Tag Archive: Banijay Entertainment

  1. Banijay Entertainment Introduces Creators Lab to MIPCOM with YouTube

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    Europe’s largest studio, and the world’s leading video-sharing platform, have combined forces to unveil an all-new industry-first initiative – Banijay Entertainment Creators Lab… a Partnership with YouTube.

    Launched first in France, the initiative is focused on bridging the gap between creators and creatives and has invited the country’s sprawling community of YouTubers to reinvent a host of Banijay France’s legacy formats for the platform’s digital-native audience. Uniting television craft with the creator creativity, it serves as a true creative R&D sandbox — a space to explore new approaches to storytelling.

    While thousands of the nation’s YouTubers were invited to apply to the initiative, only five talents will be entrusted to take on five of Banijay France’s iconic entertainment formats. Each benefits from up to €50,000 to support their development and the production of a pilot.

    Throughout the process, Banijay France’s creatives and producers are on-hand to offer creative mentorship, support and technical advice, alongside YouTube’s France-based team, who provide strategic advice to maximise audience engagement in these new digital-first offerings.

    Once finalised, the pilots will be uploaded to the respective creators’ channels, as well as to Banijay Entertainment’s all-new dedicated channel – Banijay Creators Studio.

    The formats selected for the lab by Banijay France’s were as follows – Minute to Win It (Banijay Production Media), 1ère compagnie (Endemol France), Got to Dance (DMLS TV), Dilemme (BProd), and La tête et les jambes (ALP). Deliberately diverse, and previous hits across the nation, the offering was intended to ensure maximum appeal across YouTube’s French creator landscape to land the best creative matches, creation outcomes, and long-term relationships between the parties.

    Justine Ryst, Managing Director YouTube, comments: “This partnership illustrates the synergies between YouTube and leading producers like Banijay France. Our role is to welcome all creators and foster dialogue that sparks new opportunities. In uniting expertise and leveraging YouTube’s creative community, the company is opening new pathways for shared growth — an approach that is bold, innovative, and perfectly aligned with today’s viewing habits. Our thanks to Banijay Entertainment’s teams for their trust and commitment.”

    Alexia Laroche Joubert, CEO, Banijay France, comments: “I am proud Banijay France is the first to participate in this innovative partnership with YouTube. Thanks to this game-chaging initiative, creators will have the opportunity to reinvent our emblematic brands for their own digital universes. For several years, I have been looking for a concrete and relevant way to unite our worlds, and through this venture, we can do just that. Embodying our desire to be at the forefront of innovation, we are opening our brands to new territories of expression and creation, delivering a more open, creative ecosystem.”

    Damein Viel, Chief Digital & Innovation Officer at Banijay Entertainment comments: “. A pioneering, entrepreneurial DNA has always sat at the core of this business – perhaps the biggest similarity between our creatives, and YouTube’s creators. But despite our complementary attitudes, we recognised the need to bridge the gap between us more effectively in order to explore new opportunities and alternative economic models for content.

    As a platform agnostic group, we have the freedom to partner with anyone, and via Creators Lab… a Partnership with YouTube, we will, in an industry-first, collaborate to connect new audiences with our world-renowned IP. Other major territories will be announced soon.”

    Creators Lab… a Partnership with YouTube welcomed creators who have published at least two videos to 100k views. Successful entrants have creatively built a loyal fanbase given their strong sense of voice, ability to generate views, activate their communities, and turn ideas into shareable content. These self-taught talents they will exude creative, instinctive excellence and be on the verge of breaking out…

    Through this new form of collaboration, the creators will have the opportunity to utilise the notoriety and heritage of Banijay Entertainment’s formats to “break-out” further without losing their identities in keeping with the content powerhouse’s ethos of autonomy and creative freedom. Serving as a first step to long-term partnerships, this is an opportunity for creators to elevate their expertise in ideation and professional production, be at the forefront of reinvention, and carve new opportunities in the broader creative landscape. Further territories are expected be onboarded in the coming months.

  2. Banijay Entertainment and TBS Take Leap with Ninja Warrior

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces it has acquired worldwide distribution rights (excluding Asia, US, Germany, France and Poland) for Ninja Warrior, the legendary sportainment franchise, created by Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS). The deal builds on the strategic partnership between the two companies announced earlier this year and brings the format into the largest European studio’s elite portfolio of superbrands.

    A global phenomenon since its launch, Ninja Warrior has entertained audiences worldwide with its nail-biting physical challenges, powerful athleticism, and high-stakes competition. The format showcases extraordinary strength, speed, agility and mental toughness, as everyday competitors push their limits on fiercely demanding obstacle courses. Currently airing in five international markets, this new deal enables Banijay Entertainment to scale and relaunch the format globally through its network of labels worldwide.

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development, Banijay Entertainment, says: “We feel incredibly fortunate to bring a universally loved and recognisable show like Ninja Warrior into our portfolio of superbrands. This is classic sportainment at its very best, packed with intense jeopardy, physical prowess and competitive energy. With our expertise in refreshing iconic formats, we are well-placed to evolve this brand, building on the momentum from TBS.”

    Katsuaki Seto, Executive Officer for the global business at TBS Holdings, says: “This new partnership is an exciting step for our signature format, Ninja Warrior. With Banijay Entertainment’s amazing expertise in development, production and distribution, we are confident in the format’s continued growth and global reach. Guided by our business purpose – Inspiring Global Love for Japan through Timeless Moments – we look forward to delivering this iconic physical game show to even more countries and audiences worldwide.”

    The agreement was brokered by Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquisitions at Banijay Entertainment. Ninja Warrior joins Banijay Entertainment’s premium third-party portfolio heading to Cannes, which includes unique culinary format Atypical Critics from Pixcom International, featuring autistic food critics; and competitive knitting series The Game of Wool from Hello Halo for Channel 4.

    These titles will be highlighted at MIPCOM 2025, alongside Banijay Entertainment’s all-new slate of original and entertaining formats, including Let’s Play Ball, Football Island, Villa of Temptations, Foodish and Lost and Found in the Lakes.

  3. Banijay Asia brings NBCUniversal’s ‘Monk’ to India on Disney+ Hotstar

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    Banijay Asia, part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, and Disney+ Hotstar announces the Indian adaptation of NBCUniversal’s iconic detective series Monk.

    The adaptation will revolve around Adrian Monk, a detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder and his assistants Sharona Fleming and Natalie Teeger. Monk works with the San Francisco Police Department in solving unconventional cases while investigating his wife’s unsolved murder. The plot also explores the main characters’ personal lives and struggles.

    The Indian adaptation of the series is already in production and will stream exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar and Hulu. This marks the first Asian adaptation of the format and the second worldwide, following the Turkish version. Monk original aired on USA Network in the United States and is licensed globally by NBCUniversal Formats, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.

    Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO, Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India, said “We are incredibly excited to partner with NBCUniversal Formats to adapt Monk for the Indian audiences. The original series has set a new benchmark for character-driven mysteries, and we believe our adaptation will resonate similarly. With a stellar cast in place, we are confident about doing justice to the iconic characters. The production has been progressing seamlessly, and we look forward to showcasing this exciting project on Disney+ Hotstar, thus taking our long and fruitful association one step ahead, as we continue to bring high-quality and engaging content to Indian audiences together.”

    Sumanta Bose, Business Head HSM and Content Head Disney+ Hotstar (Hindi), shared his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Banijay Asia and NBCUniversal Formats to bring this award-winning series to the Indian audience. Monk is an exciting fit for our platform, with its captivating mix of humor, mystery, and emotional depth. We have attempted to make this adaptation feel rooted and Indian, and thus uniquely fresh for our audiences including those who may have seen the original.” 

    Ana Langenberg, SVP Format Sales & Production, NBCUniversal Formats added, “It’s wonderful to see Monk finding a home with Indian audiences. The show’s charm has connected with viewers around the world, and with trusted partners like Banijay Asia & Disney+ Hotstar, we know this adaptation will capture the heart of the original while embracing a new cultural backdrop. We’re eager to see this beloved series brought to life in India.

    Produced by Banijay Asia, the series promises to deliver a compelling adaptation, seamlessly blending the gripping nature of a detective thriller with emotionally rich and relatable character dynamics. Monk is poised to be another standout hit, following in the footsteps of Banijay Asia’s previous successful adaptations like The TrialPyaar, Kanoon, Dhokha (The Good Wife) and The Night Manager on Disney+ Hotstar.

  4. Alone Together Finds Love In Switzerland With First International Adaptation

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces B&B Endemol Shine, part of Banijay Germany, will adapt dating experiment format, Alone Together for Swiss broadcaster SRF. The commission marks the first international adaptation of the hit-Danish title.

    Originally created by Metronome, Alone Together launched in 2020 with three successful seasons airing on TV2’s streaming platform. It swiftly became the highest-rated show on the platform, with the second season doubling its viewership. The series offers an authentic, slow-paced dating experience for singles seeking long-term relationships. Amid the challenges of online dating, this experiment offers a unique opportunity for contestants to genuinely connect through shared activities designed to foster communication and trust. Guided by psychologists, couples will spend time on a remote island, free from the distractions of everyday life, to see if they can form real connections and possibly pursue lasting relationships.

    Tommy Sturzenegger, Managing Director, B&B Endemol Shine comments: “Our mission is to entertain and bring stories of human connection to the forefront. The show’s unique approach to dating resonates with today’s audiences who crave genuine connections, an in stripping away the distractions of modern life, participants have a real chance to form meaningful relationships and find true love.”

    Tina Christensen, Managing Director, Metronome adds:Alone Together stands out from other dating shows by focusing on authenticity and depth. It’s not about flashy dates or quick decisions; it’s about developing a genuine bond over time. Watching participants grow and connect in a meaningful way has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to seeing how the Swiss audience embraces this series.”

    B&B Endemol Shine, part of Banijay Germany, focuses on entertainment, documentaries, and reality formats. Popular titles include MasterChef, Family Food Fight, Songmates and 1 Against 100.

    Banijay Entertainment boasts a globally renowned catalogue which includes superbrands like MasterChef, Big Brother and Survivor, and hit travellers like The Summit, Good Luck Guys, and Love Triangle. These titles are complemented by highly-anticipated streamer launches such as Bear Hunt and Building the Band (w/t) for Netflix, and Last One Laughing UK for Prime Video. The company will exhibit at C.20 at MIPCOM 2024.

  5. The London TV Screenings Unveils Initial Line-Up of 36 Distributors for Expanded 2025 Event

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    The London TV Screenings today announces that 36 distributors will take part in its expanded 2025 schedule from Sunday 23 February to Friday 28 February, 2025.

    The number of contributing distributors is already significantly up on London TV Screenings 2024 and follows recent news that next year’s edition of the UK’s premier annual distribution event will be extended by an extra day.

    The four founding distributors All3Media International, Banijay Entertainment, Fremantle and ITV Studios, will all hold events in London throughout the week, and in 2025 will be joined by Amazon MGM Studios Distribution, Autentic GmbH, Mediawan Rights, PBS International and TGC Global Entertainment, who will all participate in the London TV Screenings for the first time.

    These new additions join a line-up comprising: About Premium Content, Beta Film, Blue Ant Media, BossaNova Media, Cineflix Rights, DCD Rights, Disney, Dogwoof, Eccho Rights, Federation Studios, Fifth Season, Fox Entertainment Global, Hat Trick International, Keshet International, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution, Newen Connect, Off the Fence, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Passion Distribution, Seven.One Studios International, Sony Pictures Television, Sphere Abacus, STUDIOCANAL, TVF International, Viaplay Content Distribution and Warner Bros. International Television Production.

    A London TV Screenings spokesperson said: “The London TV Screenings 2025 is already set to be the largest edition in its five-year history, and we continue to welcome new participants to its ever-growing roster. A ‘must-attend’ in the TV industry calendar, it’s testament to Screenings’ success that even more distributors are now working collaboratively to ensure global buyers get the best access to new premium content at this free-to-attend event.”

    The fifth annual Screenings will again see the group of leading distributors work together to offer expertly-curated sessions, exclusive first-looks and “deep dives” into some of the most hotly-anticipated formats, scripted and non-scripted content – as well as the chance to connect with world-class on and off-screen talent.

    The 2024 Screenings enjoyed a 50% uplift in buyer attendance, some 750+ in total, as well as attracting 29 participating distributors/studios, an increase on the previous year. As previously announced, the 2025 edition will be kick started by European producer and distributor STUDIOCANAL, with an early Sunday evening showcase at the Ham Yard Hotel.

    Among the founders, who curate this collaborative event, Banijay Entertainment will be at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly on Wednesday 26th February with scripted and non-scripted in the morning followed by formats in the afternoon.  The subsequent three distributor events will run at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square – ITV Studios Festivals throughout the day on Wednesday 26th February (Formats, Non-Scripted, Drama Festivals), All3Media International on Thursday afternoon, 27th February, and Fremantle (Scripted, Non-Scripted and Formats) on Friday morning, 28th February.  Other distributor events running through the week will be announced independently.

  6. The London TV Screenings Expands 2025 Edition

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    The London TV Screenings today announces an expanded 2025 edition, with the UK’s premier annual distribution event set to run Sunday February 23, to Friday February 28, 2025.

    Kicking off The London TV Screenings 2025 is European producer and distributor STUDIOCANAL, with an early Sunday evening showcase at the Ham Yard Hotel. The week will close on Friday afternoon with events held by the four founding distributors, All3Media International, Banijay Entertainment, Fremantle and ITV Studios throughout. All events will span locations across Leicester Square, Soho and Covent Garden.

    Along with the four founding distributors, the fifth annual London TV Screenings will see 30+ other companies, collaborate to run free-to-attend, independent events that are expertly curated to give the best experience to buyers worldwide. Attendees will have the opportunity to get exclusive first-looks and ‘deep dives’ into some of the most eagerly-awaited scripted and non-scripted content, including formats, as well as the chance to connect with world-class on- and off-screen talent.

    The details of the founding companies’ events are announced today for the first time. Banijay Entertainment will be at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly on Wednesday 26th February with scripted and non-scripted in the morning followed by formats in the afternoon.  The subsequent three distributor events will run at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square – ITV Studios Festivals throughout the day on Wednesday 26th February (Formats, Non-Scripted, Drama Festivals), All3Media International on Thursday afternoon, 27th February, and Fremantle (Scripted, Non-Scripted and Formats) on Friday morning, 28th February.

    A London TV Screenings spokesperson said: “The London TV Screenings has firmly cemented itself as the leading distribution event in the UK, with last year’s edition seeing a surge in attendance across the capital. To ensure nothing is missed, and to accommodate an ever-expanding schedule, we’re delighted to begin the 2025 Screenings a day earlier, meaning we continue to deliver a high-quality, unmissable and free-to-attend event to the international content community.”

    The 2024 Screenings enjoyed a 50% uplift in buyer attendance, some 750+ in total, as well as attracting 29 participating distributors/studios, an increase on the previous year.

    The full line-up for London TV Screenings 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks