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 Nordic

  1. Banijay Paints Nordic Deals with NRK and DR for Portrait Artist of the Year

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    Banijay Nordic today confirms two deals for factual entertainment format, Portrait Artist of the Year. In Norway, Nordisk Banijay is producing a first season for NRK, and in Denmark, Mastiff Denmark will bring the show back to DR1 after a year-long hiatus.

    Created in the UK by Storyvault and represented internationally by Banijay, Portrait Artist of the Year gives gifted painters a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to paint a star from an illustrious cast of celebrity sitters. Spanning A-List icons, acclaimed authors, elite sportspeople and hit musicians, how will the artists react to the famous face in front of their easel?

    The format is set to debut on Norway’s NRK, with six episodes recorded in museums across the country. Meanwhile, production for a 6 x 60 episode run is underway in Denmark for DR1. The news comes as Sky Arts in the UK prepares to celebrate the artistic brilliance of the format with its 10th anniversary, including a special Portrait Artist of the Decade episode, with the winner of each series returning to paint Dame Judi Dench. The main series has an array of celebrated sitters, with the winner receiving a £10,000 commission to create a portrait of world-renowned conservationist and ethologist Dr Jane Goodall DBE, (Founder, Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace), to be exhibited at the UK’s National Portrait Gallery in December. In the UK, the series has grown its audience in every one of the nine transmitted series to date.

    Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations, Banijay says: “Storyvault has created a masterpiece format with Portrait Artist of the Year and it’s brilliant to partner on the international roll-out. These latest deals from Nordisk Banijay for NRK, and Mastiff Denmark for DR1; along with the 10th anniversary celebration in the UK, are testament to how adaptable, joyful, and accessible this show is. These values perfectly align with what many broadcasters are looking for right now.”

    Sam Richards, Co-founder, Storyvault, says: “Since its launch Portrait Artist of the Year has been responsible for shining a light on over 800 emerging artists internationally, many of whom have gone on to much wider success.  We are thrilled that both Norway and Denmark will have the opportunity to become part of the format’s legacy.”

    Oslo-based Nordisk Banijay, headed up by Erlend Røeggen, is behind a range of reality, entertainment, and factual hits, including 71 Degrees North and All Against 1. Meanwhile, with Kristian Farcin-Leth at the helm, Mastiff Denmark produces local versions of global formats like Starstruck and Good Luck Guys, and creates new IP such as Drag Me Out.

    The UK version of Portrait Artist of the Year is produced by Storyvault Films, with Series Editor Nelda Sale and Series Director is Southan Morris. The Series Director of Production is David Buckley.  Executive Producers are Danielle Graham, Samantha Richards and Stuart Prebble.

  2. Celebrity Island Heading to Denmark

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    Banijay today announces that international adventure-reality format, The Island, is getting its first Danish celebrity version for Kanal 5 and  discovery+, produced by Banijay’s Nordisk Film TV. Under the local title Øen VIP, the series is the fourth adaptation of the celebrity version worldwide and will feature eight well-known Danes as they are set ashore on a tropical desert island, where they must survive 14 days – completely on their own.

    The Island is a ground-breaking format that explores whether modern men and women are tough and resourceful enough to survive on a remote uninhabited island, while stripped of all modern conveniences and the basics of their everyday life. The format also incorporates the pioneering use of embedded crew, that participate on an equal footing with the participants and must join the community in order to survive.

    Øen VIP puts the celebrity Danes under pressure when they are deprived of the comforts of modern life for a fortnight and must live on an island without civilization in the Pacific Ocean. The cast includes influencer Philine Roepstorff, TV presenter Mille Gori, 33, TV doctor Charlotte Bøving, actor Sebastian Bull, model Oliver Bjerrehuus, chef Thomas Rode, professional skateboarder Rune Glifberg, and professional dancer Frederik Nonnemann.

