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: James Townley

  1. Banijay Spotlights Premium Portfolio for London TV Screenings

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay, today confirms the line-up for its bespoke London TV Screenings event on Wednesday 1 March at BAFTA. It marks the second physical participation in the wider annual distribution gathering, which runs from Monday 27 February to Friday 3 March.

     Shining a light on scripted, Banijay Rights’ premium offering includes UK dramas Three Little Birds for ITV and BritBox International, This Town and The Sixth Commandment for the BBC, Domina for MGM+ and Sky, Safe Home for SBS, as well as feature documentary LARA (w/t).

     This year’s stellar scripted offering will be complemented by Banijay’s unscripted formats fronted by its Creative Networks team. Included are fresh interior design competition, The Big Interiors Battle; addictive dating and relationship shows, Love Triangle, Date My Mate, Save the Date; entertainment newcomers,Boomerissima and Cover Night; competition titles Blow Up and MasterChef Young Talent; and sneak peeks will be on offer for much-anticipated adventure reality, The Summit, and comedy entertainment, No Strings Attached.

     As part of the exclusive, invite-only event, This Town creator, writer and executive producer, Steven Knight, stars of Three Little Birds Rochelle Neil, Yazmin Belo, and Saffron Coomber, will be interviewed live on the BAFTA stage, as well as The Sixth Commandment writer Sarah Phelps and director Saul Dibb; Safe Home star Aisha Dee, Domina creator Simon Burke and award-winning LARA (w/t) director Mags Gavan.

     Cathy Payne, CEO at Banijay Rights says: “This year’s Banijay at BAFTA event is set to have the strongest line-up yet, and we’re proud to create a truly must-attend showcase for international buyers, with a high-calibre of talent supporting us on stage. With an extensive range of genres, bringing globally relevant themes to audiences, we expect our eclectic roster of content to be immensely popular.”

     James Townley, Global Head of Content Development & Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay comment: “From Love Triangle to Blow Up and No Strings Attached, at Banijay, we have a strong pipeline of emerging IP that we’re proud to present. This is down to our creatives who we are delighted to support in super-charging their ambitious ideas and getting them on-screen and travelling the world.”

    Banijay Rights’ footprint in the premium documentary space has expanded over the last year, and  along with Banijay Benelux joint venture Scenery, it’s lining up LARA (w/t). Directed by the BAFTA and Emmy award-winning Mags Gavan, the film recounts an extraordinary reconciliation story between Jorge Lara and Juan Pablo Escobar – the son of notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.

    On the scripted front, Banijay Rights is highlighting Three Little Birds, the six-part drama created by Sir Lenny Henry which depicts his mother’s stories of leaving Jamaica in the 1950s. The project is produced by Tiger Aspect Productions in association with Douglas Road Productions – both Banijay UK companies. Meanwhile, from Kudos, (a Banijay UK company) and Nebulastar, and co-produced with Mercury Studios, in association with Kudos North, Stigma Films, and Nick Angel for the BBC, This Town tells the story of an extended family and four young people who are drawn into the world of ska and two-tone music. This marks the first project of the Kudos-Knight creative partnership deal which supports the Birmingham film and TV industry.

    The Sixth Commandment, from Wild Mercury Productions (a Banijay UK company) and True Vision Productions, is a true crime drama which explores the deaths of Peter Farquhar and Anne Moore-Martin in a small English village, while Domina returns for a second season, from Tiger Aspect Productions in association with MGM+ Studios, continuing the epic sweeping drama series that takes place during one of the most provocative periods in Roman history.

    In addition, thriller Safe Home, the first commission for Imogen Banks’ new production company Kindling Pictures, which follows Phoebe, played by Aisha Dee, a 20-something professional who leaves her job at a prestigious law firm to work at a struggling family violence legal centre. As interconnecting stories unfold, relationships are tested and pressure mounts to save the centre.

     Joining Banijay’s factual competition offering is brand-new interior design format, The

    Big Interiors Battle from Banijay UK’s Remarkable Factual. Eight people with an eye for design receive the keys to an apartment where they are challenged to transform a different room each week. Will their key card work when they next try to enter or have, they been locked out the competition?

     Love Triangle is a bold new relationship show created by the producers of Married at First Sight Australia, Endemol Shine Australia. It challenges a group of singles to relinquish their grasp on what they think their perfect partner should look like and instead choose, sight unseen. Following its successful first season on Stan, it has been recommissioned for a second series. Produced by Dragonfly in the UK, Date My Mate also explores modern dating. Based on the Endemol Shine Australia format Date Night, singles swipe through prospective suitors on the formats’ dedicated real-life app and then watch the subsequent dates unfold. In addition, in Save the Date single women tired of the dating world gain total control of their love life by setting a wedding date, before they have even begun to search for their partner. Will setting a love deadline help them find the one? Created by Endemol Shine Israel, Endemol Shine Finland produced the first series for Nelonen.

    Boomerissima, created by Banijay Italia, is all about proving the superiority of your generation.  Each episode sees celebrities from different eras pitted against each other highlighting TV shows, movies, music, famous names, adverts, etc to refute stereotypes and highlight whether things were better in the past or the present. The first series concluded on Rai 2 this month, outperforming the channels slot average across all demographics. Next up, how would Flowers by Miley Cyrus sound as rap or Beyonce’s Crazy in Love as a ballad? Cover Night is the singing contest from Shine Iberia that sees young talented singers (16+) go head-to-head as they transform hit songs into different genres and add their own twist to covers, accompanied by a live band.

    Elsewhere, there are strong signs competition entertainment combos are here to stay with brand new formats from the Netherlands, and the Nordics. Amongst Banijay’s successful formats is Blow Up, created by EndemolShine Nederland and now commissioned in four territories. The first season which aired in the Netherlands last summer was the number one show in the slot on all commercial key demos with the slot average up 168% for 6-12-year-olds.  Banijay also has the latest spin-off from MasterChef, the world’s most successful cookery television format which was created by Franc Roddam, starring a new generation of promising chefs, aged 13 to 18. Created by Danish company Metronome, and Nordisk Banijay in Norway, for Viaplay Group, this exciting and authentic new iteration aims to equip a future generation with the best tools within the industry, providing them with the platform and experience to one day, hopefully, fulfil their chef dreams.

    On the first-look side, The Summit is a new and highly anticipated blockbuster adventure reality series created and developed exclusively with the 9Network by Endemol Shine Australia. Set in New Zealand’s rugged southern Alps, a group of strangers carrying an equal share of 1 million Australian dollars must reach the peak of a distant mountain in just 14 days to win the cash. All that stands in the way are a series of adrenaline-charged challenges and human nature.  In a thrilling tale of endurance, survival, and greed; morals will be tested, physical limits pushed, and bonds broken. Will they work together or turn on each other as the going gets tough? And if they reach the summit in time…who will walk away with the money? Combining comedy with entertainment, RDF Television’s No Strings Attached invites a different celebrity in each episode to read an erotic piece of creative writing where they are the lead role. The adult fan fiction brought to life by puppet versions of the stars will encounter romance, scandal, mystery, intrigue, and farce.

    More than 20 distributors join founder members Banijay Rights, Alll3Media International, Entertainment One, Fremantle and ITV Studios in showcasing their catalogues at this year’s London TV Screenings.

  2. Helen Greatorex to Lead Format Acquisitions for Banijay

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay, today announces Helen Greatorex has stepped up as its Head of Format Acquisitions. Continuing to report to Global Head of Content Development, James Townley, she will leave behind her Senior Global Development Producer title to take on the group’s dedicated strategy in this area.

    Serving as Senior Global Development Producer for Banijay since September 2021, she has been working with a number of the group’s key territories in supporting their unscripted pipelines, in order to extend the potential of their IP within the wider footprint. Prior to this, she spent a year as a Format Manager across key super brands including Big Brother, Hunted and Temptation Island.

    Greatorex is not new to the acquisitions world having acted as Group Acquisitions Manager for Endemol Shine Group between 2014 and 2020. She is well-versed in recognising and bringing in unscripted titles with hit potential, with considerable deal-making and market experience. Outside Banijay, and building up her content know-how, she spent almost nine years at K7 Media, leaving as Director of Operations in 2014.

    James Townley comments: “Helen has long been an integral part of the team and it’s great to have her taking on the acquisition reins. Her content know-how is extensive, and her ability to recognise an emerging hit is like no other, so I can’t think of anyone better placed to guide this area of the business. I look forward to watching her grow further in this role and continue to broaden the Banijay IP offering globally.”

     Helen Greatorex adds: “It’s been great to explore other areas of the business over the past few years, but I’m pleased to be back in the acquisitions hot seat. There is so much opportunity to drive even greater creativity through having a good grasp on what’s going on outside our walls, and I’m looking forward to bringing that knowledge into the group to further strengthen our own offering, and supplement our production pipeline with undiscovered IP.”

  3. CJ ENM’s ‘The Genius Game’ Gets Optioned to Banijay

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    Banijay today announces it has inked an option deal with leading entertainment company, CJ ENM, for its survival game show format, The Genius Game, across the UK, Denmark, and Norway, with Remarkable Entertainment, Mastiff TV Denmark, and Mastiff TV Norway.

    The Genius Game tests players’ intelligence and social savviness. The players are chosen based on their social IQ, charisma, charm, and intelligence to participate in a unique battle of intelligence and manipulation. Players compete in the Main Match and the Death Match, to challenge their analytical reasoning, attention to detail, memory, and loyalty. In order to become the Genius, players must form secret alliances and decide who to trust and who to betray in order to increase their chances of survival. 

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay says: “The Genius Game is an entertaining, high-stakes, social game which has generated significant international interest. We have experienced and talented creatives in the UK, Denmark, and Norway who are ready to bring this psychological social experiment to audiences.”

    “We are overjoyed to create opportunities for The Genius Game to be produced in different versions of the show. With the elements of a hit show, including problem solving skills, social skills and the betrayal element, it is a show that can entertain viewers from all territories. As a multi-season mega-hit show in Korea, bolstering our IP in a local format will bring so much fun and thrill to its viewers as well,” says Diane Min, Head of Format Sales at CJ ENM.

    Meanwhile, the Netherlands adapted version of the show The Genius: The Netherlands premiered on October 3rd.

  4. Banijay’s Unveils Format and Scripted Highlights Ahead of MIPCOM

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    Leading producer/distributor, Banijay, proudly announces its all-new, stand-out titles for MIPCOM. Taking up residency with an expanded presence since its last visit, the global player is set to make a noisy return to the market, as it prepares to raise the curtain on its latest creations.

    Love Triangle, Blow Up, Le Plus Grand Karaoké de France, and MasterChef: Young Talent, will all make their Cannes debuts in Banijay’s format line-up, along with Starstruck, and Banijay Rights’ premium scripted titles Rogue Heroes, Marie Antoinette, Bali 2002, and Serial Lover, and third-party titles Stonehouse and Riches.

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay, says: “At Banijay we promote collaboration, innovation, and creative autonomy, and this is unmistakable with our extensive MIPCOM slate, with distinctive and fresh formats coming from Australia, UK, France, and the Netherlands. We’re very much looking forward to heading to Cannes in person, offering broadcasters new premium entertainment, bold dating shows and showcasing the modern evolution of our super brands – all of which, have travelling potential at their core.”

    Cathy Payne, CEO at Banijay Rights, says: “Our portfolio is further evidence of how we are tapping into the international audience’s desire for high-end content with nuanced narratives, and visually powerful series. Our line-up for MIPCOM epitomises this with fascinating, compelling stories from across the Banijay footprint and beyond. We can’t wait to showcase our new eco-friendly stand and spend some time face-to-face with all our clients from across the globe.”

    Love Triangle, from Endemol Shine Australia for Stan, is an unpredictable and explosive relationship journey filled with love, heartbreak and a mind-blowing twist, that will rock the couples to their core, while Dutch format Blow Up from EndemolShine Nederlands for RTL4 sees talented balloon artists battle it out in a colourful and creative competition with high stakes. French label DMLS TV’s Le Plus Grand Karaoké de France was the number one show in its slot for adults 25-49 and sees experts select the best singers from 1,000 mic’d up participants who are belting out songs.

    Building on the world’s most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records), MasterChef has developed a new iteration that welcomes 13 – 18 year-olds into the kitchen. MasterChef: Young Talent will equip a future generation of chefs with the best tools and experience. Viaplay Group has commissioned the first series from Banijay labels, Metronome (Denmark) and Nordisk Banijay (Norway).

    Meanwhile, Starstruck, created by Remarkable Entertainment for ITV is a high-end entertainment show with a second series underway in the UK. Teaming up as trios, the public transform into some of the world’s biggest music icons.

     On the scripted front, Banijay Rights is highlighting new historical drama, Marie Antoinette. Created and written by Deborah Davis (The Favourite), the eight-part series was produced by Banijay Studios France, CAPA Drama and Les Gens, and tells the story of the avant-garde young queen.  From Kudos and Nebulastar, Rogue Heroes, written by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) is a dramatised account of how the SAS, the world’s greatest Special Forces unit formed under extraordinary circumstances in the darkest days of World War Two. It stars Connor Swindells, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Allen, Tom Glynn-Carney, Sofia Boutella and Dominic West.

    Alongside these period dramas is Shine Fiction’s Serial Lover, a co-production with Sibaro Films. Written by Alice Der Broek, this story centres around a shrewd man who lives many lives, manipulating those around him, especially women who he targets and steals from. Meanwhile, Bali 2002 explores the everyday heroes directly impacted by the terrorist attacks in Bali twenty years ago. Written by Justin Monjo (Storm Boy), Kris Wyld (Pulse), Marcia Gardner (Wentworth) emerging screenwriter Michael Toisuta and Balinese writer, actor and musician Ketut Yuliarsa (Janggan) as story editor, this powerful drama is produced by Endemol Shine Australia and Screentime.

    Banijay Rights builds on its slate of dramas based on true events with Stonehouse. From acclaimed writer John Preston, the third-party offering from Clearwood Films and Snowed-In Productions is directed by BAFTA-nominated Jon S.Baird (Stan & Ollie) and depicts the story of disgraced Labour minister John Stonehouse. In addition, Banijay Rights includes Greenacre Films’ production, Riches, in its slate. Written and created by Abby Ajayi, it follows the exploits of the brash, super-successful, and wealthy Richards family – the stellar cast includes Deborah Ayorinde (Them), Hugh Quarshie (Absentia) and Sarah Niles (Ted Lasso) amongst others.

    These MIPCOM highlights compliment the 130,000+ hours of globally renowned, stand-out IP within Banijay’s catalogue. They will sit alongside super brands such as Big Brother, Survivor, LEGO® Masters, Hunted, The Bridge, Peaky Blinders, and The Truth Will Out.

    At MIPCOM 2022, Banijay will exhibit at C.20.

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

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    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%.

  6. Endemol Shine Boomdog and TelevisaUnivision Bring Banijay’s New Game Show, Are You For Real? To Mexico

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    Banijay today announces Endemol Shine Boomdog, part of Banijay Americas, will produce Are You For Real? (Cuál es el Bueno?) alongside TelevisaUnivision. The new show is a format developed by Endemol Shine Boomdog, Endemol Shine Italy and TelevisaUnivision.

    In this hilarious and unpredictable guessing game, three contestants take to the stage with a supposed talent, job, or characteristic. However, only one individual is telling the truth, but who is it? That is up to the three famous guests to figure out. Known as the ‘fake hunters’, the celebrities, through questions and intuition, must put their pride, intelligence, and audacity on the line as they decide who is telling the truth and who is a master of deception. Representing different sections of the studio audience, the celebrity is aiming to collect as many points as possible by correctly identifying the person telling the truth. A person sitting within the winning ‘fake hunter’s’ section will then be in with a chance of winning the huge sum of 50 thousand pesos.

    Alejandro Rincón, CEO Endemol Shine Boomdog says: “We are excited to continue our successful partnership with Televisa with our latest joint production effort, Are You For Real? It’s truly the perfect show for the entire family to enjoy together this summer and find out who is real and who is not.”

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development adds: “Are You For Real? has all the ingredients for a hit game show – it is fun, entertaining and play along for the whole family. We’re thrilled to have been able to help bring this epic guessing game format to life, with support from the Banijay Creative Fund.”

    Leonardo Pasquinelli, Managing Director, Endemol Shine Italy comments: “I am proud of my team for developing a unique and original offering. We hope to see the format travelling around the world and becoming a household name like Your Face Sounds Familiar and Deal or No Deal!”

    Amongst those ready to sort the truths from the lies are actors Andrea Legarreta, Paul Stanley, Erika Buenfil, and Ricardo Margaleff, as well as comedian Mau Nieto, and model and presenter Tania Rincón.

    Endemol Shine Boomdog creates high-quality content including hit non-scripted shows such as MasterChef Mexico, La Casa de Los Famosos, and Nailed it Mexico! As well as an exciting slate of scripted projects such as Todo Por Lucy and the upcoming adaptation of The Beautiful Life.

    Endemol Shine Italy has a strong record of producing entertainment shows from Big Brother to MasterChef and Anything Goes. Its recent scripted title The Bride has also enjoyed great success and was the second most viewed series of the season.

  7. EndemolShine Nederland’s Race For The Rings Begins

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    Banijay today announces Race For The Rings, an original new adventure reality show co-produced by EndemolShine Nederland, part of Banijay Benelux and Beau van Erven Dorens’ production company, Kale Jackhals Productions. The show has been commissioned by RTL 4.

    Race For The Rings puts engaged couples to the test as they cross the desert in Jordan, competing for the honeymoon of their dreams. Throughout the series they will take part in challenges which range from physical, mental and even hilariously comical. However, beautiful as the country is, the conditions are harsh. Which couple will thrive as strategies develop, alliances form and communication is tested? Only one loved-up pair will win the game and a well-deserved honeymoon. Presented by Beau van Erven Dorens (Deal or No Deal),this format is action-packed, high-energy, and full of reality moments.

    Rob van der Vleugel, producer, Endemol Shine Nederland comments: “Filming Race For The Rings in Jordan was no mean feat, but it was an incredible experience and I am proud of the final version and team of creatives I worked alongside. This new adventure format is utterly engaging with every challenge revealing a new side to the couples to leave audiences gripped.”

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay adds: “This new upbeat adventure format is sensational in every aspect with epic challenges and impressive scenery. Combining competition, reality, relationships and much more, Race For The Rings has all the key elements which will appeal to a global audience. Alongside Blow Up, EndemolShine Nederland is developing bold, innovative new shows which we feel have a lot of international potential.”

    EndemolShine Nederland, part of Banijay Benelux, creates high-class multi-genre productions. Its notable shows include Big Brother, LEGO® Masters, Deal or No Deal, as well as new formats Blow Up and Domino Challenge which premiered as the number one show in its slot for shoppers aged 25 – 54.

  8. Endemol Shine Finland Saves the Date for Israeli Format

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    Banijay today announces the first version of the brand-new dating and relationship show Save the Date. Originally created by Endemol Shine Israel, Finnish broadcaster Nelonen has commissioned the first international adaptation, ordering a prime-time series to be produced locally by Endemol Shine Finland.

     

    In this extraordinary social experiment, single women tired of the dating world gain total control of their love life by setting a wedding date, before they have even begun to search for their partner! Each woman has a short time to find their perfect match and plan the wedding. How they embark on the mission is up to them, whether endless speed dates, or going out with multiple people at the same time. These women are totally in charge, will setting a love deadline help them find the one?

     

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development, Banijay says: “As a collective we are able to use our ideas and expertise to develop a brand-new generation of travelling hits, and we are passionate about fostering collaboration across Banijay’s footprint. Endemol Shine Israel has developed a quirky, unique and innovative concept, and Endemol Shine Finland has done a brilliant job to land the first commission, bringing the idea to life.”

     

    Meira Noronen, Chief Operating Officer & Head of Non-Scripted, Endemol Shine Finland added: “Save the Date is a fun and bold show that perfectly answers the demand we are seeing for new and exciting dating shows. We have built a strong reputation as one of the best non-scripted producers in the region, and we are delighted to add Save the Date to our burgeoning slate.”

     

    Endemol Shine Finland, part of Banijay Nordic, produces a wide range of award-winning non-scripted and scripted content. Popular programmes include Big Brother, MasterChef, The Wall, Gogglebox, The Biggest Loser, Ready Steady Cook, Ex on The Beach and All Together Now. The company also recently announced its first scripted commission, Dance Brothers for Netflix and YLE.

     

    Endemol Shine Israel, a Banijay company, creates high-class multi-genre productions for Israeli broadcasters and global streamers. Its notable shows include Big Brother, Survivor, The Money Drop, Queens, Fifty and Valley of Tears.

  9. Banijay Unveils Slate of Formats and Scripted Titles for Spring 2022

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    Banijay, the world’s largest independent home to the best creative talent and IP, today announces an impressive range of titles for its spring slate ahead of MIPTV.

     

    Starstruck, Limitless Win, The Courtship, Language of Love, Your Body Uncovered and Shaolin Heroes have been revealed as Banijay’s format highlights, alongside Banijay Rights’ premium scripted titles including Rogue Heroes, Then You Run and Signora Volpe.

     

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay says: “Banijay has a wonderfully diverse offering of formats and developing ambitious bold new shows from Starstruck to Shaolin Heroes is at the heart of our culture. We can capitalise on our expertise in the entertainment, reality, and adventure spaces, having produced hit formats such as Survivor, Wipeout and Big Brother, to create all-new, high-energy productions which appeal to global audiences.”

     

    Cathy Payne, CEO at Banijay Rights says: “With strong writing and globally relevant themes, we’re proud these premium scripted titles are leading our burgeoning catalogue. With continuingly strong demand from platforms and broadcasters for new shows, we expect the highlighted formats to have broad appeal both as finished tape sales and as travelling IP with third-party producers.”

     

    Entertainment is back in a big way…Starstruck, created by Remarkable Entertainment for ITV is the epitome of this. Teaming up as trios, the public transform into some of the world’s biggest music icons. And Limitless Win, created by Hello Dolly and co-produced with Mitre Studios, which Banijay have the international format rights to, was ITV’s biggest brand-new entertainment series launch since January 2020. Already commissioned for a second series in the UK, it is a prime-time quiz show with a unique USP – the world’s first-ever limitless jackpot!

     

    The Courtship is a bold new relationship show from Endemol Shine North America, in association with Shine TV. A modern woman tired of dating in the 21st century is transported to the Regency-era. Will the ultimate romantic experience see the leading lady swept off her feet? Joining Banijay’s dating offering, is Language of Love from Banijay Iberia’s Zeppelin and UK indie 2LE. The series explores whether love can blossom even with a language barrier to overcome as six British singletons and six Spaniards are brought together.

     

    Combining reality with adventure is Metronome’s epic new show, Shaolin Heroes. Celebrities will embark on a life-changing journey to master the ancient martial art of the Shaolin Warrior Monks. Elsewhere, Your Body Uncovered is a ground-breaking new concept that uses cutting-edge technology to better understand medical conditions. The format, created by Remarkable Factual, allows the viewers to witness this immersive journey every step of the way.

     

    On the scripted front, Banijay is highlighting Rogue Heroes. This new six-part series, written by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) and produced by Kudos and Nebulastar, is a dramatized account of how the world’s greatest Special Forces unit, the SAS, was formed under extraordinary circumstances in the darkest days of World War Two.

     

    From Kudos, in association with MadeFor and Sky Studios, Then You Run is a bold new Sky Original drama based on Zoran Drvenkar’s novel, ‘You’. The series follows a close-knit group of friends whose dreams of the perfect holiday spiral into a dark and perilous adventure.

     

    In Signora Volpe, which will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights, Emilia Fox (Silent Witness) will star as a British spy who finds herself involved in a murder investigation in Italy. Motivated by her passion for justice with an instinct for adventure, this drama will unearth the dark secrets of Umbria. Written by Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths (Midsomer Murders) it will be produced by ITV Studios-backed production company Route 24.

     

    Joining Banijay’s impressive catalogue of over 120,000 hours, the new titles will sit alongside super brands such as MasterChef, Big Brother, Survivor, LEGO® Masters and scripted hits, Screw, Peaky Blinders and Penoza amongst others.

  10. Banijay Benelux Expands With Breath-taking New Original Competition Format Blow Up

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    Banijay, the world’s largest independent home to the best creative talent and IP, today announces a new premium competition format from the Netherlands, showcasing the inspirational talent of balloon artists.

     

    Created by EndemolShine Netherlands, Blow Up will take viewers on an exciting journey into the awe-inspiring world of balloon art. In this competition series, produced for Dutch broadcaster RTL 4, contestants must create unique and mind-blowing balloon artworks. Only one balloon artist will blow everyone away and become the winner of this original new format.

     

    Rob van der Vleugel, Managing Director EndemolShine Netherlands says: “The world of balloon artists is full of extremely talented people, and we can’t wait to share their creative expertise with audiences on RTL 4. This format is the ultimate in uplifting, joyful fun and showcases the skills of an untapped community of balloon experts. The set is a mesmerising creation full of balloons, and this show will entertain viewers as they cheer for their favourite artists to win, hoping their vision only pops in a good way.”

     

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development says: “Blow Up is a brilliant addition to our ever-growing portfolio of innovative competition formats tapping into unique creative communities. It’s exciting to further grow our expertise from MasterChef and LEGO Masters, delivering high-end fun to primetime audiences, and we expect this show will inflate interest with broadcasters.”

     

    Endemol Shine Netherlands, a Banijay Benelux company produces and creates some of the biggest local and international entertainment formats. Recent and forthcoming credits include Big Brother, LEGO Masters, Chantal’s Pyjama Party and Domino Challenge.

     

    This format will join Banijay’s catalogue of over 4000 formats, beside flagship brands Survivor, Hunted, MasterChef, LEGO Masters and Big Brother, as well as the company’s portfolio of fresh new IP Interior Design Masters, Starstruck, Limitless Win, The Courtship and more.

  11. Danish Celebrities to Become Shaolin Heroes in Epic New Adventure Reality Series

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    Banijay, the world’s largest independent home to the best creative talent and IP, today announces a new premium adventure series from Danish label Metronome, focusing on the Shaolin Warrior Monk community in China.

    Shaolin Heroes will test celebrities like never before as they embark on a life-changing journey to master the ancient martial art of the Shaolin Warrior Monks in China. At a much-revered temple, the famous faces will receive the toughest, and most elite training possible. The challenge is not only physical, the celebrities will have to learn the Shaolin philosophy confront their deepest fears, and develop as a person to manifest a happier life.  Who will have the willpower and heart to become a true Shaolin Hero?

    Peter Hansen, Chief Creative Officer at Banijay Nordic,  says: “At Banijay we pride ourselves on being a thriving home for world-class content built for contemporary audiences. I have always loved karate, and together with Henrik Rasmussen, the Head of Programmes at Metronome, we developed the idea of celebrities being trained by real-life Grandmasters into an ambitious new adventure reality format, and this show is set to be a high-end offering for Danish audiences. This is a bold and original concept, and testament to broadcasters in the Nordics who are creatively open and willing to take significant risks, commissioning new and innovative ideas.”

    Tina Chistensen, Managing Director at Metronome, says:  “I’m really proud of the in-house development team here at Metronome, with a strategic focus they have created yet another original local format with the potential to travel. Over a number of years, Metronome has established itself as leading reality producer, and this, along with the confidence, resources and creative backing of Banijay, we have been able to pursue big format ideas with international appeal. With epic cinematic production values, we look forward to producing this authentic adventure reality series for TV 2 Denmark.”

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay, says: “This exciting, brand new show taps into the inspirational values and philosophy behind Shaolin Kung Fu, with celebrities walking an ancient path of the world’s finest warrior monks. As we continue to innovate and create new IP, this impressive and original format utilises our expertise with big adventure and reality superbrands to build the next generation of hits.”

    Dorthe Thirstrup, Channel Controller at TV 2, says: “At TV 2 we are looking forward to sharing Shaolin Heroes with the Danes. In addition to offering tremendous production values, we also believe that the programme can inspire us all to cut off unnecessary noise, find peace and our inner strength. The pandemic has challenged our daily lives in many ways, but I also think it has made many people reflect on what is important. Although we may not all be, or should be, Shaolin Monks, I am convinced that the special universe will set the viewers’ thoughts in motion.”

    Danish production company Metronome is behind Banijay’s dating format Alone Together, as well as relationship hit, Fabulous Dads. It also produces a range of long-running non-scripted series including The Island, MasterChef, Taskmaster, The Block and Ex on the Beach.

    This format will join Banijay’s catalogue of over 4000 formats, beside flagship brands Survivor, Hunted, MasterChef, LEGO Masters and Big Brother.

  12. Banijay Shines Light on New Year Portfolio

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    Banijay, the world’s largest independent home to the best creative talent and IP, today announces a stellar line-up of programmes launching in early 2022; all available to international broadcasters for adaptation or acquisition.

     

    Banijay’s Creative Networks is showcasing premium entertainment, quiz and dating with Starstruck, Limitless Win, The Language of Love and Pride and Prejudice: An Experiment in Romance; all premiering globally for the first time this year.

     

    Meanwhile, Banijay Rights has a premium slate of scripted content for distribution with Peaky Blinders, SAS: Rogue Heroes, Screw, Chloe, Riches, The Good Karma Hospital and Grantchester, all among its 2022 highlights.

     

    Elsewhere, other Banijay scripted titles coming up in 2022 include Playlist (Yellow Bird for Netflix), The Bride (Endemol Shine Italy and Rai for Rai1), The Rig (Wild Mercury for Amazon and Todo Por Lucy, a modern version of beloved comedy series I Love Lucy, licensed from ViacomCBS and developed and produced by Endemol Shine Boomdog and Elefantec Global for Amazon.

     

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay,  says: “It’s wonderful to start the year knowing we have such a spectacular line-up of brand new formats making their international debuts. With a mixture of entertainment, fun and jeopardy at their heart, we hope to putting smiles on everyone’s face. Continuing their popularity with viewers around the world, we look forward to pitching this new generation of formats to buyers across the globe.”

     

    Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay Rights, says: “There is always an appetite for exceptional scripted programming and we are incredibly excited to once again be offering the market the very best content out there. These highly-anticipated series are produced by award-winning production companies, with visionary talent, both on and off-screen, ensuring these amazing dramas are rich in action and distinction.”

     

    Headlining the entertainment format slate is Starstruck from UK label Remarkable Television for ITV, which sees ordinary members of the public, teamed as trios, perform live as their favourite superstars; and from third-party producers Hello Dolly and Mitre Studios, Limitless Win, a prime-time quiz show with the world’s first-ever limitless jackpot,  launched this weekend on UK broadcaster ITV, ranking number one in its slot, across all demos.

     

    Fresh and funny relationship reality format The Language of Love, from third-party producers 2LE Media, Motion Content Group, along with Banijay Iberia’s Zeppelin, launched on UK broadcaster Channel 4 last week, with a group of Brits and a group of Spaniards pairing up at a dreamy Spanish country estate to see if they can find romance… despite not speaking each other’s language. Also in the relationship genre is Pride and Prejudice: An Experiment in Romance, from Endemol Shine North America and Banijay UK label Shine TV, a new series for Peacock, where contestants are transported to Regency-style England, with a group of eligible suitors attempting to win the heart of a heroine and her court.

     

    Banijay Rights is headlining with high-end scripted programming. BAFTA award-winning Peaky Blinders is returning for its sixth and final series this year. One of the BBC’s most successful dramas, the series has become a huge international phenomenon, thrilling millions of viewers worldwide with the story of Tommy Shelby and his notorious family’s rise to prominence and power, against the backdrop of working class, post-First World War Birmingham. Written by Steven Knight, the series from Caryn Mandabach Productions, is co-produced with Tiger Aspect Productions.

     

    Produced by Kudos, a Banijay UK company, and Nebulastar for BBC One, SAS: Rogue Heroes is generating international broadcaster interest and has already been acquired by premium US network EPIX. Written by Steven Knight, the series is a dramatised account of how the world’s greatest Special Forces unit, the SAS, was formed under extraordinary circumstances in the darkest days of World War Two. Based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book of the same name, SAS: Rogue Heroes stars Connor Swindells (Sex Education, Vigil), Jack O’Connell (Skins, The North Water), Alfie Allen (Jojo Rabbit, Game Of Thrones), Sofia Boutella (Modern Love, Atomic Blonde) and Dominic West (The Wire, Appropriate Adult).

    Meanwhile, Banijay Rights is representing prison drama Screw. Produced by STV Studios for Channel 4 and told through embattled and inspiring characters, this drama focusses on the officers at Long Marsh men’s prison. In charge of C-Wing is Leigh Henry (Nina Sosanya), a career officer who would do anything for her prisoners – but she has a secret that if discovered, could cost her the job – and even her liberty. Original psychological thriller Chloe, a mystery about obsession, deceit, identity and grief from Mam Tor Productions for BBC One and Amazon Studios, also features among Banijay Rights’ titles. From creator and writer Alice Seabright (director, Sex Education), Chloe stars some of the UK’s hottest young acting talent including Erin Doherty (The Crown), Billy Howle (The Serpent), Pippa Bennet-Warner (Gangs of London) and Jack Farthing (Poldark).

     

    Other new scripted titles include Riches, a high-stakes family drama created and written by Abby Ajayi and produced by Greenacre Films for ITV and Amazon Studios, Tiger Aspect Productions hit drama The Good Karma Hospital also returns for a fourth season for ITV and Acorn TV, while Grantchester – the popular series from Kudos for Masterpiece PBS and ITV – will air its seventh season, with Robson Green returning as DI Geordie Keating and Tom Brittney as Reverend Will Davenport.

     

    These new titles join Banijay’s 120,000-hour catalogue, which comprises flagship brands MasterChef, LEGO Masters, Big Brother, Survivor and Hunted alongside scripted finished tape hits Mr Bean, Home and Away and Archer.