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 France

  1. 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.

  2. Banijay France Announces New Leadership Team at Adventure Line Productions

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    Banijay France, part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces new senior leadership at ALP, with Frédéric Lussato, promoted to President and Julien Magne becoming Managing Director. Both roles are effective from 1st September in line with Alexia Larouche-Joubert’s promotion to CEO, Banijay France.

    Lussato, who previously served as Managing Director, ALP, has been upped to CEO, while Magne has been promoted from Director of Programmes to Managing Director. Together, they will lead ALP’s strategic operational strategy, using their expertise to further develop the company’s pipeline of new and returning hits, like TF1’s Koh Lanta (Survivor), on-air for 20+years; and France 2’s Fort Boyard, which has enjoyed a 30+ year run to date.

    Alexia Larouche-Joubert, CEO of Banijay France says: “After seven years by my side, the choice to promote Frédéric and Julien within ALP was a natural one. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved working together, expanding ALP’s offering while maintaining a commitment to quality and broad audience engagement.  Their complementary skills, deep knowledge of ALP’s programmes, and grasp of industry challenges will enable ALP to retain its unique know-how and storytelling in adventure entertainment and all related genres. I am confident Frédéric and Julien will further build and amplify our efforts, and I look forward to seeing the company expand under their leadership.”

    Frédéric Lussato, President of ALP says: “This new role is a fantastic chance to further enhance ALP’s capacity for innovation, strengthening all areas of the business.  I’m committed to meeting the latest industry challenges and the ever-evolving expectations of our clients and partners, and I’d especially like to thank Alexia for her trust, as we take the company through its next phase of growth.”

    Julien Magne, Managing Director of ALP says; “I’m hugely excited for this opportunity to further contribute to ALP’s growth, a company whose thriving culture is recognised in France and beyond. With the support of an exceptional team, I am dedicated to maintaining our reputation for delivering excellence in all programming, especially adventure entertainment, and continue the drive to diversify into streaming.”

    Lussato became CEO of ALP in 2016, having previously served as Managing Director of AB Groupe. He has held numerous senior roles including General Secretary at NRJ 12, when the channel launched, and Deputy Director, Television Development at Pathé group. Meanwhile, Magne joined ALP in 2013 as Director of Programmes and is also the producer of Koh Lanta (Survivor). He comes from a journalist background, working at France 2 and TF1, and in his career, has also produced a number of political and social documentaries.

  3. DLO Producciones’ Hit Spanish Thriller, La Caza. Monteperdido, to be Adapted by Terence Films and Gétévé Productions

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    Banijay France today announces its latest thriller, an adaptation of La Caza. Monteperdido, the hit drama created by Banijay Iberia’s DLO Producciones. The French series, titled Rivière-Perdue, will be distributed by Banijay Rights and is a co-production between Banijay France labels Terence Films and Gétévé Productions, along with TF1.

    Originally produced in Spain by RTVE in collaboration with DLO Producciones, the critically-acclaimed psychological thriller, La Caza. Monteperdido was first created in 2019 following the success of Agustín Martínez’s best-selling novel, Monteperdido. It was produced by José Manuel Lorenzo and written by Agustín Martínez, Luis Moya, Antonio Mercero, Miguel Sáez Carral and Jorge Díaz. The debut series was watched by over two million viewers, with a 14% share, picked up a FesTVal Award, and continued its success with a second compelling season in 2021, and the third season which launched this year in March is now available on Netflix.

    In France, filming for the gripping 6 x 52-minute series, written by Eugénie Dard, Sylvain Caron et Elsa Vasseur, and directed by Jean-Christophe Delpias, is underway in the Pyrenees. In Rivière-Perdue, a car accident leads to the mysterious reappearance of Anna, a teenage girl who has been missing for five years. Commissioner Balthus (Jean-Michel Tinivelli) and Captain Alix Stern (Barbara Cabrita) investigate with the local police and embark on a race against time to find Lucie, who disappeared at the same time as Anna, but is nowhere to be seen.

    Bertrand Cohen, CEO at Terence Films says: “We are excited to collaborate with TF1 and Gétévé Productions to bring this successful Spanish novel and series to French audiences. We’ve worked on many book-to-screen adaptations, but this project has a strong central concept and overarching storyline, making it ideal for adaptation. Strong leading performances with Barbara Cabrita, Nicolas Gob, Jean-Michel Tinivelli, Odile Vuillemin, Bruno Debrandt, Annelise Hesme and Kamel Belghazi will ensure this suspenseful drama will leave viewers wanting more.”

    José Manuel Lorenzo, Managing Director and Producer at DLO Producciones says: “La Caza. Monteperdido is a sensationally tense and gripping drama which performed well here in Spain, and its narrative structure is perfect for a French adaptation. Filmed on location in the Pyrenees, the concept immerses viewers in the beautiful scenery, where mystery and nature become one more character in the story. I look forward to seeing how the nuances of the French version will unfold, keeping audiences guessing at every twist and turn.”

    Banijay France operates through fifteen production companies: for non-scripted – Adventure Line Productions, Air Productions, Banijay Productions France, DMLS TV, Endemol France, H20 Productions, KM Production and Tooco – and for scripted – Banijay Studio France, Shine Fiction which has recently announced its latest scripted show Carême, a co-production with VVZ Production for Apple TV+. Also within Banijay France are Fiction’Air, Marathon Studio, Terence Films, Montmartre Films and Screen Line. Producing a diversity of content for all French channels and platforms, its portfolio comprises both original creations and the adaptation of international formats. The country’s leading producer, it entertains more than 38 million people every week.

  4. Alexia Laroche-Joubert Upped to Chief Executive Officer, Banijay France

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today confirms the promotion of Alexia Laroche-Joubert to Chief Executive Officer, Banijay France. Taking full oversight of the French portfolio, which comprises 15 labels spanning non-scripted and scripted, she will be tasked with evolving and diversifying the pipeline, attracting new talent, identifying new areas for growth, and driving collaboration with the wider group internationally to maximise on exploitation opportunities. The appointment takes effect from 1 September 2023.

    Laroche-Joubert takes on the post after a significant tenure with Banijay, where, since 2016, she has served as Chief Executive Officer for Adventure Line Productions (ALP), and recently launched scripted label, Screen Line Productions.

    Recognised as one of the 100 Women of Culture for 2022, Laroche-Joubert is credited for huge stints executive producing TF1’s Koh Lanta (Survivor), on-air for 20+ years; and France 2’s Fort Boyard which has enjoyed a 30+-year run to date, and for reshaping beauty contest event, Miss France, leading it to the top three most watched non-scripted shows in France.

    A creative visionary, Laroche-Joubert has had a multi-faceted career, both as a leading producer on titles like M6’s Loft Story (Big Brother), TF1’s Star Academy and Secret Story, and W9’s Les Ch’tis and Les Marseillais, and on-screen, in a multitude of roles such as a juror for Popstars in France. Prior to Banijay, she spent 10+ years in the Canal+ group and became Editor-in-Chief at TF1. Before that, she was Director of Programmes at Endemol France under Stéphane Courbit’s leadership. Now she will be entrusted with building on Banijay France’s success to date, reporting to Banijay’s Chief Executive Officer, Marco Bassetti, having worked with the group’s Chairman, Stéphane Courbit, for 25+ years.

    Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay: “Alexia has been a leading force for us in France for a number of years, and with entrepreneurialism and creative spirit at her core, she is the perfect profile to lead our French operations from here-on-in. Hugely respected, strategic and with a brilliant repertoire of credits, we have no doubt her experience and knowledge will be invaluable in driving the business to new heights, as we look to further diversify and enhance the offering.”

