Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.
Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.

Tag Archive: Banijay Rights

  1. THE LONDON TV SCREENINGS CONFIRMS SIXTH EDITION FOLLOWING RECORD-BREAKING ATTENDANCE

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    The London TV Screenings, the UK’s flagship annual distribution event, which is free-to-attend for invited decision makers, returned last week, attracting a record 850 key buyers from across all genres.  Following another successful instalment, the event’s founders – All3Media International, Banijay Entertainment, Fremantle and ITV Studios – confirmed plans are already under way for the 2026 edition, which will take place during the final week of February.

    The fifth edition of this unmissable collaborative showcase saw buyers from across the world gathering for exclusive insights into some of the most hotly anticipated new content and formats. Taking place at venues across central London, the event featured numerous first-look screenings, expertly curated sessions, and opportunities to connect with world-class on- and off-screen talent.

    A London TV Screenings spokesperson said: “The London TV Screenings has rapidly become a stand-out, must-attend annual event for invited buyers, and we’re thrilled to see the 2025 edition welcoming even more decision makers from around the world. The showcase is now a go-to destination for unparalleled insights into the latest premium shows and formats. We look forward to planning an exceptional event for 2026 – which will be tailored to the feedback we’ve heard from buyers and their experiences across the week.”

    Highlights from the 2025 event include:

    On the drama front, ITV Studios welcomed Andrew Lincoln – making his British TV comeback after 15 years – to the stage for the debut of twisted thriller Cold Water. Fremantle introduced the epic adventure drama Sandokan from Luxe Vide and welcomed on stage Creator Luca Bernabei and Director Jan Michelini, who were joined by the leading cast including Can Yaman, Alanah Bloor, Ed Westwick and John Hannah. All3Media International launched Two Brothers Pictures’ action thriller The Assassin, starring Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore, and Banijay Entertainment showcased Maigret, the first contemporary TV adaptation of the iconic detective novels.

    Distributors shared deep dives into non-scripted launches such as landmark docuseries 7/7: The London Bombings(Banijay Entertainment); original feature documentary Whatever It Takes: Inside the eBay Scandal (Fremantle); and major new natural history series Parenthood (All3Media International). The event also saw farmer and conservationist Jimmy Doherty joining ITV Studios to share more on Jimmy Doherty’s Big Bear Rescue.

    Formats taking centre stage included Chess Masters, All3Media International’s new knockout competition from Curve Media, and Banijay Entertainment’s reality dating challenge 30 Dates and 30 Nights. ITV Studios showcased Celebrity Sabotage, a prime-time hidden camera prank show which sees famous faces ‘unleashing acts of sabotage’ on members of the public, and Fremantle introduced its on-screen reimagining of beloved word game Scrabble.

    Founded by All3Media International, Banijay Entertainment, Fremantle and ITV Studios, the London TV Screenings saw over 35 distributors and studios running independent events.

    Alongside the four founding organisers, the 2025 line-up included About Premium Content, Amazon MGM Studios Distribution, Autentic GmbH, Beta Film, Blue Ant Media, BossaNova Media, Cineflix Rights, DCD Rights, Disney, Dogwoof, Eccho Rights, Federation Studios, Fifth Season, Fox Entertainment Global, Hat Trick International, Keshet International, Lionsgate, Mediawan Rights, NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution, Newen Connect, Off the Fence, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Passion Distribution, PBS International, Seven.One Studios International, Sony Pictures Television, Sphere Abacus, STUDIOCANAL, TGC Global Entertainment, TVF International, Viaplay Content Distribution and Warner Bros. International Television Production.

  2. Banijay Entertainment Lifts the Curtain on Must-See London TV Screenings Line-Up

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    Global content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces its top-tier premium line-up for its exclusive London TV Screenings event, Banijay @ BAFTA 195 Piccadilly. With a range of captivating and multi-genre programming, the group’s event will span three sessions on Wednesday, 26th February. 

    Headlining the 2025 showcase is Maigret the first contemporary television adaptation of Georges Simenon’s beloved detective novels, from the Golden Globe and BAFTA award-winning production company behind Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light; landmark documentary series 7/7: The London Bombings, marking the 20th anniversary of the London attack; and reality dating format 30 Dates in 30 Nights with several brand new formats to be announced on the day. Additionally, the powerhouse will spotlight highly-anticipated reboots including fan-favourite reality series Faking It.

    Cathy Payne, CEO, Banijay Rights says: “From high-end dramas to gripping factual series, this year’s line-up highlights the exceptional depth and quality of our burgeoning catalogue, reinforcing our reputation for delivering standout content across multiple genres to buyers worldwide. We cannot wait to come together later this month with our partners at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly for what has become an unmissable event in the TV industry calendar.” 

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development and Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay Entertainment, comment: “The London TV Screenings is the perfect stage to showcase Banijay Entertainment’s latest and most innovative IP, alongside reimagined hit formats. Creativity is brimming across our footprint, and with global partners seeking bold new formats, our portfolio of buzzworthy titles truly set us apart.” 

    For its UK premium scripted slate, Banijay Rights’ offering includes Maigret for MASTERPIECE from Playground, which reframes Parisian Chief Inspector, Jules Maigret, as an unconventional young detective; a modern re-imagining of iconic detective series Bergerac, an U&Original series for U and U&DRAMA from Blacklight TV; Emmy-winning Baby Reindeer-creator Richard Gadd’s deeply personal drama Half Man for BBC and BBC Scotland, in coproduction with HBO, from Mam Tor Productions; Wild Mercury and Capricorn Productions’ psychological thriller FEAR for Amazon Prime Video; The Forge Entertainment’s Just Act Normal a comedy drama series about three stubbornly optimistic siblings with a dark secret, for BBC iPlayer and BBC Three; and The Feud, a domestic thriller for Channel 5 from Lonesome Pine Productions in association and North East Screen.  

    Crossing over to continental Europe is French crime series The Family Detective for TF1 from Shine Fiction; Dutch thriller Elixir for NPO and New8 from Banijay Benelux label Topkapi Films; and French horror thriller The Rose Family for Cine+ OCS from Black Sheep Films. Also featured are the eagerly awaited second seasons of Marie Antoinette, the CANAL+ Creation Originale, produced by CAPA Drama, Banijay Studios France and Beside Production; and Filmlance’s Swedish crime drama Fallen for TV4.   

    A range of fascinating documentaries headline the factual slate including 7/7: The London Bombings from The Slate Works for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer; true-crime series The Drowning Pool from Caravan for Channel 5; Workerbee’s gripping title Anatomy of a Murder; investigative climate justice documentary The Silence of the Earth, from Diagonal TV with Crescendo Media Production for TVE and ARTE; and CNN Original series Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain from Hyphenate Media Group.  

    Banijay Entertainment’s formats continue to push boundaries, with a blend of original and highly-entertaining offerings including Meter/Jarowskij’s cross-country skiing competition Against All Odds for SVT; influencer-fuelled adventure Mission Unknown: Atlantic from Banijay Productions Germany for Prime Video; life-changing Danish reality format The Rest of Your Life for DR1 and DR TV; and Nordisk Film TV’s docu-format AI Love You for TV 2. 

    On the reality front comes 30 Dates in 30 Nights from Cuarzo Producciones (part of Banijay Iberia) for Mitele Plus (Mediaset España) and highly-anticipated popular reboots including Faking it; Ladette to Lady and hit extension LEGO Masters: Out of the Box.   

    From its third-party non-scripted portfolio is reality format My Name Is Gabriel for JTBC and Disney+; unique culinary format Atypical Critics featuring autistic food critics; ultimate gameshows Genius Game for ITV and Clone Heads; and competitive knitting series Game of Wool for More 4. This follows yesterday’s announcement of The Insider, the first format to stem from a newly-announced co-development deal between Endemol Shine Australia and Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) – a reinvention of Junya Ueda’s Actor Vs Reactors. 

     These London TV Screenings highlights complement Banijay Entertainment’s globally renowned catalogue, which includes superbrands Big Brother and Peaky Blinders; travelling hits The Fifty and Good Luck Guys from Banijay France’s B Prod; and streamer launches Celebrity Bear Hunt, co-produced by Banijay UK’s Workerbee, The Natural Studios and Talkback for Netflix; Last One Laughing UK from Zeppotron and Initial for Prime Video, created by Hitoshi Matsumoto and produced by Banijay Entertainment labels in 11 markets; and visually-stunning French drama Carême, a Shine Fiction (part of Banijay France) and VVZ Production for Apple TV+.

  3. Banijay Rights Triumphs with Bergerac International Deals

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    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces landmark acquisitions of major new six-part drama series Bergerac ahead of this month’s London TV Screenings.

    In deals negotiated across the Banijay Rights global sales team, Bergerac has been acquired by NPO in Netherlands, VRT in Belgium, SVT in Sweden, YLE in Finland, NRK in Norway, DR in Denmark, BBC First in Poland and TVNZ in New Zealand. ABC in Australia has also acquired the series, as previously announced.

