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: Frans van Gestel

  1. Topkapi Teams Up with NTR, BNNVARA and Banijay Rights on New Drama, Elixer

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay today announces award-winning Dutch scripted label Topkapi is joining forces with NTR, BNNVARRA and Banijay Rights on a new drama, Elixer, which lifts the lid on the pharmaceutical industry.

    Production on the eight-part series, directed by Dana Nechushtan (Holland’s Hoop) is currently underway, and is set to air on NPO1 in 2025. Through the Creative Europe Programme, Elixer will air on Nordic public broadcasters NRK, DR, SVT, RUV and Yle, well as ZDF Germany and VRT in Belgium.

    Written by Maaik Krijgsman in collaboration with Jaap Peter Enderlé, Franky Ribbens and Luca Izeboud, Elixer tells the story of Isabelle Rombauts, played by Hanna Verboom, as she is unexpectedly appointed the CEO of the family-owned company Rombauts Pharma, a prominent player in the international pharmaceutical market. Soon, she is confronted with serious malpractices and must weigh her own conscience against the interests of her influential family. A world full of intrigue, power struggles, and despair within the pharmaceutical industry unfolds. Elixer will be filmed until November and is set to broadcast on NPO 1 in 2025.

     Frans van Gestel, Producer and Partner at Topkapi says: “The co-production model of Elixer brings together partners from multiple Europe markets, and we see this growth as the next step in our international ambitions. This tale of caution around the pharma industry is universal and all-too relatable, and we expect audiences across the eight countries who contributed to the show will be intrigued and engaged.”

    Dana Nechushtan, Director, adds: “Elixer is a drama told from the perspective of powerful individuals in the big pharma industry. We delve into the minds of those responsible: CEOs, doctors, and politicians, emphasising the dubious practices which, at times, are too vast and abstract to comprehend. At the same time, this story is a personal and intimate one.”

    Elixer was made possible with the support of NPO, NPO-fonds, the Creative Europe Programme – MEDIA of the European Union, the Netherlands Film Production Incentive, Screen Flanders, Belgian Tax Shelter, and Limburg Film Fonds, in co-production with Menuetto.

    Led by producers Frans van Gestel, Arnold Heslenfeld, and Laurette Schillings, Topkapi is behind a range of local and international hits, including Childhood Dreams which was selected for Cannes Series earlier this year. Successful co-productions include Another Round (Druk), Instinct, Bumperkleef, Piece of my Heart, Girl, Benedetta, Goodbye Stranger, as well as major historical dramas Vliegende Hollanders and De Droom van de Jeugd. The award-winning production company is part of Banijay Belelux’s line-up of scripted labels, including NL Film and Endemol Shine Scripted.

  2. Banijay Benelux Partners with Topkapi

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    Banijay Benelux today confirms it has formed a strategic partnership with Amsterdam-based Topkapi. In officiating its relationship with the Flying Dutchmen and The Terrible Eighties drama producer, the group further expands its scripted portfolio and strengthens its footing in the international market, driving further development and co-production opportunities in the drama and film space.

    Behind films like Piece of My Heart and Close Topkapi is an established production company with more than 25 years of experience in development and production across drama and film. Creatively and business-led by Laurette Schillings, Arnold Heslenfeld and Frans van Gestel, the international entity has been at the forefront of 50 international co-productions, and has over 100 titles in its catalogue. Its award-winning offering includes Academy Award and BAFTA-winning film Another Round, and Close, which is currently in the running for four European accolades.

    Peter Lubbers, CEO Banijay Benelux: “We are very much looking forward to working with Topkapi, which has a great reputation for high-quality drama series and films both locally and internationally. With an impressive global creative network that fits seamlessly with our co-production ambitions beyond our national borders, the label is a perfect fit for our family.”

    Frans van Gestel, Producer Topkapi: “In Banijay Benelux, we have found an international operating partner that allows us to realise our ambition in the field of co-producing international series. The clout of its wider sales and distribution arm allows us to bring our new titles and catalogue, with more than 100 different films and series, to the attention of parties outside the Netherlands and also build new relationships with international writers, directors and producers.”

    Banijay Benelux has built a strong track record in scripted via NL Film, which to date has been behind hits including Penoza, Modern Love, Van der Valk and Commandos, and with EndemolShine Scripted, responsible for Bonnie & Clyde, Roombeek and daily drama, GTST.