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.
Comments Off on Prepare to be Starstruck with Shine Portugal’s Adaptation of Hit Format
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces Shine Portugal, part of Banijay Iberia, will produce ten episodes of Starstruck for public broadcaster RTP.
The commission marks the sixth adaptation of the show, which was originally created by Banijay UK label, Remarkable Entertainment. Launching first in the UK, Starstruck aired for two seasons on ITV and ITVX, andhas also been adapted in Chile, Bulgaria, Belgium and Denmark, where it repeatedly won its slot across all demographics.
Macarena Rey, CEO of Shine Iberia, Spain and Portugal comments: “Starstruck is a feel-good show, all about celebrating great music. As well as the tension of the competition, the Portuguese version will have the added excitement of live performances from the exceptional talent of the contestants, which will make for captivating, emotive and all-round spectacular TV.”
Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations, Banijay adds: “This entertainment format continues to delight and entertain audiences with its display of outstanding talent and cross-generational appeal. Now in its sixth territory, Starstruck continues to demonstrate its strength and adaptability.”
In Starstruck, a trio of ordinary people, with extraordinary talent, take to the stage as they team up and transform into some of the world’s biggest music icons, singing live to battle it out against rival groups. With only one spot up for grabs in the grand finale, the winning trio must compete against each other for a shot at securing the life-changing cash prize.
Comments Off on Banijay Iberia Strengthens its Commitment to Diversity with ODA Partnership
Banijay Iberia, part of media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces it has become the first Gold Partner of the Observatory of Diversity in Audiovisual Media (ODA). The partnership with the non-profit organisation furthers the company’s strong social commitment and advocacy for diversity within the audiovisual industry.
Through this innovative 360-degree pilot project, ODA will support the company in developing, producing, and promoting its productions, and serve as a consultant throughout the entire process, ensuring compliance with representation and diversity standards.
As a Gold Partner, Banijay Iberia will contribute to ODA’s ongoing research into representation through annual reports and the ODA Awards. It will also have exclusive access to the organisation’s premium analytics tools, talent pool and tailored workshops.
Pilar Blasco, CEO of Banijay Iberia, comments: “With this initiative, we want to take another step forward in our commitment to diversity. Internally we count on employee resource groups, such as Banijay Pride and Banijay Elle, as well as other partnerships with organisations that promote a better society; but this collaboration with ODA is truly strategic. For the first time, we will offer a practical tool that will enable all our teams to create better and more inclusive content, placing us at the forefront of positive change in the region.”
Jorge Gonzalo, President and CEO of ODA, adds: “Thanks to this agreement, Banijay Iberia and ODA join forces to demonstrate the importance of specialist support throughout the different phases of the development process, ensuring fairer and more responsible methods and outcomes.”
Banijay Iberia is part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay. Launched in 2008, Banijay, is home to over 130 production companies across 21 territories, a multi-genre catalogue boasting over 185,000 hours of original standout programming, and a complementary live entertainment business – Banijay Events. The global group chapmpions positive change across ESG (environment, social, governance) and continues to promote education, establish new initiatives, and maintain high standards in measurement, to stimulate improvements globally both internally and within the wider industry. Most recently, it launched Banijay Launch, dedicated to women format creators, and supported by Blasco, who served as judge.
Comments Off on Zeppelin’s Dance If You Can Takes Centre Stage
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces Zeppelin, part of Banijay Iberia, is set to launch original talent show Baila Como Puedas (international W/T: Dance If You Can). Airing on La 1, the show, created by Zeppelin (Banijay Iberia) and produced in collaboration with RTVE, will be hosted by Anne Igartiburu, and promises to redefine entertainment, as dancers face the ultimate challenge of their careers.
Baila Como Puedas forms part of the Banijay @ BAFTA London TV Screenings event later this week. It follows sixteen accomplished professionals showcasing their skills as versatile dancers and choreographers. Forming couples, they will instruct eight celebrities without dance experience, in all types of dance disciplines, such as contemporary, house, jazz and more. For 10 weeks, the professional dancers will fully immerse themselves in the competition, living together at the Baila Como Puedas Academy.
The excitement kicks off in the first episode, where each celebrity (Álvaro Muñoz Escassi, Ana Guerra, Fabiola Martínez, Jaime Astrain, Lydia Lozano, Maestro Joao, Nicolás Vallejo-Nágera and Sabrina Salerno) selects a professional dancer to form a dynamic duo with. The dancers can accept the proposition or reject it and remain in the reserve waiting to be chosen by another celebrity. Professionals who were not matched in the initial round are then placed on reserve, eagerly awaiting their chance to shine.
The dancers will have to prepare choreography and teach the amateur celebrity to deliver a spectacular performance. As an additional challenge, celebrities and dancers will also be divided into teams and perform outdoors group choreography, with only 48 hours to prepare!
A panel of judges (Beatriz Luengo, Norma Duval, Rafa Méndez and Yolanda Ramos) will critique and evaluate each couple’s performance weekly, determining the fate of the professional dancers. After working together, the bond between celebrities and contestants is strong, taking them on an emotional journey, as the celebrities are responsible for their partners progress in the competition.
The twist? Eliminated dancers can switch celebrity partners and return stronger than ever thanks to a repechage. At the halfway point of the series, the couples will begin to be eliminated together, and only the finalists will perform in the grand finale, where the professional contestant of the winning couple will receive €50,000.
Miguel Martín, Managing Director of Zeppelin says: “Building on Zeppelin’s experience and success as creators of reality, competition and entertainment programmes like The Bridge and TimeZone, Baila Como Puedas is a fun and original series never seen before on television, that represents an authentic evolution in dance programmes. It is an entertainment blockbuster in which every week the contestants coexist and compete. We have turned the focus: those who take the risk, the real contestants, are the professional dancers, and subsequently, we will see celebrities like we have never seen them.”
James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay adds: “Zeppelin is renowned for genre-defining entertainment, and this latest format is no different. Bringing this new and original show to market demonstrates the continued strength of our IP pipeline and I’m looking forward to sharing the format with our teams around the world.”
Zeppelin is behind huge shows such as Big Brother Spain, Floor Filler, LOL: Last One Laughing or All Against One, and is also the creator of original formats like TimeZone and The Bridge (El Puente), which has now sold internationally to territories including the UK, Australia, and Brazil, where it was awarded an International Emmy.
Comments Off on First International Adaptation for Banijay’s No Strings Attached
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today confirms Cuarzo Producciones, part of Banijay Iberia, will produce the first international adaptation of No Strings Attached (Sexo, Famosos y Muñecos de Trapo) alongside Flooxer for Atresplayer, the platform of the leading audiovisual group in Spain, Atresmedia.
In this daring format, celebrities will read and voice the recreation of erotic fan fiction, set against the backdrop of scenes enacted with puppets. This intimate, mischievous, and sometimes surreal series, catapults well-known faces out of their comfort zone, for a night the celebrities, and the viewers, will never forget. Hosted by Valeria Ros, Atresplayer will release a new episode weekly, which will be available to premium users.
Juan Ramón Gonzalo, Managing Director, Cuarzo Producciones, comments: “We loved the idea of getting celebrities hot under the collar and bringing them into the surreal world of adult fan fiction. Audiences can expect some hilarious reactions and awkward moments as our stars, and the puppets, bring these bedtime stories to life.”
James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development, Banijay adds: “No Strings Attached is side-splittingly funny and delivers unadulterated entertainment. A totally unique format, lifting the covers on the intriguing and mysterious world of erotic fan fiction, we are seeing strong international interest.”
No Strings Attached was originally created in the UK by RDF Television for Channel 4. Cuarzo Producciones is a highly creative and experienced producer, from entertainment to reality, talk shows and documentaries. Its credits include Where is Marta? for Netflix, Trash or Treasure and Temptation Island.
Comments Off on Spanish Stars Head Back to the Classroom in Banijay’s Celebrity School
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today confirms Cuarzo Producciones, part of Banijay Iberia, will produce Celebrity School alongside Mediaset España for Telecinco.
Hosted by Christian Gálvez, this entertainment show sees four celebrities compete against groups of elementary, middle, and high school-aged contestants in a series of games inspired by school subjects. With each round, the children get older and the questions are that bit trickier… Celebrity School will test the celebrities’ trivia and music knowledge, set physical challenges, and of course take them down memory lane. Will the celebrities or students come out victorious and walk away with a prize for their current schools or the charity of the celebrities’ choosing?
