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 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.

  2. 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).

     

  3. 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).

  4. 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.”

  5. 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).

  6. Banijay France Creates New Talent Entity

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    Banijay today confirms the launch of Banijay Talent, a new influencer agency capitalising on the relationship between talent and TV.

     

    The new label will sit within Banijay France, with Hugues Dangy taking on the role of President. Prior to this, he founded Non Stop Group, which he has led and co-owned with Banijay ever since its launch in 2011.

     

    Banijay Talent is set to become the leader in French influencer marketing, combining reality TV specialist Shauna Events; adventure sports agency Upper Talent, which represents iconic contestants from Koh Lanta; digital influencer and marketing agency, Daze MGMT, and Miss France agency, Talent Lab.

     

    The agency designs specific campaigns, maximising potential for its customers to generate noise amongst its target audience. On top of its digital know-how, these subsidiaries have already established key relationships with 200 influencers. These online personalities already have over 170 million followers from the television, fashion, beauty, luxury, entertainment and sport sectors, making Banijay Talent an ideal partner for those wanting to elevate their brand.

     

    Hugues Dangy, President of Banijay Talent says, “Banijay Talent can immediately offer the market the entire spectrum of influencer marketing, from branding to product placement. In synergy with Banijay, the agency represents a pool of high-profile, multi-genre talent, all influential within their chosen field. With our four labels, and over 200 names working exclusively with us, we are in a great position to offer our talent and incoming brands fantastic exposure.”

     

    François de Brugada, CEO Banijay France adds, “The creation of Banijay Talent marks another exciting step in our journey as we expand our portfolio. The growth of marketing within this realm, paired with a diverse range of amazing influencers, along with Hugues’ vast knowledge and expertise, means we are perfectly placed to create this new agency.”

  7. Marathon Studio Secures Rights for Nora Lakheal’s Elite Undercover Agent

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    Marathon Studio, a joint venture with Banijay France, today announces it has picked up the television rights to Nora Lakheal’s ground-breaking biography, Nora Lakheal – Elite Undercover Agent.

     

    A true tale of a woman who chose to risk her life, Elite Undercover Agent is Nora Lakheal’s first-hand account of the eighteen years she has spent relentlessly hunting down Islamism terrorists. A student of philosophy, the boxer from Barbés joined the police force to experience the action and the unexpected. She soon became the first French Muslim woman to join antiterrorist department, Islamisme Radicale of SORS, the elite operatives of French General Intelligence internal services and a department of the current DGSI. Risking her life for her country, she infiltrated several Islamist groups, and is thought to have intercepted a number of planned terrorist attacks.

     

    The scripted development acts as Marathon Studio’s first adaptation project based on a book since the announcement of its launch with Banijay France in November. With work on the drama well-underway, the series will highlight the personal challenges faced in the unprecedented missions Nora Lakheal embarked on during her service.

     

    Nora Lakheal comments: “I am very proud that my life is set to inspire a TV series promoting a French Muslim woman from North African heritage working for the French intelligence internal services. I thank Max Milo, the publisher, that always believed in me and Malika Abdellaoui who, thanks to her ambition and vision for this unique project, will know how to bring my story to the screen.”

     

    Malika Abdellaoui, producer and CEO of Marathon Studio comments: “We are honoured to be collaborating with Nora Lakheal on a standout drama based on her own testimony: Elite Undercover Agent. It is a valuable opportunity to bring to screen the story of an ordinary woman who completed extraordinary undercover missions to protect the French Republic against terrorism. Never once hesitating, despite the significant risk to her life, Nora is a strong role model, and her narrative deserves to be shared beyond the page.”

     

    Jean-Charles Gérard, Max Milo Publishing House comments: “We are delighted to start this new adventure with Nora Lakheal and Malika Abdellaoui, to bring forward this aspirational character; a woman working in the shadow with an exemplary trajectory.”

     

    Nora Lakheal – Elite Undercover Agent is published by Max Milo Publishing House.

  8. Banijay France Secures Jean-Louis Blot as New CEO of EndemolShine Production

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    Banijay France is pleased to announce that Jean-Louis Blot will soon be named CEO of EndemolShine Production (excluding Scripted).

     

    Having graduated from Sciences Po, Jean-Louis is one of the most respected names in the industry. In 2008, he created BBC Worldwide Productions France, the first French subsidiary of the BBC, which he led with success and since 2016, has been behind the equally triumphant creation of Warner Bros. International Television Production France.

     

    In his new role, Blot will be responsible for spearheading EndemolShine Production’s unscripted operations and is charged with driving creativity and a healthy pipeline of IP for the business’ local and global clients, as well as the wider group’s extensive cross-territory catalogue. An entrepreneur, producer and tastemaker, he brings a range of experience to the role and will be at the forefront of growing the organisation’s offering and bolstering its reputation in the market.

     

    François de Brugada, CEO of Banijay France: “We are very happy to have Jean-Louis joining the Banijay adventure. For the past 10 years, he has demonstrated a strong ability in anticipating trends in the French market and strategically capitalising on growth and success opportunities. With the know-how and creativity of EndemolShine Production, the amazing tank of ideas that is the Banijay catalogue, and Jean-Louis leading, I am confident in our company’s future!”

  9. Banijay Names François de Brugada CEO for France

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    Banijay today confirms François de Brugada will continue in his role as Chief Executive Officer for France. Taking the helm for Banijay France, he will now have oversight of the combined unscripted and scripted footprint and a host of the country’s leading creative talent.

     

    Brugada has been with Banijay since its inception in 2008, playing a pivotal role in its international expansion, first as EVP for Content and later COO. In 2015, he transitioned into the role of CEO for Banijay France and has led the country’s leading entity ever since. Previously, he was at M6, where he fulfilled the roles of head of commissioning for unscripted shows and art director for channels.

     

    Banijay France will now comprise 10 entities including Adventure Line Productions, Endemol Shine France, Banijay Studios France, H20 Productions, Banijay Production Media, KM Productions and Banijay Productions France amongst others. The bolstered offering includes some of the country’s best-loved brands including Koh Lanta, Fort Boyard, Taratata, Miss France, Les 12 Coups de midi, Touche Pas à Mon Poste, 28 minutes, Les enfants de la télé, Les Marseillais and Une saison au zoo.

     

    Marco Bassetti comments: “François has been with Banijay since the start. Playing a significant role in the globalisation of the business from the word go, he has gone on to build an incredibly strong footprint for us in France. A first-class strategic and commercially-minded player, he is well-placed to lead the local group through this exciting phase of change and growth.”

     

    François de Brugada comments: “Banijay France has long been the home of some of the nation’s best talent and I am honoured to be welcoming a host of new creative entrepreneurs into the fold. Combining the strengths of both groups, I hope that Banijay France will continue to be a renowned home for the top brands in the country and IP that travels the globe. A special thanks goes to Nicolas who has built a strong operation in EndemolShine France and successfully put the brand on the scripted map in France.”

     

    Nicolas Coppermann, President of EndemolShine France will step down from his role at the end of July, with François de Brugada taking up an interim MD position alongside his CEO responsibilities.

  10. Banijay Hires Group Corporate Business Affairs & France Business Development Director

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    Banijay today announces the appointment of Edouard Minc as Group Corporate Business Affairs & France Business Development Director. Based in Paris, the newly devised role will see him take responsibility for all corporate business affairs matters related to the Group, as well as working with Banijay France on its business development strategy and activities.

     

    Edouard Minc joins the business from Lagardère Group, where he was Director of Prospective and Investments. First joining the business back in 2001 as Senior Researcher, he went on to hold a number of roles across the business’s portfolio of publications and was most recently responsible for supporting all divisions of the Group with innovation and transformation projects.

     

    Working between Banijay Group and Banijay France, Minc will report to both EVP Strategy, Marie Schweitzer, and Banijay France CEO, François de Brugada.

     

    Marie Schweitzer comments: “Edouard brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Banijay Group and we all agree he will be a fantastic addition to the team. As we continue to grow the business and evolve our strategy, there is no doubt his expertise will prove invaluable.”

     

    François de Brugada adds: “We are looking for new ways to capitalize on our talents and assets. With Edouard, I am confident that we can build a stronger path for the business in years to come, boosting our 360 activities and developing our corporate business.”

     

    Edouard Minc adds: “It is a great pride to join Banijay, a French champion who has become one of the world leaders in content production. I will do everything to put my media experience, my respect for brands and my appetite for content to support the growth of its activities”.