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 Banijay’s Location, Location, Location Lands First Season in New Zealand
Screentime New Zealand today announces it will adapt the property format Location, Location, Location in association with AA Insurance. Originally created by Banijay UK’s IWC, the widely popular long-running series has been commissioned by TVNZ and will air in New Zealand for the first time, marking the seventh version of the property powerhouse.
Captivating audiences with its unique blend of real estate expertise and heartfelt storytelling is an international success. The UK leads the charge maintaining high ratings across its 28 seasons for Channel 4, Denmark follows with 14 seasons for TV2, and just last year, Australia enjoyed a successful reboot for Network 10.
Philly de Lacey,CEO of Screentime New Zealand comments: “The launch of this iconic format in New Zealand will ignite conversations around the property market as house-hunters seek out their perfect home, whether upsizing, downsizing, or first-time buying. Partnering with AA Insurance brings together a premium sponsor with this classically warm format and is testament to its universal appeal.”
Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay says: “With its proven returnability and longevity, Location, Location, Location is an enduring success with audiences and broadcasters worldwide. This tried and tested format is still relevant in today’s ever-changing market, expertly blending entertainment with property insights.”
With the casting announcement underway, AA Insurance Location, Location, Location is looking for eager house-hunters in search of the perfect property. The addition of this title is complementary to Screentime New Zealand’s impressive catalogue, which boasts award-winning drama, documentary, and factual entertainment series. Among its hits are MasterChef New Zealand, Eat Well For Less, and Police Ten 7, as well as hit travelling drama, The Gulf.
Comments Off on Banijay UK takes stake in BAFTA and MOBO award-winning artist Akala’s Immovable Studios
Banijay UK are investing in Immovable Studios, co-founded by hip-hop artist, bestselling author and social entrepreneur Akala and his long-time business partner and talent manager Chanelle Newman.
The investment, part of the Banijay UK Growth Fund, is to support the business as it builds its premium television and content portfolio. The deal includes a first look with distributor Banijay Rights.
Alongside managing and developing the business model around Akala’s music and writing career, Chanelle has led the Immovable Studiostelevision production arm and hasbeen involved in the production of a variety of Akala-fronted TV projects to date including Poetry: Between the Lines for BBC (Winner of BAFTA Children’s Award); Akala’s Odyssey for BBC FOUR; and Akala Presents: The Ruins of Empires for BBC TWO. An untitled docu-series inspired by Akala’s Sunday Times best-selling book, Natives, has also been commissioned by BBC Documentaries, with another major scripted series in funded development.
The business is committed to growing its slate, focusing on premium scripted and non-scripted content and has an impressive pipeline of developments, IP options and talent partnerships with a range of global talent, networks and platforms.
Patrick Holland, Executive Chair and CEO of Banijay UK said; “Akala is an extraordinary talent, a creative force whose books Natives and The Dark Lady have reimagined stories from our shared histories. We are delighted to announce this investment in Akala and Chanelle’s production company and look forward to partnering on the unique slate of projects they have been developing.”
Akalaadded; “I think television is a place where some of the best art in the world is being made today, where some of our favourite modern epics have been created, and I am extremely excited to delve further into this medium to do what I love: storytelling.”
Chanelle Newman said, “Championing artists and their creativity is my passion and it is great to have the support and infrastructure from Patrick and his incredible team to continue building our vision to produce impactful content for a global audience.”
Immovable Studios are supported by advisor Hasham Khan of ABP Advisory and TV/Music Executive, Sorraya Sequeira.
Comments Off on ITV confirms Celebrity Big Brother start date
The wait is almost over as ITV today revealed the hotly-anticipated star-studded new series of Celebrity Big Brother (produced by Initial, part of Banijay UK) will start on Monday 4th March at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
Hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, Celebrity Big Brother: Live Launchwill reveal the new cast of famous faces who are entering the iconic Big Brother house, as they embark on the ultimate social experiment and become isolated from the outside world.
Leaving luxury behind, the celebrities will take part in nominations and tough tasks with cameras capturing their every move. Who will win the hearts of the nation, go all the way to the finish line and be crowned the winner?