    Produced by BlackLight TV, part of Banijay UK, Jersey-based Westward Studios and supported by Visit Jersey for U&DRAMA in the UK, the 6 x 60’ series sees Damien Molony (The Split, Brassic, Crashing) star in the iconic role of Jim Bergerac.

    Based on the original series created by Robert Banks Stewart, which starred John Nettles and ran for nine series on the BBC between 1981 and 1991, this modern re-imagining honours the iconic detective drama, but with a contemporary twist. Unlike the original hit from the 80s, the new series sees one character-led murder mystery run across all six episodes, in place of a new storyline each episode.

    Claire Jago, EVP Sales & Acquisitions EMEA, Banijay Rights said: “Bergerac is an enthralling, contemporary re-imagining of the much-loved 1980s crime drama, once again set in Jersey and featuring the iconic Triumph Roadster car. We have a fantastic new cast, writing and directing talent and are privileged to bring this drama to broadcasters and platforms around the world as we head into London TV Screenings this month.”

    Ben Bickerton, BlackLight TV, said: “We are so excited to be bringing back such an iconic title that means so much to so many people. With Toby Whithouse’s compelling scripts and Colm McCarthy’s outstanding direction, the relaunch will delight fans of the original and introduce Bergerac, and the beautiful island of Jersey, to a new audience around the world.”

    Bergerac is written by Toby Whithouse (The Red King, Being Human), alongside Brian Fillis (Trust, Sirens), Catherine Tregenna (The One That Got Away, Three Pines) and Polly Buckle (Love Rat, A Discovery of Witches). The drama also features Zoë Wanamaker (My Family, Shadow and Bone, Black Ops) as Charlie Hungerford, Philip Glenister (Steeltown Murders, Life on Mars) as Arthur Wakefield and introduces Chloé Sweet Love as Jim’s daughter, Kim.

    Viewers meet Bergerac (Molony) as a broken man, grappling with grief and alcoholism following his wife’s recent death. His mother-in-law, Charlie (Wanamaker), is concerned Jim isn’t putting his daughter Kim first and, when a woman from a wealthy Jersey family is murdered, Jim must fight through his personal struggles to become the formidable investigator he once was. With a troublesome convict resurfacing from his past, Bergerac is required to call on his sharp investigative instincts and past successes to navigate the intricate family dynamics, and watchful eyes of the police force, in order to solve the case.

    The series was commissioned by Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning for UKTV, with Helen Perry, head of drama commissioning, acting as executive producer for UKTV. Executive producers for BlackLight TV are Ben Bickerton, Philip Trethowan and Toby Whithouse. Brian Constantine is executive producer for Westward Studios. The series is directed by Colm McCarthy (The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself, Peaky Blinders) and Sean Spencer (The Lazarus Project, A Town Called Malice) and produced by Clare Alan (Resistance, Rebellion).

    Bergerac is one of several scripted highlights on Banijay Entertainment’s slate for London TV Screenings 2025, with the content powerhouse’s full line up due to be announced shortly. The Banijay Entertainment Showcase will be held on Wednesday 26th February at BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly.

     

  4. Banijay Rights Unveils Bosé Renacido at Content Americas Ahead of Icon’s Tour

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    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces it is including revealing documentary boxset series Bosé Renacido amongst its line-up at Content Americas 2025 in Miami next week.

    Produced by Shine Iberia (Banijay Iberia) for Spain’s Movistar Plus+, this landmark 4 x 60’ series explores the extraordinary life and career of legendary pop singer and actor Miguel Bosé. The documentary covers pivotal moments of Bosé’s life, from his childhood with his culturally iconic family and rise to international stardom, to his personal journey of fatherhood and his current life in Mexico.

    The launch of Bosé Renacido coincides with Miguel Bosé’s highly anticipated 2025 concert tour, which spans Mexico, Latin America, and the US from February to December.

    Michelle Wasserman, SVP Latam, US Hispanic & Brazil, Banijay Rights, said: “Bosé Renacido gives a deep and compelling insight into the fascinating life of one of Latin music’s most influential figures, Miguel Bosé. With intimate and exclusive access to Bose’s incredible personal and professional milestones, this documentary is a must-have for broadcasters seeking captivating factual programming at Content Americas, and beyond.”

     

    Macarena Rey, Executive Producer of ‘Bosé Renacido’ and CEO of Shine Iberia, added: “I called Miguel when he was writing his book and told him: if you really want to tell your life story, it’s time to make an exclusive and unique documentary series. This is ‘Bosé Renacido’, a wonderful journey in which Bosé and 50 other people who appear in the documentary share unpublished anecdotes, details of their personal and professional lives, curiosities and a personal archive that is a real gem. Miguel has more lives than a cat, he is a life and another life and another life, that’s why it’s called ‘Renacido’. Today, a few months after its premiere, the series is the most watched non-fiction format in the history of the Spanish TV platform Movistar Plus+.” 

     

    An international artist with a career spanning almost five decades, Bosé stands as an iconic figure in both the music and film industries. He has sold more than 30 million records worldwide and starred in landmark films like Pedro Almodóvar’s High Heels.

    Born in Panama City to actress Lucia Bosé and famed bullfighter Luis Miguel Dominguín, Bosé grew up immersed in the world of art and culture, mentored by family friends such as Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway.

    Bosé Renacido forms part of Banijay Entertainment’s extensive slate of scripted, non-scripted and format titles for Content Americas 2025, which includes scripted series Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light and format MasterChef: Dessert Masters. Michelle Wasserman, SVP Latam, US Hispanic & Brazil, Banijay Rights, and Ivania Zamora VP Sales, Banijay Rights, will be in attendance at the market.

    Since 2012, Shine Iberia has produced hit shows in Spain and Portugal, with home-grown content, as well as local adaptations from Banijay Entertainment’s diverse catalogue, including MasterChef and third-party formats such as Next Level Chef, Sewing Bee and The Voice Portugal. Shine Iberia also creates premium branded content such as Hairstyle: The Talent Show, producing five local versions covering Spain, Italy, the U.S., Mexico and Brazil, and Mistura Beirão. It recently moved into scripted programming with biopic Bosé, a collaboration with Elefantec Global and Legacy Rock for Paramount+.

     

  5. BBC TWO TO AIR THE DEFINITIVE 7/7 LONDON BOMBING STORY

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    Twenty years after the first suicide bombings to take place on English soil, BBC Two and iPlayer are to air the definitive story of the attacks and their aftermath, in 7/7: The London Bombings.

    Made by the team behind the multi-award-winning BBC documentary, 9/11 Inside: The President’s War Room, this 4 x 60-minute series is the story of the biggest police investigation in British history – the three-week hunt to catch all the bombers, which included a tragic police mistake.

    7/7: The London Bombings starts on Sunday 5 January and Monday 6 January at 9pm, on BBC Two. The entire series streams on BBC iPlayer from Sunday 5 January.

    On 7 July 2005, four bombs were detonated on London’s transport system, blowing up three trains and a bus. 52 people were killed. Hundreds injured. From the worst attack of its kind in the UK, began one of the most chaotic and significant moments in the history of our capital city and the police and security services who protect it. Another series of attempted bombings followed and in the subsequent manhunt, the police shot dead an innocent man – Jean Charles de Menezes.

    This series follows the investigation forensically and painstakingly, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. 

    It tells the story from the perspective of the victims on the ground, revealing how survivors had to reconcile themselves with life-changing injuries, and it pieces together the emergency response as first responders scrambled to act in the epicentre of the crisis.

    Through interviews with Prime Minister Tony Blair, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair, then Home Secretary Charles Clarke, together with key members of the police investigation team, this story uniquely examines how they struggled to deal with the repercussions, reassure a nation, and find out what had happened before bombers could strike again.

    This definitive history of three weeks that changed Britain forever also hears from those seriously injured at the attack sites and family members of the victims, as well as frontline rescuers.

    Simon Young, BBC Head of Commissioning, History, says: “It’s difficult to comprehend just how febrile and frenzied those weeks felt like in London and across the country, nearly twenty years ago. This series painstakingly pieces together the chain of events, moments of resilience and hope, as well as tragedy and horror. The result is a frank portrait of how the nation responded, when our streets became a new kind of frontline.”

    Adam Wishart, Joint Series Director and Producer, The Slate Works, says: “After telling the story of President George W Bush on 9/11, we wanted to understand what happened to the British state when faced with a huge crisis of its own. What does it feel like to run the police or the country, when faced with the biggest attack on English soil? And what is it like when you or your family are caught in the blasts? How does anyone cope with the emotional consequences and the political repercussions?”

    7/7: The London Bombings – 4 x 60 minutes – is a The Slate Works production for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.  It was commissioned by Jack Bootle, BBC Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual.  The Commissioning Editor is Simon Young, BBC Head of Commissioning, History.

  6. BBC announces new drama Open Water based on the award-winning debut novel by Caleb Azumah Nelson

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    The BBC has commissioned Open Water, a new drama based on Caleb Azumah Nelson’s multi award-winning debut novel of the same name. The eight-part series for BBC iPlayer and BBC One will be produced by Mam Tor Productions (a Banijay UK company) and B-Side Productions, with Azumah Nelson serving as the drama’s lead writer, director and executive producer.

    Marcus works in retail while trying to develop a career as a photographer. Effie is studying dance at university in Dublin. From the moment they meet, they feel an immediate, undeniable connection. But, as Marcus soon learns, Effie is in a relationship with Marcus’ friend Samuel. It’s a boundary that Marcus is unwilling to cross. A shared project, photographing and documenting Black creatives in London, draws them into each other’s orbit, but can their burgeoning friendship resist the pull of desire?

    They seem destined for each other, their crush evolving into a love that is ocean-deep. But love is never enough, and their path towards one another is treacherous. Will they sink or swim in open water?

    Caleb Azumah Nelson says: “It’s been an absolute joy working alongside Mam Tor, B-Side and the BBC to adapt Open Water for the screen. I can’t wait for viewers not only to meet Marcus and Effie but to step into their world: their private, intimate spaces, their communities, their desires. I’m incredibly grateful to be telling this story at this time.”

    Tally Garner, executive producer, Mam Tor Productions, says: “The incredible Caleb Azumah Nelson’s Open Water is the most profound and vital love story, and I am overjoyed to be bringing his beautiful and distinctive vision to the screen with Lindsay Salt, Rebecca Ferguson and Danielle Scott-Haughton at the BBC, and Matimba Kabalika at B-Side who are the perfect partners.”

    Matimba Kabalika, executive producer, B-Side Productions, says: “Open Water is such a beautiful ode to love, youth, and joys big and small, as well as an honest exploration of the journey of finding your way in love and life. I’m thrilled to be working on it with Caleb Azumah Nelson, Tally Garner at Mam Tor and the brilliant team at the BBC. We cannot wait to bring this story to life.”

    Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “Open Water is a tender, bold and dazzling story about the dance of early love and being seen for who you really are. The response to Caleb’s book was phenomenal, and we feel privileged to be working with him to bring this breathtaking romance to the BBC.”

    Open Water (8×30) is made by Mam Tor Productions (a Banijay UK company) and B-Side Productions for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. It was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. Banijay Rights handles international distribution. Caleb Azumah Nelson is the lead writer and director and will also serve as executive producer alongside Tally Garner for Mam Tor Productions, Matimba Kabalika for B-Side Productions, and Rebecca Ferguson and Danielle Scott-Haughton for the BBC.

  7. Banijay Rights Sends Premium Scripted and Factual Package to Australia

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    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces it has signed a landmark premium scripted and factual package deal with Australian public broadcaster ABC.

    The agreement comprises Welsh crime drama The One That Got Away, the modern re-imagining of iconic detective series Bergerac, the forthcoming Grantchester season 10 and revealing documentary series Picasso.

    The deal was negotiated by Lyle Bettson-Barker, SVP Sales, Australia and New Zealand, Banijay Rights, who said: “From gripping thrillers and period dramas to fascinating documentaries, we’re in no doubt this incredible ensemble of premium Banijay Rights programmes will captivate viewers across Australia. With such a strong and genre diverse line up of scripted offerings, partnerships like this are a testament to our depth and breadth.  Once again, we’re proud to secure this deal with our partners at the ABC.”

    Head of Programming, Acquisitions & Streaming ABC, Roberta Allan said, “Our audiences will be pulled into mysteries, grandeur and history with these world class series. We are thrilled that these titles will be joining our incredible slate of content on ABC TV and ABC iview.”

    Head of Acquisitions ABC, Dallas Krueger, said, “I’m delighted that ABC audiences will be treated to a stellar line-up of content. This deal underscores the strong collaboration between the ABC and Banijay Rights.”

    Set in the west Wales coastal town of Pembroke Dock, The One That Got Away brings together a top-class team of Welsh crime drama talent. The shocking murder of a nurse opens old wounds in a small-town community, throwing a historic conviction into doubt, raising the horrifying prospect of a copycat killer and reuniting two former lovers tasked with finding the killer. The series is written by Catherine Tregenna (The Bench, Law & Order UK, Lewis and DCI Banks) and stars Elen Rhys (The Mallorca Files, Craith/Hidden), Richard Harrington (Y Gwyll/Hinterland) and Rhian Blythe (Y Golau/The Light in the Hall, Craith/Hidden). All six episodes are directed by Sion Ifan (Y Gyfrinach/The Secret). Produced by BlackLight TV (a Banijay UK company), the series is the English-language version of Welsh-language drama Cleddau, an original series commissioned by Welsh-language channel S4C, supported by Welsh Government via Creative Wales.

    Produced by BlackLight TV, (a Banijay UK company), Bergerac is based on the original series created by Robert Banks Stewart, which starred John Nettles and ran for nine series on the BBC between 1981 and 1991. The detective drama features Damien Molony (The Split, Brassic, Crashing) in the leading role of Jim Bergerac, alongside Zoë Wanamaker (My Family, Shadow and Bone, Black Ops) as Jim’s mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford, and Philip Glenister (Steeltown Murders, Life on Mars) as Arthur Wakefield. The series is written by Toby Whithouse (The Red King, Being Human), alongside Brian Fillis (Trust, Sirens), Catherine Tregenna (The One That Got Away, Three Pines) and Polly Buckle (Love Rat, A Discovery of Witches). The six-part U&Original series is produced by BlackLight TV, part of Banijay UK.

    Meanwhile, hit crime drama Grantchester will see Robson Green and Rishi Nair return as DI Geordie Keating and Reverend Alphy Kottaram, respectively, for season 10 as they continue their crime-solving exploits. The series is a co-production of Kudos (a Banijay UK Company) and MASTERPIECE PBS for ITV.

    Documentary series Picasso is an unflinching look at the life and legacy of the artist. When Picasso died in 1973, the world mourned one of the most celebrated artists of all time. His death left behind a family in turmoil and over 100,000 art works. Since his death, stories of womanising, cruelty and cultural appropriation have made us reassess Picasso. This series provides a look at the life of the artist, whose endlessly inventive revolutionary art and problematic personal life spanned seven of the most tumultuous decades in history. The Series Director is Alice Perman, Producer / Director is John O’Rourke and Executive Producers are Sophie Leonard, Alicia Kerr and Greg Sanderson. The three-part series was produced by Minnow Films for BBC Two.

  8. LEGO® Masters Expands in Japan as Series Renewed for Second Season

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    Reality competition format LEGO Masters has been renewed for a second season by Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) in Japan, following a deal with Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment.

    TBS will produce and broadcast a five-part second season of the hit format to premiere on its network Channel 6 and streaming platforms TVer and U-NEXT from 23rd November.

    LEGO Masters is a globally popular competition format with the creative fun of LEGO play at its heart, with the format now ordered by a total of 20 international broadcasters across Europe, the US, Australia and Asia, while the first extension of the main show – LEGO Masters: Out of the Box – was announced last month.

    Originally created by Tuesday’s Child Television and the LEGO Group, Banijay Entertainment globally distributes the format and finished tape for the show, which sees pairs compete against each other to wow judges with awesome inspiring designs and brick builds.

    Michael Ebbesen, General Manager, LEGO Japan, said: ”LEGO Masters represents some of the most imaginative and creative interpretations of the globally iconic LEGO System in Play, and we’re thrilled to see a second season of it renewed in Japan. We hope it inspires and entertains builders in equal measure, and we can’t wait to see what the teams create from November onwards!”

     Aso Kunihiro, Producer of TBS, added: “Following a successful first season, LEGO Masters Japan will return with new contestants who will use all their skill and ingenuity to complete challenges and awe-inspiring builds. Season one ended with a victorious pair of students from the University of Tokyo and we hope to deliver a glimpse of their progress this year – as well as the moment when a new star is born.”

    Rashmi Bajpai, EVP Sales Asia, Banijay Rights, who negotiated the TBS renewal with her team, said: “LEGO Masters is a captivating global format that provides uplifting viewing for audiences worldwide. After a successful launch in Japan earlier this year, we are delighted this version will return to TBS this month in what we hope will be for many years to come.” 

  9. Banijay Rights Partners with Twisted Comics to Launch Black Mirror Comic Book Series

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    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces a landmark partnership with Neil Gibson’s Twisted Comics to create a series of comic books inspired by hit dystopian anthology series Black Mirror.

    Under the agreement, UK-based Twisted Comics will produce a number of immersive comic books comprising iconic Black Mirror storylines, with copies set to roll out in mid-2025. Pre-release material will be available in early 2025 – to get updates, register now at [www.blackmirrorcomics.com]

    David Christopher, Director of Licensing & Merchandising for Banijay Rights, whose team brokered the deal, said: “Black Mirror needs no introduction as one of television’s uniquely engrossing brands. The show’s unpredictable and unexpected episodes will be a perfect fit for this visionary comic book series, which we’re in no doubt will appeal to a whole new dimension of fans. I’d encourage fans to get registering now to keep updated on the comic’s developments and release.” 

    Neil Gibson, Founder and CEO of Twisted Comics, added: “It has long been a dream of mine to extend Black Mirror – one of my ‘hero brands’ – into comic book form. Now that dream is a reality, and I believe fans of the show will love what we are planning. Watch this space… ”

    Kenny Diack, Co-owner and Director of Twisted Comics, added: “This unique partnership with Banijay Rights reflects Twisted Comics’ ambitions to be the go-to partner for creating and expanding IP and further builds on our work to date.”

    Banijay Rights represents a range of global ancillary rights for the Black Mirror brand. Created by Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones, the dark satirical anthology series taps into our collective unease with the modern world. Each stand-alone episode is a sharp, suspenseful tale exploring themes of contemporary paranoia.

    Produced by Broke & Bones, Black Mirror will return for a seventh series on Netflix with six new episodes in 2025.

    One of the UK’s leading comic publishers, Twisted Comics prides itself on creating high-quality content that forms the backbone of its publishing ethos. Led by Neil Gibson, the company has produced 23 unique titles, including the Amazon bestseller Twisted Dark series, and is known for showcasing its talent for transforming dynamic stories into visually compelling comics. Previous collaborations include Stan Lee’s Lucky Man with Universal Pictures and The Many Deaths of Barnaby James with Valhalla Entertainment.

  10. CTV Delivers a Fresh Serving of MASTERCHEF CANADA for 2025/26 Season, with Casting Now Open

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    Calling all home cooks and amateur chefs! CTV announced today it is serving up a fresh new helping of hit cooking competition series MASTERCHEF CANADA for the 2025/26 broadcast season. Casting is currently open at CTV.ca/MasterChefCanadaCasting, with production set to begin on the new 11-episode season in early 2025. The deal for the new season was brokered by Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment. A new take on a familiar and beloved format, MASTERCHEF CANADA returns to CTV as everyday Canadians strive to become culinary masters. With production company MEM at the helm, home cooks compete in high stakes cooking challenges to secure the MASTERCHEF CANADA title and take home the $100,000 cash prize. Additional information and judging panel to be announced at a later date. Passionate and talented Canadian amateur cooks hungry for an opportunity to pursue their culinary dreams have until 11:59 p.m. ET on November 17, 2024, to apply at CTV.ca/MasterChefCanadaCasting. With more information and updates also available on the show’s official accounts on TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook. “The MASTERCHEF format is a proven success around the world and has launched the careers of many talented home cooks, including our very own Mary Berg,” said Justin Stockman Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media. “We can’t wait for viewers to see what we have in store as we work with our partners at MEM to bring MASTERCHEF CANADA Season 8 to life.” Searching for amateur cooks and aspiring chefs from coast-to-coast-to-coast, MASTERCHEF CANADA is seeking individuals who are:

    • Passionate: Love food and want to share their passion with Canada
    • Innovative: Bring unique flavours and techniques to the table
    • Ambitious: Ready to push culinary boundaries and compete for the title of MASTERCHEF CANADA

    Customized and wholly integrated brand partnership opportunities for MASTERCHEF CANADA, including video, digital, social, audio, and OOH platforms with first in class data opportunities, are currently available for the upcoming season. All of the previous seven seasons of MASTERCHEF CANADA are available for streaming on CTV.ca, the CTV app, and Crave. Previous seasons of the MASTERCHEF franchise are also available on CTV.ca and the CTV app with no subscription or sign-in required. Represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment, MASTERCHEF is the world’s most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records) and was crowned Spin-Off Superstar in last year’s K7 report. Now commissioned across 70 markets, the life-changing show has aired over 700 seasons and more than 16,000 episodes to-date. Created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, the superbrand is known and enjoyed across the globe. MASTERCHEF CANADA is produced by MEM in association with CTV. For MEM, Scott McGillivray is CEO, Angela Jennings is President, Nanci MacLean is COO, and Marike Emery is Executive Producer. For Bell Media, Rachel Goldstein-Couto is Head of Development, Original Programming; Kelsey-Ann Maria is Production Executive and Danielle Pearson is Senior Production Executive, Original Programming; Sarah Fowlie is Head of Production, Original Programming; Carlyn Klebuc is General Manager, Original Programming; Justin Stockman is Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media. Stewart Johnston is Senior Vice-President, Content & Sales, Bell Media.

  11. Global Buyers Catch Welsh Crime Drama The One That Got Away From Banijay Rights

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    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces that UK public broadcaster the BBC has acquired new crime drama series The One That Got Away for BBC Wales, BBC Four and BBC iPlayer, as MIPCOM 2024 gets underway.

    Produced by BlackLight TV (a Banijay UK company), the series has also been acquired by SVT in Sweden, RTÉ in Ireland and Warner Bros Discovery in New Zealand in deals negotiated by the Banijay Rights global sales team.

    Written by Catherine Tregenna (Law & Order UK, Lewis, DCI Banks) and starring Elen Rhys (The Mallorca Files, Craith/Hidden), Richard Harrington (Y Gwyll/Hinterland) and Rhian Blythe (Y Golau / The Light in the Hall, Craith / Hidden), The One That Got Away is a psychologically driven thriller that sees DI Ffion Lloyd (Rhys) partnering up with her ex-lover DS Rick Walters (Harrington) to find out who is responsible for murdering a nurse in a Welsh coastal town. The series is the English language version of Welsh-language drama Cleddau, an original series for Welsh language broadcaster S4C.

    Chris Stewart, SVP Sales, UK & Eire, Banijay Rights, who brokered the BBC deal, said: “The One That Got Away is a thrilling new crime drama that combines gripping murder mystery with an electrifying love story. Set against the coastal backdrops of beautiful West Wales and fronted by a stellar cast, the series reinforces the BBC’s reputation in showcasing the strength in Welsh storytelling and helping to bring the best in Welsh drama to a global stage.”

    Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, says: “The One That Got Away is a deliciously dark and atmospheric thriller – sure to keep BBC viewers gripped to the very end…”

    Ben Bickerton and Phil Trethowan, Joint Managing Directors, BlackLight TV, said: “The One That Got Away is as interested in the personal as it is the professional, with high stakes and captivating characters. We’re delighted it’s found a home in the UK on the BBC and internationally in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and Sweden, where we are sure it will hook and thrill the audience.”

    Filmed and set on location in Pembroke Dock, Wales, the shocking murder of a nurse opens old wounds in a small-town community, throwing a historic conviction into doubt, raising the horrifying prospect of a copycat killer and reuniting two former lovers tasked with finding the killer. With twists and turns leading to a heart-stopping finale, The One That Got Away is a forensic examination of a town, a killer and a relationship, past and present.

    The series was produced by Blacklight TV for S4C and supported by Welsh Government via Creative Wales. The drama is one of several scripted highlights on Banijay Entertainment’s slate for MIPCOM 2024, which includes Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light and the re-imagining of iconic detective drama Bergerac. The company will exhibit at C.20 in Cannes.

  12. Banijay Rights Partners with Diagonal TV and Crescendo on Hard-Hitting Climate Justice Documentary

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces a powerful new feature-length documentary shedding light on one of the most pressing issues facing the world, climate justice. Produced by Banijay Iberia label Diagonal TV with Crescendo Media Production, in association with Banijay Rights, this gripping exposé takes centre stage at MIPCOM 2024, bringing the undeniable human rights story to global buyers.

    Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Eulogio Romero, The Silence of the Earth delves into the lives and deaths of three courageous environmental activists, Berta Cáceres, Paulo Paulino Guajajara and Aldo Zamora, who paid the ultimate price for defending the planet from corporate greed and environmental destruction. The documentary is not only an investigative thriller, but also a heart-wrenching drama, shining a light on the dark forces behind their deaths and connecting them to global climate change.

    The Silence of the Earth offers exclusive access to the victims’ families and unprecendented insights, revealing the corporations and local power structures complicit in these crimes. The film underscores the far-reaching effects of environmental destruction, extending far beyond the borders of Latin America, with the depletion of natural resources and forests  accelerating the threat of global climate change.

    Jordi Frades, Managing Director, Diagonal TV, says: “This documentary is not just a film, it’s a call to action. Climate change is the defining crisis of our time, affecting every person on the planet. Through Silence of the Earth, we bring to life the powerful and harrowing stories of the environmental activists who paid the ultimate price to protect the earth. Eulogio Romero masterfully blends investigative thriller with cinematic drama, delivering a deeply human narrative to engage audiences and inspire action.”

    Cathy Payne, Chief Executive Officer, Banijay Rights, says: “The Silence of the Earth is an urgent and vital documentary. By revealing the real-life consequences of environmental destruction, we hope to spark conversations on the intersections between corporate power, human rights and the climate crisis. With our global reach, Banijay Rights is committed to ensuring this essential story reaches audiences worldwide, and we believe MIPCOM 2024 is the perfect stage for its international debut.”

    The documentary will feature alongside Banijay Entertainment’s diverse factual line-up for MIPCOM 2024, including CNN Original travelogue series Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain, feature-length documentary, Atomic People for the BBC, and docu-series 7/7: Three Weeks in July for the BBC and BBC iPlayer. Additionally, two feature-length premium documentaries from Scenery, a joint venture with Banijay Benelux, are available to buyers in Cannes: Front Row and LARA: The Man Who Took on Escobar.