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: Dragonfly Film and TV

  1. New Landmark Channel 4 Documentary Series Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures will explore the pioneering research that could transform the future of cancer detection, treatment and prevention

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    Channel 4 today announces Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures, an observational documentary series that will explore the pioneering research that could transform the future of cancer detection, treatment and prevention.

    The 3 x 60-minute brand-funded series, produced by Dragonfly North (part of Banijay UK) from its Manchester base, is a new collaboration with Cancer Research UK that will take viewers inside what has been described as the “Golden Age of cancer research.”

    It will follow Professor Sarah Blagden, who is developing a groundbreaking lung cancer prevention vaccine in what she calls a “once in a generation opportunity,” neurosurgeon and scientist Associate Professor Richard Mair, who treats patients with hard-to-treat brain cancers, and Professor Caroline Dive, who is working on blood tests to detect cancer before it shows up on a scan.

    As well as following patients and families undergoing life-saving treatments, the series will also explore the personal backstories and motivations that drive these world-class scientists.

    Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, said:

    “Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures shines a light on the groundbreaking scientific research currently taking place to detect, prevent and treat cancer. It has been great to partner with Dragonfly and Cancer Research UK on this series and see these amazing scientists at work, as they make amazing breakthroughs already benefitting patients in ways that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago.”

    Will Rowson, Co-Creative Director at Dragonfly, said:

    “This has been a fascinating and eye-opening series to make. We’re enormously grateful to the scientists who have let us into their worlds, to the wonderful hospitals doing extraordinary work and of course to the very special people who have shared their cancer journeys with us.”

    Phil Almond, Executive Director of Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement at Cancer Research UK said:

    “This series offers a powerful glimpse into the future of cancer research – a future where more people live longer, better lives through earlier diagnosis and kinder, more effective treatments. It shows how breakthroughs are already changing lives and highlights the people behind them. We’re especially thankful to the scientists, clinicians and patients who shared their stories. Their openness and experiences bring home what progress really means for those affected by cancer.”

    Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures was produced by Dragonfly North, Developed and Executive Produced by both Will Rowson and Paul Windle, Series Director was Nick Shaw and the Series Producer was Valerie Mellon. Director of Production and Operations Alison Seymour, Production Executive Isabelle Burn, Production Manager Rachael Fish, Legal and Business Affairs Nina Evans. Post Production by Home Post Production. It was commissioned for Channel 4 by Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor, Specialist Factual.

  2. Surgeons: At The Edge Of Life Commissioned For Further Two Series

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    BBC Factual and BBC Scotland have commissioned a further two series of award-winning medical documentary Surgeons: At The Edge of Life from Dragonfly Film and TV (part of Banijay UK), following its recent successful run on BBC Two and iPlayer.

    The new series will be filmed in Edinburgh and The Lothians at some of the region’s leading centres of medical excellence – NHS Lothian’s The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital and St. John’s Hospital.

    With unprecedented access to surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre staff and patients, the series will once again offer a unique insight into to the innovative and cutting-edge surgeries taking place on the frontline of medical science.

    Series six, which recently broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, consistently performed well. The 28-day figure for episode 1 is 2.5m, well above the average for Factual on BBC Two. A high proportion (around one fifth) of its audience watch via iPlayer, while it performs above average with 16-34s.

    Sreya Biswas, Head of BBC Commissioning, Natural History said: Surgeons: At the Edge of Life is a key brand for BBC Specialist Factual and has continued to grow audiences across BBC Two and iPlayer, showcasing boundary pushing surgery, and the incredible medical teams who make it possible. Deep diving into the most complex surgical procedures is what makes the brand so special. It is very exciting to be co-commissioning with BBC Scotland and to be based in Edinburgh for the coming series.

    David Harron, BBC Scotland said: “BBC Scotland is delighted to be bringing Surgeons: At the Edge of Life to Scotland. It is a compelling series and these next two series will bring audiences unique insight into the work of some of Scotland’s top medical teams, shining a light on the dedication and skills employed in theatres every day.”

    Richard Bond, Managing Director of Dragonfly said: “After successfully transferring production of Ambulance to Dragonfly North in Manchester, I’m thrilled that the BBC have supported us in moving Surgeons to Scotland with this bumper two series order, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves under the stewardship of our new and fantastically talented local production team.”

    Surgeons: At the Edge of Life is made by Dragonfly Film and TV for BBC Two and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. The BBC Commissioning Editors are Sreya Biswas, Head of Commissioning, Natural History and David Harron for BBC Scotland. The Executive Producers for Dragonfly Film and TV are Ros Ponder and Ross Harper.