France Archives - Banijay Group

Banijay Studios France Partners with Fiction’Air, Belga Productions and RTBF, on New Premium Crime Thriller for TF1

28th November 2022 2:46 pm Comments Off

Banijay today announces a new French co-production for TF1, Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire, produced in partnership with Banijay Studios France, Fiction’Air, Belga Productions and RTBF. The premium drama will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

Starring Hélène de Fougerolles, (Balthazar), Gregory Fitoussi (St Tropez, Spiral) and Tcheky Karyo (The Missing, Baptiste), Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire is set in the heart of the Black Forest, at a binational military base near the French-German border, where twelve bodies, all men, are found in a mass grave. The victims are both French and German, with the murders committed over three decades. Judge Camille Hartmamnn, played by Hélène de Fougerolles, has a connection to the case, but after a car accident she has lost her memory, and any recollections are side-lined, even though this macabre discovery revives memories Hartmann believed to be buried. Meanwhile, veteran French officer Franz Agerland (Tcheky Karyo) joins forces with young German police officer Erik Maes (Gregory Fitoussi) to investigate the case. Just how connected to the murders is Hartmann?

Carole Della Valle, Executive Producer, Banijay Studios France says: “Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire is a tense and gripping thriller, with premium production values bringing a cinematic feel to the drama. With a big-name cast in place, known both here in France and internationally, we are confident the drama will engage the TF1 audience and beyond with the support of Banijay Rights. It has been a great experience to work with our co-production partners Fiction’Air, Belga Productions and RTBF, and together we have created a drama we’re all incredibly proud of.”

Nagui, President at Fiction’Air says: “We are thrilled with this second collaboration with BSF and are looking forward a new scriptied project in the future. With Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire, Fiction’Air is confirming its ambition to offer new series on the national and international scene.”

Banijay France, led by François de Brugada, encompasses a line-up of boutique creative scripted labels, including Marathon, Shine Fiction, Terence and Banijay Studios France, the company behind Marie Antoinette, which has sold to Australia, the US and UK with further deals to be announced soon. Also within Banijay France is Alain Goldman’s Montmartre Films.

Banijay is home to the world’s best scripted producers, with over 50 diverse, award-winning labels across the footprint in the UK, US, Australia, Nordics, Germany, Benelux, Iberia, Belgium, Israel, Italy, Poland and India.

Alexia Laroche-Joubert Recognised As One Of The 100 Women of Culture 2022

18th October 2022 3:50 pm Comments Off

This October, Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO of ALP, was recognised as one of the 100 Women of Culture 2022. This is the 4^th edition of the event which took place at the Palais de Tokyo.

Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO of ALP said: “It is a very important moment for me, as with this award I have been recognised as a contributor in shaping our culture, and I am very proud of this.”

Amongst the 100 women awarded are director Euzhan Palcy, Claire Léost President of PrismaMedia, and singer-song writer Owlle.

Fifty TV Celebrities Take on Extraordinary Competition in New Game Show from Banijay Productions France

2nd September 2022 2:03 pm Comments Off

Banijay today announces Banijay Productions France, part of its French collective of labels, will produce the brand-new game show Les Cinquante for W9.

Away from prying eyes, in his castle inhabited by dogs, foxes and rabbits, a playful and Machiavellian game master, the lion, has decided to challenge 50 reality TV stars to a relentless and unpredictable game that only he can control. 50 players have responded to his mysterious invitation. But only one of them will win as they take part in a series of knockout challenges.

A large cash prize is up for grabs, but the winning contestant won’t take home the money. They are facing each other, not for themselves, but to win for one of the viewers who can download the show’s app to join their favourite’s fan club and potentially win the prize of €50,000. When the games begin, anything can happen as the fate of each loser is put in the hands of the winner at a high-tension voting ceremony. Here the audience will see alliances form and betrayals occur as they fight to be the last man standing.

Florence Fayard, Managing Director of Banijay Productions France says: “After the success of our franchises such as Les Marseillais (Party Workers) or Les apprentis aventuriers (Good Luck Guys), we are very proud to announce the creation of this new format. Les Cinquante is the new king of ‘closed door competition’ with strategies at the heart of the game and strong involvement of the public.”

James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay adds: “Through our Creative Fund we invested in Les Cinquante as it is a great addition to the entertainment space and our catalogue. It is unpredictable, interactive, and wildly entertaining. France remains an important market when it comes to creativity and creating new formats. This year we have already seen the strength of French IP with Chaucon Son Tour launching in Spain.”

This new format has been created by Banijay Productions France and builds on its experience within the French market. As part of Banijay France, the company is known for producing hit shows such as Party Workers, A Season at the Zoo and Good Luck Guys, which has just finished airing its fifth season, performing very well especially amongst younger viewers, raising W9’s slot average by 172%.

