Banijay Group is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay Group is present in 16 territories.
Banijay Group is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay Group is present in 16 territories.
Comments Off on DATES ANNOUNCED FOR THE FIFTH ANNUAL LONDON TV SCREENINGS
The London TV Screenings today announces its 2025 edition will run from Monday 24 February to Friday 28 March 2025.
The fourth annual event enjoyed an uplift of 50% more buyers in attendance, some 750+ in total, as well as attracting 29 participating distributors/studios, a slight increase on the 2023 edition. It comprised a full schedule of free-to-attend events, each conveniently taking place in landmark central London locations to enhance the buyer experience.
The fifth annual London TV Screenings will again see the four founding distributors, All3Media International, Banijay, Fremantle, and ITV Studios, along with a growing number of other companies, collaborating to run sessions and events that are expertly curated to give the best experience for buyers from all parts of the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to get exclusive first looks and “deep dives” into some of the most eagerly awaited scripted and non-scripted content, as well as the chance to connect with world-class on and off-screen talent.
A London TV Screenings spokesperson said: “The London TV Screenings 2024 Screenings were another resounding success, becoming bigger and more international than ever before. The free-to-attend, packed schedule seems to have resulted in larger teams of buyers coming to London so that nothing is missed, which only speaks to the quality of the programmes on offer, and the value the week delivers. We’re very excited about the prospect of 2025 and what we can accomplish in this now unmissable event in the industry calendar.”
The 2024 Screenings saw attendees from all major markets, including the US, Europe, Australia, China, Africa, and the Middle East in attendance.
Comments Off on Screentime New Zealand Solves Murder Mystery Drama with ZDF, Acorn TV and TVNZ
Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces a new international co-production set in Queenstown, New Zealand – A Remarkable Place to Die. The 4 x 90’ murder mystery was created by Screentime New Zealand and is co-produced with Real Film Berlin in association with Banijay Rights. It will air across Germany, the US, and New Zealand with commissioning broadcasters ZDF, Acorn TV, and TVNZ and will be distributed globally by Banijay Rights. The title will be showcased at Banijay @ BAFTA today (The London TV Screenings).
Smart and savvy detective Anais Mallory (Chelsie Preston-Crayford) returns to her hometown, Queenstown, to be met with a series of startlingly different and intriguing homicides amidst the backdrop of past ghosts. Among them are her ex-fiancé Luke (Charles Jazz Terrier), now married to her ex-best friend (Indiana Evans), her brittle, volatile but loving mother (Rebecca Gibney), and a handsome pathologist, alongside a mixed, wildly eclectic, and ever-changing population of tourists and locals that makes challenging investigations even more of a test. However, it’s the secrets surrounding her father and sister’s deaths that truly draw her back, and, as she sets about unravelling these most personal of mysteries, she will set in motion an even more desperate cover up – one that will ultimately threaten the only family she has left…
Philly de Lacey, CEO of Screentime New Zealand says: “Queenstown’s stunning landscape paired with its tapestry of unconventional characters, provide the perfect backdrop for this gripping murder mystery. Viewers will be drawn into the world of Detective Anais Mallory as she uncovers intriguing secrets, and we’ve elevated the show for international audiences by collaborating with Real Film Berlin and Banijay Rights.”
Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, said: “With the global appetite for broad audience and crime drama growing, we see potential for this series, which will charm audiences with vibrant characters and mysterious crimes, all underpinned by a gripping detective, a breathtakingly scenic setting and whole host of intrigue and suspense.”
Nevak Rogers, Director of Content, at TVNZ, said: “TVNZ is thrilled to showcase yet another epic murder mystery shot on the ground here in Aotearoa, with such a star-studded cast against the spectacular backdrop of the gorgeous South Island.”
A Remarkable Place to Die builds on Screentime New Zealand’s international scripted expertise. The series was created by Philly de Lacey with writer John Banas. Directors are Peter Burger, Josh Frizzell, Caroline Bell-Booth, and Charlie Haskell. Philly de Lacey, Henning Kamm, and Sibylle Stellbrink serve as Executive Producers.
