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: Jean-Louis Blot

  1. Endemol France Appoints Didier Lahaye as Head of Sport

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today confirms the appointment of Didier Lahaye as Head of Sport for Endemol France. In this newly-created role, he will manage the creation and development of brand-new division, Endemol France Sport, working alongside French labels Yasuke Production and 4-3-3 Production to grow the business’ sports offering.

    Lahaye began his career at TF1 as an editor and director before joining the sports division to oversee the production of Telefoot, Automoto, and events like the Rugby World Cup. In 2008, he launched and produced various sports formats for Canal+ like the Canal Football Club and magazine formats on the French Football League and Formula 1. Lahaye was then promoted to Director of Sport Magazines and later, Deputy Director of Sports, leading all sports-related channels and programmes including football, rugby championships, Formula 1, golf and the Olympic Games.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO at Endemol France says: “Bringing a wealth of experience, Didier will help spearhead our expansion into the world of sports. Working alongside the talented teams already in place at Yasuke Production and 4-3-3 Production, he will help accelerate the development of innovative and captivating sports formats, and we are confident his expertise and leadership will help us take our sports division to new heights.”

    A go-to production company, Endemol France has brought hit formats to France including Star Academy,MasterChef, LEGO Masters and Celebrity Hunted.

    The news follows Banijay’s recent launch of Banijay Sports which signalled its ambitions to grow across sportainment, documentary and digital, via new partnerships, content investments and M&A.

  2. Secret Story Returns to France with TF1

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    Banijay France today announces the long-awaited return of Secret Story, a format within the Big Brotheruniverse, on TF1. Produced by Endemol France, the widely popular reality TV show will be back next year after a six-year hiatus, with casting underway.

    Secret Story was first introduced to French audiences in 2007, airing for 11 seasons and almost 1000 episodes. A 15-year anniversary special in 2022 confirmed a great appetite for its return. More recently, the format has also been adapted in Spain and Portugal.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO of Endemol France says: “Entertaining viewers is in our DNA, and we are excited to creatively grow Secret Story for its comeback, introducing it to a new generation of fans, while celebrating the time-tested success of this ever-evolving format. TF1 is a great partner and we enjoyed revitalising the resoundingly popular classic format Star Academy for them, and we are poised to harness our expertise to take Secret Story to new heights.”

    Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay adds: “As part of the expansive Big Brotheruniverse, Secret Story is well-placed to make a successful return to French television, bringing this hugely entertaining, original reality format to a fresh wave of viewers. This is a format that delivers drama and audiences; with Jean-Louis and Endemol France at the helm, enthusiastic reality fans and TF1 viewers can expect a must-watch, unmissable series.”

    To date, Big Brother, a Banijay format, has had 67 adaptations, broadcast across 72 countries, with over 550 seasons and 36,000 episodes. Last year alone, it enjoyed its most successful year ever globally with 33 productions airing across 26 markets. Big Brother recently made a highly-anticipated return in the UK on ITV with 3.4 million viewers tuning in to the debut episode, making it the highest launch for the format since 2010.

    Endemol France, part of Banijay France, is a non-scripted powerhouse having produced recent hits such as Star Academy which will be airing its second season in November, LEGO® Masters, Celebrity Hunted, LOL: Last One Laughing, and Drag Race France.

  3. Star Academy Returns to TF1

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    Banijay today announces that its French label Endemol France will bring entertainment competition format, Star Academy, back to the country after nine years. To produce the new season of this iconic program, Endemol France has called on DMLS TV, another label within Banijay.

    Fronted by the original host Nikos Aliagas, the most famous musical academy in France will soon welcome a new class. The casting call attracted 10 000 registrants in just 48 hours, showing a very strong interest in the new season.

    Singing, dancing, acting… to become complete artists, this school of excellence will offer the passionate and talented contestants an intensive training programme surrounded by the best teachers. Every day, viewers will be able to follow the progress of the students in a daily show on TF1.

    At the end of each week, the emerging talent will showcase what they’ve learned during the primetime. It is then up to a panel of judges and the viewers to decide who stays and who goes. Living and breathing the life of a singer, will they be able to put their mentoring into practice and be the next star?

    Originally created by Endemol France, Star Academy is a primetime favourite, having sold to 19 territories including Italy and the Middle East, where 11 seasons have aired. It most recently made a return to French Canada, exceeding the channel’s slot by 45% for 18–34-year-olds. Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the show in France, with special episodes attracting an audience of over four million for French broadcaster TF1.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO of Endemol France says: “Star Academy delivers some of the most revered music training in the industry and we can’t wait to showcase a new generation of French talent. The exciting live performances, combined with the expert training the artists will receive, make an entertaining show for all the family.”

    Mathieu Vergne, CEO of DMLS TV comments: “Producing entertainment formats is in our DNA and it is a pleasure to work alongside Endemol France to bring this hit to viewers. We’re ecstatic to have Nikos Aliagas on board and to be reinvigorating the format, following the success of the 20th anniversary last year.”

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay adds: “The Star Academy format is a proven success around the globe, showcasing new talent, reality elements and an exciting competition. With Endemol France and DMLS TV’s expertise in this genre, audiences can expect an unmissable series.”

    A go-to production company, Endemol France has brought hit formats to France including MasterChef, LEGO®Masters and Celebrity Hunted as well as new titles like Chefs to Go and Domino Challenge. Having joined Banijay France in 2021, DMLS TV is also behind well-renowned brands such as a Chanson Secrète (The Secret Song), La Chanson Challenge (The Celebrity Song Challenge) and Duos Mystères (Mystery Duets).

  4. MasterChef Returns to France

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    Banijay today confirms Endemol France, part of Banijay France, will produce MasterChef for France 2. Hosted by popular French presenter, Agathe Lecaron, Yves Camdeborde, Thierry Marx, Georgiana Viou are confirmed as judges.

    Setting out on a nationwide search, the new series of MasterChef aims to find the best amateur cook in France. Contestants will face numerous challenges as they aim to impress the judges with their skill, passion, and creativity. Only the best chefs will continue their journey.

    The life-changing culinary format has been adapted in 64 territories to date and celebrated its 500th series globally in 2021. In 2021, 49 productions aired across 33 territories, and most recently, it enjoyed a hugely successful return in Portugal, with the New Zealand and South African reboots set to air later in the year.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO of Endemol France comments: “As a nation, we are incredibly passionate about cooking, so it is only right for us to bring the world’s most successful culinary format back to France. In France there are more than 35 million amateur cooks. With MasterChef, we aim to represent this great family by highlighting passionate and talented contestants. With Agathe Lecaron and our fantastic judges at the helm, we are set for an exciting series, as we uncover some of the incredible talent from across the country and showcase our wonderful food culture.”

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay adds: “MasterChef’s return to France, joining a recent spate of reboots, demonstrates the show’s enduring appeal across the globe. An evolving and versatile format, this latest version is set to be authentic, inspiring, and a joyful celebration of the much-admired world of French cuisine.”

  5. M6 Orders Chefs to Go from Banijay’s Endemol France

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    Endemol France, a Banijay company, today announces it will adapt cookery format Chefs to Go for M6, marking the first international adaptation of the culinary competition, which was originally created by Endemol Shine Germany.

     

    Endemol France’s Chefs to Go (Chefs à domicile) will pit a leading chef against a new kitchen rival each week, as they go head-to-head to create and deliver the best takeaway food in 90 minutes.  The chefs have no idea who they are cooking for, so must make their meal based on a series of clues, adapting their dishes along the way. At the end of the 90 minutes, the chefs will hand deliver their food to their respective customers, but only one can be crowned winner. Who will best meet the cravings of their customer and receive the highest rating?

     

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO of Endemol France says: “Viewers in France have grown up with cooking shows, and we are excited to unite our audience around their love of food. Chefs to Go adds a fresh twist as it is the beloved and established chefs that are taken out of their comfort zones (and the kitchen). The chefs are outspoken, hilarious and skilled adding additional spice to the show.”

     

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay: “With strong culinary competition formats part of Banijay’s DNA, we know Chefs to Go has significant international potential. A fun and playful format, the series celebrates local creativity and talent alongside some good-natured rivalry, within a new sphere; that of the booming takeaway industry.”

     

    Created and produced by Endemol Shine Germany, Chefs to Go (Mälzer & Henssler liefern ab!) first launched on VOX in Germany in 2021. Consolidated ratings reveal the show outperformed the slot across all key demos. The first season proved particularly popular with younger audiences, with 14-49 audiences up 66% vs slot. Executive Director Sven Steffensmeier is currently in production on a second season for later this year.

     

    Endemol France, part of Banijay France, is a non-scripted powerhouse having produced recent hits such as LEGO® Masters, Celebrity Hunted, LOL: Last One Laughing, and Drag Race France.

  6. Domino Effect Continues in France for Banijay

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    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.

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

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    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!”