How to Look Good Naked Returns to France After Six Years

23rd September 2021 12:05 pm Comments Off

Banijay today confirms Comment être Belle toute nue (How to Look Good Naked) is returning to French television after a hiatus of six years. The format’s French revival will air on new broadcaster, TFX, withAdventure Line Productions (ALP), part of Banijay France, once again producing the hit show.

How to Look Good Naked takes women on an emotional journey to develop self-confidence and boost their self-esteem. Well-known influencer, Zak Khchaï, who has faced similar experiences, helps the females learn to love the way they look, with and without clothes, no matter their body shape.

Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO of ALP says: “It’s the perfect time to bring this format back to France and show a new generation of viewers how to embrace their bodies and love the way they look. Social media has exploded since we last produced Comment être Belle toute nue, with a constant bombardment of images to knock people’s confidence. With this new version, we’ll be championing body positivity and look forward to celebrating every shape and size out there.”

Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay comments: “This hit format has enjoyed global success and is very apt for the current climate. It is relatable, uplifting, inspiring and changes lives as each person addresses their body confidence.”

Originally created in the UK by Maverick Television, the award-winning format’s international distribution rights sit with Banijay. To date, How to Look Good Naked, has broadcast in over 50 territories including the UK, US, Germany and Spain.

Domino Effect Continues in France for Banijay

31st March 2021 9:30 am Comments Off

Banijay today announces Domino Effect will be adapted for the French market, with EndemolShine France producing for M6. The commission follows the recent pickup of the EndemolShine North America format in Holland, where it will be produced by EndemolShine Netherlands for RTL4.

Domino Effect is a brand-new competition in which pairs of domino builders compete to create extraordinary structures. To avoid elimination, they must continue to surpass themselves week on week and impress the expert judges. The show is based on the original format from Endemol Shine North America, which sees a collaboration with YouTube domino sensation, Lily Hevesh.

The commission follows the successful adaptation of LEGO Masters by EndemolShine France in the territory. It’s also behind Undercover Boss (M6), Best Bakery (M6), One Born Every Minute (TF1), Miss France (TF1), and LOL: Last One Laughing (Amazon Prime Video).

James Townley, Global Head of Content Development comments: “Packed with awe-inspiring creations and nail-biting jeopardy, as one movement could see contestants lose all their hard work, this entertaining format for the whole family is quickly gaining momentum on the international stage. Banijay has a proven track record in delivering high-quality competition reality formats that quickly travel the world and we are definitely seeing a Domino Effect with this one.”

Jean-Louis Blot, CEO of EndemolShine Production says: “Amazing designs, limitless creativity and ambition are all the right ingredients to offer an impressive show to viewers. We are looking forward to bringing this format to France and witnessing the audiences’ reaction as the talented contestants design, build and ultimately topple these mind-blowing builds.”

Banijay’s Domino Effect is now gaining momentum across the international market, with further European commissions on the horizon.

Marathon Studio Secures Rights for Nora Lakheal’s Elite Undercover Agent

4th February 2021 9:55 am Comments Off

Marathon Studio, a joint venture with Banijay France, today announces it has picked up the television rights to Nora Lakheal’s ground-breaking biography, Nora Lakheal – Elite Undercover Agent.

A true tale of a woman who chose to risk her life, Elite Undercover Agent is Nora Lakheal’s first-hand account of the eighteen years she has spent relentlessly hunting down Islamism terrorists. A student of philosophy, the boxer from Barbés joined the police force to experience the action and the unexpected. She soon became the first French Muslim woman to join antiterrorist department, Islamisme Radicale of SORS, the elite operatives of French General Intelligence internal services and a department of the current DGSI. Risking her life for her country, she infiltrated several Islamist groups, and is thought to have intercepted a number of planned terrorist attacks.

The scripted development acts as Marathon Studio’s first adaptation project based on a book since the announcement of its launch with Banijay France in November. With work on the drama well-underway, the series will highlight the personal challenges faced in the unprecedented missions Nora Lakheal embarked on during her service.

Nora Lakheal comments: “I am very proud that my life is set to inspire a TV series promoting a French Muslim woman from North African heritage working for the French intelligence internal services. I thank Max Milo, the publisher, that always believed in me and Malika Abdellaoui who, thanks to her ambition and vision for this unique project, will know how to bring my story to the screen.”

Malika Abdellaoui, producer and CEO of Marathon Studio comments: “We are honoured to be collaborating with Nora Lakheal on a standout drama based on her own testimony: Elite Undercover Agent. It is a valuable opportunity to bring to screen the story of an ordinary woman who completed extraordinary undercover missions to protect the French Republic against terrorism. Never once hesitating, despite the significant risk to her life, Nora is a strong role model, and her narrative deserves to be shared beyond the page.”

Jean-Charles Gérard, Max Milo Publishing House comments: “We are delighted to start this new adventure with Nora Lakheal and Malika Abdellaoui, to bring forward this aspirational character; a woman working in the shadow with an exemplary trajectory.”

Nora Lakheal – Elite Undercover Agent is published by Max Milo Publishing House.

Banijay France Secures Jean-Louis Blot as New CEO of EndemolShine Production

10th December 2020 10:40 am Comments Off

Banijay France is pleased to announce that Jean-Louis Blot will soon be named CEO of EndemolShine Production (excluding Scripted).

Having graduated from Sciences Po, Jean-Louis is one of the most respected names in the industry. In 2008, he created BBC Worldwide Productions France, the first French subsidiary of the BBC, which he led with success and since 2016, has been behind the equally triumphant creation of Warner Bros. International Television Production France.

In his new role, Blot will be responsible for spearheading EndemolShine Production’s unscripted operations and is charged with driving creativity and a healthy pipeline of IP for the business’ local and global clients, as well as the wider group’s extensive cross-territory catalogue. An entrepreneur, producer and tastemaker, he brings a range of experience to the role and will be at the forefront of growing the organisation’s offering and bolstering its reputation in the market.

François de Brugada, CEO of Banijay France: “We are very happy to have Jean-Louis joining the Banijay adventure. For the past 10 years, he has demonstrated a strong ability in anticipating trends in the French market and strategically capitalising on growth and success opportunities. With the know-how and creativity of EndemolShine Production, the amazing tank of ideas that is the Banijay catalogue, and Jean-Louis leading, I am confident in our company’s future!”

Banijay France Appoints Dominique Farrugia Managing Director, EndemolShine Fiction

11th September 2020 11:52 am Comments Off

Banijay France today announces Dominique Farrugia is set to lead EndemolShine Fiction as Managing Director. Taking up the post on 2 November 2020, he will now oversee all of the business’ scripted operations and pipeline of premium content.

Farrugia joins Banijay France’s production label from STUDIOCANAL, where he was Deputy Managing Director, having joined as Deputy General Manager of Productions in 2017. Beginning his career in radio at Europe 1 and RTL, he was recruited by CANAL at the time of its channel launch in 1984. Going on to co-found the comedy quartet, Les Nuls, he then took up a position behind-the-camera, making seven films. In 2002, he became Managing Director of CANAL and its programming, before becoming President. From there, in 2003, he founded production company FEW (Farrudg Entertainment Worldwide) before signing a partnership with EuropaCorpin 2012 on feature films. EuropaCorpthen appointed him Director in charge of its French-language output. In his new role at EndemolShine Fiction, he will maintain his first-look agreement with STUDIOCANAL on any film projects from his production company, One Again.

At EndemolShine Fiction, Farrugia will report to Banijay France’s Chief Executive Officer, François de Brugada.

Francois de Bragada comments:“We are incredibly proud to welcome Dominique Farrugia as MD of EndemolShine Fiction. His experience as a writer, director and producer will be invaluable in building a healthy slate of high-quality, original and ambitious scripted programming. His arrival bolsters Banijay France’s fiction offering and solidifies our position as a go-to for all genres.”

To date, EndemolShine Fiction has been recognised for its involvement in Papa ou Maman for M6; Mention Particulière for TF1; Guyanefor Canal+; Quadras for M6; Mental for France.TV Slash; Le Pont du Diable for France 3 and Faux Semblants for France 2.

Banijay Names François de Brugada CEO for France

16th July 2020 11:17 am Comments Off

Banijay today confirms François de Brugada will continue in his role as Chief Executive Officer for France. Taking the helm for Banijay France, he will now have oversight of the combined unscripted and scripted footprint and a host of the country’s leading creative talent.

Brugada has been with Banijay since its inception in 2008, playing a pivotal role in its international expansion, first as EVP for Content and later COO. In 2015, he transitioned into the role of CEO for Banijay France and has led the country’s leading entity ever since. Previously, he was at M6, where he fulfilled the roles of head of commissioning for unscripted shows and art director for channels.

Banijay France will now comprise 10 entities including Adventure Line Productions, Endemol Shine France, Banijay Studios France, H20 Productions, Banijay Production Media, KM Productions and Banijay Productions France amongst others. The bolstered offering includes some of the country’s best-loved brands including Koh Lanta, Fort Boyard, Taratata, Miss France, Les 12 Coups de midi, Touche Pas à Mon Poste, 28 minutes, Les enfants de la télé, Les Marseillais and Une saison au zoo.

Marco Bassetti comments: “François has been with Banijay since the start. Playing a significant role in the globalisation of the business from the word go, he has gone on to build an incredibly strong footprint for us in France. A first-class strategic and commercially-minded player, he is well-placed to lead the local group through this exciting phase of change and growth.”

François de Brugada comments: “Banijay France has long been the home of some of the nation’s best talent and I am honoured to be welcoming a host of new creative entrepreneurs into the fold. Combining the strengths of both groups, I hope that Banijay France will continue to be a renowned home for the top brands in the country and IP that travels the globe. A special thanks goes to Nicolas who has built a strong operation in EndemolShine France and successfully put the brand on the scripted map in France.”

Nicolas Coppermann, President of EndemolShine France will step down from his role at the end of July, with François de Brugada taking up an interim MD position alongside his CEO responsibilities.

Banijay Rights Signs Scripted Package Deal with CANAL+ Group in France

20th May 2020 12:00 am Comments Off

Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, today announces it has signed a comprehensive package deal for its high-end, blockbuster dramas with CANAL+ Group, the major French audiovisual media group, for its channel POLAR+. The complete deal, including relicenses, will give POLAR+ subscribers access to over 85 hours of Banijay Rights’ critically acclaimed scripted shows and TV movies.

The agreement between Banijay Rights and CANAL+ Group covers a full slate of titles with the acquisition of popular new dramas: Wisting, Public Enemy, Rebecka Martinsson and newly launched Belgian drama, GR5: Into the Wilderness.

GR5: Into the Wilderness(8 x 45’), is a psychological thriller new to the Banijay Rights catalogue. Launched in spring to the international market, the drama is co-produced by Zodiak Belgium and Red Balloon for VRT and ZDF Neo. Shot entirely on location, this layered, character-driven series takes viewers through the dark woods and the everchanging landscapes of the Alps in search of the truth as to what happened to a missing girl. Everybody is a suspect. Directed by Jan Matthys (Quiz me Quick, In Vlaamse Velden, The Last Kingdom), GR5: Into the Wilderness, is set to premiere later this year on POLAR+, the CANAL+ Group channel dedicated to drama thrillers.

Following its success in major territories, such as the UK, US and Spain, Norwegian crime drama, Wisting (10 x 45’), is included in the CANAL+ Group acquisition. Starring Sven Nordin and Carrie-Anne Moss, this popular series follows homicide detective William Wisting as he wrestles with the most challenging and shocking case of his career: a wanted American serial killer living among them. Based on best-selling books by Jørn Lier Horst, Wisting is produced by Cinenord and Good Company Films, in co-production with Viaplay, Degeto Film,TV3 Norway and Ripple World Pictures.

Also secured in the deal are both seasons one and two of Yellow Bird’s production for TV4 Sweden, Rebecka Martinsson; a riveting drama series based on the acclaimed author, Åsa Larsson’s, best-selling crime novels. Set in the remote and spectacular landscape of northern Sweden, series one sees lawyer Rebecka Martinsson, leave behind a great career in Stockholm and return to her small hometown to investigate the murder of a close childhood friend. Rebecka is pulled into a thrilling hunt for the murderer who may kill again. As she homes in on the truth, Rebecka is forced to confront a traumatic past event which still haunts her and caused her to abandon the very place she lived as a child.

Winner of the hotly contested inaugural MIPDrama Screenings Buyers’ ‘Coup de Coeur’ Award, and a primetime ratings hit for RTBF, Public Enemy, series one and two,have also been sold to CANAL+ Group. The Belgian crime thriller is a co-production between Entre Chien et Loup and Playtime Films for RTBF in Belgium. The series centres on the story of Guy Béranger, a dangerous child murderer at the end of his prison sentence. His release on parole to the custody of the monks at Vielsart Abbey leads to an outcry from the nearby small village and to the rest of the country.

The French linear premiere for series two of Rebecka Martinsson will be on POLAR+ later this year. Meanwhile, Wisting, along with season one of Rebecka Martinsson and Public Enemy, are currently available on the POLAR+ replay service, which is accessible via myCANAL.

Isabelle Queme, VP of Sales, Banijay Rights comments,“We are sure that the range and depth of the titles acquired and re-licensed by CANAL+ Group will be well-received by their audience and will help to maintain the CANAL+ Group reputation as the go-to platform for high-end scripted content.”

Jean-Marc Juramie, Senior EVP, Pay TV Content, CANAL+ Groupsays,“We are thrilled at CANAL+ Group to offer the best of thriller series to POLAR+ subscribers who are eager to discover new stories and talents from all-over Europe.”

Obsessive Compulsive Cleaner

20th January 2020 12:00 am Comments Off

On Wednesday 15 January, Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners launched on TFX with impressive scores. Adventure Line Productions’ new factual series follows people who cannot stop cleaning and the impact this has on their lives. The first episode attracted 528,000 viewers and high scores amongst the key demos with it more than doubling the usual slot performance amongst 25-49 year olds. These stellar ratings continued with the second episode improving the usual slot average for under 50s by 90%.

Tag Archive: France