Tag Archive: BBC

  1. Banijay Rights Secures Marie Antoinette’s Return to BBC

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    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of media and content powerhouse Banijay, today announces UK public broadcaster the BBC has pre-bought the second series of landmark historical drama Marie Antoinette.

    The CANAL+ Creation Originale, produced by Capa Drama, Banijay Studios France and Beside Productions will once again air on BBC Two and iPlayer following an agreement negotiated by Chris Stewart, SVP Sales, UK & Eire, Banijay Rights. The deal follows CANAL+’s second series order of the Banijay and Newen drama in March, with filming now underway.

    Created by Deborah Davis, the new 8 x 60’ series of Marie Antoinette continues the extraordinary story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen, played by Emilia Schüle (Ku’damm 56/ 63), with Louis Cunningham (Bridgerton) as the king of France, Louis XVI.

    At the height of their power, while Marie Antoinette and Louis face an unprecedented financial crisis, the incessant attacks of Provence and Chartres against the royal couple stir up the hatred of the nobles while disastrous consequences are looming with infamous Affair of the Diamond Necklace incident. From Versailles to the Palais-Royal, the revolt rumbles…

    Marie Antoinette’s first series has been sold to broadcasters in more than 147 territories, including PBS Distribution in the US, BBC First in Australia and BBC Two and iPlayer in the UK, and a raft of broadcasters across Europe and Latin America.

    Chris Stewart, SVP Sales, UK & Eire, Banijay Rights, said: “Extraordinary performances, enigmatic writing and high-quality production values are just some of the reasons Marie Antoinette has proved popular with buyers worldwide. With another series now being filmed, we’re delighted the BBC is on board again to take this fascinating portrayal of France’s most iconic queen to UK viewers.”

    Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisitions, BBC, said: “Following the great success of series one, we are delighted to return to Versailles for the next entertaining chapter in the eventful life of the charismatic and captivating Marie Antoinette.”

    Marie Antoinette is produced by Claude Chelli and Margaux Balsan for Capa Drama, Stéphanie Chartreux for Banijay Studios France. The season two writing team is led by Louise Ironside, joined by Charlotte Wolf, Francesca Forristal and Andrew Bampfield. Ed Bazalgette will direct the first four episodes, while Raf Reyntjens will direct the remaining four.

  2. BBC and Rai Kids Partner for Super Happy Magic Forest

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    Banijay Kids & Family today announces a new animation, Super Happy Magic Forest, produced by Tiger Aspect Kids & Family with Movimenti Production (both Banijay Kids & Family companies). A broadcast collaboration with BBC and Rai Kids, the series is based on the popular picture books of the same name by Matty Long. A pre-sale has also been secured with Canal+.

    First published by Oxford University Press in 2015, Super Happy Magic Forest is a comedy quest adventure series featuring five heroes, brought together by their mutual love of questing, picnics and frolicking. Led by the outgoing and courageous faun, Hoofius; Blossom (unicorn), Herbert (gnome), Twinkle (fairy) and Trevor (mushroom) battle villains, share journeys, and have a jolly good time along the way as they learn how to be true heroes and how to quest sensibly.

    The 52×11 minutes series will bring to life the world created in the books, in a colourful 2D animation for 7+ years. Exec Producers are Tiger Aspect Kids & Family’s MD Tom Beattie (Mr Bean: The Animated Series) and Jeff ‘Swampy’ Marsh (Phineas and Ferb).

    Tom Beattie, MD, Tiger Aspect Kids and Family says: “I have been on my own long quest to bring this project to screen and I’m Super Happy that we can now frolic into the magic forest and bring Matty’s beautiful, funny world to life.”

    Giorgio Scorza, CEO, Movimenti Production says: “We all love the Super Happy Magic Forest books and I’m thrilled to start this production alongside Tiger Aspect Kids & Family. I really can’t wait to bring all the fun of these adventures to their audience.”

    Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family CEO says: “Tiger Aspect Kids & Family and Movimenti Production are a powerful duo of producers and a brilliant example of the combined creative talents within our team. We are very proud that the BBC and Rai Kids have chosen Super Happy Magic Forestas a bridge between the international kids content community.”

    Sarah Muller, Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+ says:: Super Happy Magic Forest is full of joy and I loved it from the first moment I saw it. I just know our audience will feel the same too.”

    Luca Milano, MD, Rai Kids says: Super Happy Magic Forest is going to bring fun and fantasy. We look forward to welcoming this new co-production with BBC, Movimenti Production and Tiger Aspect Kids & Family on Rai Yoyo TV.”

     Matty Long, author and illustrator of the book series says: “I am beyond excited that the five heroes of the Super Happy Magic Forest books are making the journey from page to screen. What started as me doodling in a sketchbook will become a whole series of animated adventures and I cannot wait to share them with everyone.”

    Under the leadership of MD Tom Beattie, Tiger Aspect Kids & Family creates bold, funny and iconic content for all ages, from pre-school through to family. Spanning live-action series and animated shows, notable credits for the multi-BAFTA award-winning company include Aliens Love Underpants, Charlie and Lola, Mr Bean: The Animated Series, Danny & Mick, Tinga Tinga Tales and the recently launched, animated YouTube Original Corpse Talk.

    Italy’s leading independent production and animation studio, Movimenti Production, has produced acclaimed animated TV series, music videos, live-shows and multi-platform projects for local and global audiences. With more than 40 productions to its name, recent successes include the internationally popular 2D animated adventure/comedy Topo Gigio, Le Loup with Rai Kids and the first Italian YA animated series, Zerocalcare’s Tear Along the Dotted Line for Netflix. The company is run by joint CEOs and Creative Directors, Giorgio Scorza and Davide Rosio, who also founded 2D studio DogHead Animation which handle the animation of all Movimenti Production’s shows, and co-founded 3D production and international co-producer MoBo.

  3. Banijay Rights Sends Rogue Heroes to France

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    Banijay Rights today announces a further landmark acquisition of major new six-part limited series Rogue Heroes, as MIPTV 2022 in Cannes draws to a close.

    In a deal negotiated by Isabelle Queme, SVP French-Speaking EMEA at Banijay Rights, Rogue Heroes has been picked up by CANAL+ in France and for all CANAL+ territories around the world to broadcast in late 2022.

    The agreement follows premium network EPIX’s acquisition of the drama for the US in November last year – the first international deal for the series – and further sales to HBO Max in Europe, Prime Video in Canada and SBS in Australia in early 2022.

    Produced by Kudos and Nebulastar for the BBC – and entitled SAS Rogue Heroes in the UK market – the series is a dramatized account of how the world’s greatest Special Forces unit, the SAS, was formed under extraordinary circumstances in the darkest days of World War Two.

    Isabelle Queme, SVP French-Speaking EMEA, Banijay Rights, said: “Steven Knight and Kudos’ magnificent Rogue Heroes continues to build huge momentum worldwide and we are beyond thrilled to secure this latest deal with CANAL+; taking this epic – and important – Second World War story to a whole new audience across France and all CANAL+ territories around the world.”

     Jean-Marc Juramie, Senior EVP, Pay TV Content, CANAL+ Group, added: “We are thrilled to add this incredible event series from acclaimed writer Steven Knight to our line-up here at CANAL+. Our subscribers from all over the world will discover this important Second World War story about extraordinary men, whose stories have been further elevated by this outstanding cast.”

    Martin Haines, Joint MD, Kudos, said: Rogue Heroes is a truly ground-breaking series created by the fantastic Steven Knight, and we are delighted that audiences around the globe will have the opportunity to watch what will be unmissable TV.”

    Based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book, Rogue Heroes centres on David Stirling, an eccentric young officer, who is hospitalized after a training exercise gone wrong.

    Convinced that traditional commando units don’t work, Stirling creates a radical plan that flies in the face of all accepted rules of modern warfare. He fights for permission to recruit the toughest, boldest, and brightest soldiers for a small undercover unit that will create mayhem behind enemy lines. More rebels than soldiers, Stirling’s team is every bit as complicated, flawed, and reckless as it is brave and heroic.

    Rogue Heroes is developed for television and written by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Taboo, A Christmas Carol) and will be directed by Tom Shankland (The Serpent, The Missing), with Stephen Smallwood (The Serpent, Patrick Melrose) as producer. The series is executive produced by Karen Wilson, Martin Haines and Emma Kingsman-Lloyd for Kudos, and Tommy Bulfin for the BBC.

