and nurture partnerships in one of the world’s most stunning landscapes.

Mastiff Norway Unveils New Leadership Duo

16th December 2024 2:18 pm Comments Off

Creative powerhouse Banijay Nordic today announces a dynamic new leadership team for Mastiff Norway, with Sissel Randsborg appointed Chief Executive Officer, and Hege Vik Hansen becoming Creative Director. Set to maintain the business’ strong market position, the newly-upped pair will now concentrate on delivering a diverse portfolio spanning everything from impactful journalistic programming to spectacular entertainment formats.

As CEO, Randsborg will oversee operations, shape the company’s strategic direction, and drive growth in factual; and Vik Hansen, as Creative Director, will lead creative development, manage the entertainment slate, and further cultivate close client relationships.

Mastiff Norway’s recent growth stems from the debut of acclaimed new next-gen formats and the reinvention of established hits. Most recently, the company has launched breakout success The Summit, now in seven territories and counting, and Bloody Game, a South Korean format, which Mastiff was the first to adapt locally. The latter will soon return to TV 2. Additionally, it has delivered standout productions Good Luck Guys for Prime Video, Hunted VIP for Discovery, and long-standing favourites like Crime Scene and Paradise Hotel, and local success Good Morning Norway.

Jacob Houlind, CEO of Banijay Nordic says: “Mastiff Norway is recognised as one of the most creative labels in the region, and with Sissel and Hege at the helm, the ongoing success of the company is in excellent hands. Their vibrant leadership and expert vision will ensure the label delivers outstanding productions for clients and importantly, audiences. We’re especially proud as these promotions reflect our commitment to developing new leadership from within, and fostering talent across Banijay Nordic.”

The new appointments follow the upcoming departure of Jostein Olseng, who will work closely with Randsborg and Vik Hansen for a seamless transition before leaving to join NRK in spring 2025.

This news aligns with Banijay Nordic’s strategy to elevate its talent, as seen recently in Sweden with Madelene Hansson leading the newly-merged non-scripted label, Meter/ Jarowskij, and Elin Kvist stepping up as CEO of scripted entity Jarowskij/ Yellow Bird.

BBC TWO TO AIR THE DEFINITIVE 7/7 LONDON BOMBING STORY

12th December 2024 12:41 pm Comments Off

Twenty years after the first suicide bombings to take place on English soil, BBC Two and iPlayer are to air the definitive story of the attacks and their aftermath, in 7/7: The London Bombings.

Made by the team behind the multi-award-winning BBC documentary, 9/11 Inside: The President’s War Room, this 4 x 60-minute series is the story of the biggest police investigation in British history – the three-week hunt to catch all the bombers, which included a tragic police mistake.

7/7: The London Bombings starts on Sunday 5 January and Monday 6 January at 9pm, on BBC Two. The entire series streams on BBC iPlayer from Sunday 5 January.

On 7 July 2005, four bombs were detonated on London’s transport system, blowing up three trains and a bus. 52 people were killed. Hundreds injured. From the worst attack of its kind in the UK, began one of the most chaotic and significant moments in the history of our capital city and the police and security services who protect it. Another series of attempted bombings followed and in the subsequent manhunt, the police shot dead an innocent man – Jean Charles de Menezes.

This series follows the investigation forensically and painstakingly, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day.

It tells the story from the perspective of the victims on the ground, revealing how survivors had to reconcile themselves with life-changing injuries, and it pieces together the emergency response as first responders scrambled to act in the epicentre of the crisis.

Through interviews with Prime Minister Tony Blair, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair, then Home Secretary Charles Clarke, together with key members of the police investigation team, this story uniquely examines how they struggled to deal with the repercussions, reassure a nation, and find out what had happened before bombers could strike again.

This definitive history of three weeks that changed Britain forever also hears from those seriously injured at the attack sites and family members of the victims, as well as frontline rescuers.

Simon Young, BBC Head of Commissioning, History, says: “It’s difficult to comprehend just how febrile and frenzied those weeks felt like in London and across the country, nearly twenty years ago. This series painstakingly pieces together the chain of events, moments of resilience and hope, as well as tragedy and horror. The result is a frank portrait of how the nation responded, when our streets became a new kind of frontline.”

Adam Wishart, Joint Series Director and Producer, The Slate Works, says: “After telling the story of President George W Bush on 9/11, we wanted to understand what happened to the British state when faced with a huge crisis of its own. What does it feel like to run the police or the country, when faced with the biggest attack on English soil? And what is it like when you or your family are caught in the blasts? How does anyone cope with the emotional consequences and the political repercussions?”

