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

Tag Archive: Banijay UK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  2. BIG BROTHER AND CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER RETURN IN 2025 AS BRAND HITS 96 MILLION STREAMS ON ITVX

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    ITV today announced that Big Brother (produced by Initial, part of Banijay UK) will return for a third series in 2025 following a second series of Celebrity Big Brother set to air in spring, marking 25 years of Big Brother in the UK.

    The channel’s second instalment of the original reality format is set to conclude tomorrow night (Nov 15) after another successful series which once again dominated conversations on social media. During tomorrow’s Live Final, viewers will crown the winner of the current series, who will walk away victorious with a life-changing cash prize.

    The third series of Big Brother on ITV2 and ITVX will follow another iconic star-studded edition of Celebrity Big Brother which is set to air on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player in spring 2025, as a new batch of famous faces take up residence in the UK’s most famous abode.

    Applications for next year’s series of Big Brother are now open – hopefuls who believe they have what it takes to take on the original social experiment can now apply by visiting BigBrother.com.

    The global television phenomenon made a triumphant return to UK television screens in 2023 on its new home – ITV and ITVX. Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother alongside the iconic Live Stream and Late & Live companion show, has now been streamed an enormous 96 million times on ITVX.

    Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning and Acquisitions said, “Big Brother programming has firmly established itself across ITV’s platforms and become a favourite with our viewers. Together, Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother have grown audiences on ITV1 and ITV2 and amassed almost 100 million streams on ITVX. We’re therefore very excited to be able to throw open the House doors once again for another series of both Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother in 2025 which are sure to promise more unmissable entertaining and captivating moments.”

    Katy Manley, Managing Director of Initial, said: “We are so excited to be coming back with more Celebrity Big Brother and Big Brother. Both series have really resonated with audiences, and we can’t wait to make more. As always, viewers can look forward to Big Brother keeping Housemates – celebrities and civilians alike – on their toes.”

    Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother are commissioned for ITV and ITVX by Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning & Acquisitions and Peter Tierney, Commissioning Editor, Reality. 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 Banijay UK). Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother are overseen by Initial’s Managing Director Katy Manley, Director of Production Jody Collins and Creative Director Tamsin Dodgson.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  4. France, Poland and the Netherlands Bid For Return Masters

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces Return Masters has been picked up by France’s 6ter for 6×52’, Poland’s Super Polsat for a 24×60’ run, and the Netherlands’ RTL5 for a 50×43’ series. Originally created by Endemol Shine Germany and DSP (part of Banijay UK), the latest versions will be produced by Banijay Entertainment’s Endemol France, Endemol Shine Poland (part of Banijay Germany), and SimpelZodiak (part of Banijay Benelux) respectively.

    Return Masters follows second-hand traders competing to make the most profit by bidding on mystery pallets filled with returned goods. Using their expertise, they go head-to-head as they haggle, bid, and bag bargains galore in the ultimate battle of returns dealers. It has run for four seasons on RTL in Germany and the French, Polish and Dutch versions mark the first international adaptations.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO, Endemol France says: “This fun-filled game show combines the thrill of bidding, with the mystery of not knowing exactly what’s inside the pallets, making it a must-watch for the entire family. Given its long-running success in Germany, we look forward to seeing Return Masters’ debut on 6ter’s primetime line-up.”

    Małgorzata Perkowska-Czaja, MD, Endemol Shine Poland says: “Return Masters is an authentic, character-driven show, featuring experienced and passionate dealers that audiences can’t help but root for. This format has been captivating audiences in Germany for four series. We are pleased to bring it to Poland and we believe it will resonate with Polish viewers and be well-received here.”

    Justine Huffmeijer, Managing Director at SimpelZodiak says: “By leaning into the shared expertise of the Banijay Entertainment teams around the group, we can give audiences in the Netherlands the best, premium formats from all around the world. Return Masters is a great fit for RTL5, incorporating light-hearted competition that is fun and entertaining for viewers.”

