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: jonnydepony

  1. jonnydepony’s Arcadia Returning to 17 Countries

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    Belgian production company, jonnydepony (Banijay Benelux), part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today confirms its high-concept sci-fi thriller, Arcadia, which sold to 17 countries for its first season, has been ordered once again by all buyers for its upcoming second season, in deals negotiated by distributor Wild Bunch.

    Set in a near-future society, where citizens’ rights and entitlements are determined by their scores, life is good as long as you remain healthy, focused and efficient. Arcadia follows a family of hardworking people with a high score and a good life, that is, until the authoritarian regime discovers father, Pieter, tricked the algorithm and manipulated the score of one of his daughters. As a result, he is deported outside Arcadia and the scores of the family members are lowered, changing their lives for good.

    The second season, currently in post-production, is expected to launch in 2025. In addition to the co-production countries Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, the series has aired in Australia, France, Spain, Russia, Indonesia, Greece, the UK, Ireland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland. Season one, which began airing in 2023, delivered a strong performance, averaging 24.8% market share on KRO-NCRV in the Netherlands.

    Helen Perquy, Producer at jonnydepony says: “The popularity of Arcadia in so many countries, demonstrates the resonance this series has with audiences around the world, and it is also generating significant interest from international producers as a scripted format. Our dystopian themes seem more and more reflective of current times, with the setting of a society existing on limited resources and the concept of social scores becoming a reality for many. In an increasingly polarising world, it is so important for producers to keep telling these kinds of stories.”

    Arcadia is produced by jonnydepony, and is a collaboration between VRT and KRO-NCRV (NPO), in co-production with WDR/SWR/NDR (ARD). The series is created with the support of the Flemish Audiovisual Fund (VAF), Screen Flanders, Beside Tax Shelter, the Tax Shelter measure of the Belgian Federal Government, Creative Europe MEDIA and Wild Bunch.

    The Belgian cast includes Lynn Van Royen, Abigail Abraham, Jean Janssens, Gene Bervoets, Wim Opbrouck and Michaël Pas, and, as of season two, Aimé Claeys and Clara Cleymans.  Ellie de Lange, Melody Klaver, Monic Hendrickx, Maarten Heijmans (International Emmy Award winner) and Romana Vrede complete the Dutch cast.

    It is written by Bas Adriaensen, Zita Theunynck and Philippe De Schepper, who is also showrunner. Season one is directed by Dutch director Tim Oliehoek. Belgian director Joël Vanhoebrouck (Homegrown, Blackout, The Infiltrator), takes the helm for season two.

    jonnydepony specialises in the development and production of high-quality drama series, and is behind hit series including Blackout, Transport, youth series Hawa & Adam, and is currently filming Streamz-series The Big Fuck-Up. In early 2023, Banijay Benelux confirmed a majority stake in the business founded by showrunner and producer Philippe De Schepper, and experienced financing expert and producer, Helen Perquy.

  2. Banijay Benelux Acquires Majority Stake in Jonnydepony

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    Banijay Benelux today announces it will further expand its scripted activities in Belgium through a majority stake in production company, Jonnydepony.  Further broadening its drama portfolio and content offering both locally and internationally, the label will join the Belgian footprint alongside Banijay Belgium, which is behind successful soap opera, Familie.

    Jonnydepony, founded in 2015 by Philippe De Schepper, is an independent production label specialising in the development and production of high-quality drama series like acclaimed Black-out (distributed to eight countries), Transport (selected for Series Mania) and Arcadia (soon to be seen at VRT, KRO-NCRV and WDR/SWR). Led by Helen Perquy (co-owner since 2018) and Philippe De Schepper, it is known for its efficient and professional delivery of alluring international (co)productions.

    Peter Lubbers, CEO Banijay Benelux: “Jonnydepony has built up a brilliant reputation in Belgium, but also in the Netherlands and Germany, under the leadership of Helen and Philippe. A unique duo with an extremely creative and successful signature, the label is a magnet for great talent in front of, and behind-the-camera. We welcome the team with enthusiasm and look forward to expanding the scripted offer together.”

    Helen Perquy & Philippe De Schepper, both CEO and Producer Jonnydepony: “We are proud to enter a new phase together with our team and become part of a renowned international player. In the rapidly evolving media ecosystem, it is nice that a partner like Banijay, which values IP rights, is strong in global distribution and has a global creative network, joins forces with our company. We look forward to working with the group to further grow our business in both the local and international markets.”