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

Tag Archive: Banijay Benelux

  1. 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.

  2. NL Film and BNNVARA Unveil Second Season for Hit Crime Drama Anonymous for NPO

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    Banijay Benelux today confirms NL Film has landed a second series commission of tense thriller Anonymous. The series is a co-production between NL Film and BNNVARA for broadcaster NPO.

    When crime has a grip on the country and systems seem to be failing, a couple emerges to take justice into their own hands. History teacher Jurre and prosecutor Saar each relentlessly battle the criminal underworld, fighting for the safety of their family. There is one twist: they don’t know about each other. Saar fights her battle against the criminal gang ‘Cabo’ as a public prosecutor, while Jurre does it his way, as Anonymous.

     

    The debut series of the crime thriller garnered an average of 1 million viewers each episode via TV and on-demand platforms and can still be streamed via NPO Start. Banijay Rights handles international distribution.

    The cast of Anonymous includes Jeroen Spitzenberger and Anniek Pheifer portraying the complex characters of Jurre and Sarah. The ensemble also features Mies van Rooijen and Sil van der Zwan. The series is directed by Diederik van Rooijen.

    Dennis Cornelisse, Producer at NL Film, says: “In a world where justice hangs in the balance, Anonymous is a gripping thriller about a couple’s relentless pursuit fighting for what they believe is right, and a reminder that every day heroes walk among us. As a creative company, it is always brilliant to have the opportunity to delve deeper into a story with a returning series and we look forward to working with BNNVARA and NPO on the new season.”

     

    Diederik van Rooijen, Director, adds: “Anonymous is far from over. Thanks to the many loyal followers, a second season is in the works for this successful crime series. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created, and the show has been so embraced by viewers. The fight against crime has only just begun for Jurre and his family!”

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

  3. NL Film Unveils New Creative Team

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    Banijay Benelux today unveils the new creative team of NL Film, with acclaimed director Anne de Clercq joining to lead the charge, along with senior promotions from within the business.

    The new Creative Director, de Clercq will manage NL Film’s creative team and portfolio, alongside her directing work. She will work closely with Jochum ten Haaf, who has been promoted to Head of Development, along with Creative Producers Henriette Drost and Claire Zhou. The NL Film ‘Creative Room’ will develop new stories and acquire IP to strengthen the business, producing films for large audiences as well as internationally driven drama series.

    Dennis Cornelisse, Production Director at NL Film, says: “Anne is one of the best in the business, she is multi-talented, inspiring and a highly in-demand creative. With her infectious enthusiasm and knowledge about the profession, along with her track record as a director, she will add great value to our company. The team is now complete with Jochum, Henriette and Claire and we can’t wait to see the new projects they develop together with Anne.”

     Anne de Clerq, Creative Director NL Film, adds; “I have a huge amount of energy for this new step in my career. NL Film is widely known for its quality drama and films, which perfectly suits my penchant for telling beautiful, catchy stories with imperfect characters. I am very much looking forward to working and collaborating with my new ambitious colleagues.”

    Versatile drama and film director, de Clercq has an extensive track record across film, television, and commercial content. A specialist in feel-good films that don’t shy away from the pain, she is one of the most sought-after directors in the Netherlands. Recent credits include cinema hit Soof 3 and Snelle- Zonder Jas Naar Buiten, a documentary about Dutch rapper and singer Snelle.

    Meanwhile, new Head of Development, ten Haaf is mostly known as an actor for his role as Vincent van Gogh in the West End and Broadway. His love of drama originated with his writing career, and his credits include numerous successful series including Commandos, Heer & Meester and Dokter Tinus.

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

  4. Banijay Benelux Acquires Majority Stake in Jonnydepony

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    Banijay Benelux today announces it will further expand its scripted activities in Belgium through a majority stake in production company, Jonnydepony.  Further broadening its drama portfolio and content offering both locally and internationally, the label will join the Belgian footprint alongside Banijay Belgium, which is behind successful soap opera, Familie.

    Jonnydepony, founded in 2015 by Philippe De Schepper, is an independent production label specialising in the development and production of high-quality drama series like acclaimed Black-out (distributed to eight countries), Transport (selected for Series Mania) and Arcadia (soon to be seen at VRT, KRO-NCRV and WDR/SWR). Led by Helen Perquy (co-owner since 2018) and Philippe De Schepper, it is known for its efficient and professional delivery of alluring international (co)productions.

    Peter Lubbers, CEO Banijay Benelux: “Jonnydepony has built up a brilliant reputation in Belgium, but also in the Netherlands and Germany, under the leadership of Helen and Philippe. A unique duo with an extremely creative and successful signature, the label is a magnet for great talent in front of, and behind-the-camera. We welcome the team with enthusiasm and look forward to expanding the scripted offer together.”

    Helen Perquy & Philippe De Schepper, both CEO and Producer Jonnydepony: “We are proud to enter a new phase together with our team and become part of a renowned international player. In the rapidly evolving media ecosystem, it is nice that a partner like Banijay, which values IP rights, is strong in global distribution and has a global creative network, joins forces with our company. We look forward to working with the group to further grow our business in both the local and international markets.”

  5. Banijay Benelux Partners with Topkapi

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    Banijay Benelux today confirms it has formed a strategic partnership with Amsterdam-based Topkapi. In officiating its relationship with the Flying Dutchmen and The Terrible Eighties drama producer, the group further expands its scripted portfolio and strengthens its footing in the international market, driving further development and co-production opportunities in the drama and film space.

    Behind films like Piece of My Heart and Close Topkapi is an established production company with more than 25 years of experience in development and production across drama and film. Creatively and business-led by Laurette Schillings, Arnold Heslenfeld and Frans van Gestel, the international entity has been at the forefront of 50 international co-productions, and has over 100 titles in its catalogue. Its award-winning offering includes Academy Award and BAFTA-winning film Another Round, and Close, which is currently in the running for four European accolades.

    Peter Lubbers, CEO Banijay Benelux: “We are very much looking forward to working with Topkapi, which has a great reputation for high-quality drama series and films both locally and internationally. With an impressive global creative network that fits seamlessly with our co-production ambitions beyond our national borders, the label is a perfect fit for our family.”

    Frans van Gestel, Producer Topkapi: “In Banijay Benelux, we have found an international operating partner that allows us to realise our ambition in the field of co-producing international series. The clout of its wider sales and distribution arm allows us to bring our new titles and catalogue, with more than 100 different films and series, to the attention of parties outside the Netherlands and also build new relationships with international writers, directors and producers.”

    Banijay Benelux has built a strong track record in scripted via NL Film, which to date has been behind hits including Penoza, Modern Love, Van der Valk and Commandos, and with EndemolShine Scripted, responsible for Bonnie & Clyde, Roombeek and daily drama, GTST.

  6. Banijay Benelux Appoints Alex Doff, Chief Operating Officer

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    Banijay Benelux, the leading home for content producers across the Netherlands and Belgium, has expanded its board of directors to include a new Chief Operating Officer – Alex Doff. Sitting on the board with CEO, Peter Lubbers and CFO, Colin Delahay, he will also continue as Managing Director, NL Film.

     

    In his new role, Doff, collaborating closely with the territory’s production labels, will be responsible for the business and organisational management of Banijay Benelux. As part of his remit, he will also oversee its Legal, Operations and Business Affairs departments. Elsewhere, Delahay will take care of Finance, IT and M&A, and Lubbers, the overarching group and talent leadership.

     

    Peter Lubbers, CEO Banijay Benelux: “With Alex, we have gained a reliable, strategic, and above all, pleasant business partner, who knows the market both on a local and international level. With years of experience within the media, on a financial and business level, he brings an enormous network, and his passion for film and television is invaluable for our organisation.”

     

    Alex Doff, COO Banijay Benelux: “Banijay Benelux is a truly creative hub, where every conceivable genre is developed and produced by our labels. A versatile group that offers true opportunity and growth prospects for its talent, there is so much potential for growth and I look forward to working with Peter and the wider team on maximising it.”

     

    Doff began his career at John de Mol Productions, after which he worked for four years as Business Director at Endemol. Then taking on a short adventure at RTL, where he was responsible for the acquisition of Dutch Content, he moved to Talpa Productions as Business Director and later became Manager Operations of Talpa International. A few years on, he was appointed Business Director of Talpa Fiction and also held the position of Finance Director of Talpa Global. In 2020, he joined ITV Global Entertainment as Finance Director and in March 2022, moved to NL Film as Managing Director.

  7. Banijay Belgium Brings Back Fear Factor

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    Banijay Belgium, a Banijay Benelux label, today announces it will produce an all-new season of the iconic format Fear Factor for SBS owned, Play4.

     

    With the biggest comedian in Belgium, Alex Agnew as the host, Fear Factor is set to become the reality game show of the Flanders. Heroes are created as duos face a series of terrifying, yet incredible challenges to win a cash prize. How will they get on when having to tightrope walk between skyscrapers or be submerged underwater in a cage? Will their teammates’ encouragement embolden them to confront their fears, or will they be unable to complete the phenomenal tasks? In this series stars will be created as only the bravest team will accomplish all the awe-inspiring challenges and take home the money.

     

    Originally created by EndemolShine Netherlands, Fear Factor is internationally renowned with numerous series in India and the US. Following its success, EndemolShine Netherlands created a spin-off for younger viewers, Cool Factor. This iteration was popular in Belgium airing for six seasons on Nickelodeon.

     

    Isabelle Dams, CEO of Banijay Belgium says: “Guts, adventure, and excitement are in the very DNA of Fear Factor and we have developed challenges which will amaze contestants and viewers in Belgium.  Alex Agnew is bold, loud, and ultra-cool, making him the perfect host for the show. This new commission showcases our unbounded creativity, and it is a great addition to Banijay Belgium’s 2022 slate.”

     

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay comments: “Fear Factor is a classic format where learning to overcome fears and take on unbelievable challenges is as relevant today as when it first aired. We are seeing a strong resurgence of the show globally and we’re excited to see Banijay Belgium take the show to the next level with its local flare added to this reboot.”

     

    Banijay Belgium produces premium content in numerous genres, from factual to comedy and even feature films. Working closely with national and international broadcasters’ credits include Familie, Hunted, Extreme Make-over Home Edition and GR5.

  8. TVBV, ITV and NOS Highlight Giro555’s Campaign ‘Together in Action for Ukraine’

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    Banijay today announces its Banijay Benelux label, TVBV will produce a show, in collaboration with ITV and NOS, for Giro555’s ‘Together in Action for Ukraine’ campaign. It will be broadcast on Monday 7th March at 8:30 pm on SBS6, RTL 4 and NPO1.

     

    Hosted by Chantal Janzen and Rob Kemps, the show will aim to raise as much money as possible for those affected by the humanitarian emergency. Throughout the evening Janzen and Kemps will be joined by other famous faces such as Dionne Stax, Britt Dekker and Hila Noorzai, who will all present from different locations around the Netherlands such as the Institute for Sound and Vision. Additionally, Jeroen Pauw and Eva Jinek will welcome guests to the studio.

     

    Peter Lubbers, CEO Banijay Benelux says: “We reach millions of people every day with the content we produce within Banijay Benelux labels. We know better than anyone what impact the stories we tell make on individuals, on groups, on an entire society. The situation that is deeply affecting and upsetting the whole world is an unimaginable reality for 44 million Ukrainians. As an organisation, we see it as a duty to take action.”

     

    Kees Zevenbergen, action chairman of Giro555 comments: “As aid organisations we are deeply moved by the enormous support expressed here in the Netherlands. A great signal of solidarity for the people of Ukraine and the many hundreds of thousands of refugees. They desperately need our support.”

     

    This production is part of a larger contribution from Banijay Benelux. From Monday 7th March all employees will be offered the opportunity to donate to the people of Ukraine. From that day onwards, the office in Amsterdam will have a special stand where you will receive a symbolic Ukrainian flag with each donation made to Giro555. The company has committed to doubling the total amount of donations raised from the employees. In addition, Banijay Benelux’s foundation, Banijay Benelux For Kids will also make a donation of 5,000 euros.

  9. Viaplay Serves Up Celebrity MasterChef as Next Dutch Local Production

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    Viaplay will bring the world-famous reality format Celebrity MasterChef to the Netherlands for the first time starting this autumn. The 12-episode first season, produced by SimpelZodiak, a Banijay Benelux company, sees 10 Dutch personalities taking on a series of culinary challenges in front of an all-star jury and competing to become the next Celebrity MasterChef. Viaplay launched in the Netherlands on 1 March with a unique combination of original productions, international films and series, kids content and premium live sports.

     

    The Celebrity MasterChef jury consists of Soenil ‘The Spicy Chef’ Bahadoer, founder of the renowned De Lindehof restaurant, which received its second Michelin star in 2014; Angélique Schmeinck, one of only two female Dutch Mastercooks (the most country’s most prestigious culinary title) and head chef for 12 years at the Michelin-starred De Kromme Dissel; and Joël Broekaert, a well-known food critic, columnist and TV host.

     

    The show’s 10 celebrity contestants will be announced shortly.

     

    Filippa Wallestam, NENT Group Chief Content Officer: “High-quality local productions are a key focus for Viaplay in all our markets. Viewers everywhere have been enjoying the famous MasterChef format and its spin-offs for over 30 years, and Celebrity Masterchef will be an ideal addition to Viaplay’s fantastic menu in the Netherlands.”

     

    Celebrity MasterChef is produced by SimpelZodiak (Expeditie Robinson; Hunted; Ik Vertrek) and by Martijn de Bruin for Viaplay.

     

    Created by Franc Roddam, MasterChef has been named ‘Most Successful Cookery Television Format’ by Guinness World Records and the most successful format ever by The WIT. First aired in the UK in 1990, 49 series were produced in 33 territories in 2021. The MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay. Viaplay has produced MasterChef in Denmark since 2011.

     

    In January, Viaplay announced Dragons’ Den, the globally successful show that gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors, as its first original production in the Netherlands.

  10. Banijay’s Hunted Heads Into The Wild

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    Banijay today announces Dutch production label, SimpelZodiak has created a new spin-off of reality thriller Hunted. Already producing both the civilian and celebrity versions, SimpelZodiak will now bring Hunted into the wild to NPO 3.

     

    The stakes are higher than ever on Hunted into the wild as ordinary people must hide in an inhospitable landscape to evade capture. From the moment of the dramatic launch, the ‘fugitives’ are at the mercy of the wilderness as they try to remain undetected. Who can brave the heat, rain, and cold as professional hunters use their experience to track them down? Despite this new setting meaning the hunters can’t use surveillance cameras, the formidable team will stop at nothing to complete their task. Will one wrong move result in capture or will these Dutch participants be able to utilise the landscape to outsmart Marcel van de Ven and his team?

     

    Originally created by Shine TV for UK broadcaster Channel 4, Hunted has since been commissioned in 11 countries. Hunted continues its strong run in the Netherlands with the latest VIP series currently on-air and SimpelZodiak’s sixth season having achieved the best ratings to date.

     

    2021 was a successful year for the format with Endemol Shine Australia announcing they will produce an adaptation for Channel 10 and Belgium’s first season being the most-watched weekly show on Play4 that season. In the UK the format continues to be ratings hit, with the most recent series more than doubling the slot for younger viewers. In total, the number of series which aired was double that of 2020 including Italian, French and German versions for Amazon Prime Video.

     

    Justine Huffmeijer, Managing Director of SimpelZodiak says: “Hunted into the wild will have viewers on the edge of their seat as the drama surpasses anything we’ve seen before. We know how much Dutch audiences are captivated by the VIP and civilian versions so we can’t wait for audiences to see this fresh take.”

     

    Lucas Green, Head of Content Operations of Banijay adds: “Hunted is factual entertainment at its best. This new spin-off highlights the expanding potential for Hunted’s thrilling social experiment, as anonymity becomes increasingly harder in modern life. SimpelZodiak always produces high-quality programming, and we are sure this new series in the ‘escape genre’ will be no different. Having already established such a strong following for this format in the Netherlands, we know they are a safe pair of hands to further develop this new chapter of Hunted.”

     

    This new twist on the global brand adds to the award-winning Dutch production company’s burgeoning catalogue. Priding itself on creating high-quality content for both linear TV, streamers, and online platforms some of SimpelZodiak’s key credits include SAS: Who Dares Wins, Temptation Island, Your Home Made Perfect, Table for Two, and Survivor.

  11. Banijay Benelux Expands With Breath-taking New Original Competition Format Blow Up

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    Banijay, the world’s largest independent home to the best creative talent and IP, today announces a new premium competition format from the Netherlands, showcasing the inspirational talent of balloon artists.

     

    Created by EndemolShine Netherlands, Blow Up will take viewers on an exciting journey into the awe-inspiring world of balloon art. In this competition series, produced for Dutch broadcaster RTL 4, contestants must create unique and mind-blowing balloon artworks. Only one balloon artist will blow everyone away and become the winner of this original new format.

     

    Rob van der Vleugel, Managing Director EndemolShine Netherlands says: “The world of balloon artists is full of extremely talented people, and we can’t wait to share their creative expertise with audiences on RTL 4. This format is the ultimate in uplifting, joyful fun and showcases the skills of an untapped community of balloon experts. The set is a mesmerising creation full of balloons, and this show will entertain viewers as they cheer for their favourite artists to win, hoping their vision only pops in a good way.”

     

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development says: “Blow Up is a brilliant addition to our ever-growing portfolio of innovative competition formats tapping into unique creative communities. It’s exciting to further grow our expertise from MasterChef and LEGO Masters, delivering high-end fun to primetime audiences, and we expect this show will inflate interest with broadcasters.”

     

    Endemol Shine Netherlands, a Banijay Benelux company produces and creates some of the biggest local and international entertainment formats. Recent and forthcoming credits include Big Brother, LEGO Masters, Chantal’s Pyjama Party and Domino Challenge.

     

    This format will join Banijay’s catalogue of over 4000 formats, beside flagship brands Survivor, Hunted, MasterChef, LEGO Masters and Big Brother, as well as the company’s portfolio of fresh new IP Interior Design Masters, Starstruck, Limitless Win, The Courtship and more.

  12. Banijay Benelux Appoints New Managing Director at SimpelZodiak

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    Banijay Benelux today announces Justine Huffmeijer has been appointed as Managing Director of SimpelZodiak, taking up the post on 1 February 2022.

     

    In this position, Justine Huffmeijer will have overall responsibility of SimpelZodiak, leading all business operations and overseeing its extensive portfolio which includes key brands Hunted and Temptation Island. Leading the team, Huffmeijer will have responsibility for the label’s creative pipeline for linear broadcasters and streaming platforms, with a remit to expand the slate for the local and international market.  She will join the Banijay Benelux management board, reporting to company CEO Peter Lubbers.

     

    Huffmeijer’s career encompasses a mix of broadcaster and production company experience, including Eyeworks, IDTV and Net5, where she was channel director, supervising MasterChef. Elsewhere, at RTL, she also oversaw Banijay titles, Temptation Island and Expeditie Robinson.

     

    Peter Lubbers, CEO at Banijay Benelux comments: “Justine is well-known for her entrepreneurial creative character and enthusiasm for the media industry. She has built a versatile career and is already familiar with the beautiful brands of SimpelZodiak from previous roles.”

     

    Justine Huffmeijer, Managing Director SimpelZodiak:  “This is a fantastic opportunity which I have happily seized with both hands. To lead a company with SimpelZodiak’s reputation, specialising in adventure, reality and factual entertainment suits me like no other. I’m very much looking forward to contributing to the strong brands across the slate such as Hunted and Temptation Island and growing the business even further. I can’t wait to meet all the producers and team and build the future of SimpelZodiak together.”

     

    Huffmeijer succeeds Laurens Woldberg, who is leaving the company to work as a Creative Producer at Dutch broadcaster KRO-NCRV.