    Fabian Tobias, Managing Director Endemol Shine Germany, says: “Touching on hot topics, from sustainability to the current unboxing returned goods trend on social media, the show is well-suited for many international broadcasters. With its strong format pillars interwoven with local second-hand industries, we look forward to seeing how Endemol France, Endemol Shine Poland and SimpelZodiak adapt the series for their respective markets.”

    Endemol France, part of Banijay France, is a non-scripted juggernaut having produced recent hits such as Star Academy, LEGO® Masters, Celebrity Hunted, and LOL: Last One Laughing.

    Endemol Shine Poland has over 20 years’ experience producing hit shows including local adaptations of renowned brands Don’t Forget The Lyrics, MasterChef, LEGO Masters, All Together Now, You Can Dance, New Generation, Money Drop and Big Brother, amongst others. In addition, it is behind premium scripted programming such as Our Century for TVP 1, and Squared Love for Netflix.

    SimpelZodiak is a specialist in reality, adventure, and factual entertainment, with the aim of telling stories with impact, which leave viewers inspired and entertained. Amongst its slate is Good Luck Guys, Hunted, Survivor, SAS: Who Dares Wins and Your Home Made Perfect.

  5. Jack Whitehall Spreads Christmas Cheer With Brand New Comedy Special For Prime Video – Jack in Time for Christmas

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    Prime Video unveiled its brand-new Christmas Special Jack In Time For Christmas, led by comedian and actor, Jack Whitehall. The UK Original is set to launch exclusively on Prime Video worldwide in December 2024. The special is produced by Workerbee (a Banijay UK company) and Jackpot Productions.

    ‘Tis the season for gifts, goodwill, and of course genre-bending seasonal semi-scripted specials. That’s why Prime Video has wrapped up the ultimate Christmas present for comedy lovers. In this hilariously festive feature, Jack Whitehall finds himself stranded in the USA with just four days to make it back to the UK for Christmas. With time ticking away, Jack embarks on an incredible and, some would say, implausible journey involving planes, trains, huskies, and bobsleighs. A stockingful of conveniently located famous faces help (and hinder) along the way as Jack navigates the chaos of Christmas and tries to make it home in time.

    Part scripted comedy, part unscripted travelogue – Jack is joined by Michael Bublé, Dave Bautista, Rebel Wilson, Jimmy Fallon, Daisy May Cooper, and Tom Davies, who, together with Jack’s unmistakable British wit, deliver a sparkling international cast set to deliver heaps of laughter. Will Jack make it home in time to make the gravy? Or will he be spending the holidays in the states, and the doghouse?

  6. WRITER IN RESIDENCE SCHEME LAUNCHED BY CONKER PICTURES NORTHERN IRELAND

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    Belfast-based TV production company, Conker Pictures Northern Ireland (part of Banijay UK), is looking for up-and-coming writers from Northern Ireland for their brand-new, year-long Writer In Residence scheme.

    The scheme, which runs from January-December 2025, is being launched to help nurture the next generation of showrunners from Northern Ireland.

    It is being aimed at emerging and established writers who can represent the culture of Northern Ireland with authenticity – for example they may be from, or have lived or worked in, Northern Ireland. They will need to have had one script produced in either theatre, TV, radio or film, but ideally no more than one produced credit in film or TV.

    The chosen writer will have access to development meetings, writers’ rooms, feedback on ideas and scripts, invitations to industry events and mentoring workshops with leading industry creative talent. The scheme will culminate in a guaranteed in-house script commission that will be pitched to broadcasters with a view to getting the idea on TV.

     Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin, Conker Pictures CEOs, said: 

    “We’re delighted to be launching this writer in residence scheme out of our new Northern Irish base for Conker Pictures. Northern Ireland has such a long history of talented creatives from screenwriters, authors, playwrights and poets. We’re really thrilled to be nurturing the next generation of screenwriting talent from the region and can’t wait to get started.”

