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: Endemol France

  1. Banijay Takes a Trip Down Memory Lane with MBC’s Alumni Lovers

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces it has acquired the format rights to Alumni Lovers, an innovative dating reality show from MBC, which launched in South Korea last December. The deal will see Banijay’s SimpelZodiak and Endemol France represent the format in the Netherlands and France. The news was revealed by its Global Head of Acquisitions, Helen Greaterox,  on a MIPTV panel titled: ‘What Buyers Want’.

     Alumni Lovers invites singletons who share the common bond of graduating from the same school to a special dating reunion. Unforgettable moments unfold as the singles reunite and take a trip down memory lane on a series of themed dates designed to help them reconnect and find love. As the nostalgia grows and emotions run high, will love blossom between any of the contestants in this quest for love? 

    Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquisitions at Banijay says: “Alumni Lovers is a beautifully romantic series, with a distinctive take on the dating genre. Fresh off the back of a successful launch in Korea, we anticipate interest building across the Netherlands and France given this title’s unique approach to the concept of ‘finding love’. With emotionally-fuelled entertainment at its heart, this show is a brilliant  and complementary addition to our burgeoning portfolio of dating formats.”

    Jean Hur, Director of Format Sales and Co- Development, MBC adds: “Alumni Lovers presents an innovative twist on the dating reality format, with a mixture of heart-warming and heart-wrenching moments, as the contestants take a nostalgic journey through their old school days together. With universality and relatability at its heart, we are confident this show will resonate with global audiences and we are pleased to be partnering with Banijay to roll it across the Netherlands and France.”

    Recent additions to Banijay’s third-party portfolio include The Fortune Hotel from Tuesday’s Child, set to launch on ITV soon; Genuis Game from CJ ENM, which has been adapted by Banijay UK’s Remarkable Television, with David Tennant hosting for ITV; and Bloody Game, originating from Korea’s MBC, which debuted in Norway and was re-commissioned for a second season by TV2, with Mastiff Norway producing. These titles complement Banijay’s new IP offering of The Summit, Deal or No Deal Island, Shaolin Heroes, Banged Up, Upside Down and Will They, Won’t They, and prolific catalogue of world-class IP and super brands.

  2. Endemol France Appoints Didier Lahaye as Head of Sport

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today confirms the appointment of Didier Lahaye as Head of Sport for Endemol France. In this newly-created role, he will manage the creation and development of brand-new division, Endemol France Sport, working alongside French labels Yasuke Production and 4-3-3 Production to grow the business’ sports offering.

    Lahaye began his career at TF1 as an editor and director before joining the sports division to oversee the production of Telefoot, Automoto, and events like the Rugby World Cup. In 2008, he launched and produced various sports formats for Canal+ like the Canal Football Club and magazine formats on the French Football League and Formula 1. Lahaye was then promoted to Director of Sport Magazines and later, Deputy Director of Sports, leading all sports-related channels and programmes including football, rugby championships, Formula 1, golf and the Olympic Games.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO at Endemol France says: “Bringing a wealth of experience, Didier will help spearhead our expansion into the world of sports. Working alongside the talented teams already in place at Yasuke Production and 4-3-3 Production, he will help accelerate the development of innovative and captivating sports formats, and we are confident his expertise and leadership will help us take our sports division to new heights.”

    A go-to production company, Endemol France has brought hit formats to France including Star Academy,MasterChef, LEGO Masters and Celebrity Hunted.

    The news follows Banijay’s recent launch of Banijay Sports which signalled its ambitions to grow across sportainment, documentary and digital, via new partnerships, content investments and M&A.

  3. Secret Story Returns to France with TF1

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    Banijay France today announces the long-awaited return of Secret Story, a format within the Big Brotheruniverse, on TF1. Produced by Endemol France, the widely popular reality TV show will be back next year after a six-year hiatus, with casting underway.

    Secret Story was first introduced to French audiences in 2007, airing for 11 seasons and almost 1000 episodes. A 15-year anniversary special in 2022 confirmed a great appetite for its return. More recently, the format has also been adapted in Spain and Portugal.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO of Endemol France says: “Entertaining viewers is in our DNA, and we are excited to creatively grow Secret Story for its comeback, introducing it to a new generation of fans, while celebrating the time-tested success of this ever-evolving format. TF1 is a great partner and we enjoyed revitalising the resoundingly popular classic format Star Academy for them, and we are poised to harness our expertise to take Secret Story to new heights.”

    Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay adds: “As part of the expansive Big Brotheruniverse, Secret Story is well-placed to make a successful return to French television, bringing this hugely entertaining, original reality format to a fresh wave of viewers. This is a format that delivers drama and audiences; with Jean-Louis and Endemol France at the helm, enthusiastic reality fans and TF1 viewers can expect a must-watch, unmissable series.”

    To date, Big Brother, a Banijay format, has had 67 adaptations, broadcast across 72 countries, with over 550 seasons and 36,000 episodes. Last year alone, it enjoyed its most successful year ever globally with 33 productions airing across 26 markets. Big Brother recently made a highly-anticipated return in the UK on ITV with 3.4 million viewers tuning in to the debut episode, making it the highest launch for the format since 2010.

    Endemol France, part of Banijay France, is a non-scripted powerhouse having produced recent hits such as Star Academy which will be airing its second season in November, LEGO® Masters, Celebrity Hunted, LOL: Last One Laughing, and Drag Race France.

  4. Banijay’s Endemol France Joins Forces with Puzzle Media

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    Endemol France today announces it has acquired a majority stake in Puzzle Media, a production entity specialising in action, adventure, and alternative culture. The deal sees the Banijay France-owned label expand its development potential in the sports space, particularly in digital and non-linear.

    Joining Endemol France, which is behind local versions of Lego Masters (M6), Celebrity Hunted (Prime Video), MasterChef (France 2), and Drag Race (France.tv), Puzzle Media was created in May 2007 by Jonathan Politur. In just a short time, it has grown to be the first French production company to deliver extreme and board sports content in high volume, with top titles including Riding Zone, which has broadcast every weekend for 14 years on France Télévisions. The former has also evolved into a strong digital brand, with its videos capturing a wide audience amongst its 2m+-strong community of thrill-seekers.

    Alongside its extreme sports portfolio, Puzzle Media also develops and produces a range of other content, with daily drama, L’Amour à l’Epreuve, having only just launched on France Télévisions.

    Jean-François Rubinstein, COO, Endemol France comments: “We are proud to partner with Jonathan Politur who is a recognised producer in the world of sport. Growing in this area, as well as strengthening our digital presence are major priorities for Endemol France, and with Puzzle Media, we have found the ideal partner to accelerate both. It could not be better timing with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games ahead.”

    Jonathan Politur, Founder of Puzzle Media comments: “It is an honour to partner with a company like Endemol France. This association will allow us to develop our brands in the world of sport and bring together a young and passionate audience. The business can also bring more exposure to our portfolio and via the wider group of Banijay, we anticipate there being more opportunity to reach new broadcasters and platforms in France and beyond.”

     Endemol France’s other flagship titles include Les 12 Coups de Midi (TF1), Prodiges (France 2), Les Enfants de la Télé (France 2), Patron Incognito (M6), La Meilleure Boulangerie de France (M6), LOL: qui rit, sort ! (Prime Video), Les reines de la mécanique (RMC Découverte), Star Academy (TF1), and Ma vie en camping-car (W9).

  5. Star Academy Returns to TF1

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    Banijay today announces that its French label Endemol France will bring entertainment competition format, Star Academy, back to the country after nine years. To produce the new season of this iconic program, Endemol France has called on DMLS TV, another label within Banijay.

    Fronted by the original host Nikos Aliagas, the most famous musical academy in France will soon welcome a new class. The casting call attracted 10 000 registrants in just 48 hours, showing a very strong interest in the new season.

    Singing, dancing, acting… to become complete artists, this school of excellence will offer the passionate and talented contestants an intensive training programme surrounded by the best teachers. Every day, viewers will be able to follow the progress of the students in a daily show on TF1.

    At the end of each week, the emerging talent will showcase what they’ve learned during the primetime. It is then up to a panel of judges and the viewers to decide who stays and who goes. Living and breathing the life of a singer, will they be able to put their mentoring into practice and be the next star?

    Originally created by Endemol France, Star Academy is a primetime favourite, having sold to 19 territories including Italy and the Middle East, where 11 seasons have aired. It most recently made a return to French Canada, exceeding the channel’s slot by 45% for 18–34-year-olds. Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the show in France, with special episodes attracting an audience of over four million for French broadcaster TF1.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO of Endemol France says: “Star Academy delivers some of the most revered music training in the industry and we can’t wait to showcase a new generation of French talent. The exciting live performances, combined with the expert training the artists will receive, make an entertaining show for all the family.”

    Mathieu Vergne, CEO of DMLS TV comments: “Producing entertainment formats is in our DNA and it is a pleasure to work alongside Endemol France to bring this hit to viewers. We’re ecstatic to have Nikos Aliagas on board and to be reinvigorating the format, following the success of the 20th anniversary last year.”

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay adds: “The Star Academy format is a proven success around the globe, showcasing new talent, reality elements and an exciting competition. With Endemol France and DMLS TV’s expertise in this genre, audiences can expect an unmissable series.”

    A go-to production company, Endemol France has brought hit formats to France including MasterChef, LEGO®Masters and Celebrity Hunted as well as new titles like Chefs to Go and Domino Challenge. Having joined Banijay France in 2021, DMLS TV is also behind well-renowned brands such as a Chanson Secrète (The Secret Song), La Chanson Challenge (The Celebrity Song Challenge) and Duos Mystères (Mystery Duets).

  6. MasterChef Returns to France

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    Banijay today confirms Endemol France, part of Banijay France, will produce MasterChef for France 2. Hosted by popular French presenter, Agathe Lecaron, Yves Camdeborde, Thierry Marx, Georgiana Viou are confirmed as judges.

    Setting out on a nationwide search, the new series of MasterChef aims to find the best amateur cook in France. Contestants will face numerous challenges as they aim to impress the judges with their skill, passion, and creativity. Only the best chefs will continue their journey.

    The life-changing culinary format has been adapted in 64 territories to date and celebrated its 500th series globally in 2021. In 2021, 49 productions aired across 33 territories, and most recently, it enjoyed a hugely successful return in Portugal, with the New Zealand and South African reboots set to air later in the year.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO of Endemol France comments: “As a nation, we are incredibly passionate about cooking, so it is only right for us to bring the world’s most successful culinary format back to France. In France there are more than 35 million amateur cooks. With MasterChef, we aim to represent this great family by highlighting passionate and talented contestants. With Agathe Lecaron and our fantastic judges at the helm, we are set for an exciting series, as we uncover some of the incredible talent from across the country and showcase our wonderful food culture.”

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay adds: “MasterChef’s return to France, joining a recent spate of reboots, demonstrates the show’s enduring appeal across the globe. An evolving and versatile format, this latest version is set to be authentic, inspiring, and a joyful celebration of the much-admired world of French cuisine.”

  7. M6 Orders Chefs to Go from Banijay’s Endemol France

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    Endemol France, a Banijay company, today announces it will adapt cookery format Chefs to Go for M6, marking the first international adaptation of the culinary competition, which was originally created by Endemol Shine Germany.

     

    Endemol France’s Chefs to Go (Chefs à domicile) will pit a leading chef against a new kitchen rival each week, as they go head-to-head to create and deliver the best takeaway food in 90 minutes.  The chefs have no idea who they are cooking for, so must make their meal based on a series of clues, adapting their dishes along the way. At the end of the 90 minutes, the chefs will hand deliver their food to their respective customers, but only one can be crowned winner. Who will best meet the cravings of their customer and receive the highest rating?

     

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO of Endemol France says: “Viewers in France have grown up with cooking shows, and we are excited to unite our audience around their love of food. Chefs to Go adds a fresh twist as it is the beloved and established chefs that are taken out of their comfort zones (and the kitchen). The chefs are outspoken, hilarious and skilled adding additional spice to the show.”

     

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay: “With strong culinary competition formats part of Banijay’s DNA, we know Chefs to Go has significant international potential. A fun and playful format, the series celebrates local creativity and talent alongside some good-natured rivalry, within a new sphere; that of the booming takeaway industry.”

     

    Created and produced by Endemol Shine Germany, Chefs to Go (Mälzer & Henssler liefern ab!) first launched on VOX in Germany in 2021. Consolidated ratings reveal the show outperformed the slot across all key demos. The first season proved particularly popular with younger audiences, with 14-49 audiences up 66% vs slot. Executive Director Sven Steffensmeier is currently in production on a second season for later this year.

     

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

  8. Endemol France and Teddy Riner Strike Gold to Create Yasuke Production

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    Banijay, the world’s largest independent home to the best creative talent and IP, today announces Endemol France and Teddy Riner, a multi-Olympic gold medal winner, are joining forces to create Yasuke Production, an equally-owned production company.

     

    Through this partnership, Endemol France and Teddy Riner will jointly develop and produce formats with a focus on the world of sport, for all broadcasters and platforms, with wide audience appeal.

     

    Teddy Riner comments: “I am extremely proud to be joining forces with Endemol France, and see huge potential in this partnership. I first discovered the world of production through the France 2 documentary La Quête, which traced my journey to the Tokyo Games. This gave me the drive to deepen my knowledge, to undertake, to work, and to think about formats that could be adapted in the sports sense. The power of the image in sport is so strong, and now it is time to take this to the next level and explore different avenues for the genre. I believe this partnership will evolve to become the most beautiful playing field.”

     

    Jean-Louis Blot, President of Endemol France comments: “Teddy Riner is not only a great champion and one of the best sports people in France, but also a seasoned entrepreneur, and we are very happy to be creatively collaborating through this partnership. Teddy already has many exciting ideas and we can’t wait to start supporting him in the development and production of these new sports formats.”

     

    Banijay France’s production label, Endemol France is behind some of the country’s most popular non-scripted hits. Flagship shows include local versions of Banijay formats LEGO Masters (M6) and Celebrity Hunted (Amazon Prime), as well as French adaptations of LOL (Amazon Prime), and Drag Race France (France.tv Slash), and a range of locally created hits  Les 12 Coups de Midi (TF1), Prodigies (France 2), Children of TV(France 2), Patron Incognito (M6) and The Best Bakery in France (M6).