7/7: The London Bombings – 4 x 60 minutes – is a The Slate Works production for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jack Bootle, BBC Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. The Commissioning Editor is Simon Young, BBC Head of Commissioning, History.

Banijay France’s Marathon Studio and Terence Films to Adapt Hit Psychological Thriller Il Était Deux Fois

12:27 pm Comments Off

Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces the adaptation of Frank Thilliez’s psychological thriller Il Était Deux Fois (Twice Upon a Time) for France Télévisions. Co-produced by Banijay France’s scripted labels Marathon Studio and Terence Films, the six-part drama is created by Eric Delafosse and France Jacquet, and directed by Florian Thomas and Valentin Vincent.

Set in 2013, police captain Gabrielle Moscato (played by Odile Vuillemin), a dedicated and determined mother, embarks on a desperate search for her missing daughter. When Moscato falls asleep in a hotel room, she wakes up twelve years later, in 2025, with no recollection of the time that has passed. A rare form of dissociative amnesia has erased her memories but has not dimmed her instinct as a police officer or as a mother. How far will she go to uncover the truth and save her daughter? The cast also includes Hubert Delattre, Nicole Calfan and Rémi Devilla.

Malika Abdellaoui, CEO Marathon Studio says: “Following three years of development, we are proud to bring to the screen one of Frank Thilliez’s best-selling novels, Il Était Deux Fois. France Télévisions is a trusted partner for this breathless thriller about a mother, played by Odile Vuillemin, who will do anything to recover her memory and her missing daughter.”

Bertrand Cohen & Stéphane Meunier, CEO Terence Films say: “Frank Thilliez is a master of the psychological thriller genre, known for his ability to weave intricate mysteries and develop complex characters. With nerve-racking twists, the series promises to be a mesmerising thriller and is a testament to our commitment to bringing compelling stories to life with an international appeal.”

Terence Films, led by Bertrand Cohen and Stéphane Meunier, has built a reputation as a producer of high-quality drama with over 500 hours of premium programming. Known for hit thriller Rivière-Perdue, the French adaptation of La Caza. Monteperdido for TF1, and cop series OPJ for France Télévisions. They have also co-produced with Marathon Studio, The Baker and the Beauty for TF1. Founded in 2021 by Malika Abdellaoui, Marathon Studio focuses on creating original scripted content with both local and global appeal.

Banijay Entertainment Acquires Korean Reality Format

11th December 2024 9:36 am Comments Off

Content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment today confirms it has acquired the worldwide format rights to My Name Is Gabriel (Mai Neim Ijeu Gabeuriel), from Korea’s TEO Corp, a content production studio led by PD Kim Tae-ho (Infinite Challenge), and PD Jung Jong-yeon (The Devil’s Plan). The original series was produced for JTBC and Disney+.

My Name Is Gabriel is a reality format which takes celebrities out of their comfort zones and gives them a new identity through a life swap. Participants assume the life of someone else, in another country, where no one recognises them. In doing so, they experience living as their alter ego for three days, in an entirely new culture, even taking on their job, with each experiment culminating with meeting the real person behind their assumed identity. Kim Tae-ho, the producer of the program, wanted to convey there is no such thing as a meaningless life, and if you peel back the layers of anyone’s life, you will find beauty. How will the celebrities fare without the glamourous trappings of fame they have become accustomed to, and will they gain an empathy and understanding of others’ lives beyond their star-studded circles?

Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquisitions at Banijay Entertainment says: “My Name Is Gabriel is a clever reality format which strips back the identity of well-known faces and brings them back to earth with a bump, as they get to experience the lives of everyday people, without the trappings of celebrity. The universality of celebrity culture makes this format ideal for the international market, and we are confident it will appeal to local buyers.”

Recent additions to Banijay Entertainment’s third-party portfolio include factual-entertainment format, Atypical Critics, created, developed and produced in French-Canada by Pixcom; heist-themed gameshow The Infiltrators, from Cowshed Studios;

The Game of Wool, from Hello Halo, part of STV Studios; innovative dating reality show Alumni Lovers, from MBC; and Genuis Game from CJ ENM. These strategic acquisitions sit complementary to the group’s expansive 200k-hour catalogue of multi-genre, premium content.

