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: Karoline Spodsberg

  1. Banijay’s The Bridge Crosses Four Nordic Countries with Prime Video

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    Banijay today announces four new adaptations of reality hit The Bridge, with Meter Television, Mastiff Norway, Metronome and Endemol Shine Finland producing local versions for Prime Video in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. Premiering on 4th November, The Bridge is the first Nordic reality show for the streaming service and brings the total adaptations of the Banijay format to ten countries.

    The Bridge is a grand and iconic reality competition where strangers meet in a harsh-but beautiful location; using a few basic tools and their bare hands must build a 220-metre bridge to an island holding a life-changing cash prize. Once there, a vote is held to decide who gets the prize, with the chosen participant deciding whether to share it. Each local Nordic version will consist of six, 40-minute episodes, with the first three launching on the premiere date, and the remaining three airing weekly.

    Karoline Spodsberg, Chief Operating Officer, Banijay Nordic says: “We know local content is extremely important to Prime Video and this collaboration has enabled production of four unique adaptations of iconic Banijay format The Bridge. Strategically this mirrors our own strong belief in a bespoke country-by-country approach to creating premium content for the four Nordic countries. Working with Prime Video has been a very positive experience for our labels Meter, Metronome, Mastiff Norway, and Endemol Shine Finland, all collaborating with dedication and passion to deliver an incredible series.”

    Madelene Hansson, CEO of Meter Television says: “We’re extremely proud to have led the pan-Nordic collaboration and production of The Bridge. Set in the beautiful, but austere, Nordic wilderness, this premium series is packed with emotional reality moments as the contestants do everything possible to meet the challenge. This collaboration with Prime Video is not only the first non-scripted reality commission for the streaming service in the Nordics, but also a first for us here at Meter, and we loved sharing our expertise with colleagues in other countries as well, of course, Prime Video.”

    “After the success of our global Originals like The Boys and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, we’re delighted to be bringing our Nordic customers our first local Original unscripted series, The Bridge,” said Martin Backlund, head of content, UK & Nordics, Prime Video. “We know our customers in the Nordics love reality series, so that’s why we’re bringing four local versions of The Bridge to viewers, showing our commitment to invest in Prime Video content to customers across the Nordics.”

    The Bridge is an original Banijay format, created in Spain by Zeppelin, part of Banijay Iberia. The format has been adapted in ten markets and recently experienced a resurgence, with a first-series adaption in the UK in 2021, and subsequent second season this year, as well as a debut in Australia.

  2. Kristian Farcin-Leth Takes on Mastiff Denmark CEO Post

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    Banijay Nordic today announces the appointment of entertainment leader, Kristian Farcin-Leth, as CEO of Mastiff Denmark. Joining from Fremantle-owned Strong Productions, where he most recently served as CEO, he brings a wealth of experience to the role and has been tasked with building on the previous success of the business to drive further growth opportunities across both scripted and unscripted.

    Under Farcin-Leth’s leadership, Strong has bolstered its position as an incredibly well- reputed label, behind hits like The Farm, Race Across The World, Celebrity Boot Camp and the Danish Academy Award-winning scripted series, Outlaw.

    An existing friend of Banijay Nordic, he previously served as a successful Programme Director for Mastiff, and also worked with Nordisk Film TV. Returning in his new capacity as CEO, he will work with the entity’s brilliant team to expand and diversify the company’s pipeline of original standout programming. He reports to Banijay’s Nordic Group COO, Karoline Spodsberg, and Mastiff Chairman and Nordic Group CEO, Jacob Houlind.

    Nordic Group CEO, Jacob Houlind, comments: “With unrivalled knowledge of the Danish market having been a cross-genre producer, creator and manager, Kristian couldn’t be better placed to take on the reins of the company. Sitting at the helm of a portfolio of best-in-class talent and formats, there is huge opportunity to further grow the slate of premium programming and build on Mastiff’s existing track record as a market-leading entertainment powerhouse.”

    Nordic Group COO Karoline Spodsberg comments: Today, talent and importantly, talent leadership is integral for success. Kristian has both the management profile and experience to strategically nurture Mastiff Denmark’s growth, and genre maturity. We are looking forward to seeing the company prosper under his direction.”

    Farcin-Leth added: “Mastiff is led by some of the very best creatives in the business, so it is hugely exciting to be asked to take on this challenge. The range and quality produced across the genres is unparalleled and, I’ll do all I can to help the continued growth and development. I’ve had five wonderful years at Strong, but the scope and ambition of the new role made the return to Mastiff irresistible, and I look forward to strengthening our position for the future. A future that requires us to dare to be modern and creative both in terms of management and development.”

    Farcin-Leth replaces long-serving Mastiff CEO, Mads Ulrick Holmstrup, following his decision to step down from the role after 20 years with the company. The company is one of the leading labels in Banijay’s Nordic group portfolio and most recently was behind titles including Drag Me Out, which has just been picked up in Norway, and Wild Wonderful Denmark.