Celebrity Big Brother will be followed each night by Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live – giving viewers an additional hour of exclusive content. Airing on ITV2 and ITVX, Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live will once again be the only place to watch the famous evictees first live interview alongside an array of unmissable exclusive features including access to the camera runs, special guest commentary and debate.
The Celebrity Big Brother: Live Stream will also return to screens, airing seven nights a week on ITVX and STV Player, giving fans the opportunity to watch live footage into the small hours after Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live.
Celebrity Big Brother is commissioned for ITV1, STV and ITVX by Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning & Acquisitions and Controller, ITV2 and ITVBe and Peter Tierney, Commissioning Editor. The return of Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother was secured by leading entertainment and format producers Natalka Znak and Claire O’Donohoe for Initial (part of the Banijay Group) marking their first of many format deal for the business since they joined in 2022. Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother are overseen by Initial’s Managing Director Katy Manley and Creative Director Tamsin Dodgson.
Comments Off on DEAL OR NO DEAL RETURNS TO ITV1, ITVX and STV
ITV has recommissioned the iconic TV show Deal Or No Deal with host Stephen Mulhern back at the helm, as a new batch of contestants prepare to go head to head with the notorious Banker.
The commission sees Deal or No Deal return with four celebrity specials. Produced by Remarkable Entertainment (a Banijay UK company) the series sees contestants opening the iconic red boxes as they try to win a life-changing cash prize, in a nail-biting game of nerves and intuition. But standing in their way is the Banker ready to unnerve, entice and outwit our players.
With tensions running high in the studio, who will have what it takes to beat the Banker?
Host Stephen Mulhernsaid: “I am absolutely over the moon that Deal or No Deal is returning to our screens. The response has been incredible and series one was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. I loved it! The contestants were a fantastic bunch facing the banker and our new batch of players need to hold their nerve if they want to walk away with the huge jackpot! It’s such a phenomenal show and I’m absolutely chuffed to bits that we’re going to be doing it all over again. I can’t wait to get back to that studio!”
Tamara Gilder, Joint Managing Director for Remarkable Entertainment, said: “We were absolutely blown away by how much love there was for the show. We can’t wait to make some more with the wonderful Stephen. Less so that Banker guy.”
Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment commissioning at ITV added: “We are delighted the ITV viewers loved the new series Deal or No Deal, it was a triumphant return for this thoroughly enjoyable game show. It’s a fantastic format that is both heartwarming and captivating and with Stephen at the helm it’s the perfect combination.”
Casting will be open soon, and people who are interested in applying can do so via dealornodealtv.co.uk
Deal or No Deal is commissioned by Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning and Joe Mace, Commissioning Editor, Entertainment, ITV. The executive producers are Tamara Gilder and Cat Lawson, joint MDs of Remarkable Entertainment (a Banjay UK company).
Deal or No Deal first launched in 2002 in the Netherlands. It has been commissioned in over 80 territories worldwide with more than 350 productions. Deal or No Deal is a Banijay-owned format
Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces Simon’s Cat (a Banijay UK company), and Beacon Music (part of Banijay Brands), have joined forces to release a one-hour LoFi film with original music and bespoke animation.
The globally loved animated sensation will release its latest production on the official Simon’s Cat YouTube channel today. An increasingly popular genre, particularly online, the Simon’s Cat LoFi beats are made for moments of serenity or focussed productivity. One hour of gentle Simon’s Cat animation will be played against the backdrop of original music, LoFi Lab, consisting of 10 tracks, specially commissioned from Banijay’s music library platform, Beacon Music.
Simon Tofield, creator of Simon’s Cat says: “We are always looking to new, innovate ways we can engage with our loyal audience, and demand for LoFi content is extremely high. The charming and mellow animation, which is synonymous with Simon’s Cat, is a great fit for this genre, and the beautiful music, from our colleagues at Beacon Music, is the perfect accompaniment.”
Created by award-winning illustrator, animator and director, Simon Tofield, Simon’s Cat was first seen on YouTube in 2008. Part of Banijay UK, the brand is now a major global success, with over 3bn online views and 21m fans across TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X. The Simon’s Cat brand also enjoys international success across multiple categories including gaming, publishing, and apparel.
Comments Off on Banijay UK Appoints Leon Wilson as CEO of Shine and Zeppotron
Ex Talkback and Thames Managing Director and Co-Founder of Great Scott Media, Leon Wilson, has been appointed by Banijay UK CEO Patrick Holland as CEO of Shine and Zeppotron.
This announcement follows the news earlier this month regarding Shine TV’s Managing Director Jon Swain’s decision to step down from his role at the end of the year.
This overarching, executive role is tasked with the management of Shine, developing and broadening the range of its original IP, as well as overseeing its established slate including BBC’s MasterChef super-brands, Hunted and Celebrity Hunted and new Channel 4 streaming hit, Banged Up.
Leon will work with Creative Director Tim Whitwell, MasterChef Executive Producer David Ambler and the wider Shine team as the company continues to expand across streamers and broadcasters within factual, reality and entertainment.
Meanwhile, Zeppotron Managing Directors Ruth Phillips and Peter Holmes will work closely with Leon as they push into the streamer market and establish their exciting new slate of comedy/ents/reality formats to sit alongside their existing much loved brands such as BBC One’s Would I Lie to You? and Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Patrick Holland, CEO Banijay UK said of the appointment; “As well as being a brilliant creative, Leon has phenomenal amounts of energy, enthusiasm, and insight. I’m so delighted that he’s chosen Banijay for the next chapter of his impressive career and I know that the teams in Shine and Zeppotron will benefit greatly from his expertise.”
Leon Wilson added; “I can’t wait to start in this new role and work with the fantastically talented teams at Shine and Zeppotron. I love prisons, being hunted, eating, lying and four fifths of cats … as well as winning new commissions. It’s literally a dream come true.”
Leon was Managing Director of Talkback, followed by Managing Director of a combined Talkback and Thames between 2013 and 2019.
During this time, he consistently grew the businesses’ turnover and won a raft of new business; creating, selling and overseeing shows including Too Hot to Handle (Netflix), Harry’s Heroes: The Full English (ITV1), multiple Leigh Francis projects (Celebrity Juice, Through The Keyhole, and The Keith & Paddy Picture Show), Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow (ITV), Jon Richardson’s Ultimate Worrier (Dave) and Your Face or Mine (Comedy Central).
Most recently, Leon founded Great Scott Media with Ed Sleeman backed by All3 Media. The indie quickly grew a yearly turnover to £14m, with commissions including Love Trap (C4) and 10-part Netflix reality series Dated & Related. Earlier in his career, Leon worked on The Graham Norton Show, Dame Edna, Fantasy Football and The Friday Night Project.
Leon takes up the role at the end of the month and will report to Patrick Holland.
Comments Off on Banijay UK acquires leading scripted producer The Forge
Banijay UK today announced its acquisition of leading scripted independent producer, The Forge.
The Marriage,Help and Becoming Elizabeth producer, which has a well-established reputation for high quality, ambitious and award-winning TV drama, joins the Banijay UK stable of companies with immediate effect following completion of the acquisition deal.
The Forge currently has multiple, high profile new titles for both linear and SVOD platforms in production, including a major, 8 part series The Buccaneers for Apple TV+, due to launch globally on November 8; 4 part Disney + series Shardlake by Stephen Butchard (The Last Kingdom) due to release next year; factual drama about the Grenfell disaster by Peter Kosminsky (Undeclared War, Government Inspector, Wolf Hall) for BBC One; youth-skewing drama series for BBC Three that will film next year and Generation Z, a six part series and the first original TV project from Ben Wheatley (The Meg II, Sightseers, Kill List) currently shooting for Channel 4.
This acquisition will bolster Banijay UK’s scripted output and bring the number of scripted labels under the Banijay UK umbrella to nine including wholly owned labels Kudos, Tiger Aspect and Wild Mercury.
Patrick Holland, CEO Banijay UK said of the deal; “I have been a massive admirer of The Forge since its inception. George Faber, Mark Pybus, Beth Willis and George Ormond have together grown one of the most ambitious and exciting drama slates in the UK. With a commitment to the most distinctive authorship, a desire to make shows of the highest quality and a creative commitment to make drama that appeals to broad audiences. The Forge is an extraordinary group of talented producers. We are so delighted that they have chosen Banijay UK as their partners for their next chapter of growth and can’t wait for them to join the other brilliant companies in the group.”
George Faber, Founder of The Forge added; “We’re thrilled to be going into partnership with Banijay, a company whose culture and values feel like a great fit for The Forge. We’re ambitious for the next stage of our growth and we believe that Banijay’s superb distribution arm, production expertise, management team and global reach will help us chart an exciting path to the future.”
The Forge boasts an impressive slate of titles including National Treasure (C4), Ackley Bridge (C4), The Miniaturist (BBC), Kiri (C4), Help (C4), Marriage (BBC), Becoming Elizabeth (Starz), Collateral (BBC), Rules of the Game (BBC), Roadkill (BBC) and many more.
They have collaborated with writers Jack Thorne, Anya Reiss, Stefan Golaszewski, Katherine Jakeways, Ayub Khan Din, Ben Wheatley, David Hare, Peter Moffat, Levi David Addai, Janice Okoh and Stephen Butchard amongst many others.
The Forge also has a reputation for showcasing some of the industry’s leading talent and has worked with Jodie Comer, Stephen Graham, Sarah Lancashire, Sean Bean, Nicola Walker, Carey Mulligan, Hugh Laurie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Babou Ceesay, Robbie Coltrane and Julie Walters. Upcoming series, The Buccaneers stars a number of widely popular actors including Kristine Frøseth, Alisha Boe, Josie Totah, Aubri Ibrag and Imogen Waterhouse, alongside Christina Hendricks and Mia Threapleton.
The company has picked up a wealth of awards for its programmes, including the BAFTA for Mini-Series (National Treasure) and the International Emmy for Best TV Movie (Help).
This deal includes a first look deal for Banijay Rights.
The Forge’s senior creative team include Founder and Managing Director, George Faber, Mark Pybus (Executive Producer/ Head of Business Affairs), Beth Willis (Executive Producer) and George Ormond (Executive Producer). Their collective experience and stellar track record make them trusted partners for top writers, directors, agents, and broadcasters alike.
Faber, having run single drama at BBC for several years, co-founded Company Pictures producing the likes of Shameless, Wild at Heart and Skins before setting up The Forge. Mark, also previously at Company Pictures, has a background in Business Affairs but has also produced a raft of high-profile shows including Wolf Hall for BBC. In her role as Head of Drama at Channel 4, Beth commissioned The End of the Fucking World, Humans, and No Offence before joining The Forge; George Ormond was previously an Executive Producer at the BBC, where he developed a raft of shows including BBC’s 2016 adaptation of War and Peace. He also produced Sarah Phelp’s Bafta and Emmy award winning Great Expectations.
The Forge were advised by Tom Manwaring at Helion Partners.
Comments Off on Banijay UK backs Sir Lenny Henry’s new scripted start-up ‘Esmerelda Productions’
Banijay UK today announced its investment in Esmerelda, the new production venture from actor, comedian and writer Sir Lenny Henry.
Building on the highly anticipated launch of Three Little Birds for ITV written by Sir Lenny Henry – and executive produced by Russell T Davies and Tiger Aspect’s Lucy Bedford – the new scripted start-up will focus on broad appeal drama and comedy, with an emphasis on working with under-represented writers, cast and crew.
BAFTA-winning executive producer, writer and director, Jon Sen, joins Sir Lenny as Joint Managing Director. Most recently, Jon was an executive producer and development executive at BBC Studios, where he also helmed Casualty and EastEnders.
The investment, via the Banijay UK Growth Fund, will enable Esmerelda to build both its team and slate. The deal includes a first look with distributor, Banijay Rights.
Sir Lenny Henry said;
“Building up to this announcement has been such a roller coaster ride of keeping my nose to the grindstone and my mouth shut. I am so proud that Banijay have seen fit to invest in us. I can’t wait to scheme and dream with my new, soon to be announced, team at Esmerelda led by the mighty Jon Sen, who is not only a talented producer but also an excellent writer and director…“
Patrick Holland said;
“We are so delighted to announce this investment in Esmerelda Productions. Sir Lenny Henry is both a national treasure and a creative legend in his own lifetime and, together with the brilliant Jon Sen, has plans for an ambitious scripted slate. Building on the excellence of Sir Lenny’s drama Three Little Birds (made in conjunction with Tiger Aspect for ITV) the label will bring story telling from a wide range of diverse authorship to broad audiences. Banijay UK is so proud to be chosen as their creative and business partner.”
Jon Sen added;
“Lenny and I are united in our commitment to offer artists a nurturing environment in order for them to celebrate their unique voices. Our shared love of the magic of story makes this a wonderfully exciting opportunity to make some exceptional drama.”
Sir Lenny Henry founded the production company Douglas Road in 2014 which was backed by Endemol Shine (acquired by Banijay in 2020).
Sir Lenny Henry stands down from his role of CEO of Douglas Road to focus on Esmerelda, with Managing Director Angela Ferreira continuing to run the business.
This deal is part of the Banijay UK £50m Banijay UK Growth Fund which allows the UK group to partner in high profile talent as well as investing in new businesses, to supercharge growth.
This is the eighth Growth Fund deal to be announced since it was launched in February 2023. Previous investments include Rabbit Track; the production company co-founded by film, TV and stage actor James Norton and scripted executive Kitty Kaletsky; new scripted company Conker Pictures from ex Apple+ and BBC Commissioners, Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin and North Wales based start-up, Ty’r Ddraig. Talent deals include a first look with scripted producer, Chris Sussman, a multi project deal with Scottish documentary director and producer Kevin Macdonald and a development deal with Big Zuu and his company Big Productions.
Victoria Kimber of Danworth Associates assisted Esmerelda in arranging and negotiating the partnership, with Wiggin LLP providing legal advice to Sir Lenny on the transaction, Lee and Thompson LLP advising Jon Sen and Simon Muirhead and Burton LLP acting for Banijay UK.
Comments Off on Banijay UK Partners with Creative Access to Launch Professional Development Programme for Under-Represented Freelancers
Banijay UK has partnered with Creative Access to offer a bespoke, year-long professional development programme aimed at TV freelancers from historically underrepresented communities who have previously worked at Banijay labels.
The scheme, which is aimed at mid-level freelance staff progressing through the creative industries, will offer training, networking, support and workshops.
During the twelve months, focus will be on areas including: developing leadership skills, owning mistakes and building confidence, building resilience & managing work life balance and financial literacy. Successful applicants will also be mentored by a senior industry professional for six months.
Bella Lambourne, Director of HR & Operations for Banijay UK, said: “It’s an incredibly challenging time for the TV freelance community, and we are acutely aware that people from historically marginalised communities are often at a particular disadvantage. Banijay UK is committed to providing support and opportunities to those in the industry who need it, and we very much hope the scheme will help people develop invaluable skills and gain further experience.”
Bibi Hilton, CEO Creative Access, added: “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with industry powerhouse Banijay. We all know that freelancers in the broadcast industry are all too often the lifeblood and the lifesavers of TV and film organisations. They’re the flexible extra resource we bring in when the workload suddenly increases and there’s no time (or budget) to hire; bringing with them incredible specialist skills to transform output, they’re the crew on a TV production set who make mind-blowing, award-winning work and in a lot of cases are quite literally the entire workforce. And yet, as our data shows, many employers are not treating their freelancers in this way. Access to career development programme such as this can and should be transformative for.”
Comments Off on Banijay UK takes stake in James Norton and Kitty Kaletsky’s ‘Rabbit Track Pictures’
Banijay UK today announced its investment in Rabbit Track Pictures, the London based TV & Film production company co-founded by film, TV and stage actor James Norton and scripted executive Kitty Kaletsky.
Rabbit Track Pictures launched in 2019 and has an impressive slate of diverse projects, including major scripted projects green lit for the BBC and for ITVX, alongside a raft of exciting developments across film and TV. Their first film, Rogue Agent, a thriller for Netflix starring Norton, was released in 2022.
By taking a stake in the business, via the Banijay UK Growth Fund, Banijay UK will enable Rabbit Track Pictures to build its team and accelerate its growth strategy, ensuring it can continue to acquire the best IP. The deal includes a first look with distributor, Banijay Rights.
Patrick Holland, CEO and Executive Chair of Banijay UK said: “James and Kitty have a truly impressive slate of projects and are incredibly ambitious for the growth of their business. We are so delighted that they have chosen Banijay UK as their partner; their passion, commitment, talent and belief are exactly the qualities we want to invest in. We can’t wait to start working together.”
James Norton said: “To be joining the Banijay family is such an exciting moment for us as a company. Patrick and his team have been incredibly welcoming and supportive already, and clearly share mine and Kitty’s values and ambition for the company. We can’t wait to jump into the rabbit hole with them and see where the next step of this adventure takes us!”
Kitty Kaletsky added: “When James first called me about running a company together, I was still fully living and working in Los Angeles. Little could we have imagined, when kick-starting Rabbit Track right before the pandemic, that just a few short years later, we’d be teaming up with such a huge and exciting partner as Banijay. We feel very lucky to be part of this family which will take our success to new levels and can’t wait to get going with Patrick and the whole group.”
James Norton is a leading film, television and stage actor and is Rabbit Track’s co-founder. James’ recent TV projects include Happy Valley (BBC/Netflix), McMafia (BBC/AMC), The Trial of Christine Keeler (BBC) and War and Peace(BBC). Film credits include Oscar-winning Greta Gerwig’s Little Women,Mr Jones directed by Oscar-nominated Agnieszka Holland, and Paramount’s upcoming Bob Marley biopic directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green.
He is currently starring in a sell-out, critically acclaimed stage production of Hanya Yanagihara’s bestselling novel ALittle Life.
Kitty Kaletsky has worked in senior roles at leading TV and Film production companies on both sides of the Atlantic including Archery Pictures and Black Bear Pictures, having started her career at Number 9 Films. Kitty lived for four years in LA, running Oscar-winning Black Bear’s TV department, and as a result has strong relationships both in the UK and Hollywood. Kitty is Managing Director of Rabbit Track Pictures and is responsible for running all creative and business aspects of the company.
This deal is part of the Banijay UK £50m Banijay UK Growth Fund which allows the UK group to partner in high profile talent as well as investing in new businesses, to supercharge growth.
This is the seventh Growth Fund deal to be announced since it was launched in February 2023. Previous talent deals include a first look with scripted producer, Chris Sussman and a multi project deal with Scottish documentary director and producer Kevin Macdonald. The fund has also facilitated the acquisition of Mam Tor productions and investments in new scripted company Conker Pictures and North Wales based start-up, Ty’r Ddraig. It has also enabled DSP to grow the business launching DSP Films headed by Graeme McAulay to focus on premium documentaries.
Great Point helped launch Rabbit Track, along with fellow founding partner The Development Partnership, by providing seed investment via its Great Point Ventures EIS fund. Both Great Point Media and The Development Partnership remain shareholders in the company. Robert Taylor will remain a director at Rabbit Track Pictures.
Notes:
Great Point has backed a number of early-stage creative businesses, funded over 200 projects and invested in excess of £500 million in film and television productions.
Tom Manwaring of Helion Partners provided Rabbit Track with M&A advice on the transaction. Victoria Kimber of Danworth Associates also assisted Rabbit Track in arranging and negotiating the partnership, and Harbottle provided legal counsel. Simons Muirhead and Burton provided legal counsel to Banijay UK on this transaction.
The Development Partnership sits within The Partnership Group. Formed in 2021, The Partnership Group is made of a number of agencies and production businesses. Sitting within the group are The Artists Partnership, The Development Partnership, Sayle Screen, Sara Putt Associates, OWN IT! And BE HEARD VOICES. The ethos of the group is supporting artists in the pursuit of the highest quality of work.
James Norton is represented by The Artists Partnership (Agent Saskia Mulder), WME and JSSK law.
Comments Off on Banijay UK backs Tommy Bulfin and Kim Varvell start up
BBC Commissioning Editor Tommy Bulfin and Apple TV+ Drama Commissioner Kim Varvell are setting up ‘Conker Pictures’ a business focussed on making popular and distinctive scripted series for the UK and global audiences.
The highly respected duo have extensive production and commissioning experience having been behind many of the most successful dramas in recent years.
In his role at the BBC, Tommy has overseen some of the division’s biggest shows including The Tourist, Kudos’ SAS Rogue Heroes, Normal People and Peaky Blinders. Further Executive Producer credits include The Gold,Line of Duty, Conversations with Friends, Marriage, Beyond Paradise and Dublin Murders.
Kim joined Apple TV + in 2020 and has been responsible for developing and commissioning a raft of global dramas with recent productions including upcoming thriller Hijack starring Idris Elba, Sharon Horgan’s Bad Sisters, and Suspicion starring Uma Thurman.
Prior to this, Kim was at New Pictures where she developed and executive produced Des starring David Tennant for ITV and as Head of Development for the company oversaw a raft of developments and productions, including White House Farm for ITV, Requiem for BBC One / Netflix and The Innocents for Netflix.
With Banijay UK investment, led by CEO Patrick Holland via the recently announced UK Growth Fund, the start-up will begin hiring full time staff and investing in their development slate.
The deal includes a first look deal with distributor Banijay Rights and supports Banijay’s wider strategy to strengthen and evolve its scripted offering.
Patrick Holland, CEO of Banijay UK who led the deal said: “I couldn’t be more delighted to announce this investment in Kim and Tommy’s new company from the Banijay UK Growth Fund. As commissioning editors, they have overseen some of the most distinctive dramas in recent years. They share wonderful instincts for talent and possess a restless energy to produce the very best shows. And they always think of the audience. Together they make a formidable pair and, with Banijay’s support, I have every expectation that Conker Pictures will thrive and grow.”
Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin added; “We have been friends and colleagues for many years and it has long been our ambition to work together again. United by our mutual love of high quality, popular drama series and our shared passion for shows enjoyed by a wide audience, we are absolutely thrilled to find a home with Banijay UK, who have a rich history of delivering hit shows, beloved by viewers worldwide. We have had the good fortune to work with some of the brightest and best talent in the UK over the past few years and are excited to build on these strong relationships in our new home at Conker Pictures. We are delighted to be doing this with Patrick and the entire Banijay team.”
Comments Off on Banijay UK Appoints Chief Operating Officer
Banijay UK has appointed Sarb Nijjer to the newly-created Chief Operating Officer role. She joins from the BBC, where she is Finance Director for BBC Content. In this role, she provides leadership and insight for content spend across network TV, iplayer, Sport, Children’s & Education and Audio and Sounds.
Following a busy twelve months, which has seen the launch of the Banijay UK Growth Fund, the acquisition of RTS-nominated drama company, Mam Tor, commissions including Big Brother (ITV), Survivor (BBC One), Deal or No Deal (ITV), SAS Rogue Heroes s2 (BBC One) and Three Little Birds (ITV), the Chief Operating Officer will ensure Banijay UK continues to focus on future growth and investment in talent and creativity.
In her new role, Sarb will be responsible for driving forward the Banijay UK strategy alongside CEO and Executive Chairman, Patrick Holland, as well as managing collaborations across the wider Banijay group, developing business relationships with key customers, and working closely with the 27 production companies in the local footprint to deliver their strategic aims.
With Banijay UK’s continued focus on growth, she will also play a vital role in future investment opportunities, whether through traditional M&A means, or start-ups, via the recently-announced Banijay UK Growth Fund.
Sarb’s appointment completes Banijay UK’s top executive team, which includes Director of HR & Operations, Bella Lambourne, Chief Financial Officer, Derek O’Gara and General Counsel, Jacqueline Moreton.
Patrick Holland, Banijay UK CEO and Executive Chairman, said: “This is a newly created role at Banijay UK. In the COO, I wanted a senior business leader to help drive the strategy, growth and collaboration needed to take the UK group to the next level. Sarb has an exceptional business brain, has shown terrific leadership at the BBC (where she helped keep the channels vibrant during COVID), possesses exciting entrepreneurial instincts, and perhaps, most importantly, understands the nuances of the development process and how to support creatives. She’s also a delightful human being and we are really looking forward to her joining a great senior team at Banijay UK.”
Sarb Nijjer added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Banijay UK as COO and am looking forward to collaborating with the talented team there to drive innovation and growth across the UK business. Entrepreneurialism runs strong through the group’s production community, and I’m excited about the future opportunities with partners and key talent across our industry that are likely to arise as a result. I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved as a team in BBC Content over the last five years, and it’s been an honour and a privilege to have worked for such a world-class creative business.”