Rubicon’s Still Breathing and The Strain Tackle Healthcare and Justice Systems

5th December 2024 1:33 pm Comments Off

Norwegian creative powerhouse, Rubicon TV, part of Banijay Nordic, today announces two powerful new character-driven drama series, Still Breathing and The Strain, both for NRK.

Still Breathing is an emotionally-charged 16-episode medical drama following four ambitious medical interns working at a struggling Norwegian hospital. Facing the harsh realities of an overstretched medical system, with rising patient numbers and dwindling resources, the young interns grapple with the complex ethical dilemmas of providing care in a system stretched to its limits. The characters learn that compassion alone may not be enough, and they are forced to grow in ways they never expected. The series explores the cracks in the system, while offering a glimmer of hope as the interns fight for a better healthcare future.

The Strain is a high-stakes, six-episode crime thriller, where a former lawyer-turned- gardener is thrust into the underworld to save her daughter after a reckless mistake puts them both in danger. When the police fail to help, the mother is pushed to break the law, discovering a darker side of herself in the process. Set in an isolated Norwegian community where people do things their own way, the series blends gritty realism with suspense and action, exploring how far a mother will go when society’s safety net crumbles.

Ivar Køhn, CEO of Rubicon, and Executive Producer, says: “These series underscore Rubicon’s commitment to crafting stories examining contemporary societal issues. Still Breathing sheds light on the critical issues of public healthcare, while The Strain confronts the impact of a fragmented justice system. Even with dark undertones, these dramas do offer viewers optimism, and while deeply rooted in Norwegian culture, they explore universal themes of hope, sacrifice and determination, making them perfect for NRK and bring wider international appeal.”

Oslo-based Rubicon TV is behind a range of original comedy and drama for the local and international market. The company is behind recent Netflix success, Billionaire’s Island, as well as other creative hits Beforeigners (HBO) and The Countrymen (NRK).

In line with Banijay Entertainment’s commitment to championing creative ambition, Still Breathing has been supported by the company’s Scripted Fund. Available to producers across the group’s footprint, the fund enhances the scope of projects, allowing creatives to fully realise their vision. Other recent scripted initiatives include Banijay Bootcamp, which paired in-house development executives from five different countries with emerging writers in a dynamic residency.

BBC announces new drama Open Water based on the award-winning debut novel by Caleb Azumah Nelson

12:45 pm Comments Off

The BBC has commissioned Open Water, a new drama based on Caleb Azumah Nelson’s multi award-winning debut novel of the same name. The eight-part series for BBC iPlayer and BBC One will be produced by Mam Tor Productions (a Banijay UK company) and B-Side Productions, with Azumah Nelson serving as the drama’s lead writer, director and executive producer.

Marcus works in retail while trying to develop a career as a photographer. Effie is studying dance at university in Dublin. From the moment they meet, they feel an immediate, undeniable connection. But, as Marcus soon learns, Effie is in a relationship with Marcus’ friend Samuel. It’s a boundary that Marcus is unwilling to cross. A shared project, photographing and documenting Black creatives in London, draws them into each other’s orbit, but can their burgeoning friendship resist the pull of desire?

They seem destined for each other, their crush evolving into a love that is ocean-deep. But love is never enough, and their path towards one another is treacherous. Will they sink or swim in open water?

Caleb Azumah Nelson says: “It’s been an absolute joy working alongside Mam Tor, B-Side and the BBC to adapt Open Water for the screen. I can’t wait for viewers not only to meet Marcus and Effie but to step into their world: their private, intimate spaces, their communities, their desires. I’m incredibly grateful to be telling this story at this time.”

Tally Garner, executive producer, Mam Tor Productions, says: “The incredible Caleb Azumah Nelson’s Open Water is the most profound and vital love story, and I am overjoyed to be bringing his beautiful and distinctive vision to the screen with Lindsay Salt, Rebecca Ferguson and Danielle Scott-Haughton at the BBC, and Matimba Kabalika at B-Side who are the perfect partners.”

Matimba Kabalika, executive producer, B-Side Productions, says: “Open Water is such a beautiful ode to love, youth, and joys big and small, as well as an honest exploration of the journey of finding your way in love and life. I’m thrilled to be working on it with Caleb Azumah Nelson, Tally Garner at Mam Tor and the brilliant team at the BBC. We cannot wait to bring this story to life.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “Open Water is a tender, bold and dazzling story about the dance of early love and being seen for who you really are. The response to Caleb’s book was phenomenal, and we feel privileged to be working with him to bring this breathtaking romance to the BBC.”