     

    Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO, Banijay France: “From start-ups, to well-established labels like ALP, I have led a career underpinned by entrepreneurialism and at Banijay, I’ve found a home where I can continue to indulge my creative passions. Stepping up to lead Banijay France was the logical next step, and I am proud to be taking on this challenge. We have an incredibly strong production offering and I look forward to collaborating with the MDs and their teams to drive diversification, further format exploitation, cross-company collaboration and importantly, attract new talent. I will forever be thankful for Stéphane and Marco’s support over the years and for now handing me the reins, and am hugely appreciative to François de Brugada, who leaves the business as the country’s number one producer.”

  5. Banijay France Unveils Screen Line Productions

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    Content powerhouse Banijay, today announces the launch of Screen Line Productions, a new scripted label that will sit within Banijay France. Set to devise its own slate, the production company was created, and will be operated, by ALP’s Chief Executive Officer, Alexia Laroche-Joubert, and Managing Director, Frédéric Lussato.

    Screen Line Productions, will see Laroche-Joubert and Lussato build on their expertise of producing some of France’s biggest non-scripted hits like Koh Lanta (Survivor), to create an ambitious portfolio of scripted series. As part of the launch, the pair have appointed Lavinia Jullien as Development Executive.

    With focus on character-driven content, Screen Line is developing original ideas as well as book adaptations, spanning a number of themes, notably youth oriented. Its first commission is set to be announced soon.

     

    Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO at Screen Line says: “Together, Frédéric and I are eager to develop our know-how in a new creative field, and with the launch of Screen Line we are set to announce our first original series soon. During my career I have created and adapted many formats from the world of entertainment including Koh Lanta (Survivor) and Star Academy, with the commonality of all being popular formats. With our knowledge of this audience paired with production expertise, Screen Line is geared up to develop ambitious projects for a wide audience.”

     

    François de Brugada, CEO of Banijay France says: “Alexia and Frédéric have the experience and talent to find and tell the best stories in entertainment, and now in scripted too. The launch of Screen Line confirms Banijay France’s ambition to further grow in the field of scripted.”

     

    Screen Line joins Banijay France’s line-up of scripted labels including Banijay Studios France, Shine Fiction, Terence Films, Marathon and Montmartre. Credits include Marie Antoinette, co-produced with Banijay Studios France, CAPA Drama and Les Gens, which has sold to over 70 territories and has recently been commissioned for a second season by CANAL+. Other successes include Serial Lover, Shine Fiction’s debut series for M6 which has just sold to Spain with Atresmedia.

  6. Banijay Studios France Partners with Fiction’Air, Belga Productions and RTBF, on New Premium Crime Thriller for TF1

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    Banijay today announces a new French co-production for TF1, Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire, produced in partnership with Banijay Studios France, Fiction’Air, Belga Productions and RTBF. The premium drama will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

    Starring Hélène de Fougerolles, (Balthazar), Gregory Fitoussi (St Tropez, Spiral) and Tcheky Karyo (The Missing, Baptiste),  Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire is set in the heart of the Black Forest, at a binational military base near the French-German border, where twelve bodies, all men, are found in a mass grave. The victims are both French and German, with the murders committed over three decades.  Judge Camille Hartmamnn, played by Hélène de Fougerolles, has a connection to the case, but after a car accident she has lost her memory, and any recollections are side-lined, even though this macabre discovery revives memories Hartmann believed to be buried. Meanwhile, veteran French officer Franz Agerland (Tcheky Karyo) joins forces with young German police officer Erik Maes (Gregory Fitoussi) to investigate the case. Just how connected to the murders is Hartmann?

    Carole Della Valle, Executive Producer, Banijay Studios France says: “Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire is a tense and gripping thriller, with premium production values bringing a cinematic feel to the drama. With a big-name cast in place, known both here in France and internationally, we are confident the drama will engage the TF1 audience and beyond with the support of Banijay Rights. It has been a great experience to work with our co-production partners Fiction’Air, Belga Productions and RTBF, and together we have created a drama we’re all incredibly proud of.”

    Nagui, President at Fiction’Air says: “We are thrilled with this second collaboration with BSF and are looking forward a new scriptied project in the future. With Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire, Fiction’Air is confirming its ambition to offer new series on the national and international scene.”

    Banijay France, led by François de Brugada, encompasses a line-up of boutique creative scripted labels, including Marathon, Shine Fiction, Terence and Banijay Studios France, the company behind Marie Antoinette, which has sold to Australia, the US and UK with further deals to be announced soon. Also within Banijay France is Alain Goldman’s Montmartre Films.

    Banijay is home to the world’s best scripted producers, with over 50 diverse, award-winning labels across the footprint in the UK, US, Australia, Nordics, Germany, Benelux, Iberia, Belgium, Israel, Italy, Poland and India.

  7. Banijay France & La Fabrique des Formats Combine to Push French Formats Globally

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    Banijay, the world’s largest independent home to the best creative talent and IP, today announces Banijay France is partnering with dedicated format investment fund, La Fabrique des Formats, to support French format creation, both locally and internationally.

    ‘Fonds La Fabrique – Banijay’ will offer talent the opportunity to see their work produced, not only in France, but also worldwide. The fund will be administered by La Fabrique des Formats, with the creatives benefiting from Banijay’s 120 production companies and footprint which spans 23 territories, as well as the support of its distribution arm, Banijay Rights. The collaboration will strengthen the French audio-visual industry further as it offers monitoring services, expertise, and training for professionals.

    A selection committee made up of industry experts will be tasked with identifying the best projects, both non-scripted and scripted. The creators of the chosen formats will receive tailor-made support and funding to develop their creations. The fund will invest in a range of areas to elevate the show’s presentation to channels and platforms, including everything from writing assistance, the production of a trailer, or even bringing the concept to life with a pilot.

    François de Brugada, CEO Banijay France says: “This partnership further fosters our regional know-how and we are very pleased to support La Fabrique des Formats with the innovative creation of ‘Fonds La Fabrique des Formats – Banijay.’ Being headquartered in France, along with our local knowledge and global ambition, it is naturally our role to support the creative community here to ambitiously develop the next-generation of hits for France and the world.”

    Philippe Chazal, Founder of La Fabrique des Formats comments: “We are very excited by this partnership with Banijay as this new fund significantly strengthens our ability to invest in the development of new, original content and to build format projects.”

    Banijay France brings together some of the country’s leading production entities, in both scripted and non-scripted. The company has developed hit IP with international success, from adventure reality format Fort Boyard to brand-new gameshow Chacun son Tour, which will be adapted for the Spanish market by Banijay Iberia’s Gestmusic for RTVE. The recent acquisition of Tooco emphasises the company’s dedication to investing in French format creation, and the partnership with Alain Goldman’s Légende Films cements Banijay France’s scripted ambitions. The company, which is behind the highly anticipated new drama Marie Antoinette for CANAL+, has also built a strong track record in creating successful local versions of Survivor (Koh Lanta) and SKAM.

  8. Banijay Signs Up Prolific French Filmmaker, Alain Goldman

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    Banijay, the world’s largest independent producer/ distributor, today confirms a partnership with award-winning French producer, Alain Goldman via the production entities, Pitchipoï Productions and Montmartre Films (previously Légende Films). Channeling the arrangement through regional outpost, Banijay France, the deal will see the group and Alain Goldman come together to grow a pipeline of premium quality scripted IP, in the form of both series and feature-length films.

     

    Having become a master in the independent film space, Goldman’s impressive accolades include Oscars, Césars, BAFTAs and a Golden Globe. However, despite being a well-established behind-the-scenes star of the big screen, he continues to adapt his art and has already built a substantive repertoire in the streaming space, with Netflix’s The Spy (Sacha Baron Cohen), Amazon Prime’s Flashback (Caroline Vigneaux) and The Mad Women’s Ball (Mélanie Laurent).

     

    With a healthy slate already in play, upcoming titles include the feature film Verde directed by Cédric Jimenez (The Stronghold) about Ingrid Betancourt and Clara Rojas’ captivity in the Colombian jungle.

     

    A familiar face on the awards circuit, Goldman’s creative reputation spans the globe. With a diverse raft of credits to his name, he has a standout track record in the fiction film space, having produced – to name a few – An Officer and a Spy (2019), Edmond (2018), Santa & Cie. (2017), Mustang (2015), The Connection (2014), Paulette (2012), Coco (2008), La Vie en Rose (2007), 99 Francs (2007), The Corsican File (2004) and The Crimson Rivers (2000). Beyond the rich wealth of French and European talent he has worked with over the years, including Mathieu Kassovitz, Olivier Dahan, Alain Chabat, Cédric Jimenez and Roman Polanski, he has also crafted with leading Hollywood figureheads, Ridley Scott, Martin Scorsese and Roland Joffé.

     

    Alain Goldman comments: “Banijay shares our vision for the company going forward, and their immediate understanding and belief in our ethos makes them the perfect partner for our future. Joining a forward-thinking global company like Banijay gives us the ability to reach even greater heights in the years to come.”

     

    François de Brugada, CEO, Banijay France comments: “Banijay provides solace for talent who wish to be creatively free from the constraints of a single creative content strategy. Here they can create across all genres for audiences both in their region… and beyond. In partnering with Alain, we wish to support him in his strive to maintain and evolve a healthy pipeline of scripted titles spanning movies and series. We have no doubt, that in collaboration with the team in France, he will be a central pillar in supporting our ambitions to generate a larger portfolio of premium fiction.

  9. Endemol France and Teddy Riner Strike Gold to Create Yasuke Production

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    Banijay, the world’s largest independent home to the best creative talent and IP, today announces Endemol France and Teddy Riner, a multi-Olympic gold medal winner, are joining forces to create Yasuke Production, an equally-owned production company.

     

    Through this partnership, Endemol France and Teddy Riner will jointly develop and produce formats with a focus on the world of sport, for all broadcasters and platforms, with wide audience appeal.

     

    Teddy Riner comments: “I am extremely proud to be joining forces with Endemol France, and see huge potential in this partnership. I first discovered the world of production through the France 2 documentary La Quête, which traced my journey to the Tokyo Games. This gave me the drive to deepen my knowledge, to undertake, to work, and to think about formats that could be adapted in the sports sense. The power of the image in sport is so strong, and now it is time to take this to the next level and explore different avenues for the genre. I believe this partnership will evolve to become the most beautiful playing field.”

     

    Jean-Louis Blot, President of Endemol France comments: “Teddy Riner is not only a great champion and one of the best sports people in France, but also a seasoned entrepreneur, and we are very happy to be creatively collaborating through this partnership. Teddy already has many exciting ideas and we can’t wait to start supporting him in the development and production of these new sports formats.”

     

    Banijay France’s production label, Endemol France is behind some of the country’s most popular non-scripted hits. Flagship shows include local versions of Banijay formats LEGO Masters (M6) and Celebrity Hunted (Amazon Prime), as well as French adaptations of LOL (Amazon Prime), and Drag Race France (France.tv Slash), and a range of locally created hits  Les 12 Coups de Midi (TF1), Prodigies (France 2), Children of TV(France 2), Patron Incognito (M6) and The Best Bakery in France (M6).

     

  10. Terence Films Creates High-End Louis Braille Drama for Global Market

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    Banijay France’s acclaimed scripted label, Terence Films, today announces a new premium drama in development, based on best-selling novel ‘The Hands of Louis Braille’ by Hélène Jousse.

    Patrice Leconte, the well-known French director and writer, behind hits Ridicule, Monsieur Hire, The Hairdresser’s Husband, The Man on the Train and the forthcoming feature film, Maigret et la Jeune Morte, with Gerard Depardieu, has immediately accepted to freely adapt the novel into a world-class drama. As well as directing, Leconte will partner with Serge Frydman (Now or Never, The Girl on the Bridge) to write the screenplay, tracing the life of young genius Louis Braille, who lost his sight at four years old. In the 1800s, through his desire to access knowledge in his early teens, Louis Braille revolutionised the world by creating the tactile writing system that bears his name.

    Bertrand Cohen and Stephane Meunier, Co-Founders of Terence Films comment: “Louis Braille is one of France’s most iconic figures, and while his writing system is known globally, the story of his life is largely untold. At a young age he changed the world for millions by creating a code that works in all alphabets and languages, even today. Based on a novel by Hélène Jousse, this drama is set to have widespread appeal, especially with Patrice Leconte on board to write and direct. With his impressive list of credits, he is ideally placed to take this extraordinary story and develop it into a high-end proposition for the international market.”

    Lars Blomgren, Head of Scripted at Banijay comments: “We have a very established scripted business in France, and this deal is further evidence of how our companies attract significant talent and IP. The story of Louis Braille is a fascinating one, and with the audience demand for untapped, diverse stories continuing to grow on both linear broadcasters and streaming platforms, there is huge potential globally for this inspirational drama.”

    Terence Films is behind numerous hit dramas. This year, the company has produced the fourth season of Criminal Pacific (18×52), two TV-movies of Poquelin & de Beaumont directed by Gabriel Aghion starring Clementine Celarie for France Television, and the feature film Magnificat, which is supported by an advance on earnings from the CNC (Orange Cinema – theatrical release in 2022). Magnificat is directed by Virginie Sauveur, starring Karin Viard and François Berléand. The company recently picked up the option rights to adapt French-language drama series Après (After), produced by Duo Productions, distributed by CBC & Radio-Canada Distribution.

    Led by François de Brugada, Banijay France is home to a line-up of boutique scripted labels with Terence Films, Marathon, Shine Fiction and Banijay Studios France, the company behind recent hit Germinal and the new major series for CANAL+ and BBC, Marie Antoinette.

    Banijay’s wider footprint is home to over 50 scripted labels, spearheaded by Lars Blomgren, and producing high-end, award-winning content for the local and international market. Recent and upcoming credits include SAS: Rogue Heroes (Kudos), Marie Antoinette (Banijay Studios France), Ripley (Endemol Shine North America), Then They Run (Kudos/ MadeFor), Countrymen (Rubicon), Call My Agent: Bollywood (Banijay Asia), Ronja the Robber’s Daughter (Filmlance for Viaplay), Heirs to the Land (Diagonal), Bonnie & Clyde (Banijay Benelux), Queens (Endemol Shine Israel) and Aarya (Endemol Shine India).

  11. Filming Begins on Landmark Historical Drama Marie Antoinette

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    Banijay and Newen today announce filming has commenced on Marie Antoinette, a new original drama for CANAL+ Creation Originale, produced by Banijay Studios France, Capa Drama and Les Gens. The eight-part series will be distributed globally by Banijay Rights.

     

    Created and written by Deborah Davis (The Favourite), Marie Antoinette tells the story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen, played by Emilia Schüle (Ku’damm 56/ 63).

     

    Joining Deborah Davis in writing the epic saga is Louise Ironside (The Split), Avril E. Russell (All on a Summer’s Day) and Chloë Moss (Run Sister Run). The series is directed by Pete Travis (Bloodlands) and Geoffrey Enthoven (Children of Love).

     

    Marie Antoinette produced by Claude Chelli and Aude Albano for Capa Drama, Alban Étienne and Stéphanie Chartreux for Banijay Studios France, and Christophe Toulemonde for Les Gens.

     

    Filming will take place in many prestigious historical places including the Châteaux of Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Lésigny, Champs, Voisins, and in the emblematic studios of Bry-sur-Marne.

     

    Marie Antoinette was barely 14 years old when she left Austria to marry the Dauphin of France. Growing from a stubborn young princess navigating the rules of the French court under pressure to continue the Bourbon line, to a true fashion icon, she impressed with her natural charisma, and recreated life in Versailles in her image: free, independent and feminist ahead of time. Even with rumours underminding her reputation, the notorious figure would defeat the enemies of the Versailles court with courage and dignity.

     

    François de Brugada, CEO of Banijay France (Banijay Studios France) says: “Marie Antoinette is one of the most iconic figures in French history, and her fearless, fascinating life; with Deborah Davis leading the writing team, will make an undeniably powerful television series. We are ready to enchant viewers with stunning scenery from beautiful locations across France, and illustrate this audacious, controversial character who changed the history of our nation.”

     

    Guillaume Thouret, Managing director of Newen France (CAPA drama) says:  “We are very happy to launch a new ambitious production with the partners we already worked with : Marie Antoinette’s era put France at the epicentre of glamour, culture and fashion. The series will gather the highest production values by hiring the very best talents for all key creative roles: Art direction, costumes, sets, photography and obviously an A-list director. ”

     

    Cathy Payne, CEO Banijay Rights says: “The world of Marie Antoinette was complex, from her time as a young princess to the legendary queen we are all familiar with. The all-female writing team, led by Deborah Davis, brings a unique portrayal to her character, drawing out modern feminist comparisions. This, along with talented directors, producers and cast, will create a profound interpretation and visual treat to appeal to global audiences.”

     

    Fabrice de la Patellière, Head of Drama CANAL+ says: “The story of Marie Antoinette is timeless, and her life continues to intrigue and capture the imagination of contemporary viewers. The scripts for this series are compelling, and we have the ideal partners to bring the work of Deborah Davis to life. This is set to be a high-end, decadant drama with epic scale.”

  12. Banijay France Acquires DMLS TV

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    Banijay France today announces the addition of DMLS TV to its footprint. A local leader in music and entertainment, the business further diversifies and strengthens the group’s offering in the region, taking it up to 11 labels.

     

    DMLS TV was set up some 20 years ago and continues to be led by duo Anne Marcassus and Mathieu Vergne, reporting to country CEO, François de Brugada. A go-to production business with access to the greatest French and international artists, it has been behind some of France’s most notorious brands including La Chanson Secrète (The Secret Song), La Chanson Challenge, (The Celebrity Song Challenge), La Lettre (with Carson) (Yours Sincerely) and Duos Mystères (Mystery Duets). In addition, the organisation is the volunteer executive producer of annual ratings smash charity event, Les Enfoirés, with the nation’s biggest on-screen talent.

     

    François de Brugada comments: “As we continue to widen our offering in France and cement our stronghold in the market, DMLS TV is the perfect addition. Aligned in our commitment to high-quality, unscripted hits, Anne and Mathieu further bolster our entertainment and music catalogue and I’ve no doubt their titles have the capacity to travel the group worldwide.”

     

    Anne Marcassus and Mathieu Vergne comment: “It’s great to be part of Banijay, the largest international player in the market. As part of this partnership, we are looking forward to enjoying access to the business’ extensive catalogue, to provide solutions to all our broadcast and streaming partners. This is also a wonderful opportunity for DMLS TV’s titles to travel the world, while we continue to be a home for artists and the volunteer executive producer of annual charity event, Les Enfoirés, alongside a number of other projects.”

     

    Alongside DMLS TV, Banijay France’s matrix of brands is now responsible for some of the territory’s most widely renowned titles including Koh Lanta (Survivor – ALP), Fort Boyard (ALP), Les Marseillais (Party Workers– Banijay Productions France), N’oubliez pas les paroles (Don’t Forget the Lyrics – Banijay Production Media), Versailles (Banijay Studios France), Les 12 coups de midi (The Legacy – Endemol France) and Touche Pas à Mon Poste (It’s Only TV – H2O Productions).