Banijay’s Endemol France Joins Forces with Puzzle Media
Comments Off on Banijay’s Endemol France Joins Forces with Puzzle MediaEndemol France today announces it has acquired a majority stake in Puzzle Media, a production entity specialising in action, adventure, and alternative culture. The deal sees the Banijay France-owned label expand its development potential in the sports space, particularly in digital and non-linear.
Joining Endemol France, which is behind local versions of Lego Masters (M6), Celebrity Hunted (Prime Video), MasterChef (France 2), and Drag Race (France.tv), Puzzle Media was created in May 2007 by Jonathan Politur. In just a short time, it has grown to be the first French production company to deliver extreme and board sports content in high volume, with top titles including Riding Zone, which has broadcast every weekend for 14 years on France Télévisions. The former has also evolved into a strong digital brand, with its videos capturing a wide audience amongst its 2m+-strong community of thrill-seekers.
Alongside its extreme sports portfolio, Puzzle Media also develops and produces a range of other content, with daily drama, L’Amour à l’Epreuve, having only just launched on France Télévisions.
Jean-François Rubinstein, COO, Endemol France comments: “We are proud to partner with Jonathan Politur who is a recognised producer in the world of sport. Growing in this area, as well as strengthening our digital presence are major priorities for Endemol France, and with Puzzle Media, we have found the ideal partner to accelerate both. It could not be better timing with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games ahead.”
Jonathan Politur, Founder of Puzzle Media comments: “It is an honour to partner with a company like Endemol France. This association will allow us to develop our brands in the world of sport and bring together a young and passionate audience. The business can also bring more exposure to our portfolio and via the wider group of Banijay, we anticipate there being more opportunity to reach new broadcasters and platforms in France and beyond.”
Endemol France’s other flagship titles include Les 12 Coups de Midi (TF1), Prodiges (France 2), Les Enfants de la Télé (France 2), Patron Incognito (M6), La Meilleure Boulangerie de France (M6), LOL: qui rit, sort ! (Prime Video), Les reines de la mécanique (RMC Découverte), Star Academy (TF1), and Ma vie en camping-car (W9).