    Ulrik Jørgensen, CEO Nordisk Film TV Denmark says: “We can’t wait to bring Celebrity Island to the Danish audience and allow them to see well-known faces in a whole new light. Seeing the celebrities stripped of their modern comforts you can’t help but wonder how you would get on if you suddenly had to survive on a deserted island.”

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay says: “Celebrity Island offers a gripping insight into the grit, capabilities, and survival skills of well-known faces, when they are stripped of their possessions and home comforts. This is a unique format without the usual trappings of big prizes, eliminations, and winners, and it’s fantastic to see it continue to travel to new markets.”

    Pil Gundelach Brandstrup, Nordic programme director at Warner Bros. Discovery says: “Øen VIP is another addition to the large range of adventure programmes offered by Warner Bros Discovery. Øen VIP is without comparison among the toughest and most authentic reality programmes in the genre. We will experience the participants in some conditions that will mean that we get really close to them – for better or for worse. The programme offers hard times and humor, struggle and conflicts, development and realisations. The cast each get a perspective on their own lives, as they live in Denmark with many things that are taken for granted. And we also hope that the programme can both help to entertain the viewers, but also give food for thought in relation to our own everyday life.”

    The eight-episode run will premiere on Kanal 5 and discovery+ at the beginning of 2023.

    The Island was originally created by Shine TV and Bear Grylls Ventures LLP © in 2014. It has been adapted in nine territories with over 20 seasons aired, and the Danish version, produced by Nordisk Film TV (a Banijay company), will be the fourth celebrity iteration. Banijay represents the format internationally.

    The Island has received an RTS award and a BAFTA Television Award for Best Reality & Constructed Factual. The UK versions were consistently the number one show for day for Channel 4. The recent version in Sweden was the most streamed local production on discovery+.

  3. Banijay Nordic Sets Four Local Productions of Good Luck Guys with Amazon Prime Video

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    Banijay today announces four local versions of Good Luck Guys will launch on Prime Video in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. They will be produced by Banijay Nordic companies Meter TV, Mastiff Denmark, Mastiff Norway and Banijay Finland.

     

    Good Luck Guys follows six duos of influencers and reality stars, with more skills for social media than for life in the wild, as they set out on a frantic adventure in rural Thailand. Fuelled by a burning wish to discover their inner hero, the pairs are on a mission to show there is more to them than meets the eye and could very well discover wealth is not the most important thing in life. They are all accustomed to the luxury of big city life, so going back to basics and living without their usual glitzy comforts will truly be the challenge of a lifetime. Who will be the last pair left standing? The winners will not only uncover the long-lost treasure and receive the appropriate amount of glory and honour, but they’ll be also able to call themselves “True Adventurers…” of sorts.

    The format was created by Banijay Productions in France, where the series has aired successfully for five seasons on W9.

  4. Rubicon TV Uncovers The Role Of Norwegian Spies In The 1990s Yugoslavian War

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    Banijay today announces Rubicon TV, part of Banijay Nordic, has created a new spy thriller, E14 Unit for Special Intel for TV 2 Norway. The series will be written by the award-winning Sebastian Torngren Wartin and Erik Ivar Sæther.

    E14 – Unit for Special Intel is based on the true story behind the creation of a secret group within Norway’s Intelligence Service in the 1990s. With the brutal civil war occurring in the Balkans, a small unit of HUMINT-agents were thrown into then Yugoslavia to collect intelligence as part of the NATO intervention. In direct contrast to Norway’s reputation as a peace-loving nation, this raw, dramatic, and emotional drama explores the impact on the individual agents and the ruthless consequences for the local informants left behind.

    Ivar Køhn, CEO of Rubicon TV says: “As my first project at the helm of Rubicon TV, I am proud to be part of the team that will lift the lid on the secret operations of Norway’s first military NATO involvement. We are open to co-producing this gripping spy thriller which will expose the horror and courage apparent in war with powerful narratives and strong characters, and how, in the end, working for intelligence services means accepting the only morals are the ones that benefit your country’s mission.