Open Water (8×30) is made by Mam Tor Productions (a Banijay UK company) and B-Side Productions for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. It was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. Banijay Rights handles international distribution. Caleb Azumah Nelson is the lead writer and director and will also serve as executive producer alongside Tally Garner for Mam Tor Productions, Matimba Kabalika for B-Side Productions, and Rebecca Ferguson and Danielle Scott-Haughton for the BBC.

LALIGA Studios, Blend Studios & MContent Develop “Veleta” Biopic on Spain’s First Women’s Footballer

4th December 2024 9:58 am Comments Off

LALIGA Studios, the joint venture between Banijay Iberia and LALIGA, is to partner with Blend Studios, and M Content, to develop a brand-new film dedicated to the fascinating story of Spain’s first women’s footballer, Anita Carmona Ruiz; nicknamed both Nita and Veleta. A story of survival and courage in a man’s world, the fascinating true story dates back to 1920s Malaga and follows the sportswoman as she disguises herself as a man in her quest to pursue her passion… football.

Andalusian producer Blend Studios was founded by director Paco Torres, winner of two RTVA awards, a Corporate Cannes and an Amnesty International award, among others; and M Content, led by showrunner Amaya Muruzábal, is creator of successes, Reina Roja and Hernán (Amazon Prime Video).

Veleta is based on the work of author, journalist and sports collector, Jesús Hurtado, who only uncovered this never-before-told story in 2020, 80 years on from her death, her identity remained a mystery as Malaga’s fans had made a pact of silence with one purpose: to enable her to keep playing. Now the trio of producers are bringing this tale to screens.

“Our goal is to make a film that moves, mobilises, and tells the whole world the practically unknown story of Anita Carmona” says Paco Torres, director and co-screenwriter with Amaya Muruzábal.

Amaya Muruzábal highlights that “Andalusian Veleta is an exceptionally combative and determined character, a figure rarely seen on the big screen, since she was the world’s first women’s footballer”

“We always talk about those stories that deserve to be told. The world of sport is full of them. We are here to talk about those issues that we all know need to be discussed. Football still drags issues like racism, sexism, homophobia… and sometimes, fiction is the best vehicle to tell a truth” says Chalo Bonifacino Cooke, CEO of LALIGA Studios.

In recent months, LALIGA Studios has announced two major deals: a project with Little Spain (by artist C. Tangana) to create a fiction series set in the LALIGA universe; and another agreement with Hollywood production company MTP, led by Mike Tollin, executive producer of the acclaimed documentary series, The Last Dance.

Blend Studios is currently producing animated series, Jesterina, together with Indian production company, Toonzstation, which will be distributed by Digitoonz. Among other developments is short film, Leviticus 20:13, a crime thriller already selected by Seville European Film Festival (SEFF), the Elche Film Festival, Islantilla Flickers, Sombras and BARS (Buenos Aires Rojo Sangre). Paco Torres directs his second feature film after his intriguing debut The Magic of Hope,and after the premiere at the Cork Film Festival of an experimental film shot in 14 hours in Ireland, Saol; plus his multi-award-winning short films The Rattle of Benghazi, Halowin and Setenta.

Since launching in March 2023, M Content has been in advanced development of its first two films with showrunner Amaya Muruzábal serving as executive producer, following the international success of Reina Roja. The label’s purpose – a fiction brand emerging from Mandarina Contenidos, creator of Argentine hit, El amor después del amor (Netflix) – is to create Spanish content with high social impact on both sides of the Atlantic.

jonnydepony’s Arcadia Returning to 17 Countries

3rd December 2024 11:53 am Comments Off

Belgian production company, jonnydepony (Banijay Benelux), part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today confirms its high-concept sci-fi thriller, Arcadia, which sold to 17 countries for its first season, has been ordered once again by all buyers for its upcoming second season, in deals negotiated by distributor Wild Bunch.

Set in a near-future society, where citizens’ rights and entitlements are determined by their scores, life is good as long as you remain healthy, focused and efficient. Arcadia follows a family of hardworking people with a high score and a good life, that is, until the authoritarian regime discovers father, Pieter, tricked the algorithm and manipulated the score of one of his daughters. As a result, he is deported outside Arcadia and the scores of the family members are lowered, changing their lives for good.

The second season, currently in post-production, is expected to launch in 2025. In addition to the co-production countries Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, the series has aired in Australia, France, Spain, Russia, Indonesia, Greece, the UK, Ireland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland. Season one, which began airing in 2023, delivered a strong performance, averaging 24.8% market share on KRO-NCRV in the Netherlands.

