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: David Christopher

  1. Banijay Rights Partners with Twisted Comics to Launch Black Mirror Comic Book Series

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    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces a landmark partnership with Neil Gibson’s Twisted Comics to create a series of comic books inspired by hit dystopian anthology series Black Mirror.

    Under the agreement, UK-based Twisted Comics will produce a number of immersive comic books comprising iconic Black Mirror storylines, with copies set to roll out in mid-2025. Pre-release material will be available in early 2025 – to get updates, register now at [www.blackmirrorcomics.com]

    David Christopher, Director of Licensing & Merchandising for Banijay Rights, whose team brokered the deal, said: “Black Mirror needs no introduction as one of television’s uniquely engrossing brands. The show’s unpredictable and unexpected episodes will be a perfect fit for this visionary comic book series, which we’re in no doubt will appeal to a whole new dimension of fans. I’d encourage fans to get registering now to keep updated on the comic’s developments and release.” 

    Neil Gibson, Founder and CEO of Twisted Comics, added: “It has long been a dream of mine to extend Black Mirror – one of my ‘hero brands’ – into comic book form. Now that dream is a reality, and I believe fans of the show will love what we are planning. Watch this space… ”

    Kenny Diack, Co-owner and Director of Twisted Comics, added: “This unique partnership with Banijay Rights reflects Twisted Comics’ ambitions to be the go-to partner for creating and expanding IP and further builds on our work to date.”

    Banijay Rights represents a range of global ancillary rights for the Black Mirror brand. Created by Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones, the dark satirical anthology series taps into our collective unease with the modern world. Each stand-alone episode is a sharp, suspenseful tale exploring themes of contemporary paranoia.

    Produced by Broke & Bones, Black Mirror will return for a seventh series on Netflix with six new episodes in 2025.

    One of the UK’s leading comic publishers, Twisted Comics prides itself on creating high-quality content that forms the backbone of its publishing ethos. Led by Neil Gibson, the company has produced 23 unique titles, including the Amazon bestseller Twisted Dark series, and is known for showcasing its talent for transforming dynamic stories into visually compelling comics. Previous collaborations include Stan Lee’s Lucky Man with Universal Pictures and The Many Deaths of Barnaby James with Valhalla Entertainment.

  2. 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.

  3. Banijay Rights Appoints Leila Loumi as VP Licensing

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    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces the appointment of Leila Loumi as VP Licensing.

    Leila will be responsible for executing Banijay Rights’ licensing and merchandising strategy across Banijay Entertainment’s key brands, which includes MasterChef, Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror, Rogue Heroes, Simon’s Cat, Deal or No Deal, Big Brother and Survivor.

    An experienced senior executive, Leila was formerly Global Senior Director of Licensing at brands agency Licensing Matters Global. Prior to this, she held senior licensing positions at media companies and agencies including WarnerMedia, Turner Broadcasting System and Beanstalk.

    Based in London, Leila will report into David Christopher, Group Director, Licensing and Merchandise, Banijay, who said: “With more than 20 years’ global experience in licensing, strategic partnerships, sales, strategic retail placement and marketing, Leila is an accomplished all-round senior executive with a unique perspective on the industry. We are excited she’s joining our team as we look to expand our licensing business this year.”

    Leila Loumi, VP Licensing, Banijay Rights, added: “Banijay Rights has a fantastic reputation in the global licensing space, so I’m absolutely thrilled to join this team at what is a pivotal time for business. I can’t wait to get started.”

    Led by CEO Cathy Payne, Banijay Rights represents a world-class, multi-genre portfolio of standout programming including Survivor, Big Brother, MasterChef, Peaky Blinders, Rogue Heroes, Marie Antoinette, Grantchester, Mr Bean and Black Mirror.

  4. The Official Peaky Blinders Manchester is Unveiled

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay today announces the unveiling of the official bar and restaurant Peaky Blinders Manchester.

    Situated in the heart of the city, Peaky Blinders Manchester is a destination venue for fans of the show to enjoy food, drink, and entertainment with a 1920s influence, inspired by the hit series. Lining the walls of the venue are exclusive images taken from the series and show props that were used during filming. The drinks menu includes an extensive range of Peaky Blinders themed cocktails such as Monaghan Boy, Solomon’s Silence and Sweet Ada, while the food menu includes classic dishes with a Peaky Blinderstwist. Weekly live entertainment includes bands and performers which echo the glamour and style of the roaring twenties.

    David Christopher, Group Director of Licensing and Merchandising, Banijay, says: “We love to offer fans the chance to inhabit the incredible world of Peaky Blinders, and a venue like this, which is enjoyed by so many people, complements our portfolio of immersive entertainment. Bringing Peaky Blinders Manchester on board as an official licensee, ensures customers can enjoy an experience synonymous with the integrity, quality and character of the series.”

    The multi-award-winning Peaky Blinders was created and written by Steven Knight (SAS Rogue Heroes, Taboo, See, Great Expectations). The series is produced by Caryn Mandabach Productions and co-produced with Banijay’s Tiger Aspect Productions. The global Peaky Blinders brand is owned by Caryn Mandabach Productions. Distributed by Banijay Rights it has sold in more than 183 countries and is widely available internationally on Netflix including in the USA.

    https://www.peakyblindersmanchester.com/