    Agents should email info@conkerpictures.com with a bio and sample for any writer they would like to put forward for the scheme. The closing date for applications is Friday 18th October. The recipient of the writer in residence scheme will be announced during the week of the Belfast Media Festival (w/c 11th November).

    In line with Banijay Entertainment’s commitment to championing new voices with creative ambition, this scheme is supported by the company’s Scripted Fund. Available to producers across the group’s footprint, the fund enhances the scope of projects, allowing creatives to fully realise their vision. Other recent scripted initiatives include Banijay Bootcamp, which paired in-house development executives from five different countries with emerging writers in a dynamic residency.

  7. Banijay Rights and Anonymous Labs Strike Deal for Simon’s Cat Cryptocurrency

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    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces Simon’s Cat (a Banijay UK company) and Web3 marketing and development agency, Anonymous Labs have joined forces to launch a new Meme Token.

    Under the agreement negotiated by Banijay Rights, Simon’s Cat will be lending the globally loved animated sensation’s name to the token which was released on 22nd August.  The Simon’s Cat Meme Token, $CAT, will be the cornerstone of the Simon’s Cat Web3 community, presenting Simon’s Cat to a whole new audience of crypto enthusiasts, whilst introducing existing fans to the benefits of blockchain technology. Simon’s Cat is launching its token with full support from Floki, a leading Web3 ecosystem, with the token presale happening exclusively through their Real World Asset (RWA) and tokenization platform, TokenFi.

    Through the partnership, a donation will be made by Simon’s Cat to UK-based cat welfare charity Cats Protection which could feed around 3800 cats in care for 25 days. This ensures they are receiving healthy and nutritious food whilst they wait to be rehomed.

    David Christopher, Group Director, Licensing and Merchandise, Banijay, said: “We are thrilled to see Simon’s Cat, one of our leading brands, enter into the digital space in this unique and exciting way through an innovative deal that also enables us to support the extraordinary work of Cats Protection.”

    Katja Jones, Lead Corporate Partnerships Manager, Cats Protection, added: “The donation from Simon’s Cat will help us to continue to support our vision where every cat has their best possible life because they are protected, cared for and understood by everyone. We are so very grateful to Simon’s Cat for all their support and for choosing Cats Protection to be the beneficiary of this remarkable donation.”

    Michael Healy, Head of Partnerships, Anonymous Labs, said: “We firmly believe that blockchain technology, provides new and exciting ways for brands and IP’s to connect to their audience and increase engagement and sense of belonging.  We are delighted to have partnered with Simon’s Cat to build out their Web3 presence and create a community that is as unique as the IP is, itself.”

    2024 marks the 10-year anniversary of the partnership between Simon’s Cat and Cats Protection. Over the years the partnership has featured collaborations on several exciting projects including the popular Cat Logic series, amassing over 10m views on YouTube. Founded in 1927, Cats Protection focuses on rehoming cats, promoting neutering and campaigning for a better life for cats across the UK. With a network of 200 volunteer led teams and over 30 centres, Cats Protection helps around 157,000 cats and kittens annually, advocating for their health, safety, and proper treatment.

    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.

  8. MOLLY WINDSOR AND ASA BUTTERFIELD STAR IN OUT OF THE DUST FROM JULIE GEAREY, COMING TO NETFLIX

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    Netflix UK announces a new series from writer Julie Gearey (Intergalactic, Cuffs, Prisoners Wives) Out of the Dust, produced by Double Dutch Productions, part of Banijay UK.

    Starring: Molly Windsor as Rosie (Three Girls, Makeup), Asa Butterfield as Adam (Sex Education, Enders Game, Hugo), Fra Fee as Sam (Lost Boys & Fairies, Hawkeye), Siobhan Finneran as Mrs Phillips (Time, Happy Valley) and Christopher Eccleston as Mr Phillips (True Detective, Jude).

    Out of the Dust is a 6-part psychological thriller set in a conservative Christian sect. The story follows Rosie, a dutiful wife and mother who is propelled into a dangerous journey of female emancipation and sexual awakening following a fateful encounter with escaped convict, Sam.

    Filming commenced this month in the UK.

    EPISODES: 6

    WRITER AND CREATOR: Julie Gearey (Intergalactic, Cuffs, Prisoners Wives)

    EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Iona Vrolyk and Myar Craig-Brown (Double Dutch Productions) Julie Gearey.

    PRODUCER: Nick Pitt

    DIRECTORS: Jim Loach (Criminal Record, The Tower, Save Me) and Philippa Langdale (Out There, The Capture, A Discovery of Witches)

    PRODUCTION COMPANY: Double Dutch Productions, part of Banijay UK

    CAST: Molly Windsor, Asa Butterfield, Fra Fee, Siobhan Finneran and Christopher Eccleston.

    SYNOPSIS: Psychological thriller

    Rosie lives with her husband Adam and daughter in a cloistered Christian community. The fateful arrival of escaped prisoner Sam into her life, reveals the reality and restraints of her world; perhaps this hidden religious community doesn’t have her best interests at heart.

  9. Banijay’s The Island Returns to France with M6

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces Endemol France will revive gripping adventure reality format, The Island, for M6. Last on air in France in 2018, the return of the celebrity version promises to capture viewers once again with its high-stakes drama and authentic take on survival.

    Originally created by Shine TV, part of Banijay UK, and Bear Grylls Ventures in 2014 for Channel 4, The Island quickly became a global sensation. A long-running hit in the UK and produced in over eight territories, with celebrity versions airing last year in Denmark and Sweden, the unique format strips participants of modern comforts and challenges them to survive on an uninhabited island with limited resources.

    The returning series will see 10 celebrities pushed to their limits, using their survival instincts and resourcefulness in an all-new challenge, the trek. Set in Thailand’s most remote island, contestants must survive and navigate treacherous terrain to reach the extraction point, adding a layer of suspense and strategy never seen before on the show. The stakes are higher, the risks greater, and the drama more intense with French adventurer and explorer Loury Lag taking on the reins as the series’ host.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO of Endemol France says: “The Island’s authenticity and raw depiction of survival make it a standout show in the reality genre. It captures the essence of human resilience within a challenging environment, providing unforgettable viewing for M6 viewers. It’s exciting to reintroduce the format to audiences in France, and we’re eager to find new ways to elevate the experience that will leave audiences wanting more.”

    Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay adds: “Survival reality formats have an enduring appeal, and The Island distinguishes itself as a unique title without the usual trappings of big prizes, eliminations, and winners. It’s great to see it comeback in France with Jean-Louis and his team at Endemol France. Longtime fans and newcomers to the show can look forward to an unparalleled season blending survival, strategy, and human endurance.”

    Endemol France, part of Banijay France, is a non-scripted juggernaut having produced recent hits such as Star Academy, LEGO® Masters, Celebrity Hunted, and LOL: Last One Laughing.

  10. HBO and BBC TO CO-PRODUCE LIONS (w/t), RICHARD GADD’S NEXT DRAMA SERIES Gadd to Write and Executive Produce, Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck to Direct

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    HBO and the BBC are set to co-produce the six-episode drama series “Lions” (w/t), from creator and executive producer Richard Gadd (“Baby Reindeer,” “Sex Education”), with Alexandra Brodski (“Somewhere Boy,” “Rivals”) and Eshref Reybrouck (“Ferry: The Series” and “Cheyenne & Lola”) attached to direct. The HBO-BBC series is produced by Wendy Griffin (“Limbo,” “The Lost King”) and executive produced by Tally Garner and Morven Reid for Mam Tor Productions (a Banijay UK company), Richard Gadd, and Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, with Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland.

    Logline: When Niall’s estranged ‘brother’ Ruben shows up at his wedding, it leads to an explosion of violence that catapults us back through their lives. Spanning almost forty years from the 1980s to the present day, this ambitious series will cover the highs and lows of the brothers’ relationship, from them meeting as teenagers to their falling out as adults – with all the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry, and challenging moments along the way. It will capture the wild energy of a changing city – a changing world, even – and try to get to the bottom of the difficult question… What does it mean to be a man?