Helen Perquy, Producer at jonnydepony says: “The popularity of Arcadia in so many countries, demonstrates the resonance this series has with audiences around the world, and it is also generating significant interest from international producers as a scripted format. Our dystopian themes seem more and more reflective of current times, with the setting of a society existing on limited resources and the concept of social scores becoming a reality for many. In an increasingly polarising world, it is so important for producers to keep telling these kinds of stories.”

Arcadia is produced by jonnydepony, and is a collaboration between VRT and KRO-NCRV (NPO), in co-production with WDR/SWR/NDR (ARD). The series is created with the support of the Flemish Audiovisual Fund (VAF), Screen Flanders, Beside Tax Shelter, the Tax Shelter measure of the Belgian Federal Government, Creative Europe MEDIA and Wild Bunch.

The Belgian cast includes Lynn Van Royen, Abigail Abraham, Jean Janssens, Gene Bervoets, Wim Opbrouck and Michaël Pas, and, as of season two, Aimé Claeys and Clara Cleymans. Ellie de Lange, Melody Klaver, Monic Hendrickx, Maarten Heijmans (International Emmy Award winner) and Romana Vrede complete the Dutch cast.

It is written by Bas Adriaensen, Zita Theunynck and Philippe De Schepper, who is also showrunner. Season one is directed by Dutch director Tim Oliehoek. Belgian director Joël Vanhoebrouck (Homegrown, Blackout, The Infiltrator), takes the helm for season two.

jonnydepony specialises in the development and production of high-quality drama series, and is behind hit series including Blackout, Transport, youth series Hawa & Adam, and is currently filming Streamz-series The Big Fuck-Up. In early 2023, Banijay Benelux confirmed a majority stake in the business founded by showrunner and producer Philippe De Schepper, and experienced financing expert and producer, Helen Perquy.

Procidis’ Maestro Welcomed to Grévin Museum

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Procidis, part of Banijay Kids & Family, a global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, announces an interactive installation at Paris’ Grévin, with Maestro, the hero of its animated educational series Once Upon a Time….

The installation, in partnership with France Télévisions Okoo, is set within the world of Once Upon a Time…Life, with a recreation of the legendary cell control office from the series. Centred around Maestro, reimagined in statue form, the activation gives visitors an immersive and interactive experience, uncovering the history of the museum and the process behind creating its iconic wax statues. Sculptor Stéphane Barret is behind the custom-made creations of Maestro and his cunning, mischievous co-star Nabot, based on drawings by illustrator Jean Barbaud. The installation will be further supported in 2025 with an extensive out-of-home campaign in the Paris subway. Opening in 1882 on the Grands Boulevards, Paris, Grévin welcomes more than 900,000 visitors each year. Maestro and Nabot join other iconic animated characters at the museum including the Little Prince, Asterix and Obelix, Paw Patrol, Lady Bug and Cat Noir.

Benoît Di Sabatino, President of Prodicis & CEO of Banijay Kids & Family says: “Banijay Kids & Family is focussed on amplifying its IP with innovative brand strategies, and live experiences and immersive events are key growth areas for the business. This activation is a great example of this, and a seamless fit with Hello Maestro’s values, leveraging its reputation as a leader in the edutainment field.”

Hélène Barillé, Managing Director of Procidis, says : “Once Upon a Time…Life is an ideal brand for the immersive experience space, and our partnership with Grévin allows fans of the show to connect with the characters in an entirely new way. The museum is the perfect home for Maestro, who, as a trusted source of educational information, is perfectly placed to take visitors on a never-before-seen journey behind the scenes of this iconic institution.”

In September this year, Banijay Kids & Family confirmed the majority acquisition of Procidis, creator of the famous edutaining saga Once Upon a Time…, and inclusive of its iconic umbrella brand, Hello Maestro. Procidis was established in 1962 by the late Albert Barillé, and since 2009, has been led by Hélène Barillé. A new eighth season of its multi-series saga, Once Upon a Time…The Objects recently debuted around the world. The September launch of this new series with Warner Bros. Discovery Italy’s Cartoonito was among the top 10 shows on the channel and ranked #1 top content on the Cartoonito app for Media Starts during the month of launch.

Banijay Kids & Family’s collective of first-class producers and talent is behind some of the biggest kids brands in the world. As brand builders and experts at amplifying IP, it delivers creative and impactful 360 brand strategies for its shows.

Led by Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family is part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment.

Author Archives: Mariah John-Leighton