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.

Tag Archive: Cathy Payne

  1. Banijay’s Unveils Format and Scripted Highlights Ahead of MIPCOM

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    Leading producer/distributor, Banijay, proudly announces its all-new, stand-out titles for MIPCOM. Taking up residency with an expanded presence since its last visit, the global player is set to make a noisy return to the market, as it prepares to raise the curtain on its latest creations.

    Love Triangle, Blow Up, Le Plus Grand Karaoké de France, and MasterChef: Young Talent, will all make their Cannes debuts in Banijay’s format line-up, along with Starstruck, and Banijay Rights’ premium scripted titles Rogue Heroes, Marie Antoinette, Bali 2002, and Serial Lover, and third-party titles Stonehouse and Riches.

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay, says: “At Banijay we promote collaboration, innovation, and creative autonomy, and this is unmistakable with our extensive MIPCOM slate, with distinctive and fresh formats coming from Australia, UK, France, and the Netherlands. We’re very much looking forward to heading to Cannes in person, offering broadcasters new premium entertainment, bold dating shows and showcasing the modern evolution of our super brands – all of which, have travelling potential at their core.”

    Cathy Payne, CEO at Banijay Rights, says: “Our portfolio is further evidence of how we are tapping into the international audience’s desire for high-end content with nuanced narratives, and visually powerful series. Our line-up for MIPCOM epitomises this with fascinating, compelling stories from across the Banijay footprint and beyond. We can’t wait to showcase our new eco-friendly stand and spend some time face-to-face with all our clients from across the globe.”

    Love Triangle, from Endemol Shine Australia for Stan, is an unpredictable and explosive relationship journey filled with love, heartbreak and a mind-blowing twist, that will rock the couples to their core, while Dutch format Blow Up from EndemolShine Nederlands for RTL4 sees talented balloon artists battle it out in a colourful and creative competition with high stakes. French label DMLS TV’s Le Plus Grand Karaoké de France was the number one show in its slot for adults 25-49 and sees experts select the best singers from 1,000 mic’d up participants who are belting out songs.

    Building on the world’s most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records), MasterChef has developed a new iteration that welcomes 13 – 18 year-olds into the kitchen. MasterChef: Young Talent will equip a future generation of chefs with the best tools and experience. Viaplay Group has commissioned the first series from Banijay labels, Metronome (Denmark) and Nordisk Banijay (Norway).

    Meanwhile, Starstruck, created by Remarkable Entertainment for ITV is a high-end entertainment show with a second series underway in the UK. Teaming up as trios, the public transform into some of the world’s biggest music icons.

     On the scripted front, Banijay Rights is highlighting new historical drama, Marie Antoinette. Created and written by Deborah Davis (The Favourite), the eight-part series was produced by Banijay Studios France, CAPA Drama and Les Gens, and tells the story of the avant-garde young queen.  From Kudos and Nebulastar, Rogue Heroes, written by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) is a dramatised account of how the SAS, the world’s greatest Special Forces unit formed under extraordinary circumstances in the darkest days of World War Two. It stars Connor Swindells, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Allen, Tom Glynn-Carney, Sofia Boutella and Dominic West.

    Alongside these period dramas is Shine Fiction’s Serial Lover, a co-production with Sibaro Films. Written by Alice Der Broek, this story centres around a shrewd man who lives many lives, manipulating those around him, especially women who he targets and steals from. Meanwhile, Bali 2002 explores the everyday heroes directly impacted by the terrorist attacks in Bali twenty years ago. Written by Justin Monjo (Storm Boy), Kris Wyld (Pulse), Marcia Gardner (Wentworth) emerging screenwriter Michael Toisuta and Balinese writer, actor and musician Ketut Yuliarsa (Janggan) as story editor, this powerful drama is produced by Endemol Shine Australia and Screentime.

    Banijay Rights builds on its slate of dramas based on true events with Stonehouse. From acclaimed writer John Preston, the third-party offering from Clearwood Films and Snowed-In Productions is directed by BAFTA-nominated Jon S.Baird (Stan & Ollie) and depicts the story of disgraced Labour minister John Stonehouse. In addition, Banijay Rights includes Greenacre Films’ production, Riches, in its slate. Written and created by Abby Ajayi, it follows the exploits of the brash, super-successful, and wealthy Richards family – the stellar cast includes Deborah Ayorinde (Them), Hugh Quarshie (Absentia) and Sarah Niles (Ted Lasso) amongst others.

    These MIPCOM highlights compliment the 130,000+ hours of globally renowned, stand-out IP within Banijay’s catalogue. They will sit alongside super brands such as Big Brother, Survivor, LEGO® Masters, Hunted, The Bridge, Peaky Blinders, and The Truth Will Out.

    At MIPCOM 2022, Banijay will exhibit at C.20.

  2. Banijay Rights Sends Marie Antoinette Down Under

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

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

    Created and written by Deborah Davis (The Favourite), Marie Antoinette tells the story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen, played by Emilia Schüle (Ku’damm 56/ 63). Joining Deborah Davis in writing the ambitious drama is Louise Ironside (The Split), Avril E. Russell (All on a Summer’s Day) and Chloë Moss (Run Sister Run). The series is directed by Pete Travis (Bloodlands) and Geoffrey Enthoven (Children of Love).

    Marie Antoinette is produced by Claude Chelli and Margaux Balsan for Capa Drama, Alban Étienne and Stéphanie Chartreux for Banijay Studios France, and Christophe Toulemonde for Les Gens. Filming took place in many prestigious historical places including the Châteaux of Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Lésigny, Champs, Voisins, and in the emblematic studios of Bry-sur-Marne.

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

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

    Marie Antoinette was barely 14 years old when she left Austria to marry the Dauphin of France. Growing from a stubborn young princess navigating the rules of the French court under pressure to continue the Bourbon line, to a true fashion icon, she impressed with her natural charisma, and recreated life in Versailles in her image: free, independent and feminist ahead of time. Even with rumours undermining her reputation, the notorious figure would defeat the enemies of the Versailles court with courage and dignity.

  3. Banijay Rights Gets Greek Format Deals

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    Banijay Rights today announces new adaptations for two of its leading entertainment programmes with broadcasters in Greece, as NATPE Budapest International gets under way.

    Commercial network Alpha TV has commissioned Barking Well Media to produce a first season of entertainment hit All Together Now to premiere later this year.

    The deal follows the launch of hit Australian format The Hundred, which recently had its first international adaptation on Star Channel in Greece, capturing a first-episode audience share of 16%. The series is produced locally by Green Pixel.

    Both agreements were negotiated by Robin Pollok, VP Sales, Africa, Middle East, Greece & Israel, Banijay Rights, who said: “Greece has long been fertile ground for entertainment programming so it’s thrilling to secure these landmark deals with the nation’s leading broadcasters ahead of NATPE Budapest International. From a fresh take on a traditional talent competition to an innovative entertainment show, we’re looking forward to working closely with our partners in Greece in the coming months.”

    Originally created by Banijay UK-owned Remarkable TV for BBC1 in the UK and now selling to over 18 markets, All Together Now sees a range of talented vocalists – solos and groups – perform in front of ‘The 100’, an audience of great singers with big voices and even bigger opinions.

    If any of ‘The 100’ like what they hear, they can stand up, join in and sing along. The greater the number that participate, the higher the act’s score. At the end of the series, one act will walk away with a major cash prize. The question is, who can get ‘The 100’ on their feet and singing along?

    The Hundred, which aired its second season on Nine Network in Australia in February, was originally created by Screentime Australia/Endemol Shine Australia and aims to find out who Australians really are. Featuring 100 everyday Australians from all over the country who are handpicked to represent their nation, ‘The Hundred’ is standing by to be polled live and give us the stories behind the stat. Each week, comedians and celebrities battle it out to prove who really knows Australia best, challenging ‘The Hundred’ and unpacking the facts along the way.

  4. Premium content meets cutting-edge technology – Banijay Rights collaborates with Amagi to go FAST

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    Amagi, a global leader in cloud-based SaaS technology for broadcast and connected TV, today announces its partnership with Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of world-leading independent TV producer Banijay, to drive its Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST) strategy worldwide.

