Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.
Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.

Tag Archive: Banijay Americas

  1. Football, Friendship, and Adventure: Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic Unveils Tres Hincha Pelotas

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    Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic, part of Banijay Americas, the leading creator and producer of entertainment content in the United States and across Latin America, is embarking on an epic road trip with Jaime Camil (Jane the Virgin), Marcelo Tinelli (Ideas del Sur), and Jorge Enrique Abello (Yo Soy Betty, La Fea) in the new original travel docuseries, Tres Hincha Pelotas. The series follows the trio as they journey across North America, from Canada to the United States, culminating in Mexico City, exploring the futbol soul of each city, including the cuisine, nightlife, fan energy, and unexpected surprises, leading up to one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events. 

     

    To travel from one host city to the next, the three beloved Latin celebrities and passionate futbol fans will use whatever transport is available—motorbikes, RVs, trains, boats, or anything necessary to keep the World Cup road trip moving. 

     

    “Tres Hincha Pelotas follows three passionate futbol  fans on an unforgettable journey from Canada to Mexico City,” said Marie Leguizamo, Managing Director of Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic. “The Banijay team is known for creating compelling, transformative journeys, and this series delivers. Viewers will experience real stories, shared adventures, and authentic emotions as the trio explores communities, embraces local traditions, and feels the energy of futbol stadiums, capturing the spirit of the game ahead of next year’s World Cup.” 

     

    “This promises to be something truly extraordinary,” said Camil. “The series captures the spirit of the journey, revealing the pageantry of the game, the vibrant colors, the melodic chants for each team, and the raw emotion on and off the field, allowing audiences to feel the camaraderie, excitement, and cultural richness of following futbol across the Americas.” 

     

    Enrique Abello added: “Only ideas that involve risk are truly worth pursuing and working with Marie Leguizamo as a producer means embracing bold, ambitious challenges. That spirit inspired me to embark on this journey with two great friends. This series is a love letter to futbol fans dedicated to their teams, celebrating their passion while also connecting audiences to real people who are just like us, sharing in the joy, excitement, and unforgettable moments along the way.” 

     

    Tinelli remarked: “It is a tremendous honor to be one of the three chosen by Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic to bring this project to life. I love futbol , I love travel, and I am already looking forward to the next World Cup. Embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime journey alongside two men who can inspire excitement and make viewers feel like part of the adventure is incredibly rewarding. Their warmth and relatability will allow audiences to fully immerse themselves in the series and share in every moment of the story.” 

     

    A global household name, Camil is the beloved star of Jane the Virgin (The CW), acclaimed for portraying legends such as Vicente Fernández in El Rey (Netflix), a commanding Broadway lead in Chicago, and one of Mexico’s most iconic comedic voices in La Fea Más Bella (Televisa). He recently appeared in Steven Soderbergh’s film KIMI and the Apple TV+ series Schmigadoon. 

     

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Camil is a futbol fanatic who lives the game. As co-owner of LAFC, he is deeply involved with one of Major League Soccer’s most dynamic and successful franchises. He has led campaigns for major sports brands, brought the energy of El Tri to global audiences, and never misses a pivotal match. 

     

    Enrique Abello is forever recognized as Don Armando, the unforgettable heart and chaos of Yo Soy Betty, La Fea (Prime Video) and Betty, La Fea: La Historia Continúa (Prime Video), the most adapted telenovela in television history. Yet Abello is far more than a character; he is a cultural icon. A seasoned actor, producer, writer, and storyteller with over three decades shaping Latin American entertainment, he has starred in more than 20 telenovelas, hosted LOL Colombia (Prime Video), and authored the best-selling book La Despedida, a compelling blend of memoir and social commentary. In Colombia, Abello is a household name, recognized and respected across generations. Few entertainers are as deeply woven into the country’s cultural fabric. 

     

    Tinelli brings over three decades of experience in Latin American television, where his charisma and ingenuity have made him a household name. His programs have consistently achieved historic ratings, and he has distinguished himself as a producer. First, with Ideas del Sur, and now with LaFlia, creating content that resonates across the continent. 

     

    Beginning his career as a sports journalist, Tinelli served as president and vice president of San Lorenzo for nine years, guiding the club to its first Copa Libertadores title in 2014. He revolutionized television with Videomatch, originally a sports program, introducing unforgettable bloopers, hidden camera pranks, and sketches. 

     

    Videomatch proved to be a breeding ground for comedy, sweeping the Martín Fierro Awards in 1997, including Best Comedy Show, Best Overall Production, and Best Hosting, and securing the Martín Fierro de Oro the same year. Tinelli also hosted Ritmo de la Noche for four years, featuring global stars such as Kiss, Ricky Martin, Luis Miguel, Bon Jovi, and Xuxa. 

     

    In 2020, he premiered Bailando Por Un Sueño (Dancing for a Dream), a format he adapted from Mexico for Argentine television, winning six Martín Fierro Awards for Best Hosting and seven for Best Overall Production over 15 seasons. Tinelli has also embraced new trends with the Amazon Prime reality show Los Tinelli, which offered an intimate look at his home and family, with a second season under consideration. 

     

    Earlier this year, Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic announced a partnership with award-winning actor and TV personality Carlos Ponce and veteran industry executive Cristina Sarnoff to develop Star Crush, an original unscripted series with Ponce set to host. 

     

    Since its launch in 2022, Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic has delivered some of the region’s most successful unscripted series, including the hit franchise LOL: Last One Laughing for Prime Video in Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. The company was also instrumental in adapting the global reality format Temptation Island for Latin America and establishing regional production hubs in Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina/Chile. Other highlights include two seasons of the comedy competition series Jalas o te Rajas, starring El Escorpión Dorado and Facundo for Prime Video. 

  2. EndemolShine Boomdog Expands into Colombia

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    EndemolShine Boomdog, part of Banijay Americas, is expanding its production operations into Colombia, building on its track record across Mexico and the U.S. Hispanic market, and further growing its presence in Latin America. As part of this expansion, EndemolShine Boomdog will establish a dedicated production company in the country, with operational capability on the ground.

    EndemolShine Boomdog, already the most prolific producer in Latin America – with more than 1,000 hours of original content annually and hit series like La Casa de los Famosos and Como Agua Para Chocolate (Like Water For Chocolate) – will now begin producing both scripted and unscripted original content in Colombia. This move expands on the format sales momentum built in the market by Banijay Rights and SVP Latin America, US Hispanics and Brazil, Michelle Wasserman.

    Ben Samek, CEO of Banijay Americas says: “Alejandro and the team at EndemolShine Boomdog have spent the last decade successfully producing many of Mexico’s most popular series.  Having already reached into broader Latin American audiences, Colombia is a natural next step, and with unmatched experience in delivering original multi-genre content, we’re confident they’ll create new hits for millions of viewers in the market.”

    Laurens Drillich, President, EndemolShine Latino says: “The Colombian TV marketplace has become one of the most important in all of Latin America, and this expansion builds on the strong format sales foundation established by Banijay Rights. With Endemol Shine Boomdog’s move into local production, we are not starting from scratch and are now in a great position to combine Banijay’s deep catalogue with the production expertise of Alejandro and his team.”

    Alejandro Rincón, EndemolShine Boomdog CEO says: “Launching our production efforts into Colombia with our colleagues at Banijay Americas creates a strong opportunity to engage with one of Latin America’s most vibrant markets. Colombian audiences are hungry for high-quality, original content, and our team at EndemolShine Boomdog is well-positioned to deliver stories that resonate and perform.”

    EndemolShine Boomdog’s portfolio includes Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic; A Fábrica Mexico & U.S. Hispanic, its newly-launched scripted division; and Wide Angle, a state-of-the-art post-production facility in Mexico City.

    The company is behind some of the region’s most successful unscripted hits, including La Casa de los Famosos (Telemundo/Peacock), La Casa de los Famosos México (TelevisaUnivision), ¿Quién es la Máscara?, MasterChef Celebrity and Lo Tomas o Lo Dejas.

    Additionally, its award-winning scripted series Como Agua Para Chocolate (Like Water For Chocolate) has been renewed for a second season. This summer,  EndemolShine Boomdog partnered with acclaimed Latin American writer-producer, Leonardo Padrón, to launch Leonardo Padrón Productions, a venture focusing on high-impact scripted storytelling. The label will collaborate with A Fábrica Mexico & U.S. Hispanic to deliver a slate of distinctive content.

    Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic also produces the hit unscripted series like LOL: Last One Laughing and Temptation Island in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Chile.

    EndemolShine Boomdog is part of Banijay Americas, led by CEO Ben Samek, with Laurens Drillich overseeing operations across Latin America.

  3. Bunim/Murray Productions to Roll Out Creator-Led Comedy Format Let’s Play Ball

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    Bunim/Murray Productions, part of Banijay Americas, is set to introduce new comedy gameshow Let’s Play Ball to U.S. buyers later this month, as Banijay Entertainment’s latest flagship format gains international momentum. Born on YouTube, the outrageously funny physical gameshow was co-developed by Banijay Benelux label EndemolShine Nederland, Talpa Studios and Signal.Stream for Dutch broadcaster SBS6.

    Evolving from a creator-led digital hit into a breakout primetime summer success, Let’s Play Ball became the strongest new launch among the 25-44 demo in the Netherlands and has already been ordered for a second season. The hilarious format sees celebrity-led teams race giant balls through city streets, rivers and countryside in inventive, over-the-top challenges.

    Following its Dutch success, Let’s Play Ball is now also being co-developed with Banijay UK labels, Initial and Zeppotron – producers of Last One Laughing UK (Prime Video) – and will make its international debut at MIPCOM 2025 in Cannes.

    Bunim/Murray Productions’ current slate includes hit franchises The Challenge (Paramount+, MTV), Vanderpump Villa (Hulu), The Chrisleys: Back to Reality (Lifetime), and A Killer Among Friends with Jennifer Love Hewitt (Investigation Discovery), alongside a range of other series and documentaries. The company recently announced new projects in development, including a new competition format with X Games and a survival adventure series with Reacher star Alan Ritchson.

    “At Bunim/Murray, we’ve always had an eye for what’s next, and Let’s Play Ball perfectly reflects today’s creator-driven storytelling,” said Bunim/Murray Productions President Julie Pizzi. “The series has already built tremendous momentum globally thanks to our colleagues at Banijay, and we can’t wait to introduce this high-energy phenomenon to U.S. buyers in the coming weeks.”

    Added Rupert Dobson, EVP, Development, Bunim/Murray Productions: “Let’s Play Ball delivers a mix of stunning visuals, inventive challenges, and celebrities decidedly out of their comfort zone. Across the country, teams will roll, bounce, float, and haul enormous balls through iconic sights and hidden gems alike. It is the kind of format destined to create hilarious, viral moments.”

    Now leading Banijay Entertainment’s format line up at MIPCOM 2025, Let’s Play Ball is joined by Football Island, Lost and Found in the Lakes, Foodish and Villa of Temptations.

  4. IMMERSIVE LIVE MUSIC EXPERIENCE ‘LUMINISCENCE’ TO MAKE U.S. DEBUT AFTER SOLD-OUT EUROPEAN RUN

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     After captivating nearly one million spectators in Europe, LUMINISCENCE makes its North American debut at The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis. The basilica will be illuminated via 360-degree video mapping, while spectators listen to the rich and varied history of a U.S. landmark accompanied by a blend of live choir, organ and instrumental music. Stone walls will become living canvases as video mapping paints them with moving light. The immersive experience includes over 100 shows beginning October 31 and continuing through the new year. 

    “We’re excited to welcome LUMINISCENCE to The Basilica of Saint Mary, opening our doors to everyone and inviting them to experience the sacred in a new way,” said Fr. Daniel Griffith, pastor at The Basilica of Saint Mary. “At a moment when many are searching for deeper meaning, this immersive storytelling experience offers a unique path to reflection, connection and a renewed sense of community.” 

    The show, which has consistently played to sold-out audiences in Europe, is a multi-sensory experience that integrates art and live music with state-of-the-art technology. The Basilica of Saint Mary, which will mark the 100th anniversary of its designation as the first U.S. basilica in 2026, is the kickoff location for LUMINISCENCE in the United States. LUMINISCENCE has celebrated the history and heritage of cathedrals throughout Europe and is now bringing this immersive live music experience to the United States, telling the story of America’s landmark places of worship, as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary year. 

    “With our North American debut of LUMINISCENCE, we continue our mission to reveal the emotional power of heritage through immersive storytelling,” said Romain Sarfati, co-founder of LOTCHI, creator of LUMINISCENCE. “By blending light, sound and narration, we invite audiences of all ages and backgrounds to not just see sacred spaces, but to feel them, offering a fresh, universal perspective on history and memory.” 

    On September 16, spectators can sign up to receive first access to tickets for LUMINISCENCE by going to luminiscence.com/minneapolis. The show opens on Friday, October 31, at The Basilica of Saint Mary in downtown Minneapolis, continuing through early 2026. Performances are scheduled weekdays and weekends. 

    “LUMINISCENCE is a meticulously designed immersive experience that surrounds each guest with light, sound and story,” said Ben Samek, CEO Banijay Americas. “While the narrative follows a defined structure, the impact is uniquely personal, inviting individual reflection and connection. More than a visual installation, it reimagines audience engagement by breaking the fourth wall and delivering a new standard in experiential storytelling.” 

    The show has already been staged in historic cathedrals in several European countries, including France, Germany and Spain, with more to come including in the Netherlands. LUMINISCENCE was created by Lotchi and will be produced in the U.S. by Banijay Live USA. 

  5. SANTIAGO ZAPATA NAMED SCRIPTED VICE PRESIDENT FOR A FÁBRICA MEXICO & U.S. HISPANIC

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    A Fábrica Mexico & U.S. Hispanic, part of Banijay Americas, has appointed award-winning producer, screenwriter and veteran industry executive Santiago Zapata as its new Scripted Vice President, it was announced today by Luiz Noronha, President of A Fábrica Mexico & U.S. Hispanic and Alejandro Rincón, CEO  EndemolShine Boomdog, who oversees the label.

    Zapata will oversee all scripted development and production for the recently launched Mexico City-based label. He joins from Ntertain Studios/Neon16, founded by former Sony Music Entertainment CEO Tommy Mottola and Lex Borrero, where he led the film & TV division out of Miami. There he developed a slate of films, original series, documentaries and brand collaborations for the U.S. and Latin American markets. Notable projects included collaborations with global icons including Will Smith, Thalia and Big Sean.

    Zapata also brings extensive experience behind the camera. He recently served as showrunner on the Disney+ series “Los Montaner” for two seasons, wrote and executive produced Netflix’s “La Firma” and Paramount+’s “Thalia’s Mixtape,” and is currently directing and producing a feature documentary on legendary music mogul Tommy Mottola.

    “’Santiago is a storyteller at heart and brings deep creative experience as an executive, along with a forward-thinking enthusiasm as a producer,” says Luiz Noronha. “He’s truly a breath of fresh air, with a strong foundation in both scripted and talent-driven projects. His collaborative spirit and instinctive understanding of client needs will keep us closely aligned with our partners and the stories they want to tell the world.”

    Santiago Zapata added, “I’m very grateful for this opportunity to join A Fábrica at such an exciting moment. Not only for what it represents for my career, but also on a personal level, as it allows me to grow alongside a team I truly admire for their talent, experience, and above all, their integrity. I’m incredibly excited about this new chapter, especially for the challenge of taking my work to the next level: trusting my instincts and creating stories that genuinely resonate with audiences.”

    Last month, EndemolShine Boomdog and Banijay Entertainment announced a partnership with acclaimed writer and producer, Leonardo Padrón, to launch Leonardo Padrón Productions. Focused on premium content, the venture will collaborate with A Fábrica Mexico & U.S. Hispanic to deliver a slate defined by distinctive storytelling. Several scripted drama series are currently in development with Padrón for Spanish-language audiences in the U.S., Mexico and Latin America, with initial projects expected to hit the marketplace later this year.

    Zapata began his career directing music videos, short films, and commercials, before joining Contento Films, a company instrumental in putting Medellín, Colombia on the global production map. Working alongside the local government, he helped design film-incentive programs that helped multiply the region’s audiovisual production output tenfold.

    He later led multiple production services in feature films for major studios like Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures and MarVista Entertainment and that momentum carried him into independent film. As a writer and producer, his most notable credits include “The Boy” (2015), with Elijah Wood’s SpectreVision, “City of Dead Men” (2016), distributed by Gravitas Ventures and “Monos” (2019), the most-awarded film in Colombian history, shortlisted for the 2020 Academy Awards and Goya-nominated.

    His work has been honored at international festivals like Sundance, Berlinale, BFI London, San Sebastián, and Palm Springs International Film Festival, and more, and has been recognized by the Latin Grammys, MTV European Awards, and Premios Platino.

  6. Lifetime Announces Two-Night Premiere of the Highly Anticipated New Docuseries The Chrisleys: Back to Reality September 1st and 2nd

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    Lifetime sets a date for the previously announced docuseries about the beloved TV family who had a very public fall from grace – The Chrisleys. The Chrisleys: Back to Reality will premiere as a two-night event September 1st and 2nd at 8/7c with two-hour blocks. The remaining episodes will air back-to-back Tuesdays beginning at 8/7c on September 9th and finale on September 16th. The series begins during the wake of the family’s controversy and upheaval with Todd and Julie in federal prison and follows the family as their parents are eventually pardoned, released from prison and return home. The series shows a side of the Chrisleys that has never been seen before with exclusive access to the family—Julie and Todd from prison and upon their release, Savannah, Chase, Grayson, Chloe, Nanny Faye, and for the first time, Julie’s parents Harvey and Pam. The docuseries hails from Bunim/Murray Productions, the EPs behind Surviving R. Kelly, The Life & Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Confessions of Octomom.

    The new series exposes the raw truth of the Chrisley’s lives—past and present—and the reality is far different from what audiences have seen before. The family faces a critical point that will either make their bond stronger or leave it shattered forever. This series delivers an unfiltered, deeply personal look at their journey and introduces the real Chrisleys as they navigate this new chapter.

    The Chrisleys: Back to Reality is produced by Bunim/Murray Productions (The Challenge, Vanderpump Villa), a part of Banijay Americas, with Julie Pizzi, Farnaz Farjam, Jesse Daniels, Rit Saraswat, Nicole Blais, Savannah Chrisley and Chase Chrisley serving as executive producers. Brie Miranda Bryant and Nicole Vogel executive produce for Lifetime.

     

  7. ENDEMOLSHINE BOOMDOG, BANIJAY ENTERTAINMENT AND ACCLAIMED WRITER & PRODUCER LEONARDO PADRÓN UNITE TO LAUNCH “LEONARDO PADRÓN PRODUCTIONS”

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    )— EndemolShine Boomdog and Banijay Entertainment are teaming with acclaimed Latin American writer and producer, Leonardo Padrón to launch Leonardo Padrón Productions. Focused on premium content, the venture will partner with Banijay Americas label, A Fábrica Mexico & U.S. Hispanic, to deliver a slate defined by distinctive storytelling.

    Padrón, one of Latin America’s most renowned screenwriters, is the creative force behind gripping Netflix hits like visceral thriller Pálpito, and suspenseful tragedy Accidente, both top-ranking non-English series on the platform. His extensive body of work includes stand-out titles for Univision and Televisa, La Mujer del Diablo, Si nos Dejan, Amar a Muerte, and the revival of the classic Mexican novela Rubí. In film, he penned scripts such as Manuela Sáenz, La Libertadora del Libertador, La primera vez and Miranda. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, he is also an award-winning poet, essayist, columnist and chronicle writer, alongside his renowned status as a film and television screenwriter and producer.

    Leonardo Padrón Productions will develop high-impact, character-driven dramas in partnership with A Fábrica Mexico & U.S. Hispanic, Banijay Americas’ scripted label launched earlier this year by EndemolShine Boomdog and A Fábrica (Brazil). In addition to the Mexican and U.S. Hispanic markets, the venture will collaborate with Banijay Entertainment’s scripted companies across its 21-market footprint, be able to capitalize on the group’s central Scripted Fund, and benefit from its vast distribution engine, Banijay Rights.

    Leonardo Padrón says: “Forming an alliance with EndemolShine Boomdog and Banijay Entertainment allows us to build on the most powerful tool we have, collaboration. Further building our shared creative muscle, this partnership will enable us to craft cross-border stories which connect with global audiences.”

    Alejandro Rincón, CEO, EndemolShine Boomdog says: “When establishing our new scripted division, Leonardo Padrón was the top choice to develop new projects with. His work is second-to-none in Latin America, across both TV and film, and his words resonate directly with audiences globally. Having Banijay Entertainment onboard reinforces our ambition to expand globally, and we can’t wait to take our development with Leonardo to the marketplace and bring his amazing stories to life.”

    Frédéric Balmary, Chief Business Officer, Banijay Entertainment says: “Leonardo Padrón is a master in dramatic tension, with a creative voice that’s both gripping and culturally impactful. As we grow our premium Spanish-language slate, this partnership offers an impressive opportunity to develop stories that reflect the Latin American identity while speaking to audiences everywhere. With the creative drive of A Fábrica Mexico & U.S. Hispanic, and the global reach of Banijay Entertainment, we are well-positioned to further bring Leonardo’s vision to the world.”

    A Fábrica Mexico & U.S. Hispanic’s team, led by Luiz Noronha and Alejandro Rincón, is currently developing multiple scripted drama series with Padrón for Spanish-language audiences in the U.S., Mexico and Latin America, with several initial projects expected to be available on the marketplace later this year. The company was unveiled in January, creating a premier content label in Mexico City dedicated to championing creativity and innovation in scripted storytelling, with a focus on developing and producing original Spanish-language scripted content for the respective regions and beyond. 

    Banijay Entertainment stands at the forefront of premium storymaking, with 60+ scripted labels creating a slate of new and returning titles like Carême (Shine Fiction / Apple TV), Buccaneers (The Forge/ Apple TV), House of Guinness (Kudos / Netflix), The Law According to Lidia Poët (Groenlandia / Netflix), Rogue Heroes (Kudos / BBC One), Wallander (Jarowskij/ YellowBird/ TV4), Culpa Mia and Culpa Tuya (Pokeepsie / Prime Video) and more.

  8. X GAMES TEAMING WITH BUNIM/MURRAY PRODUCTIONS TO DEVELOP NEW COMPETITION SERIES “X GAMES BATTLEGROUND”

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    Bunim/Murray Productions, a division of Banijay Americas and producers of global sensation “The Challenge,” is teaming with the iconic X Games to create a new competition series, “X Games Battleground,” it was announced today by X Games CEO Jeremy Bloom and Julie Pizzi, President & CEO, Bunim/Murray Productions.

    To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the X Games, this groundbreaking new format will unite 30 of the most iconic and influential X Games athletes, bringing together current stars and past champions for a one-of-a-kind competition worthy of the most fearless, most extreme competitors in the world.

    “X Games Battleground” will crown the top all-around female and male X Games competitors of 2025, as they face high-octane challenges inspired by the history of the legendary X Games.

    Bunim/Murray and X Games are jointly developing “X Games Battleground” with plans to take it to the marketplace later this summer.

    “X Games is the world’s leader in action sports competition, and we’re thrilled to be developing an unscripted series with many of the top X Games athletes that will showcase the fearless, extreme action that fans from across the globe have enjoyed for decades,” said Bunim/Murray’s Pizzi.

    “‘X Games Battleground’ will be raw and intense—uniting legends and rising stars in a fresh format. It’s part of our strategy to tell deeper athlete stories beyond the field of play and bring fans closer to our athletes,” said X Games CEO Bloom.

    Since its inception in 1995, X Games has evolved from The Extreme Games in Providence, Rhode Island, into the leading action sports competition and lifestyle brand, spotlighting the world’s best action sports athletes at the summer and winter versions of the X Games against the backdrop of each individual host city. One of the most complete youth culture experiences available, X Games now features an enhanced sport, music and festival lineup.

    Complementing the sports with the world’s top musical performers, X Games has featured performances by world-class artists including Metallica, Tiesto, Nicki Minaj, Macklemore and many more. X Games events have also featured interactive festival villages, offering experiences for fans of all ages.

    An international stage for progression, fans around the globe have witnessed countless memorable moments in the history of action sports at X Games events. Whether it was Tony Hawk’s first 900 in the Skateboard Vert competition, Travis Pastrana’s Double Backflip in the Moto X Best Trick competition or Mark McMorris’ first Triple Cork 1440 in the Snowboard Slopestyle competition, fans can expect never-before-seen tricks at each event.

    Bunim/Murray, widely credited with creating the reality television genre with its hit series The Real World on MTV, has a long history of producing competition series, including multiple versions of the global hit format “The Challenge.” The production company recently produced the 40th season of The Challenge for MTV and Paramount+. Other versions include The Challenge All Stars (Paramount+) and The Challenge World Championship (Paramount+).

    Additionally, the company announced the highly anticipated docuseries The Untitled Chrisleys Project (Lifetime), offering a raw and unfiltered look at the Chrisley family’s next chapter amidst recent controversies and headlines involving their parents.

    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.

  9. ENDEMOL SHINE BOOMDOG NAMES JAIME ESCALLON-BURAGLIA HEAD OF UNSCRIPTED DEVELOPMENT

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    Endemol Shine Boomdog, part of Banijay Americas, has named award-winning writer, director and showrunner Jaime Escallon-Buraglia as its new Head of Unscripted Development, it was announced today by Frank Scheuermann, Chief Content Officer, Unscripted, Endemol Shine Boomdog.

    Escallon-Buraglia, who has a long track-record of success producing films, documentaries and unscripted content, most recently served as showrunner for Endemol Shine Boomdog’s hit series “Los 50” for Telemundo.

    Escallon-Buraglia has produced, written, and directed numerous feature films, scripted and unscripted series, and over 100 documentaries, including the Emmy Award-winning documentary “The Cancer Dancer” for Discovery.

    Endemol Shine Boomdog is behind many of the top unscripted series in Mexico and the U.S Hispanic market, including “La Casa de los Famosos,” “Quien es la Mascara?,” “Me Caigo De Risa,” “MasterChef Mexico,” “Los 50” and more.

     “I have worked closely with Jaime for many years and know him to be one of the most talented, respected executives and producers in our field and we are thrilled that he’s now leading all of our unscripted development here at Endemol Shine Boomdog,” says Boomdog’s Scheuermann, to whom Escallon-Buraglia will report. “He has done an amazing job overseeing production onseries like ‘Los 50’ for us and we can’t wait to share some of the exciting new development we’ve created with the marketplace later this year.”  

    Escallon-Buraglia added, “Having come from the independent production world, I’m thrilled to join Endemol Shine Boomdog, a regional leader in unscripted content. The company combines the strength of a global network with a focus on innovative, locally authentic content that truly connects with audiences. We’re dedicated to pushing boundaries and taking bold risks to create the next big hit formats from our region. “

    A seasoned factual showrunner, Escallon-Buraglia has directed and produced high-profile formats such as Endemol Shine Boomdog’s “Los 50,” and “Casados a Primera Vista,” as well as “The X-Factor” and “Survivor.” He has also created original formats like “Wendy Perdida Pero Famosa,” “Patrulla Médica” and “Cruzando el Amazonas.”

    In the documentary realm, Escallon-Buraglia has made a significant impact with films such as “Lost in the Amazon,” winner of Best Documentary at the Produ Awards, “Deadly by Design”and “Rebel Love.” His debut feature film in 2010, “El Jefe,” marked a milestone as the first-everCanadian-Colombian-Argentinian co-production.

    Escallon-Buraglia has been recognized by the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) as one of 15 emerging talents across North America. He is also an alumnus of several prestigious programs, including the National Screen Institute Totally TV Program, the Hot Docs Pitch Forum, and the Toronto International Film Festival Talent Lab.

  10. Studio BRB Signs Development Deal with Endemol Shine North America to Develop Unscripted Social Experiment Format

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    Studio BRB are thrilled to announce a partnership with Endemol Shine North America, a Banijay Americas company, producers behind the hit series Deal or No Deal Island (NBC), MasterChef (FOX), LEGO Masters (FOX), Ripley (Netflix) and more. Together, the two companies will develop and produce an innovative unscripted social experiment show set to captivate audiences worldwide.

    This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Studio BRB as it expands its footprint in the unscripted television landscape. Known for their creative storytelling and high-quality productions, Studio BRB will bring its unique vision and expertise to this ambitious project, while leveraging Endemol Shine North America’s extensive experience and successful track record in producing hit reality and competition series.

    Executive Producer of Studio BRB, Jenni Baynham said: “We are incredibly excited to partner again with our friends at Endemol Shine North America on this groundbreaking project. They bring unmatched experience and creativity that can help us take our projects to the next level.”

    Pitching of the new format is set to begin later this summer. The upcoming show promises to deliver compelling content that will attract a broad audience, combining the thrill of a high stakes competition with the intrigue of a social experiment setting.

  11. BUNIM/MURRAY PRODUCTIONS AND TOGETHXR

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    Bunim/Murray Productions, a division of Banijay Americas, is teaming with leading women’s sports media company TOGETHXR and superstar athletes Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe for a new untitled docu-series, it was announced today by Bunim/Murray Productions President Julie Pizzi and TOGETHXR co-founder and Chief Content Officer Jessica Robertson.

    Executive Produced by Bird and Rapinoe, the series will bring audiences beyond the courts and fields and into the lives and relationships of America’s top female athletes. It will follow athletes from the WNBA, NWSL, PWHL and more, along with their families, wives, girlfriends, partners and even their situationships.

    With women’s sports more in the spotlight than ever, viewers will go behind-the-scenes

    with professional female athletes and their partners, as they navigate the complexities of pro-sports and their relationships off the field. With a focus on the unique dynamics within these leagues, such as relationships between teammates or rivals, the show explores the challenges and triumphs of wins, losses and love as a world class athlete.

    The series is being co-developed by Bunim/Murray and TOGETHXR, the media and commerce company founded by leading athletes Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, Simone Manuel and Bird. TOGETHXR is the force behind “The Syd and TP Show” (Fubo TV) and “Surf Girls Hawai’i” (Prime Video) and is set to release its latest documentary “Power of the Dream” (Prime Video) later this month.

    Bunim/Murray, which produces such hit unscripted series as “Vandperpump Villa” (Hulu), “The Family Stallone” (Paramount+), “The Life and Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson” (Lifetime) and “The Challenge” for MTV, CBS and Paramount+, is set to take the untitled series out with TOGETHXR to potential buyers in the coming weeks.

    Bunim/Murray’s Steve Ezell (SVP, Current Programming) and Michael Driscoll (VP, Development) are leading development efforts for the studio, along with Jess Robertson (Co-Founder, CCO) and Tina Tozzi (Head of Development) at TOGETHXR

    “We believe in the power of sport to tell stories that transcend the game. This series is an opportunity to showcase the incredible journeys of these phenomenal athletes, on and off the field,” said Bird and Rapinoe. “As athletes and partners who share a bond through our love of sports, we’re thrilled to team up with Bunim-Murray and TOGETHXR to bring these stories to life and give fans a deeper look at the lives of the athletes who inspire us all.”

    “We couldn’t be more excited and at the same time honored to be teaming with superstars Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, as well as the talented team at TOGETHXR,” says Bunim/Murray’s Ezell and Driscoll. “This series will take audiences where they have never gone before, behind the scenes with elite professional female athletes and inside their relationships with loved ones, friends and other top sports stars.”

    Bird is a five-time Olympic gold medalist and basketball legend, and Rapinoe, a two-time FIFA World Cup winner and soccer icon. Collectively, they have achieved some of the highest honors in their respective sports, becoming role models and advocates for gender equality and social justice.

  12. Endemol Shine Boomdog Named One of Mexico’s Best Companies to Work For By Great Place To Work®

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    Endemol Shine Boomdog, a Banijay Americas company, has been certified and ranked by Great Place To Work® as one of the best companies to work for in Mexico in 2024. This marks the second consecutive year that they have received this recognition. 

    As the largest entertainment production company in Mexico and the U.S. Hispanic market, Endemol Shine Boomdog placed 16th among multinational companies with 50 to 500 employees. This represents a significant improvement from its 34th ranking in the same category the previous year.

    The company’s commitment to respect, employee well-being, and a positive work environment contributed to its high ranking. Employees praised the flexibility to work from home, the pet-friendly environment, and various benefits and perks. The final national and sector-specific rankings will be disclosed by Great Place to Work® at a later date.

    Ignacio José Rincón, Senior Vice President of Planning and Strategy at Endemol Shine Boomdog and who leads the Human Resources department, said: “It is extremely gratifying to have Endemol Shine Boomdog recognized as one of the best places to work in Mexico for the second consecutive year by Great Place To Work®. We strive to provide an environment where team members can perform at their best at all levels and feel supported, appreciated and that their contributions are valued.”

    Since its establishment in 2017, Endemol Shine Boomdog has prioritized diversity, equality, and inclusion, making social responsibility a core part of their DNA.