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. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Banijay Nordic Appoints New CEO at Rubicon

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    Banijay Nordic today announces a new senior appointment at Norwegian scripted label Rubicon, with Håkon Briseid taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer.

     

    Håkon Briseid joins Rubicon from Norway’s Monster, where he has held responsibility for the company’s scripted division for over a decade. During his time at Monster, Briseid has executive produced numerous hit dramas including The Half Brother, Nobel, Borderliner, Young&Promising, Pørni and upcoming Furia.

    In his position at Rubicon, Håkon Briseid will report to Banijay Nordic’s CEO, Jacob Houlind, and the region’s Head of Scripted, Johannes Jensen. With a remit to further grow Rubicon’s output, he will work with creative leaders, Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin, on building the company’s line-up of critically-acclaimed, original content for both the Norwegian and international market. Briseid will take up the position early in 2022.

    One of Norway’s leading drama production companies, Rubicon, is behind a slate of freshly created scripted productions, including Beforeigners, which is available across HBO Europe territories, and via HBO Max in the U.S. Season two will launch later this year with Paul Kaye (Game of Thrones), Ann Akin (I May Destroy You), Jade Anouka (Cleaning Up), Billy Postlethwaite (Chenobyl), and Philip Rosch (The King) joining the cast.

    Other credits include coming-of-age story Nach for Discovery Nordic, distributed by Banijay Rights, and a soon to be announced project for NRK. Eilif Skodvin and Anne Bjørnstad are also behing global success Lillyhammer, and The Councilman, which was also adapted for the Dutch market.

    Håkon Briseid comments: “Sixteen years at Monster speaks for itself. It has been a fantastic ride and I am extremely proud of my colleagues and the upcoming slate. This is an opportunity I could not let go, as I have long-admired Rubicon’s slate of scripted series which shines a light on topics in the the local and international zeitgeist. Eilif and Anne have a distinctive voice, often with a satirical twist, allowing the audience to connect with characters in a unique way. I look forward to working with them and the rest of the talented team at Rubicon, as well as joining the unrivalled community of scripted producers at Banijay.”

    Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin, Creative Directors at Rubicon comment: “We’re delighted Håkon has decided to join Rubicon as our CEO. He has a deep understanding of the local and global market, and it’s brilliant to have a well-respected leader team up with us, especially with a second season of Beforeigners on the horizon, and as we enter the next phase of creating new projects for our eclectic slate.”

     

    Jacob Houlind, CEO at Banijay Nordic says: “Nordic scripted content continues to take the world by storm, and we are incredibly proud of Rubicon’s productions. This appointment cements the company’s position as an industry trailbrazer.”

     

    Johannes Jensen, Group Head of Scripted Banijay Nordic adds: “Håkon Briseid is a proven scripted leader and the ideal person to join Eilif and Anne as they continue to create premium, original programming for Norway and beyond.”

     

    Banijay Nordic encompasses the region’s very best scripted labels, behind internationally-recognised drama and comedy. Joining Rubicon’s Beforeigners (HBO) and Nach (Discovery Nordic), are forthcoming credits such as Vinterviken/ JJ & E (Filmlance for Netflix and SVT), Ronja (Filmlance for Viaplay),  A Class Apart (Jarowskij in co-production with Brommamamma, Film I Väst and Nent Group for Viaplay), Snow Angels (Yellow Bird for SVT), Young Wallander 2 and Spotify Untold (Yellow Bird UK for Netflix) and Detective Marie Kallio (Banijay Finland for CMore).

     

  7. Jarowskij brings SAS: Who Dares Wins to Sweden

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    Swedish label Jarowskij, a Banijay Nordic company, today announces an 8 part adaptation of Banijay Rights format, SAS: Who Dares Wins for TV4.

     

    The new Swedish version of one of the toughest shows on television will see 18 civilian volunteers participate in a Special Forces training camp, supervised by 4 former instructors.

     

    SAS: Who Dares Wins is represented internationally by Banijay Rights, and was originally created by UK production company Minnow Films. The format has been produced in six markets, including the UK, US, France, and Australia, where a second series was recently commissioned. In Denmark, where three seasons have aired, Mastiff Denmark, a Banijay company are producing a celebrity version for TV2, which will broadcast in the spring.

     

    Iréne Lindblad, Chief Executive Officer at Jarowskij says; “SAS: Who Dares Wins is an intensely gripping format, and the TV4 audience will revel in the participant’s resilience, which is put to the test by the SAS professionals. Navigating conditions within the spectacular Swedish terrain won’t be easy but will certainly make great television.”

     

    Jarowskij is behind numerous scripted and non-scripted hits including Black Lake, The Restaurant, We Got This, Welcome to Sweden, Wild Kids, Fort Boyard Sweden and many many more.

     

    Headed up by CEO Jacob  Houlind, Banijay Nordic spans Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, as well as the UK and US, following the expansion of Yellow Bird. There are 24 production companies within the Banijay Nordic footprint, bringing together a world-class offering in scripted and non-scripted programming.

     

    SAS: Who Dares Wins Sweden will air soon on TV4. It will be executive produced by Gustav Carlsson at TV4 and Magnus Larsson at Jarowskij.

  8. Banijay Names Jacob Houlind CEO for Banijay Nordic

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    Leading content producer and distributor, Banijay, today confirms Jacob Houlind as CEO, Banijay Nordic. Set to oversee all operations across its portfolio of 24 companies, his remit spans Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and the UK and U.S., following the recent expansion of Yellow Bird.

     

    Driving a multi-brand strategy, which promotes creativity, diversity and originality, Houlind will be at the forefront of managing the territory’s investment in creativity and content development. Finding, nurturing and developing talent, he will continue to build a home for the best creatives across the Nordics. And, together with Banijay and Banijay Rights, the Nordic division will continue to focus on local and innovative IP with global appeal.

     

    Bringing together a leading offering, the Banijay Nordic portfolio comprises – Norway: Mastiff, Nordisk Film & TV, Rubicon and Screen Media; Sweden: Meter, Mastiff, Jarowskij, Nordisk Film TV, Filmlance, YellowBird, STO-CPH, Factory and MAG5; Finland: Banijay Finland, EndemolShine Finland and Zodiak Finland; Denmark: Metronome, Mastiff, Nordisk Film TV, Pineapple Entertainment, Banijay Nordic Mobile and Respirator; UK: YellowBird UK and U.S.: Yellow Bird US.A creative hotbed, the business produces some of the region’s biggest hits including Survivor, The Island, Fort Boyard, MasterChef, All Against 1, Best Singer, Big Brother, Luxury Trap, Biggest Loser, 71 Degrees North, The Wall, Paradise Hotel,All Together Now, Good Morningand Evening Denmark, Good Morning and Evening Norway, Millennium, The Bridge, Wallander and Netflix’s upcoming Young Wallander, Khalifate, Beck, The Restaurant and Sandham Murders.

     

    The integration process is now in progress and is expected to be complete by the fall. Karin Stjärne will subsequently leave the business on 31 August 2020 having been CEO of Endemol Shine Nordics since 2017. While in role, she built a successful operation, increased international format sales, secured a number of new titles including Family Food Fight, The Wall, The Heist and Lego Masters, and drove a number of returners such as Biggest Loser and Big Brother. Widening the footprint of MasterChef both in number of episodes, spin-off series and new productions across the Nordics, she also helped Norwegian label Rubicon thrive, supporting the sale of the first original Norwegian drama, Beforeigners, to HBO Nordic.

     

    Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay comments: “Jacob has long been a part of Banijay’s journey. An entrepreneur with a strong creative eye, he is an admirable leader, commercially astute and the best pair of hands to oversee what will be an even more significant region for us moving forwards. With scale, an immense portfolio of IP and some of the best talent in the business, we are excited to see what he and the team have in store for the future. In the meantime, I’d like to thank Karin for her efforts over the years in building up the EndemolShine Nordics portfolio and production offering.”

     

    Jacob Houlind comments:“Banijay Nordic has long been the home of some of the region’s strongest talent and I am honoured to be welcoming a host of new creative entrepreneurs into the fold. Combining the strengths of both groups and continuing a multi-brand strategy with a strong focus on creativity, I hope Banijay Nordic will long-continue to be a renowned home for the best creatives in the region – on and off-screen, and a home for IP that travels the world. A special thanks goes to Karin who has built a strong operation in EndemolShine Nordics and successfully put new and successful scripted, as well as non-scripted titles on the Nordic map.”

     

    Houlind has been Group CEO and co-owner of Nordisk Film TV since February 2006, selling the company to Banijay in 2009. He later took up the position of Group CEO of Banijay Nordic, as a result of the merger of former Nordisk Film TV in the Nordics and Zodiak Media.

  9. Top Gear scores a treble in the Nordics

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    BBC Studios announced today that the world’s biggest motoring entertainment show, Top Gear, is to have three new local versions commissioned by Discovery Networks Nordics.

     

    Nordisk Film TV, a Banijay Group company and BBC Studios Nordics’ production partner, will produce versions for Denmark, Sweden and Norway.

     

    Discovery Networks Nordics’ Kanal 5 will be the home of the Danish and Swedish versions while TVNorge will host the Norwegian remake. Production will start in the fall with the three new Top Gear series due to air in 2020.

     

    Demonstrating their driving prowess for Norway’s Top Gear will be stunt driver and Formula Drift World Champion (2015) Fredric Aasbø, musician and TV personality Esben “Dansken” Selvig and TV host and vintage car collector Petter Schjerven. Sweden’s presenter line-up includes a six times Speedway World Champion in Tony Rickardsson who will be joined by actor, comedian, musician Marko Lethosalo and Adam Alsing who is one of the country’s best known TV personalities.  In Denmark the Top Gear presenters will be long time TV personality and car enthusiast Felix Smith, actor Dar Salim, known for roles in Game of Thrones, Warrior and The Devil’s Double, and former race car driver Jesper Carlsen who is now working as Relations Manager for Danish Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen.

     

    Multi-award-winning with a global audience of around 350m, Top Gear takes the world’s insatiable and limitless appetite for the motor vehicle, strips away the boring stats and adds enthusiasm, thrilling stunts and challenges – bringing petrol-fuelled entertainment to a broad audience. Here, cars are always the starting point for epic road trips, over-ambitious projects, and lashings of good old-fashioned mucking about by presenters and celebrities who really should know better. To date, the BBC Studios’ show has sold to over 200 territories around the world, with local versions produced in China, South Korea, USA, Australia, Russia, Italy and France.

     

    Eivind Landsverk, Nordic programme director, Discovery Networks Nordics: “We are so excited to have the privilege to make local versions of one of the world’s biggest entertainment brands. Our mission at Discovery is to power people’s passion, and auto is one of our core fields of entertainment. That said, the magic of Top Gear lies in the show’s ability to attract not only the motor and engine superfans, but also those who do not know the difference between a Lada and a Lamborghini.”

     

    Jan Salling, Head of BBC Studios Nordics – Formats & Productions: “To have one local version of Top Gear land in the Nordics is exciting but three at once takes it to another level. Audiences in these countries are in for a real treat with their very own fellow citizen petrol heads taking control of the wheel and presenting this iconic show Nordic style.”

     

    Peter Hansen, Chief Creative Officer, Banijay Nordic: “It’s an absolute privilege to be reimagining one of the world’s most legendary unscripted titles for the Nordic audience. Building on our existing partnership with BBC Studios Nordics and relationship with Discovery Networks Nordics, we look forward to adding our own spin to the brand to fuel three new must-watch series.”

     

    Duncan Gray, Top Gear’s Commercial Director: “The continued success of Top Gear France, a BBC Studios production for RMC, has shown that well-made local Top Gear formats can create their own style and find their own audiences. Having worked with Banijay and Discovery Nordics in the initial planning for this, I’m sure they will continue this success and create some outstanding Top Gear TV for the Nordic region.”

     

    Top Gear Series 27, with Chris Harris and new presenters Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff, premiered on BBC Two in June with a peak audience of 2.8 million viewers.

     

  10. Mastiff Norway Takes Over Production on Good Morning Norway

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    TV2 today confirms Mastiff Norway, a Banijay Group company, is set to take over production on its leading breakfast show, God Morgen Norge (Good Morning Norway) following a competitive pitch.

     

    Airing daily Monday to Friday, the show combines features, celebrity chat, music, news and weather, and has enjoyed a successful run on TV2 since 1994. Mastiff Norway will begin production on the show in the fall and is tasked with developing the format further to refresh the show and grow the audience.

     

    “God Morgen Norge is a programme of great importance for TV 2. We will continue to focus on the programme’s further development and have therefore entered into an agreement extended for five years of production with Mastiff. Mastiff is one of Norway’s very best production companies, and we are confident that God Morgen Norge will have a good home here”, says Sarah C. J. Willand, Head of Organization and Communications, TV 2.

     

    Jacob Houlind, CEO, Banijay Nordic comments: “God Morgen Norge has long served as a key brand in TV 2’s schedule and we are proud that Mastiff Norway will now be taking the lead in driving this show to new heights.”

     

    “We are proud and very happy. It’s not every day you get a contract for ten seasons, and over 3000 hours of TV”, says Kathrine Haldorsen CEO Mastiff Norway. “Mastiff outmatched twelve companies in the long and extensive pitching process. The takeover of God Morgen Norge strengthen Mastiffs role as Norway’s leading production company in the factual genre. This is for sure a team victory lead by Mastiff Norway COO Jostein Olseng and the rest of the fantastic Mastiff team in Oslo!”

     

    The deal builds on Mastiff Norway’s existing relationship with TV 2, as producers of Å Crime Scene Norge, TV2 Helps You, Health Control , Food Control, and Good Evening Norway. Elsewhere in the Banijay Nordic footprint, its sister company, Nordisk Film TV Denmark, is the lead producer on Good Morning Denmark for TV2 Denmark.