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 Jarowskij Finland commits Murder in Hanko with Nelonen and Ruutu
Banijay Nordic today announces a new original series from scripted label Jarowskij Finland, based on renowned character Ruben Waara, created by Matti Remes, who features in many of his acclaimed novels.
Production on the ten-part series, Murder in Hanko, written by Eriikka Etholén-Paju and directed by Aleksi Mäkelä, is underway. The series is scheduled to air on Nelonen and Ruutu in spring 2024 and will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.
The series, set against the backdrop of picturesque Finnish coastal town of Hanko, revolves around the enigmatic character of Ruben Waara, portrayed by Matti Ristinen. A charismatic but somewhat aimless bachelor who recently turned 50, Ruben sells his company and returns to his hometown in Hanko for the summer. Things take a turn when Ruben’s estranged daughter Vera, played by Mimosa Willamo, a dedicated police officer in Hanko, finds herself entangled in a murder investigation on the very day of Ruben’s arrival.
Teea Hyytiä, Executive Producer comments: “Murder in Hanko is a story of familial bonds as the father-daughter duo untangles the mysterious murder, uncovering secrets and delving into the intriguing power dynamics of Hanko’s influential families. This is a warm and witty series, and we believe the charming plot and stunning coastal setting will captivate audiences both here in Finland and internationally with Banijay Rights.”
Jarowskij Finland is behind a high-end slate including returning crime series Detective Maria Kallio, five seasons of comedy series Onnela, as well as Jill and Joy, four successful feature films for younger audiences.
The company is part of Banijay Nordic, home to premium scripted labels across the region including Filmlance (Fallen, Ronja the Robbers Daughter), Yellow Bird (Bäckström), Endemol Shine Finland (Dance Brothers), Rubicon (Salmon Island w/t), and Jarowskij Sweden (Riding Into Darkness)
Comments Off on Banijay Rights Takes Survivor to Argentina
Banijay Rights today announces an all-new adaptation of adventure reality format Survivor in Argentina.
Argentinian broadcaster Telefe will produce a new version of Survivor entitled Survivor, Expedición Robinson– building on the success of the original series that aired in the territory 22 years ago.
The agreement was brokered by Michelle Wasserman, SVP Latam, US Hispanic & Brazil, Banijay Rights, who said: “Combining adventure, strategy and real-life jeopardy, Survivor continues to be one of the world’s most renowned formats. We are delighted to secure this deal with our partners at Telefe and bring this amazing show to Argentinian viewers.”
Guillermo Pendino, VP of Content and Programming Telefe & Chilevisión, added: “We are thrilled to bring the global TV phenomenon, Survivor, to Argentina. This has been an exciting format to produce, and audiences here will love it.”
This latest deal in Latin America follows recent news of Survivor’s return to RCN in Colombia after a 15-year hiatus, while in the UK Remarkable Entertainment – a Banijay UK company – is set to produce a new version for BBC One and BBC iPlayer to air this year. A French-Canadian version launched on Noovo this Spring.
Survivor, a Banijay format created by Charlie Parsons, is one of the most watched reality entertainment formats around the world. Celebrating 25 years last year, (the format was first employed in 1997 in Sweden), the show has gone on to be ranked as the ‘Number 1 Best Reality Show of All Time’ by Variety. A total of 50 versions and more than 360 series have been commissioned around the world to date, and the CBS version of the show from the USA is currently airing its 44th series.
The rules of Survivor are clear: contestants are divided in two tribes and fight in daily challenges for immunity and other advantages. After each immunity challenge, one team needs to see one of their own eliminated and on the way home. It is a tough competition and there is only one Survivor: the one that goes home with the title and the big award.
Comments Off on Dates Announced For The Fourth Annual London TV Screenings
The organisers of the annual London TV Screenings have today announced it will return from Monday 26 February to Friday 1 March 2024.
The third annual event in 2023 attracted 28 studios/distributors, an 87% increase on the 2022 edition, and more than 500 international buyers. It comprised a full schedule of events, each conveniently taking place in landmark West End locations to enhance the buyer experience.
ITV Studios and All3Media International held their events at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, Fremantle and Banijay Rights at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, and eOne at Picturehouse Central in Piccadilly. Other participating companies included Abacus Media Rights, About Premium Content, Blue Ant Media, Bossanova Media, Cineflix Rights, DCD Rights, Dogwoof, Eccho Rights, FIFTH SEASON, Fox Entertainment Global, Hattrick International, Keshet International, Lionsgate, NBC Universal Global Distribution, Newen Connect, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Passion Distribution, Red Arrow Studios International, Sony Pictures, STUDIOCANAL, TVF International, Viaplay Content Distribution and Warner Bros International Television Production.
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.
A London TV Screenings spokesperson said: “The third annual London TV Screenings proved that the event is firmly embedded in the annual buying calendar, packing out the largest and most prestigious screening venues London has to offer. We’re delighted to continue to deliver this premium and unmissable experience for buyers in 2024.”
Clients from all major markets, including the US, Europe, Australia, China, Africa and the Middle East, attended the 2023 Screenings. The London TV Screenings was founded by five leading London-based distributors: All3Media International, Banijay Rights, eOne, Fremantle and ITV Studios.
Comments Off on Banijay Rights Builds LEGO® Masters in Japan
Banijay Rights today announces a new adaptation for competition reality format LEGO Masters, with a landmark agreement confirmed in Japan.
Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) will produce and broadcast a first season of the format – the third version to air in Asia following adaptations by MBC in South Korea and Shenzhen TV in China.
Production is currently underway for the show, which will see pairs compete against each other to wow judges with awesome inspiring designs and brick builds.
LEGO Masters is a firm hit globally, with this order following a recent coproduction between TV Markiza in Slovakia and TV Nova in the Czech Republic. The format has now been ordered by a total of 19 international broadcasters across Europe, the US, Australia and Asia. Originally created by Tuesday’s Child Television and the LEGO Group, Banijay globally distributes the format and finished tape for the show.
Rashmi Bajpai, EVP Sales Asia, Banijay Rights, who negotiated the TBS deal with her team, said: “LEGO Masters is a masterstroke of a global format that continues to provide uplifting viewing to audiences worldwide. We’re thrilled to land this deal in Japan with our partners at TBS, in what is yet another milestone format negotiation for our company in Asia.”
Kunihiro Aso, Producer, Contents Solution Department, TBS, added: ”I am very excited and honoured to produce the Japanese version of LEGO Masters, which will be a part of the worldwide mega hit series. I am looking forward to working with Banijay Rights and not only learn about the production of the show, but also closely examine the essence of creation behind it.”
Michael Ebbesen, General Manager, LEGO Japan, said: “We are so excited that families in Japan will have an opportunity to enjoy this global phenomenon. LEGO Masters celebrates LEGO building at its very best – creative, ingenious, great teamwork and lots and lots of fun. We are looking forward to inspiring Japanese builders of all ages.”
Comments Off on Prime Video Acquires Rights to British Nature Documentary Wild Isles, Narrated by Sir David Attenborough
Prime Video today announced that it has acquired the rights to Wild Isles, the nature documentary series narrated by Sir David Attenborough. In a deal negotiated by distributor Banijay Rights, the series will be available on April 21, in time for Earth Day. Wild Isles will premiere on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide with the exception of the UK, where It will follow the premiere on the BBC.
The five-part natural history series centers on the British Isles, which is one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes on Earth, and the series is full of behaviors never before seen on screen. The breathtaking aerial photography reveals the beauty of the British countryside, and motion controlled time-lapse photography brings to life the story of the passing seasons. The latest low-light cameras uncover the secret nocturnal lives of many of our favorite animals, and macro photography reveals the miniature worlds of rock pools, ponds, and grasslands. The series was captured over three years in 4K resolution.
“In my long lifetime, I have traveled to almost every corner of our planet,” said narrator Sir David Attenborough. “I can assure you that in the British Isles, as well as astonishing scenery, there are extraordinary animal dramas and wildlife spectacles to match anything I have seen on my global travels.”
The series is produced by All3Media’s Silverback Films, with Alastair Fothergill (Blue Planet,Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, and Our Planet) serving as executive producer, and is co-produced by The Open University, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and World Wildlife Fund. Banijay Rights handles distribution for the series.
Comments Off on Banijay’s Big Brother Expands Global Reach with First Series in Chile
Content powerhouse Banijay today announces hit format Big Brother will be adapted in Chile for the first time.
In a deal with Banijay Rights, the reality series will broadcast on Chilevision this year. Produced by Chilevision and Kuarzo, the show will be the first time Chile has produced its own version and will build on the success of the pan regional series which last aired 18 years ago.
Last year Banijay format Big Brother had its most successful year yet, with 33 productions airing across 26 markets. Originally created by EndemolShine Nederland, Big Brother has had 67 adaptations. The celebrity version was named Spin-Off of the Year in K7 Media’s 2021-2022 report. This latest commission follows the successful Argentinean reboot.
The agreement was brokered by Michelle Wasserman, SVP Latam, USH & Brazil, Banijay Rights, who said: “Big Brother is a tried and tested hit and we are thrilled to strike a deal for the first Chilean version. There is great momentum across Latin America for this iconic format, with Argentina’s recent return highlighting how powerful and relevant this programme still is.”
Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay adds: “With last year being the best yet for Big Brother, we are excited to further build on its success and bring the legendary show to a new market in this deal with Chile. The ongoing popularity is testament to the strength of the format which enables audiences to relate, connect, and be entertained by Big Brother. We look forward to continually extending the format withnew territories such as Chile, long running series like the milestone 25th season in the US, and reboots including the UK set for 2023.”
Big Brother sees a group of people from all walks of life, agree to be locked up in a house fitted with cameras that record their every move. With no contact from the outside world, participants must learn how to co-habit with their new housemates whilst competing against them every week in physical and mental challenges.
Comments Off on Marie Antoinette’s Reign Extended with CANAL+
Content powerhouse Banijay and Newen today announce the landmark historical drama, Marie Antoinette, has been ordered for a second series by CANAL+, with filming expected to begin in autumn.
Created by Deborah Davis (The Favourite), the new series of Marie Antoinette will continue 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 The Affair of the Necklace. From Versailles to the Palais-Royal, the revolt rumbles…
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.
The CANAL+ Creation Originale, produced by Capa Drama, Banijay Studios France, will once again be distributed globally by Banijay Rights. The first series has been sold to over 70 territories, including PBS Distribution in the US, BBC First in Australia and BBC Two and iPlayer in the UK, which reported consolidated viewing figures of 2.1 million for its premiere in 2022, and a raft of broadcasters across Europe and LatAm.
Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay Rights says: “Without a doubt, Marie Antoinette has been a popular drama with our buyers worldwide, and this is testament to the world-class producers in France who have created a premium, returning series for the international market. The flawless, high-quality production is filled with glamourous talent and lavish locations, and we’re thrilled to offer a landmark new season of this unique interpretation of the fashionable French queen to global audiences.”
Marie Antoinette is produced by Claude Chelli and Margaux Balsan for Capa Drama, Stéphanie Chartreux for Banijay Studios France.
Comments Off on Banijay Spotlights Premium Portfolio for London TV Screenings
Content powerhouse, Banijay, today confirms the line-up for its bespoke London TV Screenings event on Wednesday 1 March at BAFTA. It marks the second physical participation in the wider annual distribution gathering, which runs from Monday 27 February to Friday 3 March.
Shining a light on scripted, Banijay Rights’ premium offering includes UK dramas Three Little Birds for ITV and BritBox International, This Town and The Sixth Commandment for the BBC, Domina for MGM+ and Sky, Safe Home for SBS, as well as feature documentary LARA (w/t).
This year’s stellar scripted offering will be complemented by Banijay’s unscripted formats fronted by its Creative Networks team. Included are fresh interior design competition, TheBig Interiors Battle; addictive dating and relationship shows, Love Triangle, Date My Mate, Save the Date; entertainment newcomers,Boomerissima and Cover Night; competition titles Blow Up and MasterChef Young Talent; and sneak peeks will be on offer for much-anticipated adventure reality, The Summit, and comedy entertainment, No Strings Attached.
As part of the exclusive, invite-only event, This Town creator, writer and executive producer, Steven Knight, stars of Three Little Birds Rochelle Neil, Yazmin Belo, and Saffron Coomber, will be interviewed live on the BAFTA stage, as well as The Sixth Commandment writer Sarah Phelps and director Saul Dibb; Safe Home star Aisha Dee, Domina creator Simon Burke and award-winning LARA (w/t) director Mags Gavan.
Cathy Payne, CEO at Banijay Rights says: “This year’s Banijay at BAFTA event is set to have the strongest line-up yet, and we’re proud to create a truly must-attend showcase for international buyers, with a high-calibre of talent supporting us on stage. With an extensive range of genres, bringing globally relevant themes to audiences, we expect our eclectic roster of content to be immensely popular.”
James Townley, Global Head of Content Development & Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay comment: “From Love Triangle to Blow Up and No Strings Attached, at Banijay, we have a strong pipeline of emerging IP that we’re proud to present. This is down to our creatives who we are delighted to support in super-charging their ambitious ideas and getting them on-screen and travelling the world.”
Banijay Rights’ footprint in the premium documentary space has expanded over the last year, and along with Banijay Benelux joint venture Scenery, it’s lining up LARA (w/t). Directed by the BAFTA and Emmy award-winning Mags Gavan, the film recounts an extraordinary reconciliation story between Jorge Lara and Juan Pablo Escobar – the son of notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
On the scripted front, Banijay Rights is highlighting Three Little Birds, the six-part drama created by Sir Lenny Henry which depicts his mother’s stories of leaving Jamaica in the 1950s. The project is produced by Tiger Aspect Productions in association with Douglas Road Productions – both Banijay UK companies. Meanwhile, from Kudos, (a Banijay UK company) and Nebulastar, and co-produced with Mercury Studios, in association with Kudos North, Stigma Films, and Nick Angel for the BBC, This Town tells the story of an extended family and four young people who are drawn into the world of ska and two-tone music. This marks the first project of the Kudos-Knight creative partnership deal which supports the Birmingham film and TV industry.
The Sixth Commandment, from Wild Mercury Productions (a Banijay UK company) and True Vision Productions, is a true crime drama which explores the deaths of Peter Farquhar and Anne Moore-Martin in a small English village, while Domina returns for a second season, from Tiger Aspect Productions in association with MGM+ Studios, continuing the epic sweeping drama series that takes place during one of the most provocative periods in Roman history.
In addition, thriller Safe Home, the first commission for Imogen Banks’ new production company Kindling Pictures, which follows Phoebe, played by Aisha Dee, a 20-something professional who leaves her job at a prestigious law firm to work at a struggling family violence legal centre. As interconnecting stories unfold, relationships are tested and pressure mounts to save the centre.
Joining Banijay’s factual competition offering is brand-new interior design format, The
Big Interiors Battle from Banijay UK’s Remarkable Factual. Eight people with an eye for design receive the keys to an apartment where they are challenged to transform a different room each week. Will their key card work when they next try to enter or have, they been locked out the competition?
Love Triangle is a bold new relationship show created by the producers of Married at First Sight Australia, Endemol Shine Australia. It challenges a group of singles to relinquish their grasp on what they think their perfect partner should look like and instead choose, sight unseen. Following its successful first season on Stan, it has been recommissioned for a second series. Produced by Dragonfly in the UK, Date My Mate also explores modern dating. Based on the Endemol Shine Australia format Date Night, singles swipe through prospective suitors on the formats’ dedicated real-life app and then watch the subsequent dates unfold. In addition, in Save the Date single women tired of the dating world gain total control of their love life by setting a wedding date, before they have even begun to search for their partner. Will setting a love deadline help them find the one? Created by Endemol Shine Israel, Endemol Shine Finland produced the first series for Nelonen.
Boomerissima, created by Banijay Italia, is all about proving the superiority of your generation. Each episode sees celebrities from different eras pitted against each other highlighting TV shows, movies, music, famous names, adverts, etc to refute stereotypes and highlight whether things were better in the past or the present. The first series concluded on Rai 2 this month, outperforming the channels slot average across all demographics. Next up, how would Flowers by Miley Cyrus sound as rap or Beyonce’s Crazy in Love as a ballad? Cover Night is the singing contest from Shine Iberia that sees young talented singers (16+) go head-to-head as they transform hit songs into different genres and add their own twist to covers, accompanied by a live band.
Elsewhere, there are strong signs competition entertainment combos are here to stay with brand new formats from the Netherlands, and the Nordics. Amongst Banijay’s successful formats is Blow Up, created by EndemolShine Nederland and now commissioned in four territories. The first season which aired in the Netherlands last summer was the number one show in the slot on all commercial key demos with the slot average up 168% for 6-12-year-olds. Banijay also has the latest spin-off from MasterChef, the world’s most successful cookery television format which was created by Franc Roddam, starring a new generation of promising chefs, aged 13 to 18. Created by Danish company Metronome, and Nordisk Banijay in Norway, for Viaplay Group, this exciting and authentic new iteration aims to equip a future generation with the best tools within the industry, providing them with the platform and experience to one day, hopefully, fulfil their chef dreams.
On the first-look side, The Summit is a new and highly anticipated blockbuster adventure reality series created and developed exclusively with the 9Network by Endemol Shine Australia. Set in New Zealand’s rugged southern Alps, a group of strangers carrying an equal share of 1 million Australian dollars must reach the peak of a distant mountain in just 14 days to win the cash. All that stands in the way are a series of adrenaline-charged challenges and human nature. In a thrilling tale of endurance, survival, and greed; morals will be tested, physical limits pushed, and bonds broken. Will they work together or turn on each other as the going gets tough? And if they reach the summit in time…who will walk away with the money? Combining comedy with entertainment, RDF Television’s No Strings Attached invites a different celebrity in each episode to read an erotic piece of creative writing where they are the lead role. The adult fan fiction brought to life by puppet versions of the stars will encounter romance, scandal, mystery, intrigue, and farce.
More than 20 distributors join founder members Banijay Rights, Alll3Media International, Entertainment One, Fremantle and ITV Studios in showcasing their catalogues at this year’s London TV Screenings.
Comments Off on Banijay Rights Boards 72 Films’ Boris
Banijay Rights today announces it has acquired global distribution rights to Boris (working title), a new 72 Films documentary series that chronicles the rise and fall of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Produced by 72 Films (The Trump Show,Crime & Punishment) for Channel 4 in the UK, Boris is the definitive documentary series that reveals the events that shaped Alexander Boris De Pfeffel Johnson, his meteoric rise to power and his extraordinary premiership.
Through a combination of rare archive footage and with access to those with intimate knowledge of Johnson over the years, the 4 x 60’ series will hear from both his friends and enemies to reveal his true persona. The films will give greater insight into his actions, his ambition and the real events that have shaped modern British politics.
Executive produced by 72 Films’ David Glover, the series divulges how the seeds of political rivalries still being felt in British politics all began in the corridors at Eton, where Johnson beat David Cameron to the prestigious role of School Captain, and how he sharpened his skills whilst campaigning for Student President at Oxford. It also explores his rise and rise as a politician, becoming mayor of London and finally achieving his dream job: Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Banijay Rights will represent Boris globally.
Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, said: “Boris gives a deep insight into one of the UK’s most mystifying and controversial political leaders, revealing how early life events shaped Boris Johnson’s character right up to his tenure as the country’s most powerful man. We’re in no doubt 72 Films’ extraordinary series will be an eye opening account for international buyers.”
Mark Raphael, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, 72 Films, said:“If there’s one single person whose life depicts the recent history of Britain – it’s Boris Johnson. He led the Brexit campaign, was both prime minister and in intensive care during Covid, and is connected to both Russia and Ukraine. This documentary series tells the life story of one of the world’s most compelling characters.”
Boris joins Banijay Right’s growing slate of documentary series ahead of Banijay’s London TV Screeningsevent at BAFTA on 1st March.
Comments Off on Banijay Rights and Proper Content Renew First-Look Development Pact
Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay, today announces it has extended its first-look development deal with UK factual specialist Proper Content for a further two years.
Under the new agreement, both parties will further develop and produce series for the UK and international markets, building on their deal signed at the IndieLab Accelerator program in 2019.
Led by Creative Director, David DeHaney, Proper Content is a UK independent production company launched in 2016 specialising in distinctive and talked-about factual entertainment and documentary programming. Shows to emerge from the Banijay Rights partnership include engaging Channel 4 series The School That Tried to End Racism (2 x 60’) and Channel 5 documentary The Queen’s Guards (5 x 60’).
The renewal agreement was brokered by Banijay Rights’ VP Acquisitions, Leila Hobday, who recently joined the company from BBC Studios. “From ground-breaking social experiments to incredible access documentaries, our partnership with Proper Content has been nothing but fruitful and we are pleased to extend it for another two years,” Hobday said.
David DeHaney, Creative Director, Proper Content, said: “Banijay have been a great partner, offering advice, production support and delivering in sales. We are very happy to be renewing our first look agreement for another two years.”
David launched Proper Content in October 2016. Prior to this, he held senior positions in some of the UK’s leading production companies, including Love Productions, BBC, Nutopia, RDF, Darlow Smithson, Victory Television, Granada Television and Maverick.
IndieLab is the leading growth programme in the UK TV sector, helping independent production companies to scale-up and super-charge their growth. Banijay Rights is a major sponsor of the initiative, which sees its GrowthLab event launch today.
Comments Off on Banijay Rights Takes Marie Antoinette Worldwide
Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay, today announces further landmark sales of historical drama Marie Antoinette.
Produced by Banijay Studios France, CAPA Drama and Les Gens, this CANAL+ Creation Originale eight-part series – created and written by Deborah Davis (The Favourite) – has been acquired by Antenna Plus (Ant1+) in Greece, Ceska Televize in the Czech Republic, DIRECTV in Latin America and Canada’s national public broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada for CBC Gem (English) and ICI Télé and ICI Tou.tv (French).
Meanwhile, RTÉ in Ireland, Sky Italia, Radio & Television Slovakia – RTVS and Viaplay across all Nordic and Baltic countries and the Netherlands, have all acquired the drama.
These agreements follow previous sales of Marie Antoinette to BBC First in Australia, PBS Distribution in the US, and BBC Two and iPlayer in the UK, which reported consolidated viewing figures of 2.1 million for its premiere last month.
Claire Jago, EVP Sales and Acquisitions, EMEA, Banijay Rights, said: “Boasting tour-de-force performances, beautiful scenery and powerful writing from Deborah Davis, Marie Antoinette is an extraordinary drama that continues to appeal to broadcasters and streaming services worldwide. We’re extremely pleased that so many new buyers have acquired this series, which gives one of the most comprehensive accounts of this unique woman to date.”
Marie Antoinette tells the story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen, played by Emilia Schüle (Ku’damm 56/ 63), with Louis Cunningham (Bridgerton) as the Dauphin of France, Louis XVI.
The series is produced by Claude Chelli and Margaux Balsan for CAPA Drama, Stéphanie Chartreux for Banijay Studios France, and Christophe Toulemonde for Les Gens. Filming took place in many prestigious historical places including the Châteaux of Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Lésigny, Champs, Voisins, and in the emblematic studios of Bry-sur-Marne.
Joining Davis in writing the ambitious drama is Louise Ironside (The Split), Avril E. Russell (All on a Summer’s Day) and Chloë Moss (Run Sister Run). The series is directed by Pete Travis (Bloodlands) and Geoffrey Enthoven (Children of Love).
Marie Antoinette was a young teenager when she left Austria to marry the Dauphin of France. Growing from a stubborn young princess navigating the rules of the French court under pressure to continue the Bourbon line, to a true fashion icon, she impressed with her natural charisma, and recreated life in Versailles in her image: free, independent and feminist ahead of time. Even with rumours undermining her reputation, the notorious figure would defeat the enemies of the Versailles court with courage and dignity.
Comments Off on Banijay Rights Sends Rogue Heroes to China and the Middle East
Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay, today announces further landmark sales of Rogue Heroes, following the gripping World War Two drama’s renewal by the BBC last night.
In deals negotiated across the Banijay Rights global sales team, the first season of Rogue Heroes has been picked up by Wing Sight Culture & Media Co for streaming in China and STARZPLAY in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, TVNZ in New Zealand, Paramount+ in Germany, and DIRECTV in Latin America have all acquired the series.
These new agreements follow previous sales of the drama to premium network EPIX (soon to be known as MGM+) for the US, HBO Max in Europe, Prime Video in Canada, SBS in Australia and Canal+ in France.
Produced by Kudos (a Banijay UK company) and Nebulastar for the BBC – and entitled SAS Rogue Heroes in the UK market – the series is a dramatized account of how the world’s greatest Special Forces unit, the SAS, was formed under extraordinary circumstances in the darkest days of World War Two.
Cathy Payne, CEO, Banijay Rights, said: “These latest global deals cap off an exceptional couple of months for Rogue Heroes, with a recent BBC renewal a fantastic way to end the year. We’re excited to extend the reach of Steven Knight’s and Kudos’ epic drama to several new territories, including China and the Middle East for the very first time.”
Martin Haines, Joint MD, Kudos, said: “The series has been a huge global hit, with audiences captivated by the incredible world that Steven Knight has brought to life for our Rogue Heroes. We’re thrilled that even more people will now get the chance to watch.”
Based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book, Rogue Heroes centres on David Stirling, an eccentric young officer, who is hospitalized after a training exercise gone wrong. Convinced that traditional commando units don’t work, Stirling creates a radical plan that flies in the face of all accepted rules of modern warfare. He fights for permission to recruit the toughest, boldest, and brightest soldiers for a small undercover unit that will create mayhem behind enemy lines. More rebels than soldiers, Stirling’s team is every bit as complicated, flawed, and reckless as it is brave and heroic.
Rogue Heroes was developed for television and written by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Taboo, A Christmas Carol) and is directed by Tom Shankland (The Serpent, The Missing), with Stephen Smallwood (The Serpent, Patrick Melrose) as producer. Knight also executive produces the series alongside Karen Wilson, Martin Haines and Emma Kingsman-Lloyd for Kudos, and Tommy Bulfin for the BBC.
Connor Swindells (Sex Education, Vigil) plays David Stirling, with Jack O’Connell (Skins, The North Water) as Paddy Mayne, Alfie Allen (Jojo Rabbit, Game of Thrones) as Jock Lewes, Tom Glynn-Carney (Dunkirk, The King) as SAS Founding member Mike Sadler, and Sofia Boutella (Modern Love, Atomic Blonde) as Eve Mansour. Dominic West (The Wire, Appropriate Adult) plays Lieutenant Colonel Wrangel Clarke.
Commissioned by the BBC, SASRogue Heroes premiered on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK in October 2022. Filming on season two will take place in 2023. Banijay Rights is also global distributor for This Town, a major upcoming six-part BBC drama from Steven Knight and Kudos which tells the story of a family and four young people who are drawn into the world of ska and two-tone music.