    Kara Buckley, Senior Vice President HBO Drama Programming, says: “We are tremendously excited to partner with the BBC and Richard Gadd, whose remarkable talent continues to make waves across the globe. With this new, gripping and evocative series, we are proud to welcome Richard to the HBO family.”

    Richard Gadd, creator, writer and executive producer, says: “Ordering a HBO boxset of The Sopranos, The Wire, or Oz and watching it from start to finish were some of the happiest moments of my childhood. Since then, it has always been a dream of mine to work with HBO and be part of their iconic roster of shows. I am so grateful to Francesca Orsi, Kara Buckley and Clint LaVigne for taking this chance on the show and on Ruben and Niall too who – despite growing up in a dead-end Scottish town – would be absolutely pinching themselves at this! I cannot wait to get started.”

    Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “We are delighted that HBO are joining us to bring Richard Gadd’s exquisite Lions scripts to the screen. This is bold, brilliant, one-of-a-kind storytelling and we can’t wait for viewers to see it.”

    Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning BBC Scotland said:  “Lions is a superb example of how we can bring high quality storytelling and content rooted in Scotland to audiences across the UK and the world. We’re delighted to be working with our BBC colleagues, Screen Scotland and HBO to bring Richard’s truly innovative scripts to life.”

    Tally Garner, MD Mam Tor Productions, says: “Morven and I are utterly delighted to be partnering with HBO alongside the BBC and can’t wait to bring Richard Gadd’s incredible vision to the screen. The quality and prestige of HBO is world-renowned, and we are so grateful to the HBO Drama team and the BBC for supporting us on this journey.”

    Credits: The series is created, written and executive produced by Richard Gadd alongside executive producers Tally Garner and Morven Reid from Mam Tor Productions, Gaynor Holmes for the BBC and Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland. The series will be directed by Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck; and produced by Wendy Griffin. The series is made by Mam Tor Productions for HBO, BBC One, BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer. Banijay Rights handles international distribution outside the UK & Ireland and US. Lions is supported by Screen Scotland.

  11. Conker Pictures to open Belfast base

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    Conker Pictures, the scripted start up from ex BBC Commissioning Editor Tommy Bulfin and ex Apple TV+ Drama Commissioner Kim Varvell, is to open an office in Northern Ireland, Conker Pictures NI.

    Building on their experience of working in the Nations & Regions on high profile dramas (Tommy commissioned the hit Belfast based police drama Blue Lights when he was at the BBC), their ambition is to make contemporary and original series, with global appeal, from Northern Ireland working with local writers, talent and crews.

    The London office will remain the company headquarters, with the new central Belfast office launching next month. Tommy will be based in London, while Kim is relocating to Belfast. However, the Co-MDs will continue to oversee the business jointly.

    Kim Varvell said: “I am hugely excited to be relocating to Belfast and to be opening Conker’s first regional office. Professionally, the region is teeming with creativity, inspiring story tellers and incredible talent. Personally, I am going to be incredibly proud to call Belfast my home. We can’t wait to get going and are grateful for the support and advice of Northern Ireland Screen and the BBC in helping us make this move.”

    Tommy Bulfin added: “I have had the good fortune to work on many productions in Northern Ireland and I have always been blown away by the talent and professionalism on show there. Having a base in Belfast will allow Conker to really make roots in the region and nurture creative relationships. Northern Ireland is home to some of the very best crews and creative talent in the industry. I am very excited by the potential and know that Irish stories and talent will resonate worldwide.”

    Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen commented: “As the TV/Drama sector locally goes from strength to strength, we are delighted to welcome Conker Pictures to Northern Ireland, under the esteemed leadership of Tommy Bulfin and Kim Varvell. Their combined experience in commissioning high-profile dramas and their commitment to cultivating local talent will undoubtedly bolster opportunities for our local writers, talent, and crews.”

