Banijay Germany Archives

Banijay Media Germany Strengthens Its Branded Entertainment Unit

17th July 2024 10:22 am Comments Off

Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces creative and marketing agency, Banijay Media Germany, is strengthening its branded entertainment unit with Alex Aussem, Christoph von Hunnius and Andreas Wolf. They will be working alongside Anna-Lena Pittelkow, who joined earlier this year, and will be leading the Creative division.

In keeping with the agency’s strategic development and elevated brand experiences, Aussem will take on the role of Creative Director. Previously at HeimatTBWA, he will spearhead the development of innovative marketing concepts to bring fresh creative insights. Meanwhile, von Hunnius joins as Client Service Director, bringing extensive experience in creative consulting to oversee the integration of branded content with entertainment formats, delivering cohesive and impactful campaigns. Wolf, formerly at EndemolShine Germany, steps up to become Creative Digital Director, where he will leverage his digital knowledge to enhance the group’s social media presence.

Anna-Lena Pittelkow, Head of Creative, Banijay Media Germany says: “We’ve seen huge momentum with branded entertainment, and these new hires enable us to grow even further in this area. Strengthening our team with Alex, Christoph and Andreas will help us deliver premium content for our brand partners and ensure a unified approach across all media and platforms.”

Banijay Media Germany is the creative marketing arm of Banijay Germany, designing, producing, and distributing brand experiences for customers across all media genres and platforms. Its core focus areas are branded entertainment, digital storytelling, content distribution and community building.

In 2023, Banijay Entertainment expanded its brand-funded portfolio with the launch of Banijay Branded Entertainment (BBE). Overseen by Carlotta Rossi Spencer, Head of Branded Entertainment and Business Development, BBE provides centralised support for Banijay’s global teams in creating branded content. Last month, the division announced strategic partnerships with software, insights and data company, Launchmetrics, and Banijay Iberia’s creative agency IMA, in order to enhance the expertise and appeal of BBE’s 360° production, marketing and measurement services.

Prime Video Germany Orders Second Helping of Banijay’s The Fifty

6th June 2024 11:42 am Comments Off

Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces Prime Video has commissioned a second season of EndemolShine Germany and Rainer Laux Productions’ adaptation of hit reality competition show The Fifty, originally created by Banijay Productions France.

Including the German version, which ranked #1 in the Prime Video charts in Germany at the time of its launch,The Fifty now boasts three international iterations. Season 2 in France made a strong return last year on W9 outperforming season 1 on nearly all demos and continued its digital success on streaming service 6Play. Telemundo green-lit a second run from EndemolShine Boomdog, after delivering stellar ratings for the channel as the network’s most watched programme within the US Hispanic market.

Over the course of sixteen episodes, fifty German reality stars will once again compete in the Game Masters’ challenges for the life-changing jackpot prize that will be gifted to one of their followers. As alliances are forged and supposed friendships broken, inevitable drama unfolds as the contestants vote each other out of the game, in this addictive and high-stakes series full of surprises.

Philip Pratt, Head of German Originals, Prime Video, says: “Throughout the 14 episodes of the first season of The Fifty, our viewers enthusiastically followed and rooted for the participants, revelling in the reality drama. We look forward to relaunching the entertainment spectacle with season 2 – featuring even more episodes, more challenges and, undoubtedly, more drama.”

Rainer Laux, Managing Director at Rainer Laux Productions and Executive Director EndemolShine Germany says: “Prime Video’s commission of a second series demonstrates the show’s universal popularity. With its unique fan-engagement feature, it is a brilliant addition to Germany’s entertainment slate, and we look forward to continuing to delight viewers with the show’s fiercely competitive and thrilling challenges.”

EndemolShine Germany, part of Banijay Germany, produces some of the nation’s best-loved non-scripted shows, with titles such as Save the Date, Big Brother VIP, Kitchen Impossible, Limitless Win, and The Masked Singer Germany.

Banijay Media Germany Bolsters Creativity and Digital Distribution with New Roles

2nd May 2024 5:10 pm Comments Off

Banijay Germany today announces its creative marketing agency, Banijay Media Germany, has appointed Anna-Lena Pittelkow into the new position of Creative Director, and Mirjan Hildebrandt as Head of Digital Distribution & Content Acquisition.

Pittelkow, previously Managing Director and Chief Creative Transformation Officer at Grabarz & Partner, brings a wealth of experience to this new role, driving creative strategy and campaign development, utilising her industry background from high-profile agencies like Zum Goldenen Hirschen and Scholz & Friends. Together with the Sales & Brand Partnerships team, she will spearhead strategic development, creating tailored brand experiences across all media and platforms.

In addition to expanding the creative department, Banijay Media Germany is strengthening its leadership in content distribution. Mirjan Hildebrandt, formerly of WDR Mediagroup, joins Banijay Media Germany as Head of Digital Distribution & Content Acquisition, tasked with expanding its FAST channel offering, among other responsibilities.

Ingrid Langheld and Christian Nienaber, Managing Directors of Banijay Media Germany: “As an experienced advertiser and brand expert, Anna complements us perfectly with her knowledge, her creative excellence and incredible energy. Alongside our teams, she will set the example in innovation and develop tailor-made proposals for brands and collaborations with other agencies. We are also very pleased to have gained an experienced distribution expert in Mirjan. Together we will continue to drive the expansion of Banijay Media Germany.”

Anna-Lena Pittelkow, Creative Director at Banijay Media Germany, says: “My career began at Endemol 15 years ago within the format development team, and since then, my heart has been in TV. The opportunity to develop new, smart and effective brand placements within some of the strongest entertainment brands in the business was extremely enticing and I can’t wait to bring my creative marketing knowledge to this new role.”

Mirjan Hildebrandt, Head of Digital Distribution & Content Acquisition, adds: “Eleven years ago I was part of the company which is now Banijay Media Germany, and it’s great to return, bringing new skills and expertise gathered in the fast-paced world of digital distribution and FAST channels.”

Banijay Media Germany is the creative marketing agency of Banijay Germany. It designs, produces and distributes brand experiences for customers across all media genres and platforms. Operating within three divisions, House of Brands, House of Likes, and House of Rights, it is an expert in branded entertainment, digital storytelling, content distribution and community building.

Banijay Media Germany appoints Christian Nienaber Co-Managing Director

18th January 2024 4:15 pm Comments Off

Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today confirms the appointment of Christian Nienaber as the new Co-Managing Director of creative and marketing agency, Banijay Media Germany. Effective April, Nienaber will be working alongside long-standing Managing Director of Banijay Media Germany, Ingrid Langheld, as they jointly take charge of the agency’s business areas: House Of Brands, House Of Likes, and House Of Rights.

Nienaber joins from TV and video analytics specialists, “all eyes on screens” (aeos), where, as Chief Commercial Officer, he was responsible for sales, marketing and partnerships. Prior to his time at aeos, he held various management positions at RTL Deutschland, RTL ZWEI, and Saatchi & Saatchi, where he was site manager for the southern German agencies.

In his position as Co-Managing Director at Banijay Media Germany, Nienaber will succeed Daniel Durst, who joined Banijay Media Germany in April 2021. During Durst’s tenure at Banijay Media Germany, alongside Ingrid Langheld, he was instrumental in leading the restructuring of the label as a digital and marketing strategist within the Banijay Germany network.

Marcus Wolter, CEO and Co-Founder, Banijay Germany comments: “Banijay Media Germany stands for innovation and strong, individually-staged brand experiences. Many thanks to Daniel, who has significantly contributed to the successful repositioning in the market and the expansion of our digital offering. Christian will continue to drive this forward in the future together with Ingrid – we warmly welcome him to Banijay Germany.”

Ingrid Langheld, Managing Director, Banijay Media Germany adds: “I would like to thank Daniel for the invaluable strategic support during our realignment and for the positive collaboration we’ve shared. As a result, we have created a healthy foundation for the ongoing growth of our businesses, and the expansion of our customer portfolio. I am looking forward to working with Christian, a recognised industry expert, whose expertise will strengthen Banijay Media Germany.”

Christian Nienaber adds: “I am thrilled to become part of the Banijay Media Germany team. Together with Ingrid and the strong team already in place, we will continue to exploit and expand the potential of the extremely successful TV brands and personalities, as well as the resulting cooperation opportunities with strong brand partners.”

Banijay Media Germany is the creative marketing agency of Banijay Germany. It designs, produces, and distributes, brand experiences for customers across all media genres and platforms. Operating within three divisions, House of Brands, House of Likes, and House of Rights, it is an expert in branded entertainment, digital storytelling, content distribution and community building.

Banijay Appoints Małgorzata Perkowska-Czaja as MD, Endemol Shine Poland

20th November 2023 12:06 pm Comments Off

Banijay today confirms new leadership for its Warsaw-based outfit, Endemol Shine Poland, appointing Małgorzata (Gosia) Perkowska-Czaja as Managing Director. A leading local executive, she will be tasked with evolving the business’ slate, diversifying its offering to identify new revenue streams, and strengthening and innovating its commercial strategy to futureproof and bolster growth. In line with the hire, the label will now fall under the Banijay Germany group umbrella, with the role reporting to Endemol Shine Germany’s MD, Fabian Tobias.

Endemol Shine Poland alumni Perkowska-Czaja joins from Rochstar, where she has spent a year as MD, responsible for devising and executing the label’s market and sales strategies to ensure a broadening of its client base. She also led on deal negotiations, format and film development, as well as commercial diversification and expansion. Previously, she spent seven years at Endemol Shine Poland, leaving as director of non-scripted sales. Here she oversaw the company’s slate of hit entertainment formats and super brand executions including MasterChef and its spin-offs and Big Brother for TVN; All Together Now and Family Food Fight for POLSAT; The Wall (and international hub) and Don’t Forget the Lyrics! for TVP; and Fort Boyard for Viaplay, as well as branded content and commercial deals for a number of its titles.

Marco Bassetti, Chief Executive Officer, Banijay comments: “A formidable leader, Gosia joins Endemol Shine Poland with an impressive track record in the local and international content space. With a breadth of experience spanning production and commercial strategy, complimentary values, and familiarity with Banijay and the company’s local team, she is very well-equipped to fulfil our ambitions in the Polish market, and I am sure under her stewardship we will see the label and its slate thrive.”

Małgorzata Perkowska-Czaja comments: “Endemol Shine Poland has built a reputation for high-quality entertainment, and re-joining the business as MD, I am looking forward to exploring new opportunities to diversify the slate and build on its performance in all genres. While the market is challenging right now, I have no doubt that via innovation and creativity, we can capitalize on new technologies and avenues for growth, cementing the company as the region’s number one and go-to for clients.”

In addition to her most recent roles, Perkowska-Czaja served for seven years as Head of Development and Sales, and producer for Golden Media/Mastiff Media Poland, having spent between 2004 and 2008 as production manager at Endemol Poland/Endemol Netherland – her first stint at the company. A varied career spanning leading global brands, she has also held a number of freelance positions, as well as posts for Reuters, VRT, CNBC and TVP. In addition to her professional credentials, she occasionally lectures at the National Film School in Łódź.

The news follows Ryszard Sibilski’s decision to step down from the business.

Banijay’s Good Luck Guys to Begin its Adventure in Germany

28th September 2023 12:01 pm Comments Off

Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today confirms Good Times, part of Banijay Germany, will produce Good Luck Guys for local SVOD Joyn. This marks the seventh adaptation of the fish-out-of water adventure reality format which was originally created by Banijay Productions France.

In Good Luck Guys, a group of reality show alumni volunteer to trade their life of luxury with a back-to-basics adventure on an isolated tropical beach. In ‘adventure duos’, they must prove there is more to them than meets the eye, as they embark on challenges and live without comfort or cosmetics. Who will be the last team left standing? The winners will not only claim the cash prize, but they’ll also be able to call themselves “true adventurers…” of sorts.

Shona Fraser, Managing Director of Good Times comments: “Good Luck Guys is escapist reality programming at its best and a great fit for the streamer Joyn. We‘ve been able to leverage Banijay’s international creative network, for a Good Times production, with entertaining German celebrities, whilst utilising French IP in a French-German-Thai hub. It was a blast!”

Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay says: “It’s no surprise this format is making waves across Europe, given it is packed with reality, humour, and light-hearted entertainment. Its stunning and remote beach location is pure escapism. Good Luck Guys and its social media-friendly cast makes it an easily-marketable format, which is much sought-after by streamers and broadcasters alike, as the recent commissions highlight.”

Good Luck Guys was originally created by Banijay Productions France, and its version has now enjoyed six series on W9. Represented internationally by Banijay, Germany is the seventh territory to adapt the title. The news follows a recent commission in The Netherlands, produced by SimpelZodiak for Prime Video, with the second series in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway set to return to the aforementioned platform.

Banijay’s Good Times Brings The Block to Germany

3rd July 2023 10:48 am Comments Off

Content powerhouse Banijay today confirms Good Times, part of Banijay Germany, will produce a new adaptation of The Block for RTL Germany. The show will be known locally as Wettkampf in 4 Wänden – Die ultimative Bau-Challenge.

In this adaptation of the renovation-based competition reality show, four couples compete in order to turn an unloved apartment into a high-end property. Every room matters in this series as it is all about who can impress the expert jury.

A Nine Network format, Banijay holds the global distribution rights to the format and finished tape. The Blockhas aired over 800 episodes in Australia to-date, with its 18^th-season-launch the top-rated show of the night and its finale was the most-watched unscripted show in 2022. In addition, it already been adapted in 14 territories including New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands, the US, and Denmark, where its eighth season consistently won the slot on all demos.

Shona Fraser, Managing Director of Good Times comments: “We love The Block – it’s such a strong format and we can’t wait to bring it to RTL in Germany with our own special reality twist. It is so exciting watching the teams create completely new rooms from a blank canvas.”

Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay says: “The Block is a brilliant format that has hooked audiences around the world. Banijay has a strong record in creating must-watch competition reality shows and we are sure with Good Times’ expertise, the German audience is bound to be engrossed in the transformations.”

Since the company’s creation 25 years ago, Good Times has developed and produced numerous formats for the German audience. Its credits include Mein Lokal, Dein Lokal – Der Profi Kommt, Armes Deutschland and Home of the Year.

Brainpool TV Strengthens and Consolidates its Live Entertainment Businesses

30th June 2023 1:56 pm Comments Off

Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces Brainpool TV (part of Banijay Germany) will restructure its live events, agency and tour divisions under a new label, Brainpool Live Entertainment GmbH. The company will be managed by Ingrid Langheld and Godehard Wolpers.

The news follows the latest announcement from FL Entertainment (listed entity within which Banijay sits) regarding the launch of ‘Banijay Events’, following its minority investment in The Independents and Banijay’s signing of the majority acquisition of Balich Wonder Studio. The move cements both parties’ commitment to delivering a world-leading live events offering, which is further complimented by Brainpool TV’s independent move.

All live activities and live brands of the Cologne Comedy Festival and Banijay Live Artist Brand GmbH will sit under Brainpool Live Entertainment GmbH. The focus for the division we be on comedy events and stand-up artists. These include well-known brands such as Die besten Comedians Deutschlands, 1LIVE Comedy-Nächte XXL, Der Deutsche Comedypreis, NightWash, 1LIVE Hörsaal Comedy and talented entertainers such as Nico Stank, Fabio Landert and Jokah Tululu.

Ingrid Langheld, Managing Director Brainpool Live Entertainment and Banijay Live Artist Brand says: “By bundling our live businesses, we become an independent comedy agency and a valuable partner for artists, brands, and the event industry. With our strong live brands we offer unique entertainment and spaces for Germany’s comedians and will continuously expand this portfolio. In doing so, we particularly champion and promote up-and-coming comedians by providing them with sustainable support in their careers and ensuring visibility throughout Germany.“

Godehard Wolpers, Managing Director Brainpool Live Entertainment/ Producer Brainpool TV says: “One of the most successful Brainpool live events is the Cologne Comedy Festival, with a particularly wide breadth of stars and talent. This year, the 100 or so events in Cologne include premieres, readings with Torsten Sträter and Sarah Bosetti, the already sold-out live podcast Bratwurst und Baklava with Özcan Cosar and Bastian Bielendorfer, and Stromberg night at the Cinedom with Christoph Maria Herbst.”

For more information: www.brainpool-live.de/

Banijay’s Blow Up Lands First European Sale

10th October 2022 11:03 am Comments Off

Banijay today announces Banijay Productions Germany, part of Banijay Germany, will produce the first European adaptation of the new hit entertainment format, Blow Up (Die Ballon show), for RTL Germany. Blow Up was originally created by EndemolShine Nederland for RTL 4.

A one-of-a-kind, colourful and creative competition format, Blow Up draws audiences into the magical world of balloon art, as the nation’s best-in-their-craft battle it out. Within a limited timeframe, the balloon artists must complete unique challenges and wow the expert judges with their mesmerising creations. Who has what it takes to be crowned the best balloon artist and blow the competition away in this fun and uplifting entertainment show?

EndemolShine Nederland launched the format on RTL 4 earlier this year, hitting number one in its slot on all commercial key demos, with the slot average up 168% for 6-12-year-olds.  It was recently announced that the show is heading to Australia, and will be produced by Endemol Shine Australia for Channel 7 and 7plus.

Arno Schneppenheim, Managing Director of Banijay Productions Germany says: “I can’t wait for German audiences to be blown away by the designs and imagination the balloon artists possess. Afterwatching an episode and seeing the creations, you will forget any associations you may have had between balloons and children’s parties. The teams at Banijay Productions Germany and RTL Germany are ready to bring this show, which is fun, unpredictable, and full of warmth, to viewers of all ages.”

Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay adds: “Blow Up delivers fresh, joyful, high-energy entertainment, which layers jeopardy, skill and awe-inspiring creations. A celebration of unbelievable craftsmanship and imagination, the show perfectly complements our outstanding portfolio of highly regarded competition reality formats, sitting alongside the likes of MasterChef. With the first European adaptation hot on the heels of the commission in Australia, we are excited to see where Blow Up will go next.”

Banijay Productions Germany is a leading production company within its market, producing hit formats such as Temptation Island and Battle of the Reality Stars. It was recently announced Banijay Productions Germany will also produce Big Bounce Battle for RTL Germany after a five-year hiatus.

Blow Up is amongst the slate Banijay will be showcasing at MIPCOM. The world’s largest international content producer and distributor is returning to the market following a three-year hiatus, with a high-end, diverse slate of non-scripted and scripted titles.

Sony Pictures Television Germany Re-Brands Under Noisy Pictures As It Joins Banijay Germany

4th October 2022 11:59 am Comments Off

Leading producer/distributor, Banijay, today announces that the planned acquisition of Sony Productions Film und Fernseh Produktions GmbH Germany (Sony Pictures Television Germany) from Sony Pictures is complete. Following customary closing conditions, Banijay Germany has secured 100% stake in the company.

Founded in 1995, the label will operate under a new guise, Noisy Pictures GmbH, with Astrid Quentell and Mirek Nitsch remaining in position. The company is behind an impressive slate of shows including the award-winning Die Höhle der Löwen (Dragon’s Den), ZDF crime series Heldt, and thriller, Gefährliche Nähe (TVNOW/VOX).

Marcus Wolter, CEO Banijay Germany comments: “Sony Pictures in Germany is known for high-quality scripted titles, a strong catalogue, and successful unscripted productions like Die Höhle der Löwen. On this foundation, we have every faith that the Noisy Pictures team will be another hit-maker in the Banijay Germany family.”

Astrid Quentell, Managing Director of Noisy Pictures says: “We are thrilled to be part of Banijay. Looking to the future, we want to maintain the strength of our independent label, with continuity in our productions on the one hand, and fresh impulses derived from creative exchanges across the new family on the other.”

Founded in 2018 by Marcus Wolter and Banijay, Banijay Germany GmbH now comprises over 20 independent labels and is the country’s leading entertainment engine, developing, creating, and producing a hugely diverse array of formats across all genres, and for all clients. Popular titles include Tatort Dresden, Schlag den Star (Beat the Star), TV Total, Wer wird Millionär? (Who Wants to be a Millionaire?), Kitchen Impossible, The Masked Singer, Promi Big Brother (Celebrity Big Brother), Mein Lokal, Dein Lokal and Kampf der Realitystars (Battle of the Reality Stars), as well as live shows like 1Live Köln Comedy Night XXL and Nightwash, numerous podcasts and comedy platform MySpass.de.

Nico Rossmann Joins Banijay Germany’s Brainpool TV

29th September 2022 11:04 am Comments Off

Banijay today announces Nico Rossman will join Brainpool TV GmbH, part of Banijay Germany, as the Co-Managing Director, where he will be responsible for overseeing a new comedy unit within the label. He joins the management team alongside Brainpool CEO, Marcus Wolter, and Co-Managing Director, Godehard Wolpers.

Rossmann is a TV producer with a passion for entertainment. Joining from RTL Television, where he was Head of Comedy, he developed and oversaw shows including Ninja Warrior Germany and Frei Schnauze, as well as the stage shows for comedians such as Carolin Kebekus, Sascha Grammel, Chris Tall, and the Ehrlich Brothers. Prior to RTL Germany, he held positions at Tresor TV and Norddeich TV.

Marcus Wolter, CEO Banijay Germany and CEO Brainpool says: “Nico is an excellent creator of comedy and entertainment formats. I am very pleased that he has accepted the role of Co-Managing Director for Brainpool. With Raab TV, Godehard Wolpers and Nico, we will be ideally positioned to build on our comedy offerings, big shows, and relationship with artists. Welcome, Nico!”

Nico Rossmann adds: “In my opinion, Brainpool is Germany’s number one comedy brand, with decades of entertainment experience. It also operates to the highest standards and is incredibly innovative. That’s why I’m very pleased to help shape the future of this successful label, both on the production side and in the development of future hit formats alongside the outstanding team. My thanks go to RTL Germany, especially Markus Küttner, for six great years in the TV entertainment department.”

Brainpool TV, founded in 1994, is a leading production company in Germany. It boasts an impressive slate of titles including Beat the Star, Catch!, Ladykracker and the Free European Song Contest.

Banijay Germany’s SR Management Strengthens its Music Division

27th September 2022 8:03 am Comments Off

Banijay today announces SR Management, part of Banijay Germany, will launch SRM Music. Chris Klimek will lead this new division and report to SR Management Managing Director, Sascha Rinne.

SRM Music will take over the operational business for all music-relevant artist management areas, as well as build up the division’s booking, publishing, and label sources. In addition to the management of artists Giovanni Zarrella, Mike Leon Grosch, and Ramon Roselly, the company will welcome new pop artists and offer personalised representation strategies.

Klimek brings extensive experience as a passionate music industry expert and artist manager, having previously worked at BMG Köln, Roadrunner Records, earMUSIC/EDEL, and Ivy Quainoo/The Voice of Germany.

Marcus Wolter, CEO Banijay Germany says: “With the expansion of SRM Music, we are strategically building on our offering within this important entertainment space. Combining the power of our Banijay family, Sascha’s team, and Chris, we are well placed to create successful careers for artists.”

Sasha Rinne, Managing Director of SR Management comments: “At SRM Music, we want to expand our management expertise and are very pleased that Chris, an established and respected entertainment professional, will take the helm for this task.”

Chris Klimek, Head of SR Management Music adds: “I am very much looking forward to this challenge and thank Sascha and Marcus for their trust! The set-up at SR Management GmbH and Banijay Germany is unique, and my focus for all our music artists will be to utilise our concentrated entertainment know-how as synergistically as possible, in order to deliver a professional, creative and successful environment.”

Banijay Germany is an association of independent entertainment producers and entrepreneurs. Made up of 20 labels, the entity is behind numerous well-known brands including Celebrity Big Brother, Schlag den Star, Battle of the Reality Stars, Temptation Island, Tatort Dresden, The Masked Singer and, Kitchen Impossible.

Tag Archive: Banijay Germany