    Connor Swindells (Sex Education, Vigil) will play David Stirling, with Jack O’Connell (Skins, The North Water) as Paddy Mayne, Alfie Allen (Jojo Rabbit, Game of Thrones) as Jock Lewes, Tom Glynn-Carney (Dunkirk, The King) as SAS Founding member Mike Sadler, and Sofia Boutella (Modern Love, Atomic Blonde) as Eve. Dominic West (The Wire, Appropriate Adult) will play Lieutenant Colonel Wrangel Clarke.

    Commissioned by the BBC, SAS: Rogue Heroes will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.

  4. EPIX, Banijay Rights Take SAS: Rogue Heroes to US

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    Premium network EPIX today announced it has acquired the major new six-part limited series SAS: Rogue Heroes from global distributor Banijay Rights.

    In a deal negotiated by Banijay Rights’ Matt Creasey, EVP Sales, Co-Productions and Acquisitions, the acquisition marks the first international deal for SAS: Rogue Heroes.

    Produced by Kudos and Nebulastar for EPIX and BBC, SAS: Rogue Heroes is a dramatized account of how the world’s greatest Special Forces unit, the SAS, was formed under extraordinary circumstances in the darkest days of World War Two. Based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book of the same name, the series centers on David Stirling, an eccentric young officer, who is hospitalized after a training exercise gone wrong. Convinced that traditional commando units don’t work, Stirling creates a radical plan that flies in the face of all accepted rules of modern warfare. He fights for permission to recruit the toughest, boldest, and brightest soldiers for a small undercover unit that will create mayhem behind enemy lines. More rebels than soldiers, Stirling’s team is every bit as complicated, flawed, and reckless as it is brave and heroic.

     

    SAS: Rogue Heroes is developed for television and written by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Taboo, A Christmas Carol) and will be directed by Tom Shankland (The Serpent, The Missing), with Stephen Smallwood (The Serpent, Patrick Melrose) as producer. The series is executive produced by Karen Wilson, Martin Haines and Emma Kingsman-Lloyd for Kudos, and Tommy Bulfin for the BBC.  Commissioned by the BBC, SAS: Rogue Heroes will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.

     

    Connor Swindells (Sex Education, Vigil) will play David Stirling, with Jack O’Connell (Skins, The North Water) as Paddy Mayne, Alfie Allen (Jojo Rabbit, Game of Thrones) as Jock Lewes, Tom Glynn-Carney (Dunkirk, The King) as SAS Founding member Mike Sadler, and Sofia Boutella (Modern Love, Atomic Blonde) as Eve. Dominic West (The Wire, Appropriate Adult) will play Lieutenant Colonel Wrangel Clarke.

    “Steven Knight and Kudos have created a gripping historical drama that complements EPIX’s lineup of elevated, cinematic  storytelling,” said Michael Wright, President, EPIX & President MGM Scripted Television. “We’re delighted to be teaming up with Banijay Rights to give this series an exclusive home on EPIX for the American audience.”

     

    SAS: Rogue Heroes is a masterstroke of a series from the visionary Steven Knight, packed with a stellar cast who bring this fantastic story to life. We are thrilled that EPIX have come on board to take this fantastic drama to a wider US audience,” said Matt Creasey, EVP Sales, Co-Productions and Acquisitions, Rest of the World, Banijay Rights.

     

    Martin Haines, Co-Managing Director of Kudos added: “EPIX is a perfect partner that shares our vision and ambition. We are delighted they are our US partners on this epic show.”

     

    The series will also star Amir El Masry (Industry, The One), Theo Barklem-Biggs (The First Team, Carnival Row), Corin Silva (The Bay, Emmerdale), Jacob Ifan (Bang, The Accident), Dónal Finn (Cursed, The Witcher), Jacob McCarthy (The Last Summer, A.P. Bio), César Domboy (Outlander, The Walk), Michael Schaeffer (Chernobyl, The Salisbury Poisonings) and Miles Jupp (The Great, The Durrells).

    Commissioned by the BBC, SAS: Rogue Heroes will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.

     

  5. Sparks to fly: Lightning commissioned for BBC Two

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    The BBC has commissioned Fizz and Nice One TV to produce Lightning, a new teatime entertainment show hosted by award winning comic Zoe Lyons.

     

    Lightning sees the traditional quiz show collide with gameshow, in a fast-paced and frantic format designed to leave contestants’ nerves in tatters.

     

    Six challengers battle it out across six adrenaline-pumping rounds while a ruthless spotlight patrols the studio eliminating contestants. The challengers’ motivation is simple: do whatever it takes to stay out of the light.

     

    With dramatic lightning and a thundering soundtrack, Lightning will combine quick-fire questions with physical trials bringing a new pace and tone to the teatime quiz slot on BBC Two.

     

    Zoe Lyons will preside, supporting contestants as they strive to reach the ultimate goal of £3,000 prize money.

     

    Lightning is filmed in Northern Ireland with support from Northern Ireland Screen.

     

    Zoe Lyons said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be the host of Lightning. It’s a dream job for me as I’m a massive quiz fan and – unlike the contestants – I love being in the spotlight.”

     

    Carla-Maria Lawson, BBC Head of Daytime and Early Peak said: “The pace and the calibre of competition in Lightning along with Zoe’s energy and wit, will bring a real buzz to BBC Two teatimes”.

     

    Neale Simpson, Creative Director of Fizz said: “This show combines frenetic Q&A with physical challenges, putting contestants on the spot like no other, and it’s a joy to have Zoe on hand to restore calm after the storm when Lightning strikes!”

     

    Chris Jones, Nice One’s founder said: “BBC Two is the home of clever, funny quiz formats, and our hope is that the nation’s quizzers will really love Lightning.”

     

    Lightning is a 25×30’ series for BBC Two. The format was devised by Banijay Group’s Fizz (part of RDF) and Nice One. The Executive Producers are Neale Simpson (Fizz) and Chris Jones (Nice One).  It was commissioned by Carla-Maria Lawson, BBC Head of Daytime and Early Peak, and Muslim Alim, Commissioning Editor BBC Daytime and Early-Peak.

  6. Banijay Rights’ Welsh Noir Series BANG Makes Explosive Return in 2020

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    Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, confirmed today that the award-winning Welsh crime series, Bang, will return for a second season, this time with leading actors Alexander Vlahos (Versailles) and David Hayman (Taboo) onboard.

    Produced by Joio, the BAFTA-Cymru and Celtic Media Festival award-winning drama, Bang (6 x 60’), a bi-lingual crime drama created in both English and Welsh, is currently shooting in Port Talbot and will premiere on S4C in February next year.

    The much-awaited second series will follow Detective Sergeant Gina Jenkins (played by Catrin Stewart), as she attempts to solve a series of killings apparently connected to an historic rape allegation. Alexander Vlahos will play Dai, one of the suspects in the original rape investigation while David Hayman takes on the role of Jeff Campbell, a local businessman and hard man who will use violence where necessary to protect his own.

    Bang sees director Philip John (Iron Fist & Downton Abbey) return to the helm with Norwegian Director of Photography, Bjørn Ståle Bratberg, behind the camera. Catrin Lewis Defis (Broadchurch) returns as producer.

    Written by BAFTA award-winning Roger Williams, the first series of Bang was shortlisted for the prestigious Writers’ Guild Award and is notable for its ground-breaking use of two languages and striking location. As well as attracting critical-acclaim, the series also became the first S4C drama to be acquired by the BBC in its original form and sold internationally into territories such as North America and Sweden.

    Creator, Writer and Executive Producer, Roger Williams says, “At the heart of this second series is a compelling story about revenge and the desire to reveal the truth about an historic crime. Bang delivers the story in an individual and unique style by harnessing two languages, strong performances and the stunning industrial landscape of the steel town of Port Talbot.”

    Amanda Rees, S4C Director of Content, said: “S4C is thrilled to see the return of Bang in 2020. The pioneering drama is hailed as one of S4C’s Originals, and the award-winning crime thriller, set in the heart of one of Wales’ industrial capitals, has raised the profile of Welsh drama across the world.”

    Chris Stewart, Commercial Director – Banijay Rights, comments, “The first series of Bang made an incredible impact when it first premiered on S4C in 2017, and subsequently became a multi award-winning title. We could not be happier to represent the second run, which is set to be just as original and compelling as the critically-acclaimed season that went before.”

    This second series of Bang dissects the theme of power; the power certain men wield over women, the individuals who enable this behaviour to go unchecked, and the victims’ search for justice.

    The story begins with the murder of a 30-year old man in unusual circumstances on the waterfront of the steel town of Port Talbot. Little do detectives Gina and Luke realise that the murder victim is just the first victim in a series of murders that will go on to be connected to a historic rape accusation.

    It transpires there’s a serial killer on the loose targeting the men who were named by local woman Marissa Clarke in a rape case 10-years previously. The case against the men fell apart before it went to trial and they were never brought to justice…

    Bang is made possible with support from the Welsh Government.

  7. Wonder Lands Double Commission

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    Wonder, a Banijay Group Company, today announces it has been commissioned to make a new 5×20’ children’s series, Maddie, the Zoo and You, with six accompanying songs, as well as a fourth 20×15’ series of Maddie’s Do You Know? for CBeebies.

     

    In Maddie, the Zoo and You, presenter and STEM EduTuber, Maddie Moate, will be exploring how the body works and how to stay healthy through the wonderful world of animals. By looking at how they eat, move, communicate and stay comfortable, she will help children understand these things about their own bodies. Also commissioned is Maddie, the Zoo and You Songs, a fun and lively learning accompaniment to the series that will use rhymes and actions to reinforce messages from the show.

     

    Maddie, the Zoo and You is a spin-off of ratings success, Maddie’s Do You Know?, and Maddie will be back again for a fourth series, talking pre-school viewers through the workings of amazing objects and scientific principles from radio telescopes to where does wind come from and how is jam made? The show uses graphics to explain often complex engineering in an exciting and interesting way, answering questions for inquisitive children and parents alike.

     

    Sarah Trigg, Executive Producer at Wonder says: “Maddie is an exceptional talent whose energy and enthusiasm really resonates with young audiences. Maddie’s Do You Know? is such a popular and well-loved series, it’s fantastic to see CBeebies expand on this brand with Maddie, the Zoo and You, where she will doing the important job of helping children understand how their bodies work, in a fun and original way.”

     

    Julia Bond, Commissioning Editor for BBC Children’s says: “We’re delighted to bring more episodes of Maddie’s Do You Know? and the new spin-off Maddie, the Zoo and You to the ever-curious minds of our audience. Understanding how things work, how they are made and where they come from are crucial to understanding the world around us. Maddie, the Zoo and You, will celebrate how amazing our bodies are and how we can stay fit and healthy – a valuable and inspiring addition to the Do You Know? brand.”

     

    Maddie’s Do You Know? and Maddie, the Zoo and You, will be Exec Produced by Julia Bond, Commissioning Editor, CBeebies and is Executive Produced by Sarah Trigg at Wonder. Maddie’s Do You Know? and Maddie, the Zoo and You will be distributed globally by Banijay Rights.

     

  8. Movistar Signs Up for Ni Superhéroes Ni Princesas

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    Movistar today confirms the commission of Ni Superhéroes Ni Princesas. Produced by Movistar+ and Dlo/ Magnolia, a Banijay Group company, the series will be based on No More Boys and Girls, the original format produced by Outline Productions for BBC and distributed by DRG Formats.

     

    Ni Superhéroes Ni Princesa will pose some of the most profound questions facing education today: is the way we treat boys and girls in childhood the real reason we still haven’t achieved true equality between men and women in adult life?  And could stripping away the pink and blue – and the other more subtle ways that boys and girls are shaped to be different – be the way to raise kids with abilities and attitudes that are the same regardless of their gender?

     

    The new series will set out to find answers in a bold but simple experiment led by Erick Pescador. Taking the reins of a primary class with the aim of testing gender bias in education, he will observe the ways in which a group of eight-year-olds perceive themselves and their path to adulthood. Measuring self-esteem and perception, he will highlight the different ways in which both genders are treated as children and using important psychological measures, investigates whether gender neutral treatment can boost self-confidence, emotional intelligence and equality.

     

    Starting with a survey, the series will cover the effect of toys, gender roles in the family based on clothing, language and stories, the influence of video games, cartoons and advertising at an early age, and techniques to drive change.

     

    Ni Superhéroes Ni Princesa is produced by Movistar+ and DLO/Magnolia. The series will premiere on 16 September on Movistar+ and will also be available on Movistar Lite.

  9. BBC One Commissions Further Series of Eat Well For Less? and Shop Well For Less?

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    BBC One today announces it has commissioned RDF West to make a seventh series of Eat Well for Less? and a fifth series of Shop Well for Less? for the channel. Both recommissions of these successful long-running lifestyle formats will be 6×60’ and begin filming later this year.

    The Gregg Wallace and Chris Bavin fronted Eat Well for Less? will be returning to show more families that they can save significant amounts of money on food and reduce their waste, without scrimping on quality or nutrition. By using simple tips, tricks, swaps and easy recipes, they can slash a weekly food budget. In Shop Well for Less? The One Show’s Alex Jones and BBC Breakfast’s Steph McGovern tackle families who are over-spending on products, from branded cleaning spray to designer clothes; aiming to change the way people shop, without changing their lifestyle.

    Both series have recently been on air and continue to rate well, particularly with family audiences. Series six of Eat Well For Less? started going out in May and series four of Shop Well for Less? is currently transmitting on Wednesdays at 8pm.

    BBC Commissioning Executive Ricky Cooper said: “We’re absolutely thrilled Eat Well for Less? and Shop Well for Less? are returning to BBC One.  Whether saving us money, improving our diets or showing us all simple ways to live more sustainably, these series continue to delight and entertain in equal measure.”

    Managing Director of RDF, Jim Allen said: “Less is more is the blindingly simple mantra of both shows and that message and mission is as relevant today as it was when the series were launched.   Whether it’s exorbitantly priced, branded mosturisers or eye wateringly expensive ‘luxury’ muesli, both shows remain ready to take on and tame conspicuous consumption. And have fun while doing it!”

    Eat Well for Less? and Shop Well for Less? were commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Director, BBC Content and David Brindley, Head of Commissioning, Popular Factual and Factual Entertainment. Ricky Cooper is the Commissioning Executive, and they are Executive Produced by Jo Scarratt-Jones for RDF West. All worldwide rights to Eat Well for Less? and Shop Well for Less? are owned by Banijay Rights.

  10. The Big Scottish Book Club on BBC Scotland

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    The Big Scottish Book Club is to be hosted by award-winning author Damian Barr.

     

    Produced by IWC, a Banijay Group company, the new four x 60 series will air later this year on the BBC Scotland channel.

     

    Filmed in two different locations, each week Barr will meet a trio of acclaimed writers from the worlds of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Some may be from the place where the show is filmed, or their work reflects it; others will be famous writers with a less obvious connection, and some will be literature-loving celebrities who can talk passionately about the works that have played a role in their lives. Each episode will be filmed as live and performed in front of an audience.  This show celebrates books and authors from around the world and shines a spotlight on Scottish Writers.

     

    There will also be items with local book lovers in each episode, with details of the places and contributors to be featured to be announced at a later date.

     

    The format of the show is inspired by Damian Barr’s renowned Literary Salon, currently resident at London’s Savoy Hotel.

     

    As host of the salon, Newarthill-born Barr has interviewed a diverse range of established and emerging names from the literary world ranging from Bret Easton Ellis to Armistead Maupin, Susan Calman, Ian Rankin, Kirsty Wark, Aminatta Forna, Yaa Gasi, Juno Dawson, Caitlin Moran, Alan Cumming and Sathnam Sanghera.

     

    Damian Barr said: “Book sales are higher than ever and book groups continue to flourish (ok, drinking wine and occasionally talking about books). From Wigtown to Aye Write and Edinburgh International, Scotland has some of the best and busiest book festivals in the world. And we’ve given the world some of its finest writers. I’m delighted to host the Big Scottish Book Club and invite everyone to join our conversation, readers and writers across the country and the world. Books are for everyone and so is this show.”

     

    Commissioning executive at BBC Scotland Gareth Hydes said: “In conjunction with Damian and IWC, we have worked to give his renowned salon sessions a Scottish twist for the new channel. There are a lot of great Scottish books and authors to discuss and invite onto the show, but it will also feature the international best sellers, which have got everyone talking.”

     

    Mark Downie, Creative Director of IWC said: “Ever since, as a fan, I first attended Damian’s legendary Literary Salon, I’ve wanted to find a way to bring his electrifying passion for books and beguiling skills as an interviewer to a TV audience. Thanks to the BBC Scotland channel we now can. As a Scottish producer, we are all thrilled to be making a world class series that celebrates Scottish literature for a channel that seeks to reflect the people of Scotland in all their diversity. Our mission with this series is to inspire the whole country to get reading and create a book group for the entire nation, which everyone is welcome to join.”

     

    Damian Barr’s Big Scottish Book Club was commissioned by Gareth Hydes, Commissioning Editor for BBC Scotland and is Executive Produced by Mark Downie for IWC. Damian Barr’s Big Scottish Book Club is distributed globally by Banijay Rights.