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: Jim Allen

  1. Neale Simpson Takes Lead Role at RDF’s Fizz

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    Banijay UK today announces Creative Director of Fizz, Neale Simpson, is to take reins at The Crystal Maze and Tipping Point entertainment label. Tasked with growing the business and its output, he will step up to lead all development, production and operations.

     

    Having been with RDF for nine years and founded Fizz just under five years ago, Simpson has most recently been central to the UK productions and international roll-out of The Crystal Maze and Shipwrecked. In his new capacity, he will act as Executive Producer across all the label’s titles, while concentrating on expanding the entertainment label through a fresh development drive and streamlined approach to production.

     

    As Creative Director, Simpson is also set to further collaboration with umbrella brand RDF’s factual team across all genres. In a bid to build on Fizz’s success to date, and foster a strong and diverse slate, he will encourage cross-pollination across the two teams, while triggering a recruitment drive to attract new development talent.

     

    Alongside Fizz’s operations, the Creative Director continues to oversee the ongoing partnership with Nice One Productions. Since the co-development/production deal was signed last year, Simpson and the Northern Irish company’s Founder and Creative Director, Chris Jones, have worked up a strong pipeline of content, which resulted in the recent commission of Fight Dirty, a feel-good fact-ent format for BBC Three. A further commission announcement will follow in the coming weeks.

     

    Simpson continues to report to RDF’s MD, Jim Allen.

     

    Jim Allen comments: “Anyone who has worked with Neale knows he is infectiously enthusiastic, wildly creative, hugely committed and, only occasionally, quite tiring. He has done a brilliant job building up Fizz and leading from the front. Neale hasn’t got a backward step in his repertoire and we are lucky to have such an inspirational entertainment leader.”

     

    Neale Simpson comments: “Working with the immensely talented team at Fizz and RDF, and antagonising Jim, is a daily privilege. I’m delighted, and relieved, that no one has stepped in to end it all just yet. I’m very excited about the announcements we’ll be sharing soon and to see what new entertainment adventures we can create next.”

  2. BBC One Commissions Further Series of Eat Well For Less? and Shop Well For Less?

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    BBC One today announces it has commissioned RDF West to make a seventh series of Eat Well for Less? and a fifth series of Shop Well for Less? for the channel. Both recommissions of these successful long-running lifestyle formats will be 6×60’ and begin filming later this year.

    The Gregg Wallace and Chris Bavin fronted Eat Well for Less? will be returning to show more families that they can save significant amounts of money on food and reduce their waste, without scrimping on quality or nutrition. By using simple tips, tricks, swaps and easy recipes, they can slash a weekly food budget. In Shop Well for Less? The One Show’s Alex Jones and BBC Breakfast’s Steph McGovern tackle families who are over-spending on products, from branded cleaning spray to designer clothes; aiming to change the way people shop, without changing their lifestyle.

    Both series have recently been on air and continue to rate well, particularly with family audiences. Series six of Eat Well For Less? started going out in May and series four of Shop Well for Less? is currently transmitting on Wednesdays at 8pm.

    BBC Commissioning Executive Ricky Cooper said: “We’re absolutely thrilled Eat Well for Less? and Shop Well for Less? are returning to BBC One.  Whether saving us money, improving our diets or showing us all simple ways to live more sustainably, these series continue to delight and entertain in equal measure.”

    Managing Director of RDF, Jim Allen said: “Less is more is the blindingly simple mantra of both shows and that message and mission is as relevant today as it was when the series were launched.   Whether it’s exorbitantly priced, branded mosturisers or eye wateringly expensive ‘luxury’ muesli, both shows remain ready to take on and tame conspicuous consumption. And have fun while doing it!”

    Eat Well for Less? and Shop Well for Less? were commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Director, BBC Content and David Brindley, Head of Commissioning, Popular Factual and Factual Entertainment. Ricky Cooper is the Commissioning Executive, and they are Executive Produced by Jo Scarratt-Jones for RDF West. All worldwide rights to Eat Well for Less? and Shop Well for Less? are owned by Banijay Rights.