Juan Ramón Gonzalo, Managing Director at Cuarzo comments: “This format is fun, light-hearted and generates conversation, as the viewers can all reflect on their time at school. Christian is the perfect host for the new series, and I can’t wait for the audience to see how the celebrities get on when they leave their glamourous lives and go back to school…”
Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay adds: “Celebrity School is an upbeat entertainment show where school meets fun. With a great reception from viewers in Europe and LATAM, this format is very adaptable in different markets, tapping into the universality of school experiences and celebrity culture.”
Originally created by Brainpool (Banijay Germany), Celebrity School has enjoyed five seasons to date on Sat 1 and was also produced in Argentina in 2022. It was previously adapted in Spain for Valencian broadcaster À Punt in 2020, where the series was the best launch for an entertainment programme in the regional channel’s history.
Comments Off on DLO Producciones’ Hit Spanish Thriller, La Caza. Monteperdido, to be Adapted by Terence Films and Gétévé Productions
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.
Comments Off on LaLiga Studios Expands its Management Team and Announces New Project
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces LaLiga Studios has expanded its leadership team and confirms its new project, The Power of our Fútbol. Paz Pérez Sanz, Marta Ruiz and Anabel López Antolín will join the company as Art Director, Director of New Projects, and Director of Production respectively.
Pérez Sanz comes on board as Art Director following four years at Real Madrid TV, where she was responsible for brand change, chain continuity and programmes. She has created assets for a multitude of television companies including Movistar, Cuatro, Telecinco and Canal+. She has worked on campaigns for Disney, AXN, Discovery Max, Turner (TNT and BOING), Comedy Central, MTV, ONDAS and Advertising.
With more than 25 years’ industry experience, Ruiz joins LaLiga Studios as Director of New Projects. Recent credits include director of Ya Son Las Ocho and Secret Story: Última Hora, and the development of Insiders for Netflix. Prior to this, she was the Director of New Projects at Cuarzo Producciones (Banijay Iberia), where she developed and adapted international formats ¡Mira Quién Salta!, Find My Family, and The Village.
Newly appointed Director of Production, López Antolín was previously production manager at La Nueva TV, overseeing formats such as Madrileños por el Mundo. Prior to that, she was Director of Production at Magnolia, Viento and Agua Films, Verve Media, as well as Head of Production at Fremantle, Big Bang Media and Secuoya, developing and launching numerous formats such as Camera Café, X Factor and Amores que Duelen. López Antolín, in addition worked at Discovery as Promotions Manager for Spain, France and Portugal.
Documentary The Power of our Fútbol is a co-production between IMA (Banijay Iberia) and LaLiga Studios. It follows LaLiga’s shift in its corporate image, however, this is more than just a rebrand story, it is a tale of profound change, an empowerment, a bold statement of the recognition of the power of football. Its MD, Chalo Bonifacino Cooke, will executive produce the documentary, which explores the depth of this transformation; from the global context, and the changes in fan habits, to the needs of new audiences, and the evolution of football’s direct impact on society.
Chalo Bonifacino Cooke, Managing Director LaLiga Studios says: “We are thrilled to bolster LaLiga Studios’ leadership team with Paz, Marta and Anabel, whose experience speaks for itself. I know their shared passion, knowledge and creative thinking will be the perfect combination to deliver a rich slate of sports content.”
LaLiga Studios was born out of an agreement made between Banijay Iberia and the football league LaLiga in February 2023. Banijay Iberia is led by CEO Pilar Blasco and Óscar Mayo is the Executive Director of LaLiga.
Comments Off on It’s A Deal for Gestmusic as Banijay’s Gameshow Returns to Spain After 12 Years
Content powerhouse Banijay today confirms renowned gameshow, Deal or No Deal, will return to Spain after a 12-year hiatus, produced by Gestmusic, part of Banijay Iberia. Known locally as ¡Allá tú!, the renewed version of the show will air on Telecinco with Jesús Vázquez as the host.
The Banijay-owned format has been commissioned in over 80 territories with more than 350 productions to-date. It first launched in the Netherlands in 2002 and continues to draw huge audiences, with the first episode of EndemolShine Nederland’s 43rd season, which aired earlier this year, the most-watched entertainment show of the evening. This revival also follows the news that Deal or No Deal will return to the UK later this year, produced by Remarkable Entertainment (a Banijay UK company) for ITV and ITVX.
Tinet Rubira, Managing Director of Gestmusic says: “We are thrilled to be bringing back this iconic format with the opening theme tune still resonating with so many in Spain. We are adding new twists to the beloved series, but of course, audiences can still expect to feel closely connected to the contestants and our charismatic host.”
Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay adds: “Game shows continue to attract large audiences and at Banijay we’re proud to own and create strong titles which deliver the excitement and jeopardy that keeps audiences hooked. Deal or No Deal is in rude health, with extremely successful long-running series in territories like the Netherlands and big, bold returns in markets including the UK and Spain.”
The series offers up a high-stakes game of risk and reward, in which contestants face a series of potentially life-altering decisions. With numerous sealed boxes full of varying amounts of cash – contestants decide whether to accept an offer of cash from ‘the Banker,’ in exchange for what might be contained in the contestant’s chosen box. As each of the other boxes is opened, the likelihood of the player having a valuable cash amount in their case decreases or increases, with ‘the Banker’ tempting the player throughout the game. As long as the larger cash prizes haven’t been opened, the Banker’s deals will only get higher, but if the player opens a case with a bigger cash value, the Banker’s offer could suddenly evaporate.
Gestmusic is one of Spain’s leading producers of entertainment and game shows and has successfully produced Money Drop, among others. As well as creating international hits such as Your Face Sounds Familiar which is the most travelled Spanish format to-date.
Comments Off on Banijay Iberia and LaLiga Strike a Deal to Launch LaLiga Studios
Content powerhouse Banijay today announces Banijay Iberia and the football league, LaLiga, will join forces to launch LaLiga Studios, a new sports-related content production company led by Chalo Bonifacino Cooke.
The agreement sees Banijay Iberia utilise its production expertise and LaLiga, its knowledge and reputation, to establish LaLiga Studios, a global leader in the creation of sports-related content.
Through this partnership, LaLiga Studios will produce audiovisual content for LaLiga, clubs, sponsors, and broadcasters. It will also work with international platforms and brands in the development, production, and distribution of entertainment, documentary, fiction, and animation content. Chalo Bonifacino Cooke has been appointed Managing Director and Executive Producer of LaLiga Studios, and will oversee its international growth utilising the footprint of both companies.
Pilar Blasco, CEO of Banijay Iberia comments: “We are very proud to announce this partnership with LaLiga; a great generator of narratives around sport and its values. We are eager to use our experience in the production and creation of premium content to tell these stories, with the highest quality standards, so they become known all over the world.”
Óscar Mayo, Executive Director of LaLiga says: “We have ambitious plans for LaLiga Studios, including working with the best brands, so it was critical for us to have the perfect partner. Banijay Iberia’s track record of bringing premium quality viewing to the region, gives LaLiga Studios the best possible start.”
Banijay Iberia is behind some of the region’s most popular shows with flagship titles like MasterChef, Big Brother and Temptation Island, as well as true crime documentaries including Where is Marta? For Netflix. It also produces premium scripted titles for a range of platforms including Bosé, The Gypsy Bride, Heirs to the Land and Hierro, amongst others. Not to mention animation series, Virtual Hero.
The deal should become effective in the coming weeks.
Comments Off on Adrián De Belva Named General Manager of Pokeepsie Films
Banijay Iberia today announces the appointment of Adrián De Belva as General Manager of Pokeepsie Films, the company created by award-winning director Álex de la Iglesia, together with actor and producer Carolina Bang. Launched in 2009, Pokeepsie Films is a fiction production label in Spain, with its own unique style that is recognised worldwide.
De Belva has more than 15 years of experience in the audio-visual sector, with strong commercial and data expertise. Joining from Netflix where he was Legal Coordinator, Business & Legal Affairs for Spain and Portugal, he worked across a diverse portfolio of projects, analysing new trends and driving best practice. He was previously part of the original Movistar Plus+ production team where he was responsible for creator and producer management, coordinating development, production, co-production, and distribution agreements for major titles such as The Plague, Giants and La Unidad. He has also worked at Canal+ where he was manager for territorial sales and distribution, developing and executing its commercial strategy.
Álex de la Iglesia, CEO of Pokeepsie Films says: “With a pipeline as varied and powerful as the one we have now, an internal organisation that meets our needs is necessary. With the signing of Adrián, those of us who occupy the artistic and creative trenches can relax knowing Pokeepsie Films has a robust executive and financial management team in place.”
Carolina Bang, CEO of Pokeepsie Films adds: “Pokeepsie Films is fully immersed in a creative and production tsunami, which forces us to have the best professionals to manage the expansion efficiently. The incorporation of Adrián as General Manager means a considerable push for our company’s business affairs, a crucial area to continue raising both the pace of work and the prestige of the company.”
Adrián De Belva says: “Pokeepsie Films has a spectacular slate of development and production, and the fact that Álex and Carolina want me to manage such growth is a true privilege. I am committed and excited to drive our expansion and to make our content even more global.”
Created in 2009, internationally renowned Pokeepsie Films is one of Spain’s most unique fiction producers. It joined forces with Banijay Iberia in April 2022, with the aim of promoting the creation and production of original fiction. Focused on youth-skewing content, the label spans the fantasy, thriller, and horror space. It has recently won a number of awards including four for La Piedad at the Gérardmer International Fantastic Film Festival (Grand Prize, Audience Award and Youth Jury Award) and the Feroz Awards (Scripted Award ‘Arrebato’).
Comments Off on Banijay’s Trash or Treasure Expands in Iberia with Regional Version Set for À Punt TV
Banijay today announces Cuarzo Producciones, part of Banijay Iberia, will produce a new adaptation of popular primetime entertainment game show, Trash or Treasure (Tresor o Trasto).
This latest version for Valencian broadcaster À Punt, will be the seventh international adaptation of the format, following a successful launch in Spain for Aragón TV in October.
From jewellery to toys and modern collectibles, the studio-based show will see contestants put to the test, as they face a range of different objects, some extremely valuable, and others worth next to nothing. Will the contestants be able to identify the hidden treasure worth €10,000?
Juan Ramón Gonzalo, CEO of Cuarzo Producciones says: “Trash or Treasure is a unique format, which captivates audiences who can’t help but play along. It was an absolute pleasure to bring the format to Spain last year, and we are extremely excited to build on its success with a new regional version for À Punt.”
Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay adds: “Trash or Treasure is a fun and uplifting series that celebrates the skill of those in the field of collectibles. The format has enjoyed global success, which is testament to its adaptability and universality, and the talented teams around the world that bring each version to life.”
Originally created by Banijay’s Mastiff TV in Sweden, the first adaptation of Trash or Treasure in Spain, which debuted in 2022, was the best launch of the season for broadcaster Aragón TV. Other versions include Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, and Sweden, where the latest season on TV4 hit its best ratings average since the show’s launch.
Comments Off on Zeppelin Brings Banijay’s All Against 1 to Spain
Banijay today announces Zeppelin, part of Banijay Iberia, will adapt All Against 1 for RTVE. Originally created by Nordisk Film TV Denmark and Norwegian label, Nordisk Banijay, the unique show pits one brave contestant against the nation.
In this game show, the questions faced are bold and outlandish, ranging from how many children will it take to pull a 16-tonne truck to what’s the top speed reached by a caravan falling from 50 metres? The answers are literally anyone’s guess, allowing everyone to play along via a dedicated, custom-made app, which collates the viewers’ collective response, live. Whoever, is closest out of the nation and the contestant, banks the money at stake. However, it all rests on the final question. Can the contestant outsmart everybody else, or will a lucky viewer claim the winnings for themselves?
Miguel Martín, Managing Director of Zeppelin says: “All Against 1 is based on a simple yet addictive premise, can one person outsmart the nation? Many of us sit at home shouting the answers at the TV, and now it is time for the Spanish audience to get to take part.”
Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations adds: “Interactivity is at the heart of this format, with a specially integrated app and questions which are anyone’s guess, meaning everyone in the country can play.All Against 1 has been a ratings hit across Europe, and we’re thrilled to see it head to Spain.”
Spain marks the eighth adaption of the format, following hit versions in Denmark, Finland, and Germany, amongst others. The third series of the Norwegian version featured a guest appearance from the Norwegian Prime Minister and Mastiff TV Sweden’s second series recorded an all-time high on the global demo.
Zeppelin boasts an impressive slate of entertainment programmes in Spain including Big Brother, and is the creator of hit reality adventure format, The Bridge, which has now been commissioned in ten territories, as well as being a pioneer in the development of anime projects with shows such as The Idhún Chronicles.