Tag Archive: Banijay France

  1. Banijay France’s KM and France 2 Inspire Future Generations with Powerful Documentary on Anne Frank

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces Anne Frank, The Story of a Young Girl, a poignant 90-minute primetime documentary for France 2. Produced by KM, a premium factual label within Banijay France, and Bleu Kobalt, this unique historical account offers a thought-provoking look into the life of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl with dreams of becoming a writer.

    Anne Frank tragically died at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in March 1945, with her sister Margot, but her words continue to inspire generations. Drawing on powerful extracts from her diary, with previously unpublished photographs from the Anne Frank Fonds in Basel, and colorised historical archival footage, the documentary brings to life the dreams and fears of a young teenage girl, living under the brutal reality of Nazi occupation. It is a deeply moving testimony of resilience and hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.

    To engage younger audiences, Anne’s imaginary friend, Kitty — to whom she wrote in her diary — serves as the narrator, while five adolescent girls from diverse backgrounds act as modern-day keepers of her memory. Through their own experience, they offer a deeply personal connection to her thoughts and emotions, ensuring the story resonated across generations. The documentary is produced by Catherine Alvaresse and Patrice Gellé, and directed by Alexandre Moix in association with Kobalt Documentary and Zoom Production.

    Catherine Alvaresse, CEO, KM says: “Eighty years on, Anne Frank’s story remains a profoundly universal symbol of resistance and hope. Despite the ravages of war and terror, her unwavering spirit allowed her to continue dreaming and finding strength, transforming her diary into a beacon for humanity. This documentary is our tribute to her legacy, inspiring future generations to stand up against hatred, antisemitism and injustice.”

    Factual producer KM specialises in high-quality content including current affairs programming and documentaries. Recent credits include long-running title, 28 minutes, a daily success on Arte averaging a peak audience of 1 million viewers; Karl Lagerfeld documentary Révélation on Canal+; and Raël: The Alien Prophet docuseries on Netflix which was amongst the top 10 non-English series globally for two weeks after its launch.

  2. Banijay France’s Marathon Studio and Terence Films to Adapt Hit Psychological Thriller Il Était Deux Fois

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces the adaptation of Frank Thilliez’s psychological thriller Il Était Deux Fois (Twice Upon a Time) for France Télévisions. Co-produced by Banijay France’s scripted labels Marathon Studio and Terence Films, the six-part drama is created by Eric Delafosse and France Jacquet, and directed by Florian Thomas and Valentin Vincent.

    Set in 2013, police captain Gabrielle Moscato (played by Odile Vuillemin), a dedicated and determined mother, embarks on a desperate search for her missing daughter. When Moscato falls asleep in a hotel room, she wakes up twelve years later, in 2025, with no recollection of the time that has passed. A rare form of dissociative amnesia has erased her memories but has not dimmed her instinct as a police officer or as a mother. How far will she go to uncover the truth and save her daughter? The cast also includes Hubert Delattre, Nicole Calfan and Rémi Devilla.

    Malika Abdellaoui, CEO Marathon Studio says: “Following three years of development, we are proud to bring to the screen one of Frank Thilliez’s best-selling novels, Il Était Deux Fois. France Télévisions is a trusted partner for this breathless thriller about a mother, played by Odile Vuillemin, who will do anything to recover her memory and her missing daughter.”

    Bertrand Cohen & Stéphane Meunier, CEO Terence Films say: “Frank Thilliez is a master of the psychological thriller genre, known for his ability to weave intricate mysteries and develop complex characters. With nerve-racking twists, the series promises to be a mesmerising thriller and is a testament to our commitment to bringing compelling stories to life with an international appeal.”

    Terence Films, led by Bertrand Cohen and Stéphane Meunier, has built a reputation as a producer of high-quality drama with over 500 hours of premium programming. Known for hit thriller Rivière-Perdue, the French adaptation of La Caza. Monteperdido for TF1, and cop series OPJ for France Télévisions. They have also co-produced with Marathon Studio, The Baker and the Beauty for TF1. Founded in 2021 by Malika Abdellaoui, Marathon Studio focuses on creating original scripted content with both local and global appeal.

  3. Authentic Prod Lifts the Curtain on Montmartre for TF1

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    Authentic Prod, part of Banijay France, today announces Montmartre, a new eight-part historical drama in co-production with TF1, set against the pulsating and uncompromising backdrop of the iconic Parisian neighbourhood, at the turn of the 19th century.

    Created by Julien Simonet and Brigitte Bémol, and directed by Louis Choquette, this visually stunning series captures the bustling cabaret scene of Montmartre, where Céleste (Alice Dufour, Alphonse), a determined Cancan dancer, sacrifices her reputation by becoming Paris’s first nude performer, in order to fund the search for her long-lost siblings, separated after their father’s murder. Across town, Arsène (Victor Meutelet, The Bonfire of Destiny), a wealthy young engineer, confronts societal pressures as he breaks off an arranged marriage to embrace his hidden love for men, unearthing deep family secrets. Meanwhile, Rose (Claire Romain, Cat’s Eyes), a laundress with dreams of a simple life, narrowly escapes forced confinement in a brothel, battling for survival. Unaware of their shared blood ties, the trio’s fates intertwine, converging in the turbulent streets of Montmartre. The cast also includes Hugo Becker, Mathilde Seigner, Thibault de Montalembert and Mikaël Mittelstadt.

    Aline Panel, CEO of Authentic Prod and Producer Estelle Boutière say: “The cabaret scene of 19th-century Montmartre offers an atmospheric backdrop to explore timeless themes of family, love, identity and resilience. These characters challenge societal conventions of the time as they pursue love and freedom on their own terms. We are proud to present this drama to TF1’s audience, expertly balancing historical intrigue and cultural relevance, with a compelling character-driven narrative.”

    Acquired by Banijay France in November 2023, Authentic Prod, led by Aline Panel, has delivered hits like SamLe Temps est assassin, and Je te promets, the French adaptation of This Is Us (orginally produced by 20th Televisions). A key player in the French and international market, the company specialises in high-quality emotionally engaging storytelling, often exploring themes of family, identity, and resilience.

    Other scripted labels within Banijay France’s portfolio include Banijay Studios France (Marie Antoinette), Shine Fiction (The Family Detective, Carême), Fiction’Air (Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire), Terence Films (Rivière-Perdue), Montmartre (Alphonse, Freedom), Screenline (Culte), DMLS Films and Marathon (The Beauty and the Baker)

  4. DMLS TV Readies Original Musical Competition Sounds The Same

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces the launch of all-new primetime musical competition, Sounds the Same (Voix de Stars) for France 3. Created by DMLS TV, part of Banijay France, the exhilarating show will sit as part of the group’s burgeoning 2024 portfolio of fresh IP.

    Sounds the Same will feature twelve contestants, from all walks of life, as they take the stage to mimic the voices of legendary artists, ranging from Claude François to Céline Dion. Their standout performances are scrutinised by a panel of renowned professionals, including Liane Foly, Jarry, Véronic Dicaire, and Michaël Gregorio, before they determine who is crowned best vocal extraordinaire, taking home the grand prize of €10,000. Each judge will have the option to be isolated in a soundproof glass cube or shielded behind a screen, preventing them from seeing the performers so they can focus solely on the vocals. They will also receive three clues before each performance to help them with their evaluation. Adding a unique twist, 250 studio spectators will be wearing headphones, ensuring an immersive auditory experience. The thrilling competition will be hosted by French actress and presenter, Julia Vignali.

    Mathieu Vergne, CEO of DMLS TV comments:Sounds the Same brings musical competition to a whole new level. The audience and judges will be spellbound by the sheer talent and high calibre of the contestants. With thrilling performances, this show promises to deliver unforgettable entertainment for the whole family.”

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development adds: We instantly recognised the immense potential of this format and backed it through the Creative Fund. This show highlights extraordinary vocal talent with a fresh and innovative twist to musical competitions, making it ideal for adaptation. With DMLS TVs expertise in this genre, audiences can expect an unmissable series.

    Since joining Banijay France in 2021, DMLS TV has become a go-to production company with access to the greatest French and international artists. Hit formats include Le Plus Grand Karaoké de France, Chanson Secrète (The Secret Song), La Chanson Challenge (The Celebrity Song Challenge) and Duos Mystères (Mystery Duets). It is also behind the reboot of Popstars available on Prime Video, a co-production with ALP.

    This new 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 Survivorand highly-anticipated streamer launches Bear Hunt and Building a Band (w/t).

  5. Banijay’s Screenline Productions Enters Partnership with Trash (w/t) Creators

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces a creative partnership between Screenline Productions, part of Banijay France, and writers Matthieu Rumani and Nicolas Slomka.

    Building on the success of their collaboration on Trash (w/t), an upcoming Prime Video mini-series inspired by the real-life events of Loft Story, the French adaptation of Big Brother, Rumani and Slomka are eager to pursue more projects. This mutual partnership grants Screenline the rights to any future projects and developments from the duo, who will also co-produce through their own company, Vodka & Caramel. Leveraging Screenline’s vast production expertise with the creative vision of Rumani and Slomka is bound to elevate its scripted programming.

    Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO of Banijay France says: “When I first came across the project, led by two young talented writers, I was immediately intrigued to delve into their take on the behind-the-scenes of Loft Story. Their investigative work and deep understanding of reality TV and its social phenomenon convinced me to be part of bringing this project to life. With Trash (w/t) coming soon to Prime Video, our collaboration with Nicolas and Matthieu has only reaffirmed their talent, ability to play with different narrative genres, and adaptability to platform demands. This unique partnership marks a significant step for Screenline as we continue to expand our footprint within the scripted space.”

     Matthieu Rumani and Nicolas Slomka add: “When we created the character of Isabelle for Trash (w/t), inspired by Alexia Laroche-Joubert, we imagined a passionate reality TV producer who will stop at nothing to defend her convictions. Meeting Alexia exceeded our expectations as she proved to be an exceptional scripted producer. This partnership with Screenline aligns perfectly with our ambition to develop unique stories that resonate with today’s world. We believe that their boldness and expertise, paired with Banijay Entertainment’s extensive reach and distribution capabilities, will help us bring our projects to the screen.”

    After starting their career as advertising directors, Slomka and Rumani went on to co-write two seasons of Netflix’s Family Business for Igor Gotesman. They created Trash, a co-production with Screen Line Productions, 27Tribe and Babylone Hills, and co-wrote Les Barbares for Julie Delpy, premiering in cinemas this September. They are also directing their first feature film Camembert which will be produced by Jerico.

    Launched in 2022, Screenline Productions is developing an ambitious portfolio of scripted shows for the French and international market. It has already landed its first commission with Trash (w/t), a new mini-series for Prime Video and secured the adaptation rights to Gemma Maley’s YA novel The Declaration.

  6. French label Banijay Production Media Lights Up All-New Primetime Gameshow

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces the launch of all-new gameshow, Qui Restera dans la Lumière ? on France 2. Created and produced by Banijay Production Media, part of Banijay France, the show will sit as part of Banijay’s burgeoning 2024 portfolio of fresh IP.

    Hosted by Bruno Guillon, the one-of-a-kind format promises to be a battle of wits and strategy, featuring 100 competitors vying for the chance to win up to €100,000. Qui Restera dans La Lumière ? is not just another quiz show; it introduces an innovative visual mechanism where contestants must navigate through general knowledge questions while attempting to keep their opponents in the dark. This unique format requires players to be tactical in selecting the difficulty of their questions; armed with nothing but the initial part of the statement to guide their choice. 

    Nagui, CEO of Banijay Production Media says: Qui Restera dans la Lumière ? is a game of risk and reward, which promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, as the contestants navigate questions while strategically keeping their opponents on their toes. With our proven success with hit formats like Chacun son Tour, Votre Vie en Jeux and Tout le Monde Joue, as well as Bruno Guillon’s hosting expertise, we are positive the show will be a must-watch for viewers across France.”

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay adds: “We’re seeing a huge amount of creativity coming out of France right now, and with entertainment formats continuing to be popular with broadcasters around the world, it’s perfect timing to add a new gameshow, with a unique visual USP, to our portfolio. With Nagui and Banijay Production Media’s commitment to high-quality entertainment series, we’re poised to see another exceptional production.”

    Banijay Production Media, part of Banijay France, has built a strong foothold in music-based programming with the likes of successful long-running live music shows Taratata and Don’t Forget the Lyrics. The company has expanded its repertoire, and it now stands as a premium producer of game and entertainment programming.

  7. Banijay’s Shine Fiction to Adapt Michel Bussi’s Novel Rien ne t’efface

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces the adaptation of Michel Bussi’s gripping novel Rien ne t’efface for TF1, a co-production with Shine Fiction, part of Banijay France.

    The 6 x 52-minute series is written by Anne Rambach, Marine Rambach, Patrick Renault, and Michel Bussi and directed by Jerome Cornuau. Set against the haunting backdrop of Auvergne, it follows the story of Maddi, a mother grappling with the loss of her son, Esteban, in a tragic accident a decade ago. The plot thickens when she encounters Tom, a boy who not only bears an uncanny resemblance to Esteban, but also has visions and memories of him. Stirring a series of events that intertwine their fates with a mysterious string of murders, Maddi can’t help but wonder if these events are linked to his death. Who is Tom and what is his connection to her son?

    Dominique Farrugia, CEO and Producer at Shine Fiction says: “Michel Bussi’s novel Rien ne t’effaceimmediately impressed us with its rich narrative and deep, complex characters. It promises to be a mesmerising thriller that explores themes of love, loss, and the lengths one can go to uncover the truth. This adaptation is a testament to our commitment to bringing compelling stories to life with an international appeal.”

    Shine Fiction officially launched in September 2021, building a pipeline of ambitious premium content for the French market, with international potential. The company is behind latest thriller Broceliande, a co-production with Les Films du Printemps for TF1 which premiered at Cannes Series earlier this month.

  8. Raël Docuseries to Launch on Netflix

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    Banijay France today announces its factual label, KM, is to produce new docuseries Raël: The Alien Prophet for Netflix. The four-parter, which launches on Wednesday 7 February, traces how a UFO-inspired religion spiralled into a controversial cult. Through investigative work and recovered documents, the show delves into the intriguing world of Raëlism, a religious movement founded in France by Claude Vorilhon, known as Raël, and its impact over the last 50 years.

    Catherine Alvaresse, CEO at KM comments: “Drawing on archives and unpublished testimonies, this gripping series takes us to the heart of this fascinating religion. Featuring interviews with his followers, critics, and Raël himself, it will explore the sources of belief and contradictions behind this movement and ways it has evolved over the last five decades. This real-life story gives a sneak peek into an untapped world and promises to be a thrilling watch.”

    Factual producer KM specialises in high-quality content including current affairs programming and documentaries, with credits including long-running title, 28 minutes, a daily success on Arte averaging a peak audience of 1 million viewers, and the recently-announced documentary Révélation on Karl Lagerfeld which premiered this month on Canal+.

  9. KM Appoints Catherine Alvaresse as CEO

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    KM, part of Banijay France, today announces it is bolstering its senior management team with Catherine Alvaresse joining as CEO, effective immediately.