    E14 – Unit for Special Intel will be produced by Gudny Hummelvoll (Occupied, Headhunters).

    Led by Ivar Køhn, Rubicon TV is one of the largest scripted production companies in Norway, with an impressive slate of titles including Lilyhammer, Countrymen, and Beforeigners.

  5. Jakob Feeney Steps Up to Lead Yellow Bird Sweden

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    Banijay Nordic today announces new senior leadership at Swedish scripted label Yellow Bird, with Jakob Feeney stepping up to become Chief Executive Officer, taking up the role on November 1st.

    Feeney has been Head of Business Development at Yellow Bird since January 2022. Prior to his time at the company, he held numerous positions in the film and television industry, including CEO and COO at Film Finances Scandinavia, as well as senior roles at Bonnier Broadcasting and DLA Piper. He initially launched his career as a freelance film producer in 2006.

    At Yellow Bird, Feeney will oversee the company’s high-profile slate for the local and international market, and seek new business opportunities, leading the company’s team of in-house creative producers. He will report to  Banijay Nordic’s CEO, Jacob Houlind, and the region’s Head of Scripted, Johannes Jensen.

    Yellow Bird credits include a TV drama prequel to Jo Nesbø’s highly acclaimed, fast-paced corporate thriller Headhunters, which wlll launch on CMore next week, a third run of crime drama Bäckström, and second season of Threesome, which is currently on air, and fresh from a Kristallen win for Samuel Fröler as Best Supporting Actor on series two of The Truth Will Out . Earlier successes include Millennium Trilogy, Occupied, Rebecca Martinsson and over 30 Wallander films.

    Other recent deals include a co-production with Yellow Bird UK on forthcoming Netflix series Playlist, along with an English-language version of hit series The Truth Will Out, which will be developed in the US by Endemol Shine North America, with Emmy-winning director/producer Joe Berlinger attached to the project.

    Jakob Feeney comments: “With the ever-growing demand for Swedish content, plenty of projects in the pipeline, a portfolio of returning hits, and a brilliant team of in-house producers, there are significant opportunities ahead for Yellow Bird. I’m hugely excited to step up and lead the company into its next phase, futher growing the creative environment it is so well-known for.”

    Jacob Houlind, Chief Executive Officer at Banijay Nordic says: “During his time so far at Yellow Bird, Jakob has excelled in his role, bringing a huge amount of energy, and we’re looking forward to seeing him further build the business as CEO. I’m confident Jakob will expand Yellow Bird’s name as a major international scripted label, encouraging alliances with top creatives and script writers, collaborating with the best in the industry to produce high-end, premium drama for both linear broadcasters and streamers.

    Johannes Jensen, Head of Scripted at Banijay Nordic says: “Yellow Bird has an outstanding reputation across the region, and beyond, for producing a fanastic portfolio of local and international hits. Jakob is familiar with the business and we are thrilled to further foster his talent with this promotion, leading the team and reinforcing Yellow Bird’s position as a strong scripted label and market leader.”

    The wider Banijay Nordic group encompasses the region’s very best scripted labels, behind internationally-recognised drama and comedy. Recent and forthcoming credits from around the region include Fallen (Filmlance for CMore), Dance Brothers (Endemol Shine Finland for Netflix), Ronja the Robber’s Daughter (Filmlance for Viaplay), Countrymen (Rubicon for NRK), A Class Apart (Jarowskij in co-production with Brommamamma, Film I Väst and Nent Group for Viaplay), Detective Marie Kallio(Banijay Finland for CMore), and Filmlance’s long-running detective drama Beck (Filmlance for CMore).

    Feeney replaces current CEO Stefan Baron, who has decided to step down and leave the company. Baron first joined as Head of Business Development in 2018 and became CEO in November 2020.

