Tag Archive: Jarowskij

  1. The Summit Climbs into Europe

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces Jarowskij will adapt hit reality competition format The Summit for TV4. This marks the first announced European deal, and the third territory to produce the adventure series. With the title now gaining pace globally, it is set to be showcased at Banijay’s exclusive, invite-only London TV Screenings event, Banijay @ BAFTA on Wednesday 28 February.

    The 9Network and Endemol Shine Australia original series, produced by Endemol Shine Australia, had a hugely successful launch in 2023, doubling its viewership on replay for Nine Network, and a second season was greenlit. Earlier this year, Endemol Shine North America announced the first international adaptation for CBS.

    The returning adrenaline-fueled series follows a group of contestants as they embark on an epic journey through treacherous mountains. Carrying backpacks containing an equal share of the final cash prize, contestants have 14 days to reach “The Summit” of a distant mountain to claim their reward. In a thrilling tale of endurance, survival and greed, morals will be tested, physical limits pushed, and bonds broken.

    Johannes Jensen, interim CEO Jarowskij comments:The Summit is a great addition to our slate, with its gripping blend of adventure, high-stake competition, suspense, and proven success in Australia. We are confident this adaptation will resonate strongly with audiences in Sweden, offering a thrilling and entertaining viewing experience.”

    Peter Newman, CEO at Endemol Shine Australia says: “With a second season in the works, The Summit continues to travel seamlessly across borders, and is a testament to the format’s universality, adaptability and scalability. It’s been our ambition to create original formats that travel globally, and we are proud to see this IP launch in the US, and now Sweden, with more to come.”

    The Summit will join Jarowskij’s impressive catalogue of scripted and non-scripted titles including recent hit drama, A Nearly Normal Family for Netflix, Solsidan, SAS Who Dares Win and Wild Kids.

  2. Jarowskij Finland Announces New Senior Leadership

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    Banijay Nordics today announces new senior leadership at its scripted label, Jarowskij Finland, with producer Minna Virkajärvi joining to lead the operations. She will report to Endemol Shine Finland’s Managing Director, Unne Sormunen, whose remit has been expanded to include oversight of the entity.

    Virkajärvi will start her new position as Head of Jarowskij Finland in August, joining the label whose credits include the acclaimed series Detective Maria Kallio, from Yellow Film & TV. She most recently produced three seasons of popular long-running crime drama, Roba, for C-More, as well as the upcoming ElisaViihdeViaplay series, Forgive (Kaikki Anteeksi). Virkajärvi is also behind multi-award-winning Yle mini-series, MS Romantic, and feature film comedy, Peruna. In her new role, Virkajärvi will produce and lead day-to-day operations, working closely with the in-house team, producer Suvi Soitinaho, and head writer, Eriikka Etholén-Paju.

    Minna Virkajärvi comments: “Jarowskij Finland has long established itself as a major drama and comedy player, delivering exceptional storytelling which resonates with audiences. The company has a fantastic reputation for nurturing talent and I’m excited to collaborate with the team, especially Suvi and Eriikka, to continue to build the business in Finland and beyond. There is already a strong portfolio in place, and we are poised to make an impact with this next successful chapter.”

    Unne Sormunen comments: “With its fantastic pipeline including hit series Maria Kallio and the recently announced crime drama Murder in Hanko, Jarowskij Finland is clearly committed to creating and producing a high-quality slate of programmes.  I’m very much looking forward to championing the creative ambition of Minna and the rest of the team, further cultivating innovative and evocative programme-making.”

    Meanwhile, CEO and producer, Teea Hyytiä, has decided to step down from her position at the company, which she joined in 2001. She will continue to serve as CEO until the end of August and will continue as producer until the end of November. Among her credits is the recently announced series Murder in Hanko.

    Johannes Jensen, Head of Scripted at Banijay Nordic says: “With Minna leading the label day-to-day, coupled with Unne’s overall business insight, the company is in great hands to deliver on its mission to bring captivating content to Finland and the world. I would sincerely like to thank Teea for the years of dedication, she has played an instrumental role in building Jarowskij’s premium slate of quality productions for the local and international market, and for ensuring a smooth transition to the new leaders. I wish her all the best for her next endeavors.”

    Jarowskij Finland is behind a high-end slate including detective series Detective Maria Kallio and the new crime drama Murder in Hanko. Other credits include five seasons of comedy series Onnela, as well as Jill and Joy, four successful feature films for younger audiences.

    The company is part of Banijay Nordic, home to premium scripted labels across the region including Filmlance (Fallen, Ronja the Robbers Daughter), Yellow Bird (Bäckström), Endemol Shine Finland (Dance Brothers), Rubicon (Salmon Island w/t), and Jarowskij Sweden (Riding Into Darkness)

  3. Jarowskij Finland commits Murder in Hanko with Nelonen and Ruutu

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    Banijay Nordic today announces a new original series from scripted label Jarowskij Finland, based on renowned character Ruben Waara, created by Matti Remes, who features in many of his acclaimed novels.

    Production on the ten-part series, Murder in Hanko, written by Eriikka Etholén-Paju and directed by Aleksi Mäkelä, is underway. The series is scheduled to air on Nelonen and Ruutu in spring 2024 and will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

    The series, set against the backdrop of picturesque Finnish coastal town of Hanko, revolves around the enigmatic character of Ruben Waara, portrayed by Matti Ristinen. A charismatic but somewhat aimless bachelor who recently turned 50, Ruben sells his company and returns to his hometown in Hanko for the summer. Things take a turn when Ruben’s estranged daughter Vera, played by Mimosa Willamo, a dedicated police officer in Hanko, finds herself entangled in a murder investigation on the very day of Ruben’s arrival.

     Teea Hyytiä, Executive Producer comments: Murder in Hanko is a story of familial bonds as the father-daughter duo untangles the mysterious murder, uncovering secrets and delving into the intriguing power dynamics of Hanko’s influential families. This is a warm and witty series, and we believe the charming plot and stunning coastal setting will captivate audiences both here in Finland and internationally with Banijay Rights.”

    Jarowskij Finland is behind a high-end slate including returning crime series Detective Maria Kallio, five seasons of comedy series Onnela, as well as Jill and Joy, four successful feature films for younger audiences.

     The company is part of Banijay Nordic, home to premium scripted labels across the region including Filmlance (Fallen, Ronja the Robbers Daughter), Yellow Bird (Bäckström), Endemol Shine Finland (Dance Brothers), Rubicon (Salmon Island w/t), and Jarowskij Sweden (Riding Into Darkness)

  4. Jarowskij Puts Celebrities Through Climate Bootcamp

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    Banijay today announces Jarowskij, part of Banijay Nordic, will produce Climate Bootcamp for broadcast on SVT and UR (Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company).

     

    The 6 x 28’ series sees a group of celebrities address the area of their lives having the most detrimental impact on the planet. Whether it be travel, consumption or simply just their attitude, this group will attend a camp to retrain themselves and learn why they must act now. Equipped with the knowledge and necessary skills, the celebrities will then have to maintain it in their everyday lives. Can they reduce their climate score, or will they revert to their old ways?

     

    Iréne Lindblad, CEO at Jarowskij says: “Protecting our planet for future generations is incredibly important to us and in the midst of the Cop26 conversation, the world’s attention is on the climate emergency. The amazing talent associated with Climate Bootcamp highlight the small changes the individual can make and is just one example of the importance Banijay and its labels are placing on positive change.”

     

    Margretha Eriksson, Program Director, UR Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company comments:“Climate Bootcamp is part of our commitment to educating and inspiring Swedish audiences of all ages to be more sustainable – from young children wanting to learn about nature and how to take care of our planet, to grown-ups struggling with anxiety around climate change. Our belief and ambition is that this show will give the audience the knowledge, support and hope they need to start to change their everyday life for the better.”

     

    James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay adds: “Sustainability and the impact of climate change is central to our industry right now as it should be. Banijay, like its peers, is proactive in reducing its carbon footprint and overall impact on the environment, both corporately and on-set. New shows like Climate Bootcamp align with our wider core values and demonstrate our commitment to delivering content that entertains and educates.”

     

    Jarowskij’s Climate Bootcamp is the latest eco-format emerging from the Banijay catalogue. The 2020 premiere of Mastiff Denmark’s documentary, Wild Wonderful Denmark, showcased the regions flora and fauna, from its forests to urban nature. And, the recent launch of RDF Television’s, Shop Well for the Planet? for BBC One, sees legacy brands Shop Well for Less? and Eat Well for Less? combine to help people live an affordable, greener lifestyle.

     

    Banijay commits to promoting a responsible working environment, encouraging healthy living and sustainable behaviours, driving down the use of single-use plastics and food waste across all productions. Super brands like Big Brother, MasterChef, Family Food Fight and Ready Steady Cook are instrumental to continuing to push sustainability; for instance, over 75% of MasterChef productions now donate leftover food to charity.

  5. Jarowskij Reveals A Class Apart for Viaplay

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    Swedish label Jarowskij, a Banijay Nordic company, today announces a new eight-part series for Viaplay, starring Aliette Opheim (Caliphate, Katla) and Valter Skarsgård (Lords of Chaos, Katla).

     

    Based on an idea by Henrik Schyffert and Gustaf Skördeman, A Class Apart explores the world of privilege and power. Written by Michaela Hamilton (Eagles) and Erik Eger, in co-operation with Gustaf Skördeman, Anna Platt and Fredrik Agetoft, and directed by Andrea Östlund (The Restaurant) Erik Eger and David Berron. The series is a co-production between Jarowskij, Brommamamma, Viaplay, Film I Väst and Banijay Rights.

     

    At Sweden’s top ranked boarding high school there is a secret society for the most affluent students, the Zebra Club. On the night of the new semester, the selected few indulge in the hazing of two new members. The following morning, one of them is found dead.

     

    When one of the troubled students at a disadvantaged public school nearby is falsely accused of the murder, the school’s passionate counsellor reacts on social media, critising the boarding school and stirring up emotions with the community, an action that sets unexpected events in motion.

     

    A Class Apart is distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

     

    Iréne Lindblad, Chief Executive Officer at Jarowskij says; “This original new series opens the door to the enigmatic world of the super-rich, where things are not always what they seem. Michaela Hamilton and Andrea Östlund have created a compelling world for viewers to indulge in, and witness the dramatic consequences which can occur when boundaries are pushed to the limit.”

     

    Jarowskij is behind numerous scripted and non-scripted hits including Black Lake, The Restaurant, We Got This, Welcome to Sweden, Wild Kids, Fort Boyard Sweden, SAS Sweden and many many more.

     

    Headed up by CEO Jacob Houlind, Banijay Nordic spans Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, as well as the UK and US, following the expansion of Yellow Bird. There are 18 production companies within the Banijay Nordic footprint, bringing together a world-class offering in scripted and non-scripted programming.

  6. Jarowskij brings SAS: Who Dares Wins to Sweden

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    Swedish label Jarowskij, a Banijay Nordic company, today announces an 8 part adaptation of Banijay Rights format, SAS: Who Dares Wins for TV4.

     

    The new Swedish version of one of the toughest shows on television will see 18 civilian volunteers participate in a Special Forces training camp, supervised by 4 former instructors.

     

    SAS: Who Dares Wins is represented internationally by Banijay Rights, and was originally created by UK production company Minnow Films. The format has been produced in six markets, including the UK, US, France, and Australia, where a second series was recently commissioned. In Denmark, where three seasons have aired, Mastiff Denmark, a Banijay company are producing a celebrity version for TV2, which will broadcast in the spring.

     

    Iréne Lindblad, Chief Executive Officer at Jarowskij says; “SAS: Who Dares Wins is an intensely gripping format, and the TV4 audience will revel in the participant’s resilience, which is put to the test by the SAS professionals. Navigating conditions within the spectacular Swedish terrain won’t be easy but will certainly make great television.”

     

    Jarowskij is behind numerous scripted and non-scripted hits including Black Lake, The Restaurant, We Got This, Welcome to Sweden, Wild Kids, Fort Boyard Sweden and many many more.

     

    Headed up by CEO Jacob  Houlind, Banijay Nordic spans Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, as well as the UK and US, following the expansion of Yellow Bird. There are 24 production companies within the Banijay Nordic footprint, bringing together a world-class offering in scripted and non-scripted programming.

     

    SAS: Who Dares Wins Sweden will air soon on TV4. It will be executive produced by Gustav Carlsson at TV4 and Magnus Larsson at Jarowskij.

  7. Banijay Raises Awareness Around Domestic Abuse

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    Banijay today announces it is set to raise awareness around domestic abuse via two new formats: Crimes of Passion, an acquisition and original production by La Bastoggi, and Love You To Death, from Jarowskij.

     

    The programmes stress the need to recognise the enormous social problem impacting millions of women globally, with the two formats placing emphasise back on the women and not the perpetrators. The victims are depicted in their own words or those of their close friends and family and the titles explore why so few report their partners, why in many cases they remain with their abuser and the shame and guilt which stems from that decision. Both shows ultimately focus on altering how these crimes are retold to reduce stigma and instead raise awareness and promote understanding.

     

    Crimes of Passion has aired in Italy since 2007 and was also broadcast in Spain on Telecinco. This 120’ format centres around femicide and in each episode leans on retellings to focus on one woman who was killed and the narrative of her family and close friends, as opposed to the judicial system. The women are the victims of obsessive love, violence and… ultimately, murder, and this high-end docu-fiction format mixes news footage, real footage, reconstructions and testimonies to bring to life the devastating impact domestic violence has on both the victims and those around them.

     

    Jarowskij-produced 6×30’ documentary, Love You To Death, is set for SVT and highlights the variations of abuse numerous women are subjected to from those they are in close relationships with.  These testimonies promote awareness around habits that occur over longer periods, as the diversity of those affected. Focusing on the survivors, the format includes their retellings of events, reconstructions, authentic images, trial recordings, private photos and movies to illustrate each woman’s narrative.

     

    Carlotta Rossi Spencer, Head of Format Acquisitions at Banijay said: “These formats shed light on an incredibly serious topic and issue facing millions of women around the world. As a large global player, we must take responsibility for highlighting the gravity and commonality of this issue and we hope both formats will prove valuable options for clients looking to raise awareness.”

     

    Both formats are now available via Banijay Rights.

  8. Banijay Rights Sells We Got This To Sundance Now

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    Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, today announces idiosyncratic crime thriller, We Got This, has been picked up by AMC Networks in the US, Canada and UK, for its streaming service Sundance Now.

     

    The 6 x 45’ scripted series, due to air this autumn, sees George English, an American living in Sweden, try to solve his financial woes with an unlikely solution – a 50 million Swedish Crown reward for solving the 30-year-old murder of the former prime minister, Olof Palme. English, played by Schiaffino Musarra, is grieving from the recent death of his father, and is then hit by the collapse of his career, when he receives an unsurmountable tax bill. Naturally, he begins to imagine that cracking the Palme case could be the simple answer to all his problems.

     

    Together with his closest friend, a not-so-intrepid journalist, who wants nothing to do with the case, a whacky conspiracy theorist and a former police officer, they follow the case into a web of twisted theories. After a major discovery, George finds himself on a head-on collision course with history, as their investigation goes from a laughing stock to a very real and closely-watched operation by the media, politicians, titans of industry and organisations that stretch far beyond the Swedish borders that, for a variety of reasons, would rather this case remain forever unsolved.

     

    Winner of the Series Mania 2018 co-pitch, We Got This is produced by Banijay Group’s Jarowskij and Film I Väst for public broadcaster SVT and Viaplay. Besides playing the lead role, Schiaffino Musarra is also the series creator and head writer. The drama finished airing in Sweden just days ahead of the announcement by the Chief Prosecutor, despite no new evidence, to close the Palme murder investigation, which had remained open since 1986.

     

    Sundance Now will feature its US and Canadian premiere in September 2020 with its UK date to-be-determined.

     

    Andreas Lemos, VP of Sales – North America, Banijay Rights comments,“We are thrilled to have a prestigious partner like Sundance Now on board for We Got This. North American and UK audiences will soon be able to enjoy this entertaining dark comedy born out of the unique mind of star and creator Musarra but built around the true-life mystery surrounding the assassination of Swedish PM Olof Palme.”

     

    Shannon Cooper, VP of Programming, Sundance Now, adds, “Sundance Now subscribers love to stream stories based on true crimes so this fascinating and funny approach to a real event makes for an extremely enjoyable series. We’re excited to partner with our friends at Banijay Rights to bring this true-life mystery to viewers in the US and UK.”

     

    Streaming service Sundance Now offers a rich selection of original and exclusive series from engrossing true crime to heart-stopping dramas, and fiercely intelligent thrillers from around the world; all streaming commercial-free.

     

  9. Jarowskij’s Wild Kids Returns to Sweden

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    Jarowskij, a Banijay Group Company, announces a new series of hit show, Wild Kids, is coming to TV4 and C More in 2020.

    The new series of Wild Kids will see TV4 talent, Linda Lindorff, take on the role of host. The award-winning series, distributed by Banijay Rights, sees two teams of children competing to win a trip of a lifetime. In each episode, the participants take part in physical and knowledge-based challenges in order to win new teammates and increase their chances in the final competition. However, on this show, anything can happen, and no winning team can be predicted.

    Outside the challenges, the cameras roll on the kids’ everyday life in camp – constructing their shelters, cooking over an open fire, and interacting with one another away from home.

    Linda Lindorff, Show presenter comments: “I love Swedish nature, tough competitions and look forward to working with children for the first time in a TV production. At this age, they are often totally fearless and believe nothing is impossible, which will help them in the adventure.”

    Fredrik Arefalk, Head of Channels TV4 & C More: “TV4 has a long tradition of gathering the whole family together for our entertainment programmes and our ambition is that even C More will fulfil that function. Therefore, it is great to introduce Wild Kids to our viewers on both C More and TV4. Wild Kids is one of the most popular brands for families with children, so we are very proud and happy that the format is moving in with us.”

    Iréne Lindblad CEO at Jarowskij: “Wild Kids has long been a key format on our slate and we’re proud that it is set to continue entertaining families in Sweden. It’s great to be partnering with TV4 and C More, and we look forward to working with Linda on bringing a fresh to feel to the show.”