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 Benelux

  1. Scenery and Hôtel Motion Pictures Tackle Hyper-Consumerism with Filmmaker Adam McKay in You Need This

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    Scenery, a joint venture with Banijay Benelux, today announces thought-provoking, feature-length documentary You Need This, directed by Ryan Andrej Lough, produced by Academy Award-winner Adam McKay (Don’t Look Up) via Yellow Dot Studios, and Isidoor Roebers and Lea Fels producing with Scenery. The documentary has been acquired by ZDF Studios’ Off the Fence for worldwide rights across streaming, digital and broadcast platforms, for an anticipated 2025 premiere.

    You Need This is an immersive saga exploring how consumerism and hyper-capitalism, born from the unbridled optimism of 1950s America, has evolved into a global system shaping our desires, identities, and behaviours. Conditioning the population to find meaning and status through endless consumption, this insatiable machine depletes our environment, strains our social bonds, and damages our well-being. Featuring insights from cultural figures and experts like best-selling writer Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, dream scientist Adam Haar-Horowitz, and lauded economist Juliet Schor, the film reveals the hidden forces manipulating our choices, and challenges us to break free, urging a shift toward more conscious and sustainable living.

    Ryan Andrej Lough, director and producer at Hôtel Motion Pictures says: “I felt compelled to make this film after years of research on the topics within, disturbed by how consumer capitalism has reduced us to mere cogs in a system that causes more waste, division, and destruction than anything else in history. This 20th-century invention now dominates our lives, manipulating us without our awareness and profiting from the destruction of the planet and society.”

    Adam McKay adds: “The film reveals that it’s not cultural or political divisions that have turned our world upside down, but the relentless quest for corporate profit fuelling consumerism. Just as the film delves into the bleak impact of global consumption; it captures something remarkable: a growing awareness as people begin to wake up to the reality of the system we’ve been trapped in.”

    Isidoor Roebers and Lea Fels, producers at Scenery say: “You Need This is a powerful wake-up call, offering a critical lens on the hyper-capitalist machine so deeply engrained in our culture, we barely notice its influence. The film pushes us to confront the real cost of our consumption and invites audiences to envision a future where the planet takes priority over profit. With Off the Fence’s backing, this documentary will ignite a global conversation about our shared economic and environmental future.”

    You Need This is narrated by comedy writer and actor Serra Naiman. It is produced by Adam McKay with Yellow Dot Studios, Isidoor Roebers and Lea Fels with Scenery, and Tyler Owen and Cecilia Butler with Hôtel Motion Pictures. The film is Executive Produced by Yellow Dot’s Staci Roberts-Steele and Hôtel Motion Pictures’ Benjamin Rednour.

  2. France, Poland and the Netherlands Bid For Return Masters

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces Return Masters has been picked up by France’s 6ter for 6×52’, Poland’s Super Polsat for a 24×60’ run, and the Netherlands’ RTL5 for a 50×43’ series. Originally created by Endemol Shine Germany and DSP (part of Banijay UK), the latest versions will be produced by Banijay Entertainment’s Endemol France, Endemol Shine Poland (part of Banijay Germany), and SimpelZodiak (part of Banijay Benelux) respectively.

    Return Masters follows second-hand traders competing to make the most profit by bidding on mystery pallets filled with returned goods. Using their expertise, they go head-to-head as they haggle, bid, and bag bargains galore in the ultimate battle of returns dealers. It has run for four seasons on RTL in Germany and the French, Polish and Dutch versions mark the first international adaptations.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO, Endemol France says: “This fun-filled game show combines the thrill of bidding, with the mystery of not knowing exactly what’s inside the pallets, making it a must-watch for the entire family. Given its long-running success in Germany, we look forward to seeing Return Masters’ debut on 6ter’s primetime line-up.”

    Małgorzata Perkowska-Czaja, MD, Endemol Shine Poland says: “Return Masters is an authentic, character-driven show, featuring experienced and passionate dealers that audiences can’t help but root for. This format has been captivating audiences in Germany for four series. We are pleased to bring it to Poland and we believe it will resonate with Polish viewers and be well-received here.”

    Justine Huffmeijer, Managing Director at SimpelZodiak says: “By leaning into the shared expertise of the Banijay Entertainment teams around the group, we can give audiences in the Netherlands the best, premium formats from all around the world. Return Masters is a great fit for RTL5, incorporating light-hearted competition that is fun and entertaining for viewers.”

    Fabian Tobias, Managing Director Endemol Shine Germany, says: “Touching on hot topics, from sustainability to the current unboxing returned goods trend on social media, the show is well-suited for many international broadcasters. With its strong format pillars interwoven with local second-hand industries, we look forward to seeing how Endemol France, Endemol Shine Poland and SimpelZodiak adapt the series for their respective markets.”

    Endemol France, part of Banijay France, is a non-scripted juggernaut having produced recent hits such as Star Academy, LEGO® Masters, Celebrity Hunted, and LOL: Last One Laughing.

    Endemol Shine Poland has over 20 years’ experience producing hit shows including local adaptations of renowned brands Don’t Forget The Lyrics, 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.

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

  3. Banijay Entertainment’s Banged Up Unlocks First International Deal with the Netherlands

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces SimpelZodiak, part of Banijay Benelux, has sold the BAFTA-nominated format, Banged Up, to Dutch broadcaster EO, part of NPO, marking the show’s first international deal.

    Originally created by Banijay UK’s Shine TV, the producer behind hits Hunted and The Island, Banged Up launched on Channel 4 in October 2023, becoming one of the broadcaster’s most streamed shows. Known locally in the Netherlands as Hel of Hotel(w/t), the acclaimed factual format will be aired through Dutch broadcaster EO on the streaming platform, NPO Start.

    Banged Up is a revolutionary social experiment, where celebrities live the prison experience in a recently decommissioned jail, locked up alongside some of the country’s ex-criminals. As they attempt to survive the strict prison regime, they’ll discover what life behind bars is really like, learning to cope in an extreme and emotionally challenging environment that is far beyond their comfort zone.

    Justine Huffmeijer, Managing Director of SimpelZodiak says: “The themes in Banged Up are globally relatable, addressing issues of prisons and law enforcement, and the concept of second chances. This show is startlingly eye-opening, challengingpreconceptions at every turn. Its authentic and gritty reality delivers compelling viewing, and we’re interested to see how Dutch celebrities handle prison life.”

    Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations, Banijay adds: “Banged Up sparked important conversations in the UK, and we will undoubtedly see the same success in the Netherlands. This immersive format has strong travelling potential, uncovering critical questions about the prison system. With its dramatic and authentic approach, this format offers a glimpse into what it really is like to be ‘banged up’, and we expect further adaptations for this unique and fascinating programme.”

    Banijay Benelux label, SimpelZodiak, specialises in adventure reality, and factual entertainment for linear and VOD platforms. The company is behind local versions of global hits Survivor (known locally as Expedition Robinson), MasterChef, Temptation Island, and Hunted. Other credits include The Nation’s Brightest, Your Home Made Perfect, and Ik Vertrek.

    This title will sit alongside Banijay Entertainment’s vast catalogue of hit travellers like The Summit, Good Luck Guys, and Love Triangle; superbrands MasterChef, Big Brother and Survivor, and highly-anticipated streamer launches Bear Hunt and Building a Band (w/t).

  4. NL Film Signs First-Look Deal with sunny pictures

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    Banijay Benelux today announces its award-winning scripted label, NL Film, has signed a first-look deal with sunny pictures, a newly-established production company.

    Led by influential forces Paula van der Oest and Mark van Eeuwen, sunny pictures crafts bold, original, and high-quality films and television for both local and international audiences. Through this collaboration, NL Film and sunny pictures will join forces to elevate their creative and production capabilities, and by combining strengths they will deliver powerful, impactful projects, while expanding their respective slates.

    Oscar-nominated Van der Oest, an acclaimed filmmaker with 25 years’ experience, is known for her expertly crafted direction and storytelling, and has a focus on attracting and mentoring new talent and experienced creators, driving projects with fresh creativity. Meanwhile, Van Eeuwen, producer of Stromboli and De Joodse Raad, oversees production and international financing. The two producers previously collaborated at Levitate Film, and together they form a powerhouse duo with the expertise and knowledge to bring high-quality projects to the local and international stage.

    Dennis Cornelisse, Managing Director of NL Film, says: “We are committed to ambitiously growing NL Film, and this partnership with exceptional talent like Paula and Mark, further builds our creative position. Working with Sunny Pictures, with Paula’s reputation as one of the Netherlands’ most acclaimed directors and screenwriters, and Mark’s extensive experience with large-scale financing, represents a major step in strengthening our rich portfolio of films and series.”

    Paula van der Oest and Mark van Eeuwen, founders and producers of sunny pictures, say: “We have a strong connection with the NL Film team; its passion and energy for creating outstanding drama and film perfectly aligns with our own. In uniting forces, we can bring a more ambitious slate to the market, knowing we have first-class production partners and a distribution engine to boot.”

    Recent and forthcoming credits for NL Film include Escape from Albatros, which launched on NPO3 earlier this week; Full Moon, a feature-film for Prime Video, and Bij Heldere Hemel, a forthcoming drama for EO, shedding light on an infamous fireworks disaster. The company also created travelling scripted format Penoza, which returning to Poland after an eight-year hiatus, underscoring the company’s ability to create content resonating with audiences worldwide.

    NL Film is part of Banijay Entertainment’s broader line-up of over 60 scripted labels globally, with an impressive oeuvre of short and feature-length films, youth drama and television series.

  5. Banijay Entertainment’s Scripted Crime Format Penoza Returns to Poland

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces the return of crime thriller Penoza to Polish screens. After an eight-year hiatus, Banijay label Endemol Shine Poland is producing a third season, which will air on TVP 2 in the spring.

    Originally created by NL Film, part of Banijay Benelux, the award-winning format, Penoza, has been adapted in seven markets across Europe and the US.  In this Polish series, Agata Kulesza reprises her role as Carmen, a resilient woman entangled in the dangerous male-dominated world of organised crime. This new season picks up with her release from prison, as she seeks a peaceful life as a wife and mother. However, her hopes are dashed as she is once again drawn into the ruthless underworld. It’s a gripping story of survival, directed by Michał Rogalski (The Spy’s Bay, War Girls).

    Małgorzata Perkowska-Czaja, MD, Endemol Shine Poland says: “The return of Penoza in Poland marks a significant new chapter in our broader strategy to strengthen not only our slate of entertainment hits, but to build our scripted portfolio. With an incredible storyline, high-production values, and a focus on the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal world, this gripping series showcases our expertise and commitment to delivering contemporary productions with wide audience appeal.”

    Endemol Shine Poland has over 20 years’ experience producing hit shows including local adaptations of renowned brands Good Luck Guys, SAS: Who Dares Wins, Boomerissima, Drag Me Out, Don’t Forget The Lyrics, MasterChef, LEGO Masters, and All Together Now, amongst others. In addition, it is behind premium scripted programming such as Our Century for TVP 1, and Squared Love for Netflix.

  6. The Race Is On… Crossing Land, Sea and Air Returns to The Netherlands

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces Crossing Land, Sea and Air, the longest running entertainment programme on Dutch television, is returning and will be available to watch on RTL from 31 August. The 4×55’ series is produced by EndemolShine Nederland, part of Banijay Benelux.

    Following a successful 50th special last year, EndemolShine Nederland’s new season of the iconic entertainment competition will see contestants from across the country participate in a spectacular set of races in which they build their own vehicles. Each designed for a unique challenge, they are judged on speed, agility and creativity, with a special prize for the most innovative design. The format was originally created by TROS and René Stokvis in 1973.

    Rob van der Vleugel, Managing Director EndemolShine Nederland, says: “Crossing Land, Sea and Air:  is an ambitious revival of an iconic series, and a brilliant addition to EndemolShine Nederland’s entertainment slate. We are confident it will delight long-standing fans and new audiences alike, with its nod to classic challenges, alongside fresh twists, and a conscientious approach to sustainability as an Albert-certified production.”

    Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations, Banijay adds: “This format is a real classic, which is cherished by audiences in the Netherlands. The upcoming revival has been expertly crafted by EndemolShine Nederland for 2024 audiences, and there is significant international potential which we look forward to exploring.”

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

  7. NL Film Shines Bright with Full Moon

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces NL Film, a Banijay Benelux company, has struck a deal with Searchers and Prime Video, to distribute their latest feature film, Full Moon. The very first Dutch film to be filmed entirely in Thailand, it will be released in local cinemas in 2025, as well as Prime Video.

    Full Moon, directed by David Cocheret (De Slet van 6VWO, SpangaS) with screenplay written by  Brian De Vore (SpangaS, Misfit: The Series, Costa!! de serie), follows four friends in their thirties who travel to Thailand for a holiday filled with parties and adventure. When the body of a young woman washes up after a wild ‘Full Moon Party’, the four best friends wind up as the main suspects, and what should have been a carefree holiday quickly turns into a horrific nightmare. Directed by David Cocheret, the four main roles are played by Yannick Jozefzoon (Femi, Santos), Kay Greidanus (Net als in de film, Commando’s), Matthijs van de Sande Bakhuyzen (De Stamhouder, Billy the Kid) and Joep Paddenburg (Jippie No More!, Tegendraads).  

    Dennis Cornelisse, Managing Director and Producer of NL Film: “Full Moon is a remarkable project, having been entirely shot in Thailand with a Thai and Dutch crew under challenging circumstances. Moreover, the film combines various genres from bromance to action thriller, making it a broadly appealing and valuable addition to our portfolio and to Dutch cinema. With its universal theme, we hope to see this gripping thriller gain exposure beyond its Dutch borders and capture global audiences, whilst also demonstrating its great potential as a travelling format.”

    David Cocheret, director of Full Moon: “Filming for a full month in Thailand was an unforgettable experience that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss. Despite the differences between Dutch and Thai culture – such as the necessary blessing of the set by a monk for the Thai crew — we found a common language in the film. I am proud of the crew and look forward to the result.” 

    Full Moon is being produced by NL Film and hs been made possible by the Netherlands Film Production Incentive, Searchers, and Prime Video. The film is currently in post-production and is set to be released in Dutch cinemas in 2025. NL Film is part of Banijay’s broader line-up of over 60 scripted labels globally, with an impressive oeuvre of short and feature-length films, youth drama and television series. 

  8. Scenery Announces Formula 1 Docu-Series Max Verstappen – Off the Beaten Track

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces Scenery, a joint venture with Banijay Benelux, will produce Max Verstappen – Off the Beaten Track for Viaplay. The series, a collaboration between Scenery, Viaplay and Verstappen, offers unique glimpses into the life of the three-time Formula 1 world champion, and comes off the success of last year’s acclaimed documentary, Max Verstappen- Anatomy of a Champion.

    Max Verstappen – Off the Beaten Track presents a unique opportunity for viewers to explore Verstappen’s passions beyond the F1 circuit, providing intimate insights into his character and race craft. Through three 30-minute episodes, director Nick Hoedeman unveils a hidden side of Verstappen not captured by other cameras ever before. Each episode highlights a different aspect of Verstappen’s passion beyond the F1 track, and in this more intimate setting, the series gains a deeper understanding of this global superstar and his love for racing.

    Max Verstappen: “This series shows a side that often remains unseen during the moments on the Formula 1 circuit. ‘Off the Beaten Track’ gives a glimpse of my life, my love for different forms of motorsport and the people who inspire me. I’m proud to collaborate with Viaplay in bringing this unique series to viewers.”

    Isidoor Roebers, Scenery Founder and Producer comments: “We reflect with immense pride on the remarkable journey of creating this series for Viaplay and Max Verstappen. Together with director Nick Hoedeman, our dedicated team crafted a truly distinctive series, filmed on location in Monaco, Las Vegas, Austria, Italy, and Amsterdam. Through this captivating documentary, it has been an honour to delve into the life of Max, a perspective that few have had the privilege to witness.”

    Peter Nørrelund, Viaplay Group EVP and Chief Sports & Business Development Officer says: “Our collaboration with Max Verstappen on Off the Beaten Track is a testament to our commitment to delivering exclusive and captivating content. In this series, we’ve opened the doors to a side of Max that goes beyond the fast-paced world of Formula 1. This isn’t just about racing; it’s about uncovering the essence of a global superstar. We are thrilled to offer viewers an intimate look into Max’s passions and pursuits outside the circuit, highlighting the depth of his character, and the fervour that fuels his success. We’re proud to present this unique and compelling series that adds another dimension to Max Verstappen”.

    The news follows Banijay’s recent launch of Banijay Sports, which signalled its ambitions to grow across sportainment, documentary and digital, via new partnerships, content investments and M&A.

  9. NL Film Announces New Senior Team

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    Banijay Benelux today confirms new senior team at NL Film with Dennis Cornelisse taking over as Managing Director and Wynand Chocolaad joining as Head of Productions, with both roles effective immediately.

    Cornelisse, who previously served as Producer at NL Film, is replacing Alex Doff, COO at Banijay Benelux. Having been the driving force behind many successful productions including The Golden Hour, Anoniem,Rundfunk, Neem me mee, Costa!! and De Regels van Floor, he will take over the strategic direction of NL Film and strengthen the portfolio of projects in development.

    Peter Lubbers, CEO at Banijay Benelux: “Dennis’ deep knowledge of the world of films and drama series combined with his experience, proven track record, and leadership, make him the perfect candidate to take on NL Film. I look forward to seeing the next phase of growth and creative ambition he will bring to the label.”

    Reinforcing the creative team, Chocolaad is joining as Head of Productions. Previously at Lemming Film, he brings a wealth of experience having spent 16 years at NL Film, where he built, and subsequently maintained strong ties with the creative team. In addition to supervising all productions, he will ensure departments are fully supported and maximised.

    Recent hits for the Amsterdam-based production company NL Film include Golden Hour (NPO), Modern Love(Amazon Prime Video), and feature film Costa.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  11. Young People Embark on SimpelZodiak’s The Life Trail

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

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

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

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

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

  12. Topkapi Films Announces New Management Team

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    Banijay Benelux today announces a new management team at Topkapi Films, with Sebastian Korteweg joining the high-end scripted production company on 1st September.

    Korteweg will become part of the management team alongside Laurette Schillings, Frans van Gestel and Arnold Heslenfeld. He will assume business responsibilities, with a specific remit to connect the storymakers who craft compelling content with the business teams who are geared towards ensuring the company’s series and films effectively reach the right audience. Korteweg will eventually succeed Heslenfeld who is retiring in 2024.

    Laurette Schillings, Partner and Producer at Topkapi Films says: “Sebastian’s experience and knowledge is very complementary to Topkapi. His experience is second to none, having honed skills at high-profile institutions. His background demonstrates he has a similar mindset to us here, and we are extremely pleased with his arrival. We would also like to thank Arnold for his dedicated years at Topkapi and wish him all the best for a well-deserved retirement. “

     

    Sebastian Korteweg says: “In this new role as Producer at Topkapi, I’ll be able to fulfil my long-held aspiration to work on ground-breaking drama series and films for a diverse and international audience. I’m very much looking forward to working together with an enormously talented and experienced team of professionals.”

    Korteweg has held numerous senior positions in the film industry. In recent years he was Content Acquisition Manager at Pathé and a programmer of Royal Theatre Tuschinski. He is also a committee member at Cinekid and a guest lecturer at the Netherlands Film Academy.  Korteweg began his career at Eyeworks Film & TV Drama, and in his career he has held responsibility for the planning and co-production of films at RTL and Videoland, as well as sold film rights at Penguin Random House in Barcelona.

    Topkapi Films will be bringing their premium content to this year’s Venice Film Festival, with their latest film Holly, produced by Prime Time and Mirage in coproduction with Dardenne brothers’ Les Film du Fleuve, Tarantula, Topkapi and Agat Films,  making its international debut. Meanwhile, at the forthcoming Netherlands Film Festival, two series, Santos and Mocked Up, will premiere this September. Also coming up is the launch of their latest feature film on Netflix, Happy Ending.