Tag Archive: Marco Bassetti

  1. Banijay UK Partners with Creative Access to Launch Professional Development Programme for Under-Represented Freelancers

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    Banijay UK has partnered with Creative Access to offer a bespoke, year-long professional development programme aimed at TV freelancers from historically underrepresented communities who have previously worked at Banijay labels.

    The scheme, which is aimed at mid-level freelance staff progressing through the creative industries, will offer training, networking, support and workshops.

    During the twelve months, focus will be on areas including: developing leadership skills, owning mistakes and building confidence, building resilience & managing work life balance and financial literacy. Successful applicants will also be mentored by a senior industry professional for six months.

    Bella Lambourne, Director of HR & Operations for Banijay UK, said: “It’s an incredibly challenging time for the TV freelance community, and we are acutely aware that people from historically marginalised communities are often at a particular disadvantage. Banijay UK is committed to providing support and opportunities to those in the industry who need it, and we very much hope the scheme will help people develop invaluable skills and gain further experience.”

    Bibi Hilton, CEO Creative Access, added: “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with industry powerhouse Banijay. We all know that freelancers in the broadcast industry are all too often the lifeblood and the lifesavers of TV and film organisations. They’re the flexible extra resource we bring in when the workload suddenly increases and there’s no time (or budget) to hire; bringing with them incredible specialist skills to transform output, they’re the crew on a TV production set who make mind-blowing, award-winning work and in a lot of cases are quite literally the entire workforce. And yet, as our data shows, many employers are not treating their freelancers in this way. Access to career development programme such as this can and should be transformative for.”

    Applications close on September 24. Full details on eligibility can be found here https://opportunities.creativeaccess.org.uk/jobs?search=Banijay+UK&jobId=21422

  2. Banijay France Unveils Management Team

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    Banijay France, part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces its new management team, with Sébastien Petiot and Delphine Plantive joining the leadership team as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Editorial Strategy and New Business respectively. Both roles are effective from 1st September, and report to Alexia Laroche-Joubert, the local holding’s recently appointed President and Chief Executive Officer.

    As COO, with President and CEO, Laroche-Joubert, Petiot will be responsible for defining Banijay France’s strategy, and supporting all 15 labels within the French portfolio, which produce a diverse line-up of over 2,670 hours of programming each year. Most recently, he spent six years with ITV Studios France, where he left as COO, having begun his career at TF1 as Head of Non-Scripted and Artistic Director. He joined ALP in 2006, where he held the position of Managing Director for eight years, working on local versions of Banijay’s Wife Swap and Survivor (Koh Lanta) before leaving for ITV Studios.

    Meanwhile, Plantive will steps in as Director of Editorial Strategy and New Business. In this new position, hermission is to ensure the smooth editorial co-ordination of all Banijay France’s companies, which will include initiating partnerships, and bringing onboard new talent and business opportunities for labels within the company. Her remit also includes supervising the market research, audience, and monitoring team within the local holding. She steps up from ALP, where she has been Director of Creation, Development and Diversification since 2011, and prior to that, she spent eight years as Director of Development at Endemol.

    Alexia Laroche-Joubert, President and CEO Banijay France says: “Sébastien and Delphine bring extensive industry experience and knowledge to their new positions, and these skills will be invaluable as we strive to meet our common objectives: to deliver outstanding growth, with a strong content offering across all platforms, and to foster the best possible support for our producers, creatives and labels. These appointments cement my vision for the future of Banijay France, and I’m excited for the successful future ahead.”

    Banijay France is home to a diverse range of non-scripted and scripted labels, producing across all platforms and linear channels. Their portfolio includes new original content for the French market, as well as adaptions of Banijay’s global formats. Labels within the Banijay France footprint include, for entertainment: Adventure Line Productions, Air Productions, Banijay Productions France, DMLS TV, Endemol France, H2O Productions, KM Production and Tooco. And in scripted, Banijay Studio France, Shine Fiction, Fiction’Air, Marathon Studio, Terence Films, Montmartre Films and Screen Line Productions.

  3. Banijay France Announces New Leadership Team at Adventure Line Productions

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    Banijay France, part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces new senior leadership at ALP, with Frédéric Lussato, promoted to President and Julien Magne becoming Managing Director. Both roles are effective from 1st September in line with Alexia Larouche-Joubert’s promotion to CEO, Banijay France.

    Lussato, who previously served as Managing Director, ALP, has been upped to CEO, while Magne has been promoted from Director of Programmes to Managing Director. Together, they will lead ALP’s strategic operational strategy, using their expertise to further develop the company’s pipeline of new and returning hits, like TF1’s Koh Lanta (Survivor), on-air for 20+years; and France 2’s Fort Boyard, which has enjoyed a 30+ year run to date.

    Alexia Larouche-Joubert, CEO of Banijay France says: “After seven years by my side, the choice to promote Frédéric and Julien within ALP was a natural one. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved working together, expanding ALP’s offering while maintaining a commitment to quality and broad audience engagement.  Their complementary skills, deep knowledge of ALP’s programmes, and grasp of industry challenges will enable ALP to retain its unique know-how and storytelling in adventure entertainment and all related genres. I am confident Frédéric and Julien will further build and amplify our efforts, and I look forward to seeing the company expand under their leadership.”

    Frédéric Lussato, President of ALP says: “This new role is a fantastic chance to further enhance ALP’s capacity for innovation, strengthening all areas of the business.  I’m committed to meeting the latest industry challenges and the ever-evolving expectations of our clients and partners, and I’d especially like to thank Alexia for her trust, as we take the company through its next phase of growth.”

    Julien Magne, Managing Director of ALP says; “I’m hugely excited for this opportunity to further contribute to ALP’s growth, a company whose thriving culture is recognised in France and beyond. With the support of an exceptional team, I am dedicated to maintaining our reputation for delivering excellence in all programming, especially adventure entertainment, and continue the drive to diversify into streaming.”

    Lussato became CEO of ALP in 2016, having previously served as Managing Director of AB Groupe. He has held numerous senior roles including General Secretary at NRJ 12, when the channel launched, and Deputy Director, Television Development at Pathé group. Meanwhile, Magne joined ALP in 2013 as Director of Programmes and is also the producer of Koh Lanta (Survivor). He comes from a journalist background, working at France 2 and TF1, and in his career, has also produced a number of political and social documentaries.

  4. Topkapi Films Announces New Management Team

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    Banijay Benelux today announces a new management team at Topkapi Films, with Sebastian Korteweg joining the high-end scripted production company on 1st September.

    Korteweg will become part of the management team alongside Laurette Schillings, Frans van Gestel and Arnold Heslenfeld. He will assume business responsibilities, with a specific remit to connect the storymakers who craft compelling content with the business teams who are geared towards ensuring the company’s series and films effectively reach the right audience. Korteweg will eventually succeed Heslenfeld who is retiring in 2024.

    Laurette Schillings, Partner and Producer at Topkapi Films says: “Sebastian’s experience and knowledge is very complementary to Topkapi. His experience is second to none, having honed skills at high-profile institutions. His background demonstrates he has a similar mindset to us here, and we are extremely pleased with his arrival. We would also like to thank Arnold for his dedicated years at Topkapi and wish him all the best for a well-deserved retirement. “

     

    Sebastian Korteweg says: “In this new role as Producer at Topkapi, I’ll be able to fulfil my long-held aspiration to work on ground-breaking drama series and films for a diverse and international audience. I’m very much looking forward to working together with an enormously talented and experienced team of professionals.”

    Korteweg has held numerous senior positions in the film industry. In recent years he was Content Acquisition Manager at Pathé and a programmer of Royal Theatre Tuschinski. He is also a committee member at Cinekid and a guest lecturer at the Netherlands Film Academy.  Korteweg began his career at Eyeworks Film & TV Drama, and in his career he has held responsibility for the planning and co-production of films at RTL and Videoland, as well as sold film rights at Penguin Random House in Barcelona.

    Topkapi Films will be bringing their premium content to this year’s Venice Film Festival, with their latest film Holly, produced by Prime Time and Mirage in coproduction with Dardenne brothers’ Les Film du Fleuve, Tarantula, Topkapi and Agat Films,  making its international debut. Meanwhile, at the forthcoming Netherlands Film Festival, two series, Santos and Mocked Up, will premiere this September. Also coming up is the launch of their latest feature film on Netflix, Happy Ending.