    In this role, Alvaresse will define and oversee the factual label’s strategy, working closely with Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO at Banijay France. Aiming to strengthen the portfolio of projects in development, she will focus particularly on ramping up the label’s documentaries and current affairs programming. Bringing a wealth of experience and talent-base, Alvaresse will work hand-in-hand with the existing team of producers on shows like the new, recently announced Karl Lagerfeld documentary, Révélation, which will air on Canal+ this month, as well as other major docuseries in the pipeline, and long-running daily current affairs series 28 minutes, for Arte.

    Alvaresse brings over two decades of industry expertise, most recently at France Télévisions where she was Director of Documentaries from 2019 to 2023. With key roles at Image & Compagnie, Off the Fence, Télé Images Group, Arte France and France 2, Alvaresse is known for her leadership. An active member of industry associations, she holds positions with the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) and is an honorary member of the mediaClub’Elles and the PDFM association, the two largest women media associations in France. Documentaries greenlit by Alvaresse received the Albert Londres Prize and two International Emmys in 2020 and 2022. Last year, l’Affaire d’Outreau received the Special Commendation from the jury at the Prix Europa Awards.

    Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO at Banijay France says: “For this role we actively sought a personality with extensive international and broadcaster experience. Catherine’s past work with Arte and France Télévisons uniquely positions her to maintain and strengthen KM’s long-standing relationships with them. Her industry know-how, impressive credits, vast talent network and expertise in building compelling topics for broad audiences, makes her the ideal person to bolster KM’s position in the high-end factual space. She will also further develop the current affairs programming by collaborating with the teams behind 28 minutes.”

    Catherine Alvaresse, CEO at KM comments: “KM stands out in the industry for creating and producing compelling and powerful factual programming; from real-life stories and documentaries to magazine formats. The company is well-positioned in the market, and with a strong appetite from viewers, I look forward to joining the next phase of growth, bringing my ideas and ambition to create content for audiences in France and internationally.”

  10. Secret Story Returns to France with TF1

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    Banijay France today announces the long-awaited return of Secret Story, a format within the Big Brotheruniverse, on TF1. Produced by Endemol France, the widely popular reality TV show will be back next year after a six-year hiatus, with casting underway.

    Secret Story was first introduced to French audiences in 2007, airing for 11 seasons and almost 1000 episodes. A 15-year anniversary special in 2022 confirmed a great appetite for its return. More recently, the format has also been adapted in Spain and Portugal.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO of Endemol France says: “Entertaining viewers is in our DNA, and we are excited to creatively grow Secret Story for its comeback, introducing it to a new generation of fans, while celebrating the time-tested success of this ever-evolving format. TF1 is a great partner and we enjoyed revitalising the resoundingly popular classic format Star Academy for them, and we are poised to harness our expertise to take Secret Story to new heights.”

    Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay adds: “As part of the expansive Big Brotheruniverse, Secret Story is well-placed to make a successful return to French television, bringing this hugely entertaining, original reality format to a fresh wave of viewers. This is a format that delivers drama and audiences; with Jean-Louis and Endemol France at the helm, enthusiastic reality fans and TF1 viewers can expect a must-watch, unmissable series.”

    To date, Big Brother, a Banijay format, has had 67 adaptations, broadcast across 72 countries, with over 550 seasons and 36,000 episodes. Last year alone, it enjoyed its most successful year ever globally with 33 productions airing across 26 markets. Big Brother recently made a highly-anticipated return in the UK on ITV with 3.4 million viewers tuning in to the debut episode, making it the highest launch for the format since 2010.

    Endemol France, part of Banijay France, is a non-scripted powerhouse having produced recent hits such as Star Academy which will be airing its second season in November, LEGO® Masters, Celebrity Hunted, LOL: Last One Laughing, and Drag Race France.

  11. Banijay France Elevates Florence Fayard to CEO of Banijay Productions

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    Banijay France, part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces the promotion of Florence Fayard to CEO of Banijay Productions France. Having served as Managing Director since 2018, she will now take full oversight of the label, managing the portfolio of projects in development, diversifying the pipeline, and continuing to grow the talent base.

    Under her leadership, Banijay Productions France has developed an impressive slate of local and international hits, which includes The Fifty, created in 2022, and currently enjoying strong ratings in its second season on W9. The format, which was backed by Banijay’s Creative Fund, is now travelling the world with a US Hispanic adaptation for Telemundo, and a German version with Prime Video for 2024 which will be available in Austria. Meanwhile, Good Luck Guys, also created by the label, has sold to six markets including Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands for Prime Video.

    As a leading producer, Fayard worked at Endemol and Studio 89 before joining Banijay Productions France in 2009 as Reality Content Director. With a focus on reality programming and factual entertainment, she has overseen a number of top-rated formats including the successful reality franchise, Les Ch’tis/Les Marseillais, known internationally as Party Workers which announced its first adaptation in Germany earlier this year, Temptation Island and A Season at the Zoo.

    Florence Fayard, CEO, Banijay Productions France: “I am immensely proud of the growth of Banijay Productions France during this past decade, with hits like Good Luck Guys and The Fifty now travelling the world. I look forward to continuing to work with the talented team here, to expand our portfolio in France and internationally, creating innovative content that resonates with audiences everywhere.”

    Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO, Banijay France: “Florence has been a leading force at Banijay Productions France over the past 10 years and stepping up to CEO is the logical next step. Her experience and knowledge will be invaluable in driving the business to new heights, and I look forward seeing her take on this new challenge.”

    The promotion follows François de Brugada’s move to Banijay Events, who, alongside being CEO of Banijay France, previously oversaw Banijay Productions France.

  12. Banijay France Unveils Management Team

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    Banijay France, part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces its new management team, with Sébastien Petiot and Delphine Plantive joining the leadership team as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Editorial Strategy and New Business respectively. Both roles are effective from 1st September, and report to Alexia Laroche-Joubert, the local holding’s recently appointed President and Chief Executive Officer.

    As COO, with President and CEO, Laroche-Joubert, Petiot will be responsible for defining Banijay France’s strategy, and supporting all 15 labels within the French portfolio, which produce a diverse line-up of over 2,670 hours of programming each year. Most recently, he spent six years with ITV Studios France, where he left as COO, having begun his career at TF1 as Head of Non-Scripted and Artistic Director. He joined ALP in 2006, where he held the position of Managing Director for eight years, working on local versions of Banijay’s Wife Swap and Survivor (Koh Lanta) before leaving for ITV Studios.

    Meanwhile, Plantive will steps in as Director of Editorial Strategy and New Business. In this new position, hermission is to ensure the smooth editorial co-ordination of all Banijay France’s companies, which will include initiating partnerships, and bringing onboard new talent and business opportunities for labels within the company. Her remit also includes supervising the market research, audience, and monitoring team within the local holding. She steps up from ALP, where she has been Director of Creation, Development and Diversification since 2011, and prior to that, she spent eight years as Director of Development at Endemol.

    Alexia Laroche-Joubert, President and CEO Banijay France says: “Sébastien and Delphine bring extensive industry experience and knowledge to their new positions, and these skills will be invaluable as we strive to meet our common objectives: to deliver outstanding growth, with a strong content offering across all platforms, and to foster the best possible support for our producers, creatives and labels. These appointments cement my vision for the future of Banijay France, and I’m excited for the successful future ahead.”

    Banijay France is home to a diverse range of non-scripted and scripted labels, producing across all platforms and linear channels. Their portfolio includes new original content for the French market, as well as adaptions of Banijay’s global formats. Labels within the Banijay France footprint include, for entertainment: Adventure Line Productions, Air Productions, Banijay Productions France, DMLS TV, Endemol France, H2O Productions, KM Production and Tooco. And in scripted, Banijay Studio France, Shine Fiction, Fiction’Air, Marathon Studio, Terence Films, Montmartre Films and Screen Line Productions.