Recent international series from Screentime New Zealand include The Gulf, a co-production between Screentime New Zealand, Lippy Pictures and Letterbox Filmproduktion for TV3 and ZDF,and Straight Forward, a co-production between Screentime New Zealand, Yellow Bird Mastiff, and TVNZ and Viaplay.
Real Film Berlin is well-known for its quality, artistic productions which consistently deliver impressive ratings. The company stands as a trusted partner for exceptional talent, broadcasters, and streamers. Its notable works include the cinema adaptation of the ARD cult series Berlin, Berlin, and the Netflix miniseries Unorthodox, which garnered global acclaim, with nominations for eight Emmys and two Golden Globes, among other accolades.
Comments Off on Banijay Unveils Compelling Slate Ahead of London TV Screenings
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces a compelling offering for its dedicated London TV Screenings event – Banijay @ BAFTA.
Hitting the 2024 line-up is the highly-anticipated high-end scripted series Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light; and premium documentary Front Row. Elsewhere, the powerhouse will also be celebrating travelling formats with adventure reality, The Summit; and spin-off, Deal or No Deal Island. Packed with distinct, high-quality programming across all genres, the group’s event will span three sessions on Wednesday 28 February.
On the scripted front, Banijay’s premium offering includes UK dramas Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light for the BBC and Masterpiece PBS, based on the final novel of Hilary Mantel’s multi award-winning trilogy; The Hardacres for Channel 5; Steven Knight’s This Town for the BBC; Welsh drama The One That Got Away (Cleddau) for S4C; and Invisible Boys for Stan. Buyers can also expect a preview of eagerly-awaited second seasons of Marie Antoinette for Canal+ and the BBC, and Rogue Heroes for the BBC and MGM+.
Supercharging its documentary offering, Front Row takes centre stage with Anatomy of a Murder and Four Kings for Prime Video.
To complement the scripted and documentary offering, Banijay will showcase a blend of fresh and highly-entertaining formats including adrenaline-fuelled travelling success The Summit for Nine Network; new spin-off, Deal or No Deal Island created for NBC; adventure reality format and ratings winner Shaolin Heroes for TV2; recent Channel 4 factual reality VOD hit Banged Up; innovative game show Upside Down for RTL4 and TheFortune Hotel for ITV1 and ITVX. A light will also be shone on global superbrands and prized returning formats like Survivor, Big Brother, Star Academy, and reality formats Love Triangle and The Fifty.
Cathy Payne, CEO at Banijay Rights says: “This year’s line-up for Banijay @ BAFTA truly illuminates the breadth of our catalogue and ability to showcase outstanding content across multiple genres. From high-end dramas to acclaimed factual series, we look forward to coming together later this month to celebrate great talent, captivating storytelling and stand-out IP. We really do have something for everyone…”
James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development and Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay comment: “The London TV Screenings provides an incredible opportunity for Banijay to demonstrate its commitment to delivering exciting emerging IP as well as tried and tested formats and reboots, which continue to compel audiences globally. From Shaolin Heroes to The Summit, and iconic format Deal or No Deal, we are sure to enthral buyers seeking fresh, innovative, and proven formats.”
For its scripted slate, Banijay Rights is highlighting Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, a Playground and Company Pictures co-production directed by Peter Kosminsky, and adapted for television by Peter Straughan, which follows Thomas Cromwell as he navigates the moral complexities of the Tudor court following the execution of Anne Boleyn. Another period drama from Playground in association with Screen Ireland, Red Berry Productions and Newgrange Pictures is new returnable six-part series –The Hardacres- based on CL Skelton’s novel series, The Hardacre Saga.
Meanwhile, from Kudos and Nebulastar, and co-produced with Mercury Studios, in association with Kudos North, Stigma Films, and Nick Angel for the BBC, the much-anticipated This Town tells the story of an extended family and four young people who are drawn into the world of the ska movement and two-tone music.
BlackLight Television (a Banijay UK company), in collaboration with Banijay Rights and Creative Wales for S4C, are delving into Welsh drama with The One That Got Away (Cleddau), which combines a gripping murder mystery with an electrifying love story.
Crossing over to Australia, Invisible Boys from Feisty Dame Productions, Screenwest and Lotterywest, WA Regional Film Fund, Screen Australia, and Banijay Rights for Stan Originals, is a powerful drama created for television by director Nicholas Verso on the challenges faced by a group of gay teens in the remote coastal town of Geraldton.
In factual, the feature-length premium documentary from Scenery and Pretty Matches, Front Row, Executive Produced by award-winning actor and producer Sarah Jessica Parker, and directed by Miriam Guttmann (Sundance Film Festival selection Seeds of Deceit), highlights the resilience of Ukrainian ballet dancers during wartime, where an unlikely friendship forms between a dancer and a front-line soldier.
From Workerbee comes two gripping documentaries, Anatomy of a Murder, a feature length true-crime story centring around the daughter of an Iranian family, who has spent over thirty years and millions of her fortune to try and find her mother’s killer; and Four Kings for Prime Video, exploring the history of British boxing through four men coming from the same London neighbourhood who heralded a golden era and changed the way Britain viewed its black athletes.
Meanwhile, on the reality competition front, The Summit, a 9Network and Endemol Shine Australia original series, produced by Endemol Shine Australia, continues to climb through the ranks with a second season in the works, and a first international adaptation for CBS by Endemol Shine North America with more to come soon.
From Endemol Shine North America, Deal or No Deal Island completely reimagines the iconic game show as an epic adventure. This new spin-off series for NBC is set on the Banker’s private island as he searches for his ultimate opponent in a high stakes competition with over $200,000,000 up for grabs.
From Metronome is Shaolin Heroes for TV2 Denmark, where celebrities undertake the ultimate test by embarking on a transformational journey alongside world-class Shaolin Masters.
Joining Banijay’s factual offering is Banged Up, created by Shine TV for Channel 4. In this fact-ent format social experiment, which veers into the documentary space, six male celebrity inmates are incarcerated in a UK prison environment alongside their reformed criminal cellmates. The series explores the question, ‘does prison work’?
From EndemolShine Nederland, Upside Down sees two celebrity teams undertake all kinds of topsy turvy challenges and Q&A games unlike anything they have seen before, because everything in this innovative format, is upside down.
Highly-anticipated reality series TheFortune Hotel from Tuesday’s Child for ITV1 and ITVX invites viewers into a luxury Caribbean resort filled with glamour, opulence and deception. Contestants are paired up and compete to win a briefcase, one holding the ultimate cash prize and another an Early Checkout Card.
Comments Off on The Official Peaky Blinders Manchester is Unveiled
Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay today announces the unveiling of the official bar and restaurant Peaky Blinders Manchester.
Situated in the heart of the city, Peaky Blinders Manchester is a destination venue for fans of the show to enjoy food, drink, and entertainment with a 1920s influence, inspired by the hit series. Lining the walls of the venue are exclusive images taken from the series and show props that were used during filming. The drinks menu includes an extensive range of Peaky Blinders themed cocktails such as Monaghan Boy, Solomon’s Silence and Sweet Ada, while the food menu includes classic dishes with a Peaky Blinderstwist. Weekly live entertainment includes bands and performers which echo the glamour and style of the roaring twenties.
David Christopher, Group Director of Licensing and Merchandising, Banijay, says: “We love to offer fans the chance to inhabit the incredible world of Peaky Blinders, and a venue like this, which is enjoyed by so many people, complements our portfolio of immersive entertainment. Bringing Peaky Blinders Manchester on board as an official licensee, ensures customers can enjoy an experience synonymous with the integrity, quality and character of the series.”
The multi-award-winning Peaky Blinders was created and written by Steven Knight (SAS Rogue Heroes, Taboo, See, Great Expectations). The series is produced by Caryn Mandabach Productions and co-produced with Banijay’s Tiger Aspect Productions. The global Peaky Blinders brand is owned by Caryn Mandabach Productions. Distributed by Banijay Rights it has sold in more than 183 countries and is widely available internationally on Netflix including in the USA.
Comments Off on The Write Offs Books French-Canadian Deal
Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces the fifth adaptation of factual entertainment format The Write Offs, with a new version set for French-Canada.
French-Canadian broadcaster Télé-Québec will launch a new 4 x 30’ adaptation entitled L’Épreuve des Mots in primetime this month, with Montreal-based Sphere Media Productions on board as local producer.
Originally created by Shine TV for Channel 4 in the UK, The Write Offs helps a diverse group of adults, who can’t read or write, to master basic literacy skills necessary for everyday situations. Each embarks on an eye-opening journey as they face tasks that encourage them to go truly outside of their comfort zones. The series concludes with a heart-warming and dramatic performance for their loved ones.
The French-Canadian version will be hosted by Patricia Paquin whose own 13 year-old suffers from learning disorders; and features a cast of five contributors who all have primary school literacy and must complete a 16 week course. Following the Channel 4 version, The Write Offs has since been adapted in Australia, with two seasons on SBS, as well as in Denmark on DR and Germany on ZDF.
Jane Rimer, SVP, Canada, Banijay Rights, who negotiated the agreement, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Télé-Québecand Sphere Media Productions to bring this important – and heart-warming – format to Quebec viewers. The Write Offs shines a light on a very serious global issue and demonstrates how television can be used as a force for good to literally change lives.”
Nadine Dufour, Vice President of Content, Télé-Québec, said: “As a public television broadcaster, Télé-Québec’s mandate is to reflect the reality and challenges of Quebec through its programming. With 10% of the population considered functionally illiterate, we are proud to finally give a voice to those whom we see very little of in our Quebec media landscape.”
Renaud Chassé, EVP, Unscripted & Documentaries, French content, Sphere Media Productions, added: “The adaptation of The Write Offs in Quebec has enabled us to understand that illiteracy is a challenge present in most countries. Since we announced this project, this issue has gained prominence in the media.”
Comments Off on Global Buyers Have Fallen for Filmlance’s Sofia Helin & Camilla Ahlgren Crime Drama
Banijay Rights today announces the first international sales of Fallen, the new crime drama from Banijay Nordic label Filmlance and Bron (The Bridge) screenwriter Camilla Ahlgren and actor Sofia Helin, as this week’s Göteborg Film Festival TV Drama Vision conference gets under way.
In deals negotiated across the Banijay Rights global sales team, Fallen has been acquired by CANAL+ Group’s POLAR+ channel in France, MHz Choice in the US, NPO in the Netherlands, SBS in Australia, ERTin Greece and Syn hf in Iceland.
Created and written by Ahlgren along with Martin Asphaug and Alex Haridi, the six-part series stars Helin (The Bridge, Lust, Emmy-winner Atlantic Crossing) and Hedda Stiernstedt (The Restaurant, Wallander, Beforeigners) and is a co-production between, TV4, Film i Skåne and Filmlance, in collaboration with ZDF.
Fallen sees Helin play Iris Broman – the new head of Kalla Fall, a group solving cold cases in Malmö – who due to a tragedy moves from Stockholm down to the small southern town of Ystad, where she lives in her half-sister Kattis’ (Stiernstedt) house by the sea. But when Iris arrives in Skåne, a cold case becomes topical again and everything is turned upside down, intertwining the lives of several characters.
Cathy Payne, CEO, Banijay Rights, said: “As this week’s Göteborg Film Festival begins, we are thrilled to announce that Camilla Ahlgren’s latest riveting drama has been acquired across Europe, the US and Australia. With a stellar cast fronted by Sofia Helin and Hedda Stiernstedt, this new Filmlance series delivers incredible suspense and excitement for international buyers and we can’t wait to continue expanding its presence worldwide.”
Camilla Ahlgren, Creator and Head Writer, says: “Since 2017 when we began developing Fallen, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s been fantastic to collaborate with Sofia Helin and Filmlance once again. It’s affirming to see the series find its audience, and I’m proud that people around the world will now be able to watch it too.”
Fallen is produced by Filmlance’s Anna Wallmark, and Lisa Dahlberg serves as executive producer at TV4. The lead director is Linnea Roxeheim (Portkod), working with Olof Spaak.
Led by Hanne Palmquist, Filmlance is part of Banijay’s unrivalled network of over 60 scripted labels. The company is behind critically-acclaimed drama and films for the local and international market including Ronja the Robber’s Daughter with Viaplay for Netflix, Top Dog for CMore/ TV4, as well as long-running hit Beck(CMore/ TV4), and international successes JJ+E (Netflix) and Caliphate (SVT/Netflix).
Tiger Aspect Kids & Family (a Banijay Kids & Family company), today announces its hit comedy, Mr Bean: The Animated Series, has been commissioned for a fourth run, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and ITVX, through deals agreed by Banijay Rights.
Executive produced and voiced by Rowan Atkinson, season 4 will comprise 52 x 11’ episodes, bringing the total number of episodes across all series to 182 x 11-minutes. It will air on Cartoonito and HBO Max across EMEA, on Warner Bros. Discovery’s kids channels and streaming services across South East Asia and South Asia, and on ITVX Kids in the UK and Eire from 2025, which will be the 35th anniversary of the first live-action episode. The animation follows the antics of Mr Bean and of course Teddy, as they embark on a series of adventures, making plenty of mischief along the way.
Rowan Atkinson says: “I have always enjoyed this iteration of the Mr Bean character and the particular freedoms he has in animated form. We can take him into space or down a tin mine, without me personally having to suffer the consequences. The animation process creatively is always fascinating and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the new series very much.”
Tom Beattie, MD Tiger Aspect Kids & Family/Series Producer says: “It’s a real pleasure to have the opportunity to go back to such a special series. Mr Bean is an iconic comedy legend and it’s an honour to work with Rowan to create this physically funny series.”
Cathy Payne, CEO Banijay Rights says: “One of the most loved characters in television comedy history, Mr Bean’s amusing escapades are cherished by children and families across the world. So we’re thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Warner Bros Discovery and ITV on this wonderful animated series which captures Bean’s world so brilliantly.”
Zia Sands, Lead Content Acquisitions, Partnerships & Co-productions, KIDS, EMEA, Warner Bros Discovery says: “We’re thrilled to continue our long standing partnership with Mr Bean, making Cartoonito its home across EMEA alongside our kids channels and streaming services in South and South-East Asia. Mr Bean’s comedy antics continue to resonate universally, and we are excited to bring our audiences more of what they love.”
Darren Nartey, Senior Acquisitions Manager for Film and Kids at ITVX says: “We are so looking forward to welcoming back a British icon to ITVX Kids in 2025, and can’t wait to share more of Mr Bean’s unique sense of humour with the young and the young-at-heart.”
Mr Bean is a British icon, with the original live-action series first hitting screens in 1990. It has since been broadcast in 195 territories, with the series in continual distribution for over 30 years. Co-created by Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis, the eponymous hero was played by Rowan Atkinson, who now voices the globally successful animated series, which launched in 2002. The brand also attracts significant digital audiences, with over 140 million followers on Meta, making it the biggest TV brand on the platform; over 72 million subscribers and 19 billion lifetime views across official YouTube channels; 10 million followers on Instagram; and 14.2 million likes on TikTok.
Produced by Tiger Aspect Kids & Family (part of Banijay Kids & Family), MD Tom Beattie is Exec Producer along with Rowan Atkinson. Dave Osborne will direct the series, Arnold Widdowson is producer and the head writers are Ciaran Murtagh and Andrew Barnett Jones.
Led by Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family is part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay.
Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay today announces global cookery hit MasterChef has reached 70 international adaptations, with two new versions set for Serbia and Malta.
Serbian broadcaster TVPrva will produce a first season of the world-famous factual entertainment format to air this month, bringing together local amateur cooks all keen to show the country they have what it takes in the kitchen.
Meanwhile, PBS-owned TVM in Malta will launch a new adaptation of the format in February 2024, with Greatt on board as local producer. Both agreements were brokered by Banijay’s global distribution arm, Banijay Rights.
Claire Jago, EVP Sales and Acquisitions – EMEA, Banijay Rights, said: “To reach 70 territory commissions is a significant milestone for us at Banijay and we’re incredibly proud this world-beating format continues to grow its influence worldwide. We can’t wait for our Serbian and Maltese production partners to deliver tantalising new versions of this global family favourite.”
MasterChef is the world’s most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records) and earlier this year, K7 crowned it the Spin-Off Superstar, with its eighth spin-off, MasterChef: Dessert Masters, launching in Australia last month. Now commissioned across 70 markets, the life-changing show has broadcast more than 10,000 episodes to-date and in 2021 aired its milestone 500th season globally since its reboot in 2005. Created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, the show is a super brand known and enjoyed around the world.
The MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay.
Comments Off on Casting Announced for Channael 5’s Rags to Riches Drama ‘The Hardacres’
Casting has been announced for The Hardacres, a major new 6 x 60’ period drama for Channel 5 from Playground, the award-winning production company behind the internationally acclaimed hit series All Creatures Great and Small. Currently filming on location in Dublin and Wicklow, Ireland, the new series is based on CL Skelton’s best-selling series of novels ‘The Hardacre Saga’. The novels are the number 1 bestseller in the Amazon Family Saga Kindle charts in the UK, US and Australia and Top 15 Bestseller across all Amazon Kindle titles in the US and UK. Global partners Banijay Rights will handle international distribution for the series.
The Hardacres is a sweeping rags to riches story that follows the lives, loves and fortunes of the working class Hardacre family as they move from a grimy fish dock to a vast country estate in 1890’s Yorkshire.
A bold, gutsy ensemble family drama full of heart, The Hardacres places an ordinary family in an extraordinary position and explores the age-old question – can money ever buy true happiness?
The Hardacre family consists of Claire Cooper (The Continental, The Peripheral) and Liam McMahon (Hunger, The Secret, Warrior Nun) as loving married couple Mary and Sam Hardacre, who land on hard times following an accident at work on the docks, which leaves them unemployed and broke. Alongside, Julie Graham (Time, Ridley, Penance), starring as Mary’s wily mother, Ma, and their three kids, Joe, Liza, and Harry, played by Adam Little (Ackley Bridge, Coronation Street), newcomer Shannon Lavelle and Zak Ford-Williams (Better), the family band together to think fast with a business venture that will free them from their humble existence on the North Yorkshire Coast and catapult them into high society.
Also joining the series are Holly Sturton (The School for Good and Evil) as Adella, Cathy Belton (Miss Scarlet & The Duke,The Catch, Philomena) as Emma and Owen Roe (Michael Collins, Vikings, Penny Dreadful) as George, making up the well to do Fitzherbert Family and new neighbours of The Hardacres. Ingrid Craigie (Blood, Blackshore, You Are Not My Mother) is housekeeper Mrs Dryden,with Siobhan O’Kelly(The Tourist S2) as Lena and Taheen Modak(The Bay) as Saunders.
The Hardacres has been created for television by Amy Roberts and Loren McLaughlan (The Winter King, Call the Midwife) who will serve as Lead Writers and Executive Producers. They are joined by Emma Reeves (The Worst Witch) who will write episode 3, and Liz Lake (Waterloo Road) who will write episode 4. Rachel Carey (Deadly Cuts) is Lead Director of Episodes 1-3. And Kieron J Walsh will direct Episodes 4-6.
The series is produced by Playground (All Creatures Great and Small, Wolf Hall, Howards End, The Undeclared War) in association with Screen Ireland, Red Berry Productions and Newgrange Pictures.
The series, commissioned by Deputy Chief Content Officer, Paramount UK, Sebastian Cardwell, alongside Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 and Paramount+, will be produced by Alex Jones (Witness Number 3, Penance) and co-produced by Jackie Larkin (Strike, Mrs Wilson); Executive Producers are Sir Colin Callender CBE (All Creatures Great and Small, The Undeclared War) and David Stern (Howards End, The Last Tycoon) for Playground, Lesley McKimm (My Name is Emily, Sunlight) for Red Berry Productions, Cathy Payne and Simon Cox for Banijay Rights and Andrew Byrne for Screen Ireland.
The Hardacres is planned for transmission in 2024.
David Stern, Executive Producer and Joint Managing Director of Playground says: “We’re incredibly excited to have found a cast that embodies and enhances the spirit, humour and humanity that leaps off the page in both the original novels and the brilliant scripts by Amy, Loren, Liz and Emma. Audiences will undoubtedly fall in love with our fantastic group of actors, made up of both seasoned talent and exciting new faces, as they bring this spirited and sweeping rags to riches saga to life on screen.”
Simon Cox, Executive Producer and EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, says:“We fell in love with the world of The Hardacres from the first read of the scripts and we’re delighted with the ensemble cast that Playground has assembled. We’re in no doubt international audiences will enjoy embarking on the journey with this talented family of actors.”
Comments Off on Stan Acquires Malaysian Adaptation of the Bridge
Double Vision, the leading Malaysian production arm of the Vision New Media group, is delighted to announce that both seasons (20 x 60’) of its localised version of Hans Rosenfeldt’s hit Scandi series The Bridge have sold to Stan, Australia’s leading local streaming service.
The agreement, brokered by Lyle Bettson-Barker, SVP Australia and New Zealand from Banijay Rights, represents the first time that Stan has acquired a Malaysian drama series.
The Asian version ofThe Bridge, which premiered on Stan last week, was initially commissioned by Viu and HBO Asia in 2018, after Double Vision introduced Viu to the format. It broadcast to great acclaim across 23 territories in the combined Viu/HBO Asia regional footprint and was also shown on Viu in South Africa. The title has garnered more than 20 regional awards and nominations across its two seasons, making it the most awarded drama in Malaysian history.
In series one, faithfully following the original, a dead body is found on the border between Malaysia and Singapore, necessitating an investigator from each country to work together to solve the crime. Season two, meanwhile, is an entirely original storyline and, uniquely amongst all the iterations of the format, involves a third country – in this case Indonesia.
Min Lim, CEO of Vision New Media, head of production at Double Vision and the series’ showrunner says: “I loved the original of The Bridge when I first saw it and knew that the story would work brilliantly on the Malaysia/Singapore border. It was one of the most ambitious Malaysian television projects at the time and I was both thrilled and incredibly appreciative when Viu decided to take a chance on it and subsequently committed to securing the rights so that we could adapt it for them.
“Malaysian drama has not traditionally travelled well outside of the country, let alone outside of Asia, and this is something that I am incredibly passionate about changing. So, to have our version of The Bridge premiere on Stan in Australia, is not only testament to the incredible skills and talent base that we have in the country but also to the fact that well-made shows of any language can travel if given the opportunity. This has made me even more committed to ensuring that more Malaysian productions find great homes overseas.”
Lyle Bettson-Barker, SVP Australia and New Zealand, Banijay Rights, added: “One of the most prominent scripted formats of the last decade, The Bridge continues to move and thrill viewers worldwide. We’re delighted the fantastic Malaysian version has found an Australian home in Stan, which will bring a whole new audience to this impeccably crafted series.”
Double Vision has a growing reputation for producing highly regarded local adaptations of successful scripted formats. It also produced a hit version of Liar for Astro which, amongst its other nominations, is in the running for Best Adaptation of an Existing Format at the upcoming Asian Academy Creative Awards in Singapore this week.
Comments Off on The London TV Screenings Announces Initial Line Up of 29 Distributors
The London TV Screenings today announces that 29 distributors will take part in its 2024 schedule from Monday 26 February to Friday 1 March. The figure is already an increase on the total number of participating distributors in 2023, with a rise in the number of internationally-headquartered companies heading to London to showcase content to buyers.
The four founding distributors, All3Media International, Banijay, Fremantle and ITV Studios, will be joined by: Abacus Media Rights, Beta Film GmbH, Blue Ant Media, BossaNova Media, Cineflix Rights, DCD Rights, Dogwoof, Eccho Rights, Federation Studios, FIFTH SEASON, Fox Entertainment Global, Hat Trick International, Keshet International, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal Formats, Newen Connect, Off the Fence, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Passion Distribution, Red Arrow Studios International, Sony Pictures Television, STUDIOCANAL, TVF International, Viaplay Content Distribution and Warner Bros. International Television Production, with each set to deliver a compelling mix of scripted, non-scripted and format buyers events.
A London TV Screenings spokesperson said: “The London TV Screenings 2024 is set to be even bigger than the 2023 event, which is no mean feat in these challenging times. Having been a ‘must-attend’ for London-headquartered distributors for many years, the event is now warmly welcoming more participants from overseas, so it is really becoming a pivotal moment in the calendar that will continue to grow and evolve from one year to the next.” The third annual event in 2023 attracted 28 studios/distributors, an 87% increase on the 2022 edition, and more than 500 international buyers.
The fourth annual Screenings will again see the group of leading distributors working together to offer expertly curated sessions, exclusive first looks and “deep dives” into some of the most hotly-anticipated formats, scripted and non-scripted content – as well as the chance to connect with world-class on and off-screen talent.
Comments Off on Banijay Rights Secures Marie Antoinette’s Return to BBC
Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of media and content powerhouse Banijay, today announces UK public broadcaster the BBC has pre-bought the second series of landmark historical drama Marie Antoinette.
The CANAL+ Creation Originale, produced by Capa Drama, Banijay Studios France and Beside Productions will once again air on BBC Two and iPlayer following an agreement negotiated by Chris Stewart, SVP Sales, UK & Eire, Banijay Rights. The deal follows CANAL+’s second series order of the Banijay and Newen drama in March, with filming now underway.
Created by Deborah Davis, the new 8 x 60’ series of Marie Antoinette continues the extraordinary story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen, played by Emilia Schüle (Ku’damm 56/ 63), with Louis Cunningham (Bridgerton) as the king of France, Louis XVI.
At the height of their power, while Marie Antoinette and Louis face an unprecedented financial crisis, the incessant attacks of Provence and Chartres against the royal couple stir up the hatred of the nobles while disastrous consequences are looming with infamous Affair of the Diamond Necklace incident. From Versailles to the Palais-Royal, the revolt rumbles…
Marie Antoinette’s first series has been sold to broadcasters in more than 147 territories, including PBS Distribution in the US, BBC First in Australia and BBC Two and iPlayer in the UK, and a raft of broadcasters across Europe and Latin America.
Chris Stewart, SVP Sales, UK & Eire, Banijay Rights, said: “Extraordinary performances, enigmatic writing and high-quality production values are just some of the reasons Marie Antoinette has proved popular with buyers worldwide. With another series now being filmed, we’re delighted the BBC is on board again to take this fascinating portrayal of France’s most iconic queen to UK viewers.”
Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisitions, BBC, said: “Following the great success of series one, we are delighted to return to Versailles for the next entertaining chapter in the eventful life of the charismatic and captivating Marie Antoinette.”
Marie Antoinette is produced by Claude Chelli and Margaux Balsan for Capa Drama, Stéphanie Chartreux for Banijay Studios France. The season two writing team is led by Louise Ironside, joined by Charlotte Wolf, Francesca Forristal and Andrew Bampfield. Ed Bazalgette will direct the first four episodes, while Raf Reyntjens will direct the remaining four.