    With support from Northern Ireland Screen and the BBC, Conker Pictures NI is recruiting a Development Assistant Trainee to work from Belfast. Applications are now open here https://northernirelandscreen.getgotjobs.co.uk/listings

    Conker Pictures launched in April 2023 with backing from Banijay UK.

  12. Banijay UK Acquires Caryn Mandabach Productions, Prolific Producers of Critically Acclaimed Global Hit ‘Peaky Blinders’

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    Banijay UK has today announced its acquisition of independent scripted production company Caryn Mandabach Productions Limited (CMP). The company, founded by award-winning producer Caryn Mandabach produces the BAFTA-winning global, hit drama series and brand, “Peaky Blinders”.

    Mandabach, whose list of credits is extensive, will pivot to a first-look development and producer agreement with Banijay UK under her newly formed Conduit Productions umbrella.

    Under the agreement, CMP’s slate of projects and back catalogue transfers to Banijay UK. Moving forward, the group will manage all future series, spin-offs, and brand ventures resulting from that IP including the recently announced Peaky Blinders movie greenlit by Netflix (which Mandabach remains attached to as a producer alongside Steven Knight, Cillian Murphy and Guy Heeley). CMP’s Creative Director Jamie Glazebrook will remain in post with the company, which will continue to operate, post-acquisition, under the new name of Garrison Drama Limited. Banijay Rights will continue to distribute and exploit existing and new programmes produced by Garrison Drama Limited.

    Prior to starting CMP in the UK, Mandabach developed and produced seminal hits “The Cosby Show”, “Roseanne”, “3rd Rock From The Sun,” “That ’70s Show” and “Nurse Jackie” in the U.S.

    Patrick Holland, CEO Banijay UK, said; “Caryn Mandabach is one of the legends of the UK/US drama markets and Banijay has been hugely privileged to work with her over the years (through Peaky Blinders co producer Tiger Aspect and via Banijay Rights), especially on the global phenomenon that is ‘Peaky Blinders’. Steve Knight’s truly unique vision found a similarly maverick spirit in producer partner Caryn and the series redefined TV drama.  We are so excited to be announcing that Caryn’s company, CMP, is being fully acquired by Banijay, and are delighted that she’s agreed to a separate development deal with us and we look forward to future collaborations”. He added: “Steve has plans for future chapters of the ‘Peaky Blinders’ universe and CMP’s other development projects will also come to Banijay as part of the deal.  Jamie Glazebrook will continue to work across this slate.”

    Mandabach said: “As a serial entrepreneur, I have fortunately been able to help conjure up and maintain rights in hits that resonate with global audiences. ‘Peaky’ was such a show.  And imagine my delight in being able to work with Cillian Murphy for ten years!”

    She added: “I know that Patrick and everyone at Banijay are fully aware of the power of this franchise, and they will continue to expand upon the intrinsic value of this uniquely wonderful IP. With Conduit, I look forward to partnering with Banijay on new and equally thrilling ventures.”

    “Peaky Blinders,” written by Steven Knight, is the multi-award-winning, epic gangster drama set in the lawless streets of Birmingham over a period spanning the end of World War One to the early 1930s. Series 1 aired on BBC Two on 13 September 2013 and debuted on Netflix a year later. It moved to BBC One in 2019 for its fifth series with the sixth and final series launching on BBC One/ iPlayer in February 2022 and on Netflix June 2022.

    Banijay UK label Tiger Aspect, has worked alongside CMP as a coproducer for all six series.

    The deal was orchestrated by Patrick Holland for Banijay UK, part of content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, with Simon Muirhead Burton LLP steering the deal to conclusion, as instructed by Banijay UK General Counsel Jacqueline Moreton.  CAA Evolution, DLA Piper, Gina Marcheschi for 6th St Creative, and Nicole Finnan for CMP and Mandabach.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed.