Banijay Studios France Archives - Banijay Group

Banijay Unveils New Scripted Initiative Banijay Bootcamp

8th February 2024 2:25 pm Comments Off

Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces Banijay Bootcamp, a new creative programme for scripted talent, set to facilitate collaborative storytelling by pairing in-house development executives with emerging writers in a dynamic residency.

Led by Steve Matthews, Content Executive at Banijay, Banijay Bootcamp is facilitated through the established MIDPOINT Institute’s Series Launch programme which Matthews has been part of since its inception in 2015. Working with Matthews is Portocabo’s Head of Content Nina Hernández along with guest tutor Tatjana Samopjan.

Starting this week in Prague, with two residencies across three months, a cohort of five Banijay development executives from Mexico, Spain, France, Israel, and the Netherlands, will each be mentored with a writer to develop an idea, storyline, plot and script.

Participants in the inaugural Banijay Bootcamp include Clara Machado (Endemol Shine Boomdog) with Carl Zitelmann, Anita Pico (Zeppelin) with Carlotta Dans and Lucía Estévez (Portocabo), Héloïse Ridoux (Banijay Studios France) with Quentin Elles, Adi Bar Yossef (Endemol Shine Israel) with Elad Laor, and Claire Zhou (NL Film) with Leon Golterman.

Steve Matthews, Content Executive at Banijay, says: “Banijay Bootcamp will see our in-house development storymakers and their chosen writers sharpen skills to further understand the deep structure of an idea and how to make it the very best version possible. They’ll expertly demolish and rebuild to make projects sharp and – yes, commercial. In an increasingly competitive market, productions need to be really, really, good, so this is really about supporting development executives and writers, strengthening the next-generation across the footprint.”

Banijay is home to a diverse range of over 60 labels working within scripted. Highly-anticipated forthcoming titles include Ripley, This Town, Supersex, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, Carême, Elixer, Supporting Actor, Like Water for Chocolate, series two of The Golden Hour and many many more.

Banijay Bootcamp is one of many of the group’s initiatives designed to accelerate and support talent and supercharge creativity, including Banijay Launch, which supports women creators with promising unscripted formats, providing in-house mentorships to aid them in developing bold new formats from concept to pitch to sale.

Based in Prague, MIDPOINT Institute is an international centre for audiovisual training and networking which offers comprehensive professional support in film and series development, individual skills development, and post-production. MIDPOINT is devoted to helping emerging and mid-career professionals advance their projects and improve their craft.

Banijay Studios France Appoints Managing Director

10th May 2023 12:07 pm Comments Off

Banijay today announces the appointment of Guillaume Thouret as Managing Director for Banijay Studios France.

In this role, Thouret will set Banijay Studios France’s strategy for the local and international market, managing the portfolio of projects in development, building co-production opportunities, and continuing to grow the talent base. He will work hand-in-hand with the existing team of producers, who are behind recent hits such asMarie Antoinette, co-produced with CAPA Drama and Les Gens, Les disparus de la Forêt Noire for TF1, among others.

Thouret joins Banijay France’s production label from Newen Group, where he was Deputy Managing Director, having joined as Managing Director of CAPA in 2015. Beginning his career in the industry at RTL Group in 1997, he went on to join TF1 Group two years later, holding various roles before becoming General Secretary of TF1 Production in 2003. After five years, he stepped up to Deputy Managing Director, overseeing the group’s scripted and streamer formats before taking on the helm as Managing Director of TF6 and Série Club in 2011.

François de Brugada, CEO of Banijay France says: “Guillaume brings a wealth of experience to Banijay Studios France, and his industry knowledge will be invaluable in bolstering the growth of high-quality and ambitious scripted programming. His arrival cements the label’s position as an essential producer of premium scripted series in France and beyond, building on the success of internationally renowned shows such as Marie Antoinette.”

Banijay Studios France has built a strong industry reputation with a portfolio of hits including Marie Antoinette, co-produced with CAPA Drama and Les Gens, which has sold to over 70 territories and has recently been commissioned for a second season. Other successes include Germinal (France TV), Les disparus de la Forêt Noire (TF1), L’école de la vie (France TV), Skam (France TV), and Versailles (Canal+).

Marie Antoinette’s Reign Extended with CANAL+

17th March 2023 2:30 pm Comments Off

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.

Banijay Rights Takes Marie Antoinette Worldwide

24th January 2023 11:15 am Comments Off

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.

Banijay Studios France Partners with Fiction’Air, Belga Productions and RTBF, on New Premium Crime Thriller for TF1

28th November 2022 2:46 pm Comments Off

Banijay today announces a new French co-production for TF1, Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire, produced in partnership with Banijay Studios France, Fiction’Air, Belga Productions and RTBF. The premium drama will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

Starring Hélène de Fougerolles, (Balthazar), Gregory Fitoussi (St Tropez, Spiral) and Tcheky Karyo (The Missing, Baptiste), Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire is set in the heart of the Black Forest, at a binational military base near the French-German border, where twelve bodies, all men, are found in a mass grave. The victims are both French and German, with the murders committed over three decades. Judge Camille Hartmamnn, played by Hélène de Fougerolles, has a connection to the case, but after a car accident she has lost her memory, and any recollections are side-lined, even though this macabre discovery revives memories Hartmann believed to be buried. Meanwhile, veteran French officer Franz Agerland (Tcheky Karyo) joins forces with young German police officer Erik Maes (Gregory Fitoussi) to investigate the case. Just how connected to the murders is Hartmann?

Carole Della Valle, Executive Producer, Banijay Studios France says: “Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire is a tense and gripping thriller, with premium production values bringing a cinematic feel to the drama. With a big-name cast in place, known both here in France and internationally, we are confident the drama will engage the TF1 audience and beyond with the support of Banijay Rights. It has been a great experience to work with our co-production partners Fiction’Air, Belga Productions and RTBF, and together we have created a drama we’re all incredibly proud of.”

Nagui, President at Fiction’Air says: “We are thrilled with this second collaboration with BSF and are looking forward a new scriptied project in the future. With Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire, Fiction’Air is confirming its ambition to offer new series on the national and international scene.”

Banijay France, led by François de Brugada, encompasses a line-up of boutique creative scripted labels, including Marathon, Shine Fiction, Terence and Banijay Studios France, the company behind Marie Antoinette, which has sold to Australia, the US and UK with further deals to be announced soon. Also within Banijay France is Alain Goldman’s Montmartre Films.

Banijay is home to the world’s best scripted producers, with over 50 diverse, award-winning labels across the footprint in the UK, US, Australia, Nordics, Germany, Benelux, Iberia, Belgium, Israel, Italy, Poland and India.

Banijay Rights Courts Marie Antoinette Stateside

16th October 2022 12:30 pm Comments Off

Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay, today announces the pre-sale of new eight-part historical drama Marie Antoinette to PBS Distribution in the US, as MIPCOM 2022 gets under way. The series will have its North American premiere in Spring 2023.

Produced by Banijay Studios France, CAPA Drama and Les Gens, the acquisition marks the latest international deal for this CANAL+ Creation Originale and follows recent Banijay Rights pre-sales to UK public broadcaster BBC2 and BBC First in Australia.

Created and written by Deborah Davis (The Favourite), Marie Antoinette tells the story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen, played by Emilia Schüle (Ku’damm 56/ 63). 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).

The latest agreement was negotiated by Matt Creasey, EVP Sales, Acquisitions and Co-productions, Banijay Rights, who said: “As MIPCOM gets started this week, I’m excited to announce PBS’ acquisition of Marie Antoinette, a visually stunning drama from the exceptional Deborah Davis that continues to generate a buzz worldwide. This epic series is one of the most complete accounts of the young queen to date and we’re pleased that audiences in the US will get to enjoy it soon.”

Germaine Sweet, Managing Director Content Acquisitions, PBS Distribution, added: “We are thrilled to bring the story of Marie Antionette to audiences in the US. This richly drawn period drama about the extraordinary young queen is sure to enthral PBS fans from the opening scene until the credits roll.”

Marie Antoinette 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.

Banijay Rights Sends Marie Antoinette Down Under

5th July 2022 10:12 am Comments Off

Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay, today announces the sale of new eight-part historical drama Marie Antoinette to BBC First in Australia.

Produced by Banijay Studios France, CAPA Drama and Les Gens, the acquisition marks the latest international deal for this CANAL+ Creation Originale and follows last year’s pre-sale to UK public broadcaster BBC2. The BBC First agreement was negotiated by Kell Hoddinott, VP Australia and New Zealand, Banijay Rights.

Created and written by Deborah Davis (The Favourite), Marie Antoinette tells the story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen, played by Emilia Schüle (Ku’damm 56/ 63). Joining Deborah 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 is produced by Claude Chelli and Margaux Balsan for Capa Drama, Alban Étienne and 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.

Kell Hoddinott, VP Sales, Australia and New Zealand, Banijay Rights said: “Boasting outstanding scenery and performances, Marie Antoinette is continuing to gain strong traction worldwide. It’s an absolute delight to secure this deal with BBC First and we are in no doubt Australian audiences will fall in love with this series, which so wonderfully chronicles the life of a unique young queen as she navigates the often dark and manipulative world of Versailles.”

Chrissie Carras, Head of Branded Services, BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand, said:“We’re delighted to bring this epic drama to Australian audiences. It’s a fascinating story which will keep audiences enthralled from beginning to end.”

Marie Antoinette was barely 14 years old 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.

Banijay Rights Lands First Germinal Deal

22nd September 2021 1:02 pm Comments Off

Banijay Rights today announces French-Canadian network Radio-Canada has acquired Germinal, the new six-part drama based on Émile Zola’s classic 19^th century novel.

Coproduced by Banijay Studios France and Pictanovo with the support of La Région Hauts-de-France for France Télévisions, in collaboration with Rai Fiction and Salto, the deal marks the first international sale for the sweeping historical series, which has been struck ahead of its launch this autumn. The agreement with Radio-Canada was negotiated by Jane Rimer, SVP Canada, Banijay Rights.

Germinal is the story of a miners’ strike during the Second Empire in a community in northern France. At barely 20 years of age, Etienne Lantier flees Lille after assaulting a superior and finds refuge in the coal mining town of Montsou, where he befriends veteran miner Maheu, who secures him a job pushing carts down the pit and offers him a place to stay.

Etienne discovers the harsh working conditions of miners and the daily humiliations endured by the workers – however, deciding to stay, partly for the beautiful Catherine, Maheu’s daughter, he is soon adopted by the community. But one day when he and his comrades are fined for deficient woodwork, tempers flare and Etienne plans a revolt and begins to dream of a social revolution. Trained by Souvarine, an anarchist mechanic, and Rasseneur, the owner of a local bistro, Etienne does not realise what enthusiasm and chaos his ideas will raise.

Jane Rimer, SVP Canada, Banijay Rights, said: “Germinal is a powerful literary masterpiece from Émile Zola and one of the seminal works of French literature. This breath-taking adaptation is storytelling at its finest and we are thrilled to be partnering with Radio-Canada on its Canadian launch.”

Dany Meloul, General Manager of Radio-Canada Television, added: “Radio-Canada has a proud tradition of offering some of the most prestigious international drama productions to its viewers. Germinal will undoubtedly generate a lot of interest as its cast include two young talented actors from Quebec, Rose-Marie Perreault and Aliocha Schneider.’’

Germinal was produced with the support of Procirep-Société des Producteurs and Angoa, with the participation of the CNC.

Earlier this month, the series won the audience award at Series Mania 2021, following its premiere at the Lille-based event.

Filming Begins on Landmark Historical Drama Marie Antoinette

7th September 2021 12:13 pm Comments Off

Banijay and Newen today announce filming has commenced on Marie Antoinette, a new original drama for CANAL+ Creation Originale, produced by Banijay Studios France, Capa Drama and Les Gens. The eight-part series will be distributed globally by Banijay Rights.

Created and written by Deborah Davis (The Favourite), Marie Antoinette tells the story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen, played by Emilia Schüle (Ku’damm 56/ 63).

Joining Deborah Davis in writing the epic saga 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 produced by Claude Chelli and Aude Albano for Capa Drama, Alban Étienne and Stéphanie Chartreux for Banijay Studios France, and Christophe Toulemonde for Les Gens.

Filming will take 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.

Marie Antoinette was barely 14 years old 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 underminding her reputation, the notorious figure would defeat the enemies of the Versailles court with courage and dignity.

François de Brugada, CEO of Banijay France (Banijay Studios France) says: “Marie Antoinette is one of the most iconic figures in French history, and her fearless, fascinating life; with Deborah Davis leading the writing team, will make an undeniably powerful television series. We are ready to enchant viewers with stunning scenery from beautiful locations across France, and illustrate this audacious, controversial character who changed the history of our nation.”

Guillaume Thouret, Managing director of Newen France (CAPA drama) says: “We are very happy to launch a new ambitious production with the partners we already worked with : Marie Antoinette’s era put France at the epicentre of glamour, culture and fashion. The series will gather the highest production values by hiring the very best talents for all key creative roles: Art direction, costumes, sets, photography and obviously an A-list director. ”

Cathy Payne, CEO Banijay Rights says: “The world of Marie Antoinette was complex, from her time as a young princess to the legendary queen we are all familiar with. The all-female writing team, led by Deborah Davis, brings a unique portrayal to her character, drawing out modern feminist comparisions. This, along with talented directors, producers and cast, will create a profound interpretation and visual treat to appeal to global audiences.”

Fabrice de la Patellière, Head of Drama CANAL+ says: “The story of Marie Antoinette is timeless, and her life continues to intrigue and capture the imagination of contemporary viewers. The scripts for this series are compelling, and we have the ideal partners to bring the work of Deborah Davis to life. This is set to be a high-end, decadant drama with epic scale.”

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