    Amagi has facilitated channel creation, distribution and monetization for Banijay Rights on key FAST platforms such as Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Freevee, LG Channels and more.

    Banijay is one of the largest content producers and distributors of TV content in the world and has a multi-genre catalogue of 130,000 hours of original standout programming that includes hit shows such as Survivor, Black Mirror, MasterChef and more.

    Meanwhile, Amagi is the torchbearer of the global FAST ecosystem having established early leadership in the domain with 50+ FAST platform partnerships and 100 other OTT platform partnerships.

    “As a key member of the content marketplace, connecting premium content providers with the most sought-after OTT platforms, we were ecstatic to collaborate with Banijay Rights,” said Srinivasan KA, co-founder, Amagi. “FAST is increasingly becoming synonymous with quality programming. It’s exactly where a media powerhouse like Banijay Rights should be, and we’re thrilled to have facilitated that.”

    Banijay Rights has also sought to leverage the benefits of Amagi’s cutting-edge cloud-led innovations to amplify their reach and revenue in the FAST space. Amagi CLOUDPORT – one of the key solutions that Banijay Rights has availed – is a versatile cloud-built channel playout and distribution solution, with its ability to centrally manage multi-country feeds and improve the efficiency of large broadcast operations. Other solutions such as Amagi THUNDERSTORM and Amagi PLANNER have been utilised by Banijay Rights for dynamic ad insertion and automated content scheduling, delivering a seamless ad and program experience to their viewers.

    “At Banijay Rights we are uncompromising in our commitment to quality, and we’ve always associated ourselves with content projects that are powerful and transformative. Our choice of technology partners is no different – and we look forward to accomplishing great things with Amagi.” said Shaun Keeble, VP Digital, Banijay Rights. 

    Amagi provides a complete suite of solutions for channel creation, distribution, and monetization. The company also has a state-of-the-art cloud broadcast operations center that can support 1000+ live linear channels. Amagi clients include ABS-CBN, A+E Networks UK, beIN Sports, Curiosity Stream, Discovery Networks, Fox Networks, Fremantle, Gusto TV, NBCUniversal, Tastemade, Tegna, USA Today, Vice Media and Warner Media, among others.

    For more information about Amagi and its streaming TV solutions, visit www.amagi.com.

  5. Banijay Rights Scores First Starstruck Deal

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    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay, today announces the first international adaptation of hit UK format Starstruck – with a landmark deal confirmed in South America.

    Following its successful launch to a consolidated 4.7 million viewers on ITV in the UK this year and a confirmed re-commission for a second series, Canal 13 in Chile will produce and broadcast a local version of the primetime extravaganza.

    The Chilean version will broadcast three days a week this month, with the deal brokered by Michelle Wasserman, SVP Latam, USH & Brazil, Banijay Rights.

    Created by Remarkable Entertainment (a Banijay UK company), Starstruck sees ordinary members of the public team up for the ultimate ‘superstar experience’, shedding their normal personas to become global icons, all courtesy of an elite team of glam and stylists overseeing an extraordinary on-screen transformation.

    Michelle Wasserman, SVP Latam, USH & Brazil, Banijay Rights, said: “Starstruck is one of the most ambitious and exciting formats to grace Banijay Rights’ 130,000+ hour catalogue, and evidently demand from broadcasters worldwide isn’t disappointing. With contestants transforming into megastars including Ariana Grande, Lionel Richie and more, we’re in no doubt this show will resonate strongly with viewers in Chile.”

    Launching #1 launch in its timeslot – and a hit with younger viewers (16-34) +61% above the slot average – Starstruck in the UK is hosted by Olly Murs with presiding judges Sheridan Smith, Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight and Jason Manford.

     

  6. Banijay Rights Courts Romeo & Duet

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    Banijay Rights today announces it has acquired global distribution rights to singing dating show format Romeo & Duet – ahead of its UK premiere at 7pm (GMT) on ITV and ITV Hub this Saturday, 16th April.

    Created and produced by Goat Films, Romeo & Duet gives its contestants just one ‘sing’ to entice a singleton down from the balcony, and only then will the two come face-to-face for the first time.

    The newly formed couple will then head off on a duet-date to learn a duet, before returning later in the show to perform the song in the ultimate romantic love battle; a singing competition against the other couples to be crowned the winners.

    Launching on ITV and ITV Hub this week, the primetime show is presented by Oti Mabuse (The Masked Dancer, Dancing on Ice). Banijay Rights holds international distribution rights to the series – for both format and tape sales.

    Simon Cox, EVP Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, said: “Romeo & Duet is a heart-warming extravaganza that fuses dating and music in a way that hasn’t been seen before on the small screen. Mel Crawford and the team at Goat Films have delivered an amazing spectacle and Banijay Rights is looking forward to taking this show to a whole new viewership worldwide.”

     Mel Crawford, Founder of Goat Films, added: “I’m delighted to be working in partnership with Banijay on the worldwide rollout of this wonderful, joyous format.  Since our first conversations about Romeo & Duet, Banijay have been great champions of the show and I know they will help us make this a global hit. Here at Goat, we are incredibly proud of what we’ve delivered to ITV and can’t wait for UK audiences to see it on screen for the first time on 16th April.”

     Romeo & Duet is Executive Produced by Mel Crawford with Series Editor Christian Fletcher. Romeo & Duet was developed from an original idea created by Ivor and David Baddiel. It was commissioned by ITV’s Joe Mace, Commissioning Editor Entertainment, and Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning.

  7. 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.

  8. Banijay Rights Boards the BBC’s The Drop and Extraordinary Portraits

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    Banijay Rights today announces it has acquired global distribution rights to BBC factual entertainment shows The Drop and Extraordinary Portraits, as this week’s MIPTV gets under way.

    Created by Renowned Films for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, streetwear competition The Drop (8 x 60’) sees the UK’s most promising up-and-coming creative entrepreneurs go head-to-head to win the chance to have their first clothing line stocked in a major UK retailer.

    Across the competitive business format, the contestants are mentored by Grammy Award-winning recording artist, style icon and S1C streetwear brand owner Miguel – who also serves as Executive Producer – as they complete weekly themed challenges to help them develop their brand and business. Banijay Rights holds global rights for the finished series and format.

    Meanwhile in Extraordinary Portraits (6 x 60’) – from Chatterbox Films for BBC One and BBC iPlayer – musician and passionate collector of art Tinie (formerly known as Tinie Tempah) matches members of the public with extraordinary stories to a selection of distinctive and celebrated portrait artists.

    The artists are then challenged to turn these personal and powerful experiences into compelling portraits using different mediums of art, from underwater photography to street art, with the final piece unveiled to the sitter and their family and friends.

    Cathy Payne, CEO, Banijay Rights, said: “The Drop and Extraordinary Portraits are two outstanding cutting-edge factual shows that showcase different crafts at the highest level, from dazzling streetwear design to intricate portraiture. These factual series epitomise the range and depth that sits within Banijay Rights’ multi-genre catalogue of more than 120,000 hours, and we’re in no doubt they will be a big attraction to international buyers this year.”

    Both The Drop and Extraordinary Portraits join Banijay’s outstanding slate of Spring 2022 highlights, which includes entertainment formats Starstruck, Limitless Win, The Courtship, Language of Love, Your Body Uncovered and Shaolin Heroes. On the scripted front, Banijay Rights is highlighting dramas including Rogue Heroes, Then You Run and Signora Volpe.

     

     

  9. Banijay Unveils Slate of Formats and Scripted Titles for Spring 2022

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    Banijay, the world’s largest independent home to the best creative talent and IP, today announces an impressive range of titles for its spring slate ahead of MIPTV.

     

    Starstruck, Limitless Win, The Courtship, Language of Love, Your Body Uncovered and Shaolin Heroes have been revealed as Banijay’s format highlights, alongside Banijay Rights’ premium scripted titles including Rogue Heroes, Then You Run and Signora Volpe.

     

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay says: “Banijay has a wonderfully diverse offering of formats and developing ambitious bold new shows from Starstruck to Shaolin Heroes is at the heart of our culture. We can capitalise on our expertise in the entertainment, reality, and adventure spaces, having produced hit formats such as Survivor, Wipeout and Big Brother, to create all-new, high-energy productions which appeal to global audiences.”

     

    Cathy Payne, CEO at Banijay Rights says: “With strong writing and globally relevant themes, we’re proud these premium scripted titles are leading our burgeoning catalogue. With continuingly strong demand from platforms and broadcasters for new shows, we expect the highlighted formats to have broad appeal both as finished tape sales and as travelling IP with third-party producers.”

     

    Entertainment is back in a big way…Starstruck, created by Remarkable Entertainment for ITV is the epitome of this. Teaming up as trios, the public transform into some of the world’s biggest music icons. And Limitless Win, created by Hello Dolly and co-produced with Mitre Studios, which Banijay have the international format rights to, was ITV’s biggest brand-new entertainment series launch since January 2020. Already commissioned for a second series in the UK, it is a prime-time quiz show with a unique USP – the world’s first-ever limitless jackpot!

     

    The Courtship is a bold new relationship show from Endemol Shine North America, in association with Shine TV. A modern woman tired of dating in the 21st century is transported to the Regency-era. Will the ultimate romantic experience see the leading lady swept off her feet? Joining Banijay’s dating offering, is Language of Love from Banijay Iberia’s Zeppelin and UK indie 2LE. The series explores whether love can blossom even with a language barrier to overcome as six British singletons and six Spaniards are brought together.

     

    Combining reality with adventure is Metronome’s epic new show, Shaolin Heroes. Celebrities will embark on a life-changing journey to master the ancient martial art of the Shaolin Warrior Monks. Elsewhere, Your Body Uncovered is a ground-breaking new concept that uses cutting-edge technology to better understand medical conditions. The format, created by Remarkable Factual, allows the viewers to witness this immersive journey every step of the way.

     

    On the scripted front, Banijay is highlighting Rogue Heroes. This new six-part series, written by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) and produced by Kudos and Nebulastar, 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.

     

    From Kudos, in association with MadeFor and Sky Studios, Then You Run is a bold new Sky Original drama based on Zoran Drvenkar’s novel, ‘You’. The series follows a close-knit group of friends whose dreams of the perfect holiday spiral into a dark and perilous adventure.

     

    In Signora Volpe, which will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights, Emilia Fox (Silent Witness) will star as a British spy who finds herself involved in a murder investigation in Italy. Motivated by her passion for justice with an instinct for adventure, this drama will unearth the dark secrets of Umbria. Written by Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths (Midsomer Murders) it will be produced by ITV Studios-backed production company Route 24.

     

    Joining Banijay’s impressive catalogue of over 120,000 hours, the new titles will sit alongside super brands such as MasterChef, Big Brother, Survivor, LEGO® Masters and scripted hits, Screw, Peaky Blinders and Penoza amongst others.

  10. London TV Screenings Success

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    The London TV Screenings has been hailed a success with more than 500 buyers coming to the capital for the first ever in-person event, following last year’s inaugural virtual festival.

    Clients from all major markets, including Africa, Australia, China, the Middle East, USA and across Europe attended the event, which ran from 28 February – 4 March 2022, curated by a leading group of London-based international distributors – led by All3Media International, Banijay Rights, eOne, Fremantle and ITV Studios.

    A spokesperson for The London TV Screenings said: “The attendance at The London TV Screenings was excellent – despite ongoing travel restrictions. Top level buyers from around the world gathered to do business with the leading content London based providers – and it was an effective, efficient and enjoyable experience for all.  The high calibre of content and visiting executives has firmly placed The London TV Screenings on the industry map and we will be back in 2023.”

    More than 15 live events included world premiere screenings, as well as bespoke sessions giving a deep dive into some of the most hotly-anticipated scripted, non-scripted and formats on the market. There was also access to world-class programme makers and talent, including the likes of Poldark’s Aidan Turner; comedian/presenter Michael McIntyre and Dan Baldwin Managing Director, Hungry Bear plus executive producers Jake Lushington from World Productions and ITV Studios’ Patrick Spence, Kudos co-MDs Martin Haines and Karen Wilson and writers, including George Kay. This year more distributors joined the lineup for what is now four days of back-to-back screenings and events showcasing the very best TV that they each have to offer.

    For more information, please visit our website: www.londonscreenings.tv

  11. EPIX® Renews Drama Series Domina for Season Two

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    Premium network EPIX® announced today that the historical drama Domina will return for an eight-episode second season. The series will be produced by Tiger Aspect, in association with EPIX Studios, following an agreement with leading global distributor Banijay Rights.

    The epic, sweeping drama series takes place during one of the most provocative periods in Roman history, following the extraordinary rise of Gaius, Emperor Augustus Caesar’s third wife, Livia Drusilla, played by Kasia Smutniak (Perfetti Sconosciuti, Loro, Devils).  Domina is scheduled to begin production this spring at the historic Cinecittà Studios in Rome and is scheduled to premiere on EPIX in 2023, with the second season also returning to Sky across Europe in 2023.

    Domina season two chronicles the struggle for control of the Roman Empire, and of Rome’s Imperial Family from a rare female perspective.  In its first season, Livia Drusilla, the golden girl of the prominent Claudii family returned to Rome after ten years in exile, determined to regain everything that was stolen from her.  Now, atop a fractious empire, and a dysfunctional dynasty, she must fight to preserve her marriage to Gaius and find a way to seat one of her sons on the throne as new and old rivals jockey for position in a world where it’s impossible to know who to trust.

    “The first season of Domina drove the largest total cross-platform audience average for any EPIX freshman series in 2021,” said EPIX President Michael Wright. “Audiences were drawn to the fresh vantage point of a period drama with a female-dominated perspective featuring a powerful performance by Kasia Smutniak who leads a strong ensemble cast. Season two promises viewers an even more compelling and exciting ride from Creator Simon Burke and Executive Producers Lucy Bedford, Muirinn Lane Kelly and Carmel Maloney.”

    Matt Creasey, EVP Sales, Co-productions and Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, added, “Domina is an epic historical drama that portrays a different side of Ancient Rome – one that charts the rise of one of the most powerful women of the time. We’re delighted that Simon Burke’s powerful Roman family saga will return for a second season on EPIX with an ensemble cast and even more riveting plot line.”

    Lucy Bedford, Head of Drama, Tiger Aspect and Executive Producer said; “We’re thrilled to be partnering with EPIX to return the extraordinary DOMINA to our screens. Season two will plunge us back into the intrigue and corruption of ancient Rome, as the indomitable Livia Drusilla fights to maintain her position in a world in which the quest for power is pursued at any cost.  This time Livia’s hands will get very dirty, and the price will be higher than even she can imagine.”

    Smutniak leads an international ensemble cast featuring Matthew McNulty (Misfits) as Gaius, Emperor Augustus; Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black) as Octavia, Gaius’ sister; Christine Bottomley (The End of the F***ing World) as Scribonia, Gaius’ second wife and Livia’s mortal enemy; Ben Batt (Captain America: The First Avenger) as Agrippa, Gaius’ childhood friend, then general and later consul.

    The series is created by Simon Burke (Fortitude, Strike Back), with Burke, Lucy Bedford, Muirinn Lane Kelly and Carmel Maloney as executive producers. EPIX has the U.S. rights, with the second season returning to Sky across Europe in 2023. Banijay Rights is the worldwide distributor.

  12. Banijay Rights Takes Rogue Heroes Worldwide

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    Banijay Rights today announces landmark acquisitions of major new six-part limited series Rogue Heroes, as this week’s London TV Screenings showcase event gets under way.

     

    In deals negotiated across the Banijay Rights global sales team, Rogue Heroes has been picked up by HBO Max in Europe, Prime Video in Canada and SBS in Australia.

     

    The agreements follow premium network EPIX’s acquisition of the drama for the US in November last year – the first international deal for the series.

     

    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.

     

    Cathy Payne, CEO, Banijay Rights, said: “As this week’s London TV Screenings event gets under way, it’s an absolute delight to be able to announce these huge global deals for Rogue Heroes. From the get-go, Steven Knight and Kudos’ tour de force World War Two drama has created ripples of excitement from international buyers, and we are excited to expand this series’ global footprint even further.”

    Martin Haines, Joint MD, Kudos, added: “Steven has created a truly brilliant series, and we are thrilled 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.