Tag Archive: Alice Bernardi

  1. Banijay Brands Partners with ZURU for MasterChef Mini Range

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    Banijay Brands, the commercial arm of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces it has partnered with leading toy and consumer goods company, ZURU, to launch a new MasterChef Mini Brands collectables range.

    ZURU is one of the largest toy companies in the world, and the creator of Mini Brands, a global phenomenon, shipping over 1.5bn units over the last two years. This new partnership will see a range of miniature MasterChef dishes, to create Mini versions at home, available online and in stores. In addition, the collection will expand into a broad range of mini home products based on the hugely popular MasterChef Arovo range.

    Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands says:MasterChef has a broad global fanbase and this new range will cater to our younger audiences and the MasterChef champions of the future. ZURU is a great partner with its products promoting quality, innovation and creativity – values which are synonymous with the MasterChef brand.” 

     The multi-award winning, iconic cookery show, created by Franc Roddam, has been wowing global audiences for more than thirty years. There were 56 productions in 2022 – its best year yet. With more than 90 licensees around the world, the MasterChef brand extends into a huge range of successful commercial activities from an extensive range of consumer products, publishing, and the world can engage with MasterChef through live experiences such as cruises.

  2. Banijay Brands and Big Sky Games Unbox New Deal or No Deal Games

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    Banijay Brands, the commercial arm of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces it has partnered with Big Sky Games, to produce a Deal or No Deal card game and board game, available from the end of this year in the UK & Ireland.

    With the return of the show in the UK, the company will release an updated version, voiced by new UK host Stephen Mulhern, alongside a travel card game. Distributed by Asmodee, the games will be available online and instore across the UK and Ireland. The return of the hugely popular show in the UK will be produced by Banijay UK’s Remarkable Entertainment for ITV and ITVX.

    Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing at Banijay Brands says: “Through this trusted partnership we are set to deliver more exciting additions to our Deal or No Deal consumer offering. With the return of the global format to the UK market, these games will give people of all ages the opportunity to experience the excitement of the iconic game show at-home or on the move.”

    The Banijay-owned format, Deal or No Deal, has been commissioned in over 80 territories with more than 350 productions to date. It first launched in the Netherlands in 2002 and continues to draw huge audiences, with the first episode of EndemolShine Nederland’s 43rd season, which aired earlier this year, the most-watched entertainment show of the evening. It was recently announced that the iconic format is back in a new spin-off, Deal or No Deal Island, created by Endemol Shine North America for NBC, set on the Banker’s private island where they make the rules and there are twists behind every palm tree.

    Deal or No Deal has a strong commercial portfolio which allows consumers to connect with the brand across multiple categories means, including scratch and digital lottery games across 24 territories with Scientific Gaming, and slot games with Gaming Arts.

  3. Black Country Living Museum Extends Official Peaky Blinders Partnership

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    Banijay Brands, the commercial arm of content powerhouse, Banijay, in collaboration with Peaky Blindersseries-owner, and producer, Caryn Mandabach Productions, today announces the extension of its partnership with Black Country Living Museum, to 2025. In keeping with the agreement, the venue will continue to host the hugely successful show-themed live experience nights.

    Peaky Blinders Nights gives visitors the chance to step into the world of the 1920s as they are treated to an evening that immerses them in the world of the global hit series. With key filming locations such as ‘Charlie’s Yard’ available to visit, the experience captures the essence of the award-winning crime drama, making it popular amongst TV enthusiasts and fans alike. Tickets for this year’s evenings are available to buy from Wednesday 10 May at 12noon.

    The partnership extension continues to strengthen the diverse Peaky Blinders licensing portfolio, which spans gifting, gaming, live experience, apparel and accessories.

    Alice Bernadi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands comments: “The demand for Peaky Blinders across the licensing industry has been incredible and Banijay Brands is committed to working with partners that emulate the high-quality associated with the series. The show’s products and experiences continue to generate huge excitement with the loyal fan base, which is eager for more, and the popularity of Black Country Living Museum’s Peaky Blinders Nights is testament to that.”

     Carol King, Director of Programmes at Black Country Living Museum, adds: “We have been so proud of our relationship with Peaky Blinders ever since it was first filmed here back in 2013 and have keenly supported the show through every season ever since. Our unforgettable Peaky Blinders Nights have been delighting visitors for several years now, bringing authentic locations and stories to life in our atmospheric setting. We are excited to extend our official partnership with the brand and continue to bring the world of the Peaky Blinders to life with our special events.”

     Caryn Mandabach, Founder & Chief Executive, Caryn Mandabach Productions said: “We are proud to continue the partnership with Black Country Living Museum, giving fans the opportunity to be part of a special moment that contributes to never-ending growth of the brand worldwide.”

    The multi-award-winning gangster series was created and written by Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things, Eastern Promises and Locke). Set in the violent streets of Birmingham in the 1920s, Peaky Blinders portrays the brutal evolution of leader Tommy Shelby from criminal leader to legitimate businessman and member of parliament, always at the side of his brother Arthur Shelby. The series is owned and produced by Caryn Mandabach Productions and co-produced with Banijay’s Tiger Aspect Productions. Caryn Mandabach Productions owns the global Peaky Blinders brand.

    Banijay Brands, the brand and commercial division of international content producer and distributor Banijay, represents a range of global ancillary rights for the Peaky Blinders brand, which enjoys international success across multiple categories including gifting, gaming, live experience, apparel, accessories, and essentials. Officially licensed products specifically have been a proven hit with consumers and retailers to date, with over 40 licensees across multiple territories.

  4. Banijay Brands Extends MSC Cruises’ MasterChef Partnership

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    Banijay Brands, the commercial arm of content powerhouse Banijay, today announces it has extended its partnership with MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise company, for its immersive entertainment MasterChef experiences.

    The MasterChef at Sea and MasterChef at Sea Juniors onboard cooking programmes mirror the global TV phenomenon, incorporating elements of the most popular iterations of the show from around the world. Participants of all ages have the opportunity to put their culinary skills to the test against other guests in a two-stage competition, guaranteed to keep the entire family entertained.

    Alice Bernadi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands, says: MasterChef is a timeless brand with enduring popularity on-screen and beyond, and an ever-growing, global portfolio of products and experiences. An iconic and globally-loved show, the onboard programmes have proven incredibly successful with guests, and we are pleased to continue our partnership with MSC Cruises.”

    Steve Leatham, Global Head of Entertainment at MSC Cruises, says: “We are delighted to further extend our partnership with MasterChef at Sea, a globally recognised brand, combining our passion for food with entertainment and continuing our commitment to offer enriching and immersive experiences for our guests of all ages.”

    Created by Franc Roddam, the MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay.  The multi-award winning, iconic cookery show has been wowing global audiences for more than thirty years, with 56 productions in 2022 – its best year yet. Crowned the most successful cookery television format by Guinness World Records, over 60 adaptations have aired in 250+ different territories.

  5. The Fur-midable Simon’s Cat Marks its 15-Year Anniversary

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    Simon’s Cat (part of Banijay UK) today announces it is celebrating its 15th birthday, and in conjunction with Banijay Brands, the commercial arm of content powerhouse Banijay, will release a raft of special content and products.

    In March 2008, illustrator Simon Tofield uploaded his first ever video to YouTube…a self-taught animation project inspired by his beloved cat Hugh. That video Cat Man Do became a viral sensation, which 15 years later, has amassed an eyewatering 65 million views on that one film alone, and spawned a globally-loved brand that enjoys incredible success, from a catalogue of online content to gaming, publishing and consumer products.

    To celebrate its success, this month, the brand will release a compilation of the very best classic films, reimagined in colour; launch a new Simon’s Cat website, with games, comics, films and more; offer an exclusive signed print of bespoke artwork by Simon Tofield; host a special Q&A session with Simon answering questions from fans on the official social channels; trigger a custom 15th anniversary merch drop including free giveaways; and later this year, release an exclusive set of 15th anniversary pins.

    Simon Tofield, creator of Simon’s Cat says: “It brings me immense joy and privilege to be celebrating 15 years of Simon’s Cat. We have grown from a single animation into a global brand with a fantastic and supportive community of fans all around the world. I can’t wait to see what the next 15 years bring for our global superstar feline!”

    Alice Bernardi, Director, International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands says: “It is wonderful to mark this milestone with special products that the fans will love. The instantly recognisable, iconic animation, coupled with a huge social following makes Simon’s Cat a very strong and desirable IP that works incredibly well across all corners of the licensing industry.”

    Created by award-winning illustrator, animator and director, Simon Tofield, Simon’s Cat was first seen on YouTube in 2008. Part of Banijay UK, the brand is now a major global success, with over 3bn online views and 21m fans across TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

    Simon’s Cat has enjoyed international commercial success across multiple categories. It was recently announced that Tactile Games has taken the long-term gaming rights for the brand, following the popularity of mobile titles Simon’s Cat: Crunch Time, Simon’s Cat: Pop Time and Simon’s Cat: Story Time, which have amassed more than 20 million downloads worldwide.

  6. Banijay Brands Strengthens Peaky Blinders Licensing Portfolio

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    Banijay Brands today announces new licensing deals for global hit drama Peaky Blinders, in collaboration with series owner and producer Caryn Mandabach Productions. These new partnerships build on the brand’s hugely successful portfolio, as the global hit series heads towards its dramatic conclusion, with season six launching on Netflix on the 10th of June in the U.S. and other markets.

    Banijay Brands has collaborated with the leading craftsmen at Conway Stewart for a global limited-edition Peaky Blinders branded range of luxury pens, available online now. In addition, the brand builds its apparel offering, partnering with Drew Pearsons for a UK range of high-quality, Peaky Blinders inspired caps.

    Recent additions to the Peaky Blinders portfolio include Endemol Shine North America’s partnership with Bushmills Irish Whiskey, for the first official whiskey for the hit series, which is set to launch in 2022 in the U.S.; the Peaky Blinders themed Risk board game which is now available to pre-order ahead of its UK April release in GAME retail stores; the recent opening of Endemol Shine Brazil and Escape 60’s Peaky Blindersthemed escape room and the upcoming launch of Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom VR game from Maze Theory.

    Further extending the world of Peaky Blinders, brand-owner and series producer Caryn Mandabach Productions recently announced a brand-new immersive theatre show Peaky Blinders: The Rise, opening in summer 2022 at The Vanguard Theatre, Camden, and Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, a first-of-its-kind dance theatre show, running 2022/23, written and adapted for the stage by Steven Knight.

     

    Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands comments: “Peaky Blinders is a global phenomenon which translates incredibly well in the brand licensing space. It is a hot property right now, with a surge in demand from both audiences, and licensees who are keen to work with us. By collaborating with experienced and reliable partners, we are able to continue offering high-quality products and experiences for fans of the show to enjoy for years to come.”

    Susan Waddell, Managing Director, Caryn Mandabach Productions said: “We are thrilled with the response to the most recent book and game launches and even more delighted to see these new products come to market which we know our global Peaky Blinders fanbase will be delighted with.”

    The current portfolio of official Peaky Blinders products is performing strongly, with the Peaky Blinderscookbook from White Lion Publishing (Quarto Group) becoming a March 2022 bestseller in the UK, hitting number nine in the top-ten hardback nonfiction charts, and number five in the food and drink category; the limited-edition Peaky Blinders Monopoly board game which was recently released in the UK completely sold out; and the Peaky Blinders official webstore had a record-breaking month during the  airing of series six in the U.K.

    The recently aired season six was the UK’s number one drama of the year for young adults, with over 17 million views on BBC iPlayer to date. The final chapter will be released on Netflix from the 10th of June in the U.S. and other key territories. Sold to more than 180 countries, the series, distributed by Banijay Rights, is widely available internationally on Netflix. Banijay represents a range of global ancillary rights for the Peaky Blinders brand.

    The multi-award-winning gangster epic series was created and written by Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things, Eastern Promises and Locke). Peaky Blinders is owned and produced by Caryn Mandabach Productions and co-produced with Banijay’s Tiger Aspect Productions. Caryn Mandabach Productions owns the global Peaky Blinders brand.

  7. MasterChef Whips Up New Deals

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    Banijay Brands today announces further growth of its hugely successful brand licensing programme for MasterChef, the world’s most successful cookery television format. The company is building on its existing partnership with leading European housewares company Arovo, plus rolling out new deals across cookware and games.

     

    Arovo’s MasterChef collection includes a broad selection of products such as ceramics, tableware, textiles, cookware, knives, utensils and small domestic appliances. The affordable kitchen and tabletop MasterChefrange will be launching in the U.S. in May alongside a brand-new US MasterChef Amazon store. And across Europe, interior design retail chain CASA have developed the Elite collection with Arovo, consisting of a series of high-quality, stylish kitchen must-haves and appliances, available exclusively in all 500+ CASA stores and at casashops.com.

     

    In addition, Banijay’s Endemol Shine North America (ESNA) has partnered with leading retail product manufacturer Creative Concepts for a unique collection of MasterChef silver-ion and 18K gold coated cookware sets which are now available online. ESNA has also furthered its partnership with Wilder Toys for a bite-sized edition of the successful MasterChef Family Cooking Game which is available at Walgreens. Elsewhere, Endemol Shine Brasil has just announced the arrival of three Spanish MasterChef wines available in the region exclusively with local wine online retailer Grande Adega.

     

    Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands says: MasterChef is an evergreen brand that resonates strongly with consumers all around the world, and by collaborating with teams across Banijay’s footprint we deliver a truly global licensing programme. We only work with the best partners in the business, who will uphold the integrity and quality associated with the brand, and it is wonderful to see these partnerships grow.”

     

    Created by Franc Roddam, MasterChef celebrated its 500th series globally in 2021, with 49 productions in 33 territories airing last year. An international ratings hit, the format has a number of successful iterations including Celebrity MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, Junior MasterChef, MasterChef All Stars, and the recently announced Young MasterChef (w/t) with BBC Three in the UK, which will be dedicated to up-and-coming young food talent between the ages of 18 and 25.

     

    With more than 90 licensees around the world, the MasterChef brand extends into a huge range of successful commercial activities. Millions of consumer products have sold globally, the extensive publishing range has proved lucrative, and audiences around the world can engage with MasterChef through live experiences from restaurants to cruises and tours.

     

    The MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay Rights.

  8. Banijay Brands Strengthens Portfolio with Banijay Kids and Family

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    Banijay Brands today announces it has secured the brand licensing rights to the Banijay Kids and Family catalogue. The newly launched Banijay Kids and Family brand incorporates Zodiak Kids and Family (Totally Spies!, Lolirock, The Ranch, Yellow Yeti, Mumfie, Silverpoint), Monello Productions (Street Football, When I Was Your Age, Marblegen, Hello Kitty) and Tiger Aspect Kids and Family (Mr Bean, Charlie and Lola).

     

    Banijay Kids and Family is a global leader in childrens entertainment, producing a wide range of animation and live action series, digital content, and entertainment formats for children worldwide under three production labels: Zodiak Kids and Family, Monello Productions and Tiger Aspect Kids and Family. Banijay Brands already represents Tiger Aspect Kids and Family IP such as Mr Bean. The new partnership will enable the infant-skewing collective to further leverage the global infrastructure of Banijay Brands and deliver extensive brand licensing programmes for titles such as Street Football, Totally Spies!, Lolirock, Silverpoint, When I Was Your Age, Mister Maker and the upcoming The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti, and Mumfie.

     

    Banijay Brands will also work with local commercial teams to explore a number of regionally-led opportunities.

     

    Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO, Banijay Kids and Family, says: “It’s a big achievement for Banijay to announce at the same time the creation of our new brand Banijay Kids and Family and the launch of our licencing strategy with Banijay Brands. We are confident that our evergreen IPs as well as our creations will be in good hands with such a professional team like Banijay Brands.”

     

    Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands added: “Banijay Kids and Family has a strong and relatable kids content slate, which, when partnered with the experienced team at Banijay Brands, should trigger a lucrative position in the the childrens licensing space. Recognising the already huge interest from the market, we will be working across a number of categories including experiential, publishing, gaming and products to ensure the relevant and successful exploitation of the business’ IP moving forwards.”

     

    Mumfie is an upcoming new animated series of the heritage property (78 x 7’), directed by the French director Daniel Dubuis, is a co-production between Zodiak Kids Studio France and Italian animation studio Animoka alongside France Télévisions and Rai (Italy). Zodiak Kids recently announced it has secured a pre-sale from KiKA German.

    Street Football is the popular animated series combining the action of matches with insights into the hardships of life is co-produced by Zodiak Kids and Monello Productions for France 3 and Rai 2

    The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti is a co-production between Zodiak Kids Studio France, and Gigglebug Entertainment. An original animated comedy series for kids aged 6+ and their families, it has been co-commissioned by Disney Channel Europe, Middle East & Africa and Nordic broadcasters YLE, DR, NRK, and SVT.

    Silverpoint is a 13 x 22’ sci-fi mystery adventure series about kids at summer camp. Co-produced by Zodiak Kids, CBBC and ZDF Enterprises, the series is created by Lee Walters, Lead Writer, and Executive Producer Steven Andrew, Creative Director, Zodiak Kids.

    When I Was Your Age is produced for RAI and France Télévisions by Monello Productions. The animated series features 10-year-old Paul who he has a special gift – as soon as someone says “When I was your age”, Paul is thrown back into the days when the person he is talking to was 10 years old

    Mister Maker is the popular ultimate interactive arts and crafts show for younger kids. Broadcast in over 200 territories, the series is a Zodiak Kids Studios for CBeebies.

    Totally Spies! is the hit franchise that has been broadcasting for over 15 years, produced by Zodiak Kids for TF1 and Disney France.

    Lolirock is a Zodiak Kids production for Disney France and France Télévisions, featuring five princesses with magical singing voices that fight harm with crystal charm!

  9. Banijay Brands Grows Peaky Blinders International Licensing Programme

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    Banijay Brands, in collaboration with Peaky Blinders brand and series owner and producer Caryn Mandabach Productions, today announces a raft of new deals for the award-winning, epic family gangster drama, Peaky Blinders. Building on the hugely successful licensing programme, new licensees have been appointed across apparel, gifting, and accessories, with further ranges added with existing partners.

     

    Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands comments: “With the upcoming sixth season, there is real momentum behind the Peaky Blinders licensing programme. Fans are incredibly passionate about the series and have high expectations for the off-air extensions we deliver. By working with the best partners, our products and experiences truly capture the essence of the show, and the ever-increasing demand is testament to that.”

     

    Susan Waddell, Commercial Director, Caryn Mandabach Productions adds: “We couldn’t be more excited to have these new product ranges launch and for these experiences to return for fans to enjoy, ahead of the next series of the beloved Peaky Blinders”.

     

    In publishing, illustrated book publisher Quarto will release the first official Peaky Blinders cookery book following the success of last year’s cocktail book. And Michael O’Mara is re-releasing the official companion book to the TV series, ‘By Order of the Peaky Blinders’, updated with new artwork and season five content.

     

    Grooming is proving popular category for the Peaky Blinders brand with leading manufacturer of professional styling and personal care products Wahl signed for co-branded clippers and trimmers to launch at retail in 2022.

     

    Across the gifting category, Spanish distribution specialist Grupo Erik is launching a selection of products such as stationery and home and office accessories across Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Building on its hugely popular lines, French publishing and products specialist Larousse, part of Hachette Livre, is expanding its collection to include a Peaky Blinders themed board game and card game.

     

    With demand surging once again for experiential offerings, both the Black Country Living Museum and Brit Movie Tours have extended their official Peaky Blinders experiences. Black Country Living Museum’s Peaky Blinders themed nights start in September with tickets selling quickly, and the Peaky Blinders Official Tours in Liverpool with Brit Movie Tours, will continue to attract the TV series enthusiasts. Escape Live continue to offer Peaky Blinders escape games exclusively in Birmingham and will be taking the experience to an additional venue in Liverpool which is set to open later this year.

     

    The Peaky Blinders licensing programme has recently been shortlisted for several industry awards including Best Teen or Adult Licensed Property, Best Licensed Paper Products or Stationary Range, with Danilo Promotions, and Best Licensed Food or Drink Range for the Peaky Blinders Wine from Vignobles Bardet in The Licensing Awards 2021. And in the 2021 Licensing International Excellence Awards, Vignobles Bardet’s Peaky Blinders Wine is shortlisted in the Best Licensed Product – Food & Beverage category, alongside a nomination for Peaky Blinders for Best Licensed Brand – Entertainment, Character Live Action.

     

    The Peaky Blinders brand enjoys international success across multiple categories including gifting, live experience, apparel, accessories, and essentials. Officially licensed products are proving a hit with consumers and retailers, with over 40 licensees across multiple territories.

    Peaky Blinders was created and written by Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things, Eastern Promises and Locke). The multi award-winning BBC One series is produced by Peaky Blinders official series and brand owner, Caryn Mandabach Productions, and co-produced with Banijay’s Tiger Aspect Productions. Peaky Blinders is distributed by Banijay Rights and has sold in more than 183 countries and is widely available internationally on Netflix including in the USA.

  10. Banijay Brands Announces MasterChef Condiments Range

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    Banijay Brands today announces a partnership with premium brand and food manufacturer, Baxters, to develop a range of branded products for the world’s most successful cookery format, MasterChef.

     

    The deal which covers the UK & Eire, the Nordics, Benelux, Germany, Czech Republic and Middle East, will offer a broad selection of high-quality MasterChef food products, available at retail later this year. The range includes marinades, dressings and modern table sauces.

     

    Partnering with previous MasterChef UK champions, Ping Coombes, Thomas Frake and Saliha Mahmood Ahmed, the MasterChef condiments range will feature these champions on the packaging. They will vouch for their ‘Champions Choice’ of products, and create bespoke recipes and tips on how to best use these.

     

    Grown over 150 years and four generations, Baxters is an iconic brand that sits on shelves around the world. The collaboration with Banijay Brands has produced an exciting array of products that stay true to the ethos of MasterChef, giving home cooks the ingredients to transform their dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.

     

    Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing at Banijay Brands, comments: “With food being such an integral element of MasterChef, it was extremely important for us to find the right partner; with the experience, retail presence, and most of all, passion, for the brand. We’ve found all of these elements in Baxters Food Group, and we are confident that together we will bring a product range to consumers that will surprise and delight everyone.”

     

    Matthew Bowler-Jones, European Sales Director at Baxters Food Group, adds: “We are delighted to be partnering with Banijay Brands to launch this innovative new range of condiments. Combining both companies’ passion and strength in food and flavour is sure to be a recipe for success.”

     

    Created by Franc Roddam, MasterChef is the world’s most successful cookery television format with 63 local adaptations, broadcast in over 200 countries and watched by more than 300 million people globally.MasterChef has a digital footprint of more than 34 million fans totalling in excess of 4 billion views across YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

     

    The MasterChef brand extends into huge range of commercial activities across consumer products, experiential, publishing, and digital.

     

    The MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay Rights.