  6. Banijay’s The Bridge Crosses Four Nordic Countries with Prime Video

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    Banijay today announces four new adaptations of reality hit The Bridge, with Meter Television, Mastiff Norway, Metronome and Endemol Shine Finland producing local versions for Prime Video in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. Premiering on 4th November, The Bridge is the first Nordic reality show for the streaming service and brings the total adaptations of the Banijay format to ten countries.

    The Bridge is a grand and iconic reality competition where strangers meet in a harsh-but beautiful location; using a few basic tools and their bare hands must build a 220-metre bridge to an island holding a life-changing cash prize. Once there, a vote is held to decide who gets the prize, with the chosen participant deciding whether to share it. Each local Nordic version will consist of six, 40-minute episodes, with the first three launching on the premiere date, and the remaining three airing weekly.

    Karoline Spodsberg, Chief Operating Officer, Banijay Nordic says: “We know local content is extremely important to Prime Video and this collaboration has enabled production of four unique adaptations of iconic Banijay format The Bridge. Strategically this mirrors our own strong belief in a bespoke country-by-country approach to creating premium content for the four Nordic countries. Working with Prime Video has been a very positive experience for our labels Meter, Metronome, Mastiff Norway, and Endemol Shine Finland, all collaborating with dedication and passion to deliver an incredible series.”

    Madelene Hansson, CEO of Meter Television says: “We’re extremely proud to have led the pan-Nordic collaboration and production of The Bridge. Set in the beautiful, but austere, Nordic wilderness, this premium series is packed with emotional reality moments as the contestants do everything possible to meet the challenge. This collaboration with Prime Video is not only the first non-scripted reality commission for the streaming service in the Nordics, but also a first for us here at Meter, and we loved sharing our expertise with colleagues in other countries as well, of course, Prime Video.”

    “After the success of our global Originals like The Boys and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, we’re delighted to be bringing our Nordic customers our first local Original unscripted series, The Bridge,” said Martin Backlund, head of content, UK & Nordics, Prime Video. “We know our customers in the Nordics love reality series, so that’s why we’re bringing four local versions of The Bridge to viewers, showing our commitment to invest in Prime Video content to customers across the Nordics.”

    The Bridge is an original Banijay format, created in Spain by Zeppelin, part of Banijay Iberia. The format has been adapted in ten markets and recently experienced a resurgence, with a first-series adaption in the UK in 2021, and subsequent second season this year, as well as a debut in Australia.

  7. Cast Revealed for Filmlance’s Premium Drama, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, for Viaplay

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    Award-winning scripted label Filmlance, part of Banijay Nordic, today announces filming has begun on its latest drama for Viaplay, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, the classic Astrid Lindgren adventure about a strong and independent girl which took the world by storm when it was published 40 years ago.

    Young actress Kerstin Linden, from critically-acclaimed feature film, The Emigrants, has signed up for the highly sought-after lead role as Ronja the Robber’s Daughter. She is joined by Jack Bergenholtz Henriksson, who plays the role of Ronja’s friend, Birk Borkason.

     

    The parents of the two robber families are played by a star-studded ensemble consisting of Christopher Wagelin (The Truth Will Out, Love Me) as Mattis, Krista Kosonen (Beforeigners, The Swarm, Blade Runner 2049) playing Lovis, and in rival dynasty, Sverrir Gudnason (Love Me, Borg) plays Borka, and Maria Nohra (Honor, Beck) as Undis.

    Filming of the twelve-episode Swedish-language series solely written by acclaimed Bron creator, Hans Rosenfeldt, and first season directed by Lisa James Larsson (Victoria, A Royal Affair), has now begun.

    Kerstin Linden says: “It feels so much fun to do my interpretation of the role of Ronja the Robber’s Daughter. Although the book and film came before I was born, I have still read and seen it several times – and I really love the story. She is a tough and smart girl with a mind of her own.”

    Bonnie Skoog Feeney & Mattias Arehn, Producers of Filmlance says: “It’s a great privilege to produce a series based on the loved and well-known story of Ronja the Robber’s Daughter. Shooting in epic landscapes, in deep forests and raging waterfalls, with wild horses and fantasy creatures is a huge undertaking for everyone involved. We’re already so impressed and proud of the work our cast and crew have put in and thrilled to see the vision come to life.”

    Hanne Palmquist, Executive Producer and MD of Filmlance says: “Across the globe, the saga of Ronja is exceptionally well-loved and we are incredibly proud to be producing this series for Viaplay, a streamer that is growing quickly. This reinterpretation will bring elements such as love, courage, the essential connection between nature and human and girl power to the forefront and is set to give a deeper insight into Ronja’s world than ever before. We’ll stay true to the story, which is loved so much, but update for today’s audiences with special effects, beautiful scenery, and brilliant characters, all written by iconic screenwriter Hans Rosenfeldt.”

    Ronja the Robber’s Daughter is produced by Bonnie Skoog Feeney and Mattias Arehn (Björnstad) for Filmlance with Sara Askelöf as executive producer at Viaplay Group and Hanne Palmquist as executive producer at Filmlance.  Johan Palmberg is executive producer at Astrid Lindgren Company. Maggie Widstrand is casting director for all children, and Tusse Lande cast all adult actors. The series is a co-operation with Film i Väst.

  8. Celebrities Embark on The Journey of a Lifetime in Meter TV’s Adventure Series

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    Banijay today announces Swedish label Meter TV, part of Banijay Nordic, will produce a brand-new adventure reality show, The Journey – 15 Days in Nepal for Viaplay Group. This new format is based on the innovative concept created by fellow Banijay label Mastiff TV Denmark and will air on Viaplay and TV3.

    In The Journey, six celebrities embark on an adventure of a lifetime. They travel through the deepest depths of the Nepalese jungle, trekking alongside elephants, tigers, and rhinos, to reach the spectacular Himalayan mountains. Along the way, they will embrace the wilderness, learn about the rich culture from those they meet, and discover how to fend for themselves in the mysterious and unfamiliar terrain. The upcoming Swedish series features renowned actors Peter Stormare (Fargo, The Box, American Gods) and Izabella Scorupco (Hidden, Goldeneye), comedian Alfred Svensson and World Champion swimmer Therese Alshammar, amongst others.

    Madelene Hansson, Managing Director, Meter TV says: “We are looking forward to taking Viaplay’s audience on this epic adventure and bringing Mastiff TV’s format to life. Whilst we know a lot about the celebrities, when taken out of their comfort zone they are just like us. We’re seeing a huge thirst for adventure formats set in unknown locations, and this show has been an exhilarating experience which is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.”

    David Sidebotham, Chief Creative Officer, Mastiff TV Denmark comments: “With continuing strong demand for adventure reality, we are proud to work with Viaplay to create something innovative, thrilling, and authentic, with genuine self-development for the celebrities involved. The Journey is in safe hands with Meter TV, exploring the wonderful nature of our planet and bringing a spirit of discovery and adventure to Viaplay’s audience.”

     Filippa Wallestam, EVP and Chief Content Officer at Nordic Entertainment Group adds: “We will get to accompany some of our top actors, athletes, and comedians on the adventure of a lifetime with all that it entails, from challenges to inner reflections. The authenticity of this adventure is something I hope and believe our viewers will enjoy.”

    The Swedish production company, Meter TV is behind global brands like MasterChef, Big Brother, LEGO®Masters, and Family Food Fight. In addition to The Journey – 15 Days in Nepal, Mastiff TV Denmark is known for creating hit formats like Drag Me Out which has recently been adapted in Norway, as well as state of the art nature documentary Wild Wonderful Denmark, and cultural fact-ent format The Big Premiere; as well as producing shows such as SAS: Who Dares Wins, Survivor, Best Singers, and Versus.

  9. Kristian Farcin-Leth Takes on Mastiff Denmark CEO Post

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    Banijay Nordic today announces the appointment of entertainment leader, Kristian Farcin-Leth, as CEO of Mastiff Denmark. Joining from Fremantle-owned Strong Productions, where he most recently served as CEO, he brings a wealth of experience to the role and has been tasked with building on the previous success of the business to drive further growth opportunities across both scripted and unscripted.

    Under Farcin-Leth’s leadership, Strong has bolstered its position as an incredibly well- reputed label, behind hits like The Farm, Race Across The World, Celebrity Boot Camp and the Danish Academy Award-winning scripted series, Outlaw.

    An existing friend of Banijay Nordic, he previously served as a successful Programme Director for Mastiff, and also worked with Nordisk Film TV. Returning in his new capacity as CEO, he will work with the entity’s brilliant team to expand and diversify the company’s pipeline of original standout programming. He reports to Banijay’s Nordic Group COO, Karoline Spodsberg, and Mastiff Chairman and Nordic Group CEO, Jacob Houlind.

    Nordic Group CEO, Jacob Houlind, comments: “With unrivalled knowledge of the Danish market having been a cross-genre producer, creator and manager, Kristian couldn’t be better placed to take on the reins of the company. Sitting at the helm of a portfolio of best-in-class talent and formats, there is huge opportunity to further grow the slate of premium programming and build on Mastiff’s existing track record as a market-leading entertainment powerhouse.”

    Nordic Group COO Karoline Spodsberg comments: Today, talent and importantly, talent leadership is integral for success. Kristian has both the management profile and experience to strategically nurture Mastiff Denmark’s growth, and genre maturity. We are looking forward to seeing the company prosper under his direction.”

    Farcin-Leth added: “Mastiff is led by some of the very best creatives in the business, so it is hugely exciting to be asked to take on this challenge. The range and quality produced across the genres is unparalleled and, I’ll do all I can to help the continued growth and development. I’ve had five wonderful years at Strong, but the scope and ambition of the new role made the return to Mastiff irresistible, and I look forward to strengthening our position for the future. A future that requires us to dare to be modern and creative both in terms of management and development.”

    Farcin-Leth replaces long-serving Mastiff CEO, Mads Ulrick Holmstrup, following his decision to step down from the role after 20 years with the company. The company is one of the leading labels in Banijay’s Nordic group portfolio and most recently was behind titles including Drag Me Out, which has just been picked up in Norway, and Wild Wonderful Denmark.

  10. Ivar Køhn Takes Rubicon Helm as CEO

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    Banijay Nordic today announces a new senior appointment at Norwegian scripted label Rubicon, with Ivar Køhn taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer, joining from public broadcaster NRK.

    Køhn has been Head of Drama at NRK since 2013. Under his leadership, the network has fostered a strong portfolio of acclaimed hits, including Rubicon’s original series directed by Izer Aliu, Countrymen,which picked up a Cannes Series award in September, has been nominated for Best Script at this week’s Göteborg Film Festival, and will air in the US on NENT’s Viaplay, through a deal with Banijay Rights. Other recent successes include last year’s International Emmy winner, Atlantic Crossing, as well as high-profile scripted series 22 July, State of Happiness and Mammon 2.

    Prior to his time at NRK, Køhn spent six years leading the development and production department at the Norwegian Film Institute, and has previously held posts at the Norwegian Film Fund, Maipo Film and has also written and created his own scripted series.

    At Rubicon, Køhn will work with the company’s creative leaders, Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin, to further build the company’s pipeline of standout original programmes for the local and international market. He will take up the role on 1st May 2022, and will report to  Banijay Nordic’s CEO, Jacob Houlind, and the region’s Head of Scripted, Johannes Jensen.

    Norway’s leading drama production company, Rubicon, is behind a slate of freshly-created scripted productions. As well recent success Countrymen, Rubicon is also behind hit HBO Max series Beforeigners, which launched its second series last year across Europe and the US. Standout local talent, Eilif Skodvin and Anne Bjørnstad, are also behind global success Lillyhammer, and The Councilman, which was also adapted for the Dutch market.

    Ivar Køhn comments:  “I’ve had a great eight years with a skilled and committed gang in NRK’s ​​drama department, building a brilliant portfolio of hits. I feel very lucky to have been part of a very strong period of growth, at a broadcaster with a conscious and innovative relationship to both drama and publishing. The time now feels right for a change of editor, both for NRK, the industry and myself. There are great opportunities ahead for Norwegian drama, and to be involved in developing this through Rubicon TV will be challenging and super fun. The company is behind high-profile series such as Lilyhammer, Beforeigners and Countrymen, and is part of the worldwide community of producers in Banijay. I’m going to do something I’ve not done before, based on something I’ve been doing for quite some time.”

    Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin, Creative Directors at Rubicon comment: “Ivar has been one of the key figures in the successful development of Norwegian TV drama in recent years. He is globally recognised for his exceptional instinct in backing original ideas which become international hits. This, coupled with his industry know-how, vision and business sense, puts Rubicon in a fantastic position to further innovate and succeed both at home and abroad. We look forward to creating new, exciting stories together with Ivar.”

    Jacob Houlind, CEO at Banijay Nordic says: “Ivar Køhn has a stellar reputation across the scripted industry globally, and especially here in the Nordics. His knowledge of drama in Norway is second to none, and having already worked with Rubicon on several shows, he is the perfect match to lead the team. I’m looking forward to discovering the future stories and projects the new Rubicon team will create for the local and international market.”

    Banijay Nordic encompasses the region’s very best scripted labels, behind internationally-recognised drama and comedy. Recent and forthcoming credits from around the region include Yellowbird/Jarowskij film, Ur Spår, which launched in theatres in Sweden last week,  Ronja the Robber’s Daughter(Filmlance for Viaplay), A Class Apart (Jarowskij in co-production with Brommamamma, Film I Väst and Nent Group for Viaplay), Bäckström (Yellow Bird for CMore/ TV4), Young Wallander 2 and Playlist(Yellow Bird UK for Netflix), Detective Marie Kallio (Banijay Finland for CMore), and Filmlance’s long-running detective drama Beck (Filmlance for CMore).

    Håkon Briseid, who was announced as CEO in September, took the decision to embark on an alternative role prior to officially joining the business.

  11. Danish Celebrities to Become Shaolin Heroes in Epic New Adventure Reality Series

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    Banijay, the world’s largest independent home to the best creative talent and IP, today announces a new premium adventure series from Danish label Metronome, focusing on the Shaolin Warrior Monk community in China.

    Shaolin Heroes will test celebrities like never before as they embark on a life-changing journey to master the ancient martial art of the Shaolin Warrior Monks in China. At a much-revered temple, the famous faces will receive the toughest, and most elite training possible. The challenge is not only physical, the celebrities will have to learn the Shaolin philosophy confront their deepest fears, and develop as a person to manifest a happier life.  Who will have the willpower and heart to become a true Shaolin Hero?

    Peter Hansen, Chief Creative Officer at Banijay Nordic,  says: “At Banijay we pride ourselves on being a thriving home for world-class content built for contemporary audiences. I have always loved karate, and together with Henrik Rasmussen, the Head of Programmes at Metronome, we developed the idea of celebrities being trained by real-life Grandmasters into an ambitious new adventure reality format, and this show is set to be a high-end offering for Danish audiences. This is a bold and original concept, and testament to broadcasters in the Nordics who are creatively open and willing to take significant risks, commissioning new and innovative ideas.”

    Tina Chistensen, Managing Director at Metronome, says:  “I’m really proud of the in-house development team here at Metronome, with a strategic focus they have created yet another original local format with the potential to travel. Over a number of years, Metronome has established itself as leading reality producer, and this, along with the confidence, resources and creative backing of Banijay, we have been able to pursue big format ideas with international appeal. With epic cinematic production values, we look forward to producing this authentic adventure reality series for TV 2 Denmark.”

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay, says: “This exciting, brand new show taps into the inspirational values and philosophy behind Shaolin Kung Fu, with celebrities walking an ancient path of the world’s finest warrior monks. As we continue to innovate and create new IP, this impressive and original format utilises our expertise with big adventure and reality superbrands to build the next generation of hits.”

    Dorthe Thirstrup, Channel Controller at TV 2, says: “At TV 2 we are looking forward to sharing Shaolin Heroes with the Danes. In addition to offering tremendous production values, we also believe that the programme can inspire us all to cut off unnecessary noise, find peace and our inner strength. The pandemic has challenged our daily lives in many ways, but I also think it has made many people reflect on what is important. Although we may not all be, or should be, Shaolin Monks, I am convinced that the special universe will set the viewers’ thoughts in motion.”

    Danish production company Metronome is behind Banijay’s dating format Alone Together, as well as relationship hit, Fabulous Dads. It also produces a range of long-running non-scripted series including The Island, MasterChef, Taskmaster, The Block and Ex on the Beach.

    This format will join Banijay’s catalogue of over 4000 formats, beside flagship brands Survivor, Hunted, MasterChef, LEGO Masters and Big Brother.

  12. Banijay Factory Develops Original New Dating Show in Sign Language

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    Banijay today confirms Nordic label, Banijay Factory, has developed Sexy Hands for SVT1. This format, produced by Delta Studios, is the first dating show to be made anywhere in the world where deaf singletons and their hearing allies can’t see each other physically, apart from their hands, and use sign language to determine if there is a romantic connection or not.

     

    Sexy Hands is a new dating format showcasing the true power of sign language, and where communication and personality is everything. Three potential suitors sign their hearts out, competing to win the affection of a singleton. As they can’t see one-another apart from their hands, due to the studio’s ‘love’ wall, they must rely on sign to chat, flirt, and make a great first impression in a series of enticing and revealing rounds, designed to get the potential couples better acquainted. Round after round the singleton eliminates the candidates until one lucky suitor remains. Will it be love at first sign when the couple finally come face-to-face and go on a date, or will they be left searching for a spark?

     

    Robert Andersson, Senior Format Developer at Banijay Factory and creator of Sexy Hands says: “We’re proud to be playing a small part in making pop culture more inclusive and diverse. Sexy Hands is a fast-paced, visually captivating, fun, and literally loud blind-dating format where both deaf and hearing, sign language savvy singles come looking for love. It is a new spin on the popular dating genre, but also the first of its kind to place sign language in equal footing with the spoken word.”

     

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay comments: “Communication in dating and relationships is key and Sexy Hands represents a large community who get to know one another through sign language. This inclusive and refreshing format will enrich the dating genre, giving unique insight into the linguistic identity of people who are deaf and those that use sign language, and we’re extremely pleased to have a new format in the catalogue which reiterates our commitment to diversity both on and off screen.”

     

    Banijay Factory’s latest concept, Sexy Hands joins the company’s burgeoning slate, having already developedFood & Fire alongside Mastiff Sweden and Expedition Kahawa with Jarowskij. Furthermore, it also adds to Banijay Nordic’s entertainment formats which includes Mastiff Denmark’s Drag Me Out, whose premiere was the best new launch for TV 2 Zulu in 2021, and the format among Banijay’s international highlights for the autumn. Made up of 17 production companies, Banijay Nordic produces some of the region’s biggest formats, from reality shows like Survivor and Paradise Hotel, to key scripted titles such as Wallander and A Class Apart.