  5. Temptation Island Entices Poland For Its First Season

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay today announces Endemol Shine Poland (a Banijay company) will produce the region’s first version of the hit international reality format, Temptation Island. The series will premiere on Polsat this autumn.

    Temptation Island sees couples embark on a journey to test their commitment to each other. Separated into two different villas, the couples interact with a group of singles to determine if their love is strong enough to withstand the temptations and challenges they will encounter on the island. Will the couples return home stronger than ever, part ways and return home alone, or perhaps have formed a new connection with one of the singles?

    The new Polish adaptation of Temptation Island is the 25th market to adapt the show and comes after the recently announced productions for Mexico, Brazil and Argentina/Chile following an agreement between Banijay Mexico & US Hispanic,  Endemol Shine Brasil and Amazon Prime Video. In addition, the IP enjoys long-running success in territories such as The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and the US where its latest season marked the 100th globally for the format.

    Ryszard Sibilski, Managing Director Endemol Shine Poland says:Temptation Island has captured audiences around the world and I am looking forward to bringing our local feel to the format. The beautiful settings, combined with the intense emotional journey, promise a riveting viewing experience for Polishaudiences.”

     

    Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay adds: “This hit relationship experiment  format grips viewers as it is full of drama,  taps into universal themes and relatable emotions. This latest commission alongside that of the hub in LATAM demonstrates the strength of this IP and the continued desire for high-volume reality programming.”

    Endemol Shine Poland has over 20 years of experience producing hit shows including local adaptations of renowned brands Don’t Forget The Lyrics, MasterChef, LEGO Masters, Your Face Sounds Familiar, All Together Now, You Can Dance. New Generation, Money Drop and Big Brother amongst others. In addition, it is behind premium scripted programming such as Our Century for TVP 1 and Squared Love for Netflix.

  6. NL Film and BNNVARA Unveil Second Season for Hit Crime Drama Anonymous for NPO

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    Banijay Benelux today confirms NL Film has landed a second series commission of tense thriller Anonymous. The series is a co-production between NL Film and BNNVARA for broadcaster NPO.

    When crime has a grip on the country and systems seem to be failing, a couple emerges to take justice into their own hands. History teacher Jurre and prosecutor Saar each relentlessly battle the criminal underworld, fighting for the safety of their family. There is one twist: they don’t know about each other. Saar fights her battle against the criminal gang ‘Cabo’ as a public prosecutor, while Jurre does it his way, as Anonymous.

     

    The debut series of the crime thriller garnered an average of 1 million viewers each episode via TV and on-demand platforms and can still be streamed via NPO Start. Banijay Rights handles international distribution.

    The cast of Anonymous includes Jeroen Spitzenberger and Anniek Pheifer portraying the complex characters of Jurre and Sarah. The ensemble also features Mies van Rooijen and Sil van der Zwan. The series is directed by Diederik van Rooijen.

    Dennis Cornelisse, Producer at NL Film, says: “In a world where justice hangs in the balance, Anonymous is a gripping thriller about a couple’s relentless pursuit fighting for what they believe is right, and a reminder that every day heroes walk among us. As a creative company, it is always brilliant to have the opportunity to delve deeper into a story with a returning series and we look forward to working with BNNVARA and NPO on the new season.”

     

    Diederik van Rooijen, Director, adds: “Anonymous is far from over. Thanks to the many loyal followers, a second season is in the works for this successful crime series. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created, and the show has been so embraced by viewers. The fight against crime has only just begun for Jurre and his family!”

    Recent hits for the Amsterdam-based production company NL Film include Golden Hour (NPO), Modern Love (Amazon Prime Video), and feature film Costa.

  7. NSW Government supports Endemol Shine Australia’s Post Production training expansion

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    Endemol Shine Australia (ESA) is thrilled to announce support from the New South Wales Government Jobs Plus Program to take their successful Accelerated Broadcast Post Production Training Program to the next level.

    The Accelerated Broadcast Post Production Training Program provides a ground-breaking combination of theory and practical experience in television post production which will equip students with the skills and opportunities to foster a long lasting career. This exciting project is addressing the talent shortfall in the screen and post-production industry.

    The initiative aims to build workforce capacity and keep post production jobs in Australia.  Successful graduates will have the opportunity to take up roles within ESA’s post production department, creating 30 full-time roles upon graduating thanks to support from the NSW Government’s Jobs Plus Program. The contribution by the NSW Government will be equally matched by ESA.

    This new incentive is an expansion of the work ESA has already done over the past 18 months, since  the conception of their Accelerated Broadcast Post Production Training Program. This program was devised by ESA’s Post Production Consultant Nadia Diggins, alongside ESA’s senior post production executives which saw approximately 40 students efficiently trained in post production, with an 80% employment retention rate. The new program represents a critical step in the long-term investment in the industry’s skilled workforce.

    Endemol Shine Australia Chief Executive Officer Peter Newman said: “I am extremely proud to announce this initiative. I was lucky enough to receive incredible training at the start of my career whilst at the BBC. Since then, I have been passionate about increasing training opportunities for our industry and with the Accelerated Broadcast Post Production Training Program, we are doing just that. This training will be led by our world class post production team at ESA and I’ve got no doubt it will deliver the next generation of brilliant story tellers to our industry. We are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government who will now help us super-size the work we have done in this area into something even more impactful.”

    Nadia Diggins said the objective of the program was to help address the Screen Industries current crew shortage crisis.

    “By nurturing talent with specialised on the job training, we pave the way for the sector’s future superstars and build capacity and depth for the freelance industry.  It’s huge, not just for ESA but for the entire Australian Screen Industry.  The impact of this program will be felt by a new generation of story tellers for their entire careers.”

    ESA has already begun its inaugural intake, welcoming 20+ students into the Accelerated Broadcast Post Production Training 2023 program.

    Prospective applicants for the next intake should send their CV and links of previous work to ESAU Mentor Program via [email protected].

    The incredible initiative is possible thanks to support from the NSW Government’s Jobs Plus Program.

  8. Banijay Unveils AI Creative Fund

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces the AI Creative Fund, a new opportunity for producers and labels across Banijay’s 21 territories to showcase ideas with technology and innovation at their heart. This new addition to the group’s various other creative initiatives, aims to fuel and supercharge people and teams to create formats which push the boundaries of creativity using Artificial Intelligence and technology.

    The age of AI is upon us, and as it begins to shape our world, there is an increasing demand for people to create fresh, forward-thinking formats in the technology space. The new AI Creative Fund is for visionaries within Banijay who are developing ideas using tech, and those that are keen to explore the endless possibilities in the world of this new technology. Successful ideas will receive development funding via Banijay’s Creative Fund.

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay says “We’re extremely passionate about innovation, and this latest AI Creative Fund will empower our producers across the footprint to create new formats which embrace tech, whether that be central to the show, or redefining the production process. We’re in a new era of technology and innovation, and while human creativity will always prevail, it’s important to work alongside the tools which are available to contribute to the future of ground-breaking entertainment.”

    This new AI initiative is a group level investment which complements the Banijay Creative Fund, which to date has already supported the evolution of original travelling formats, Blow Up (Endemol Shine Nederland), Love Triangle (Endemol Shine Australia), The 50 (Banijay Productions France), Save the Date (Endemol Shine Finland and and Endemol Shine Israel), Starstruck (Remarkable), among others.

    In 2022 alone, Banijay was behind the launch of 200+ non-scripted titles, and 90+ pilots, and with further creative incentivisation and reinvestment on the horizon, the organisation’s supercharged pipeline looks strong for this year, with The Summit (Endemol Shine Australia), Hot Wheels (Endemol Shine North America in association with Workerbee under license from Mattel Inc.) and Rush (Endemol Shine Australia) all launching successfully and garnering further interest globally.

  9. E4 commissions ‘Love Triangle’, exciting, new dating show with unique, shock twists and turns

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    In a brand-new relationship format, E4 is turning everything you know about dating on its head, as it asks six courageous singles to reject all the conventions and pitfalls of modern, app-based dating, in favour of a radical new approach.

    Turning their backs on the overwhelming stream of choice, the singles’ options will be shrunk to just two to choose between. One match embodies each single’s usual wants, type and desires; the other reflects their deeper, more fulfilling romantic needs.

    Love Triangle (10×60’), produced by Workerbee (a Banijay UK company), follows the singles as they spend 48 hours getting to know their two matches via text only.  In its efforts to offer an antidote to the worst aspects of modern dating, this experience demands that the singles make their decision without setting eyes on their suitors; no pictures or selfies allowed.

    After just two days of trying to build a connection, they must make the potentially life-changing choice between their two matches, before they meet them on a blind date.  Just 24 hours later, the picker and their chosen match will take the extraordinary step of moving in together, to explore what their future might look like.  But around the corner are a series of gripping plot-twists that neither the singles, nor their suitors, see coming.

    BOMBSHELL #1: Just as the new couples are settling into their love nests, the rejected love matches will make a shocking, surprise return; the “pickers” must meet their alternative option on a second blind date.

    BOMBSHELL #2: On this blind date, the new love interest will reveal they are also moving in to the shared house to form a love triangle.

    BOMBSHELL #3: After the six singles have spent time dating and getting to know both their matches, all three will move in together to form a LOVE TRIANGLE.

    BOMBSHELL #4: At the end of the experience, each single must make a momentous, gut-wrenching decision as they have to choose which of their two matches to continue dating in pursuit of long-term love.

    Over the course of the experience, as the six singles face this string of explosive twists, they’ll be forced to question themselves, their choices and everything they think they know about love.  Will heads be turned?  Will hearts be broken?  And, when faced with their final dilemma, which of their two matches will they choose?

    Based on an Australian format, originally developed by the producers of Married at First Sight Australia, this U.K. version supersizes its predecessor, adding in new format points and fresh elements for British audiences.

    Channel 4 Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment, and Commissioning Editor for Married at First Sight UK, Lee McMurray said: “When it comes to romance, most of us have a type we want, who often disappoints; we fail to spot the match we need, who could make us truly happy.  Love Triangle puts this modern dating dilemma front and centre, with a trademark E4 twist.  I’m confident British audiences will be gripped by this radical rejection of our current looks-based, swipe right dating culture, as they share the joy, love, heartache and off-the-scale drama of the six brave singles taking part in this unique, distinctive quest for love.”

    Ben Mitchell, Workerbee Creative Director, said: “In the superficial world of modern dating, it’s all too easy to swipe away matches who could have been the love of our lives, if only we’d given them a chance.  In this explosive new format, we’re asking six singles to try a very different approach to finding ‘the one’.  The results are surprising, emotional and dramatic. In Love Triangle, there are three sides to every story!”

    Love Triangle was developed by the producers of Married at First Sight Australia, Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay company) in conjunction with 9Network.  This U.K. production is produced by Workerbee and exec produced by Charlie Faux and Ben Mitchell.  It was commissioned for E4 by Channel 4 Factual Entertainment Commissioning Editor, Lee McMurray and Head of Youth and Digital, Karl Warner.

  10. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Mobile Game Launches Globally

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    Banijay Brands, the commercial arm of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, in partnership with game developer and publisher Qiiwi Games, today announces the global launch of match 3 mobile game Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

    The new game, based on Banijay’s global renovation series, is now available worldwide on iOS and Android devices. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is an ad-free, online title, combining exciting match 3 puzzles, with the narrative of the format, allowing players to create dream houses for the families of the game. The original US host, Ty Pennington, features throughout, guiding players at each stage of the renovation game, letting them show off their skills in home design, tend to gardens and much much more!

    Lex Scott, Commercial Director, Gaming & Gambling at Banijay Brands says: “Qiiwi Games has produced an engrossing and highly engaging game, reflecting the excitement and tension of the format in the gameplay. The game will cut through in a highly competitive market with the instantly recognisable Extreme Makeover: Home Edition brand, and will appeal to fans of the show and gamers alike, with its modern match 3 puzzles  and clever integration of the iconic format.”

     

    Erik Dale Rundberg, CEO at Qiiwi Games, comments: “The upcoming game brings together Qiiwi Games’ established meta gaming mechanics strategy with Banijay’s Extreme Makeover: Home Editionformat, which involves captivating narratives and a large selection of renