Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.
Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.

Tag Archive: Jill Wilfert

  1. Hit Global Format LEGO® Masters Builds New On-Location Extension

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces the expansion of the iconic LEGO Masters, a format originated by Tuesday’s Child Television, with an all-new brand extension, LEGO Masters: Out of the Box.

    Spearheaded by EndemolShine Nederland, this innovative iteration has been commissioned in three European markets, with the Netherlands, Finland and Poland the first territories to build outside of a studio, with EndemolShine Nederland, Banijay Finland and EndemolShine Poland producing for RTL, Nelonen and TVN, respectively, marking a significant milestone for the format’s evolution. These labels have seen long-running success with LEGO Masters, with Netherlands producing three series, Finland two others, and Poland four.

    In this fresh take on the hit show, teams of skilled builders embark on an epic road trip through their country, constructing breathtaking LEGO masterpieces inspired by unique locations. Each challenge is intrinsically tied to the iconic surroundings — delivering builds that become a part of that environment.

    Whether it’s restoring a stained glass window or crafting a nature-inspired masterpiece in beautiful natural surroundings, the location is not just a backdrop — it’s the core of the challenge. In striking mobile ‘Brick Pits’, LEGO bricks and materials are transported to various locations, where standout builds may be left as public displays. As with the original, the most impressive teams will compete for the title of LEGO Masters in the grand finale.

    LEGO Masters has so far been ordered by 20 international broadcasters across Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region. The format was originally created by Tuesday’s Child Television and the LEGO Group, while Banijay Entertainment globally distributes the format and finished tape. LEGO Masters: Out of the Box is the first extension of the main show.

    Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations, Banijay, says: “We see huge potential in creating a universe for LEGO Masters and expect these to be the first of many deals for the new take on the beloved show. The creative approach by EndemolShine Nederland played a key role in shaping this extension to the LEGO Masters brand. The format itself is universally popular with a co-viewing audience, and by taking the competition out the studio, LEGO Masters: Out of the Box offers a spectacular journey celebrating creativity, imagination, local history and culture.”

    Jill Wilfert, SVP of Entertainment Partners & Content, the LEGO Group, says: “LEGO bricks have always been a medium through which people can express their creativity and celebrate what inspires them. With LEGO Masters: Out the Box, we are thrilled to see this potential come to life in new and exciting ways, and this format truly embodies the joy of building and pride of creation we believe in at the LEGO Group, fostering imagination and community while showcasing the incredible diversity of human creativity.”

    LEGO Masters: Out the Box joins Banijay Entertainment’s extensive portfolio, alongside next-gen travellers like Good Luck Guys, Love Triangle and The Fifty, as well as superbrands MasterChef, Big Brother and Survivor. The company’s format hightlights for MIPCOM 2024 include Three Are The Champions, By Land, Air and Sea, Dream Home, Origin Odyssey, Headliners, The Never Ever Mets, Deal or No Deal Island, Dessert Masters and The Fortune Hotel. Banijay Entertainment adapts LOL: Last One Laughing for Prime Video in eleven markets; Love is Blind for Netflix in three countries, and is behind the highly-anticipated Netflix launch Bear Hunt.

  2. LEGO® Masters Reaches 20th Market

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    Banijay Rights today announces a milestone 20th adaptation for competition reality format LEGO Masters, with a brand-new agreement confirmed in Hungary ahead of NATPE Budapest this week.

    RTL will broadcast a first season of LEGO Masters Hungary, which will see pairs compete against each other to wow judges with awesome inspiring designs and brick builds. Budapest-based UFA Magyarország has started production on the series, which will air in 2023.

     LEGO Masters is a firm hit globally, with this order following a deal for the format with TBS in Japan, a recent coproduction between TV Markiza in Slovakia and TV Nova in the Czech Republic and several multi-seasons runs in major markets including the US and Australia.

    The format has now been ordered by a total of 20 international broadcasters across Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region. The format was originally created by Tuesday’s Child Television and the LEGO Group while Banijay globally distributes the format and finished tape.

     Veronique Verges, SVP, German-Speaking Territories, Poland & Hungary, Banijay Rights, who brokered the deal with RTL, said: “Securing this significant deal for LEGO Masters Hungary is an absolute privilege for us at Banijay Rights. Now adapted for 20 markets, this astonishing global format continues to provide uplifting viewing for audiences worldwide and we are in no doubt it will be a huge hit with Hungarian viewers too.”

    Peter Kolosi, Chief Content Officer of RTL Hungary, said: “LEGO Masters is a smash hit all around the world, and RTL Hungary is very proud to present it in our country as well. The show is a completely new format for our viewers, that builds on creativity, fun and excitement at the same time. LEGO is a shared experience, we have all played with it, and we are happy to bring families together and watch something which is enjoyable for everybody.”

     Jill Wilfert, Head of Global Entertainment, The LEGO Group, added: “We are so excited that families in Hungary will have an opportunity to enjoy this global phenomenon. LEGO Masters celebrates LEGO building at its very best – creative, ingenious, great teamwork and lots and lots of fun. We are looking forward to inspiring Hungarian builders of all ages.”

  3. Banijay Rights Builds Milestone South Korean Deal for LEGO® Masters

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    Banijay Rights today announces a new adaptation for competition reality format LEGO Masters, with South Korea the latest country onboard.

    Leading South Korean network MBC will broadcast and co-produce the format’s Korean debut with LA- and Seoul-based production company B&C CONTENT, and this landmark deal will see LEGO Masters set to become the only non-Korean unscripted format to air on free-to-air television in the country.

     

    Production is currently underway for the hit entertainment format, which sees pairs compete against each other to wow judges with awesome inspiring designs and brick builds.

     

    LEGO Masters is a huge global hit with a 100% renewal rate, with this order now the second to come from Asia in three months, following a recent commission from Shenzhen TV in China.

     

    TVNZ 2 in New Zealand, Atresmedia in Spain and TV 2 in Norway have also recently commissioned adaptations of the format, which has been ordered by a total of 16 international broadcasters across Europe, the US, Australia and Asia. Originally created by Tuesday’s Child Television and the LEGO Group, Banijay globally distributes the format and finished tape for the show.

    Daryl Kho, SVP Asia – Formats, Banijay Rights, said: “LEGO Masters is already a global phenomenon, providing upbeat and inclusive viewing to audiences worldwide, so taking this show to South Korea is a thrilling moment for Banijay Rights. This is a landmark deal – the only unscripted format originating from outside South Korea to air on its free-to-air TV channels – and I can’t wait to see the creative builds the Korean contestants will dream up with their LEGO bricks.”

    Younghye Kim, Format & Acquisition Manager, MBC said: “We are truly excited to have this stunning show made into a Korean version very soon. The global success of LEGO Masters inspired us to take the show, as we have the utmost confidence that our version of LEGO Masters will be widely loved in Korea and in the global marketplace. Please stay tuned to see how MBC, the leading entertainment creator in the country, will enrich the show with a distinct, local flavour.”

    Chris S. Lee, CEO of B&C CONTENT, said: “The timing couldn’t be better for us to create an inspiring and wildly entertaining ‘Korean’ take on the successful LEGO Masters format for a global audience, during a time when demand is massive for Korean stories and content. We are so proud to be working with such phenomenal creative partners like MBC, Banijay Rights and the LEGO Group to launch another exciting milestone for world-class Korean unscripted content.

     

    Jill Wilfert, Head of Global Entertainment, The LEGO Group, added: “There is an awesome community of passionate fans and really talented LEGO builders in Korea and we are so pleased to be able to showcase their creativity and imagination with a local production of LEGO Masters. We are sure families and fans alike will be amazed and inspired.”

     

    Successful productions of LEGO Masters broadcasting so far this year include the US, which proved a major success for FOX as the #1 show among younger viewers (P18-34) and teens, and its second-most streamed entertainment series. The series three finale of LEGO Masters Australia in April dominated the ratings, broadcasting as the number one show of the day in all key demos. The format also had a spectacular debut run in Denmark in April, pulling in a 50.6% share for 15–34-year-olds across the season.

  4. Banijay Rights Assembles Landmark China Deal For LEGO® Masters

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    Banijay Rights today announces a new adaptation for competition reality format LEGO Masters, with China the latest country onboard.

     

    Chinese production company Long Qing Media has been commissioned to produce a first run of the show for Shenzhen TV, in a deal brokered by Huo Yuan Media (The Content Connected).

     

    Production is currently underway for the hit entertainment format, which sees pairs compete against each other to wow judges with awesome inspiring designs and brick builds.

     

    LEGO Masters is a firm hit globally, with this commission following recent orders from TVNZ 2 in New Zealand, Atresmedia in Spain and TV 2 in Norway.

     

    Successful productions broadcasting so far this year include the US, which is currently on air, and proving a major success for FOX as the #1 show among younger viewers (P18-34) and teens, and its second-most streamed entertainment series. The series three finale of LEGO Masters Australia in April dominated the ratings, broadcasting as the number one show of the day in all key demos. The format also had a spectacular debut run in Denmark in April, pulling in a 50.6% share for 15–34-year-olds across the season.

     

    Originally created by Tuesday’s Child Television and the LEGO Group, Banijay globally distributes the format and finished tape for the show.

     

    Simon Cox, SVP Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, said: “Taking proven hit LEGO Masters to a market like China marks a milestone moment for this incredibly warm, creative and joyful competition show that continues to build global momentum. We know this program will resonate strongly with a Chinese audience and we’re incredibly excited to work with our partners Shenzhen TV, Long Qing Media, Huo Yuan Media and the LEGO Group to make this happen.”

     

    Tony Zhang, Executive Producer, Vice President, Long Qing Media, said: “We are thrilled to produce this show. The LEGO Brand has a huge fan base in the Chinese market and all our teams are big LEGO fans. We want to bring this creativity, enthusiasm, and positive spirit experiences together to audiences.”

     

    William Tan, Senior Adviser, Huo Yuan Media (The Content Connected), added: “Our goal is to further bridge content between the Chinese and global markets. We found LEGO Masters, a global hit with all the right touch points to succeed in China.  Connecting the right content with the right partner in China is what we do best.”

     

    Jill Wilfert, Head of Global Entertainment, The LEGO Group, added: “We are thrilled to be bringing LEGO Masters to China, along with our partners at Banijay Rights. We hope that families and fans in China will be inspired by the unlimited creativity and endless possibilities of the LEGO brick.”

    LEGO Masters has now been adapted for 15 international broadcasters across Europe, the US, Australia and Asia, with the reinvention of the iconic toy into a reality competition series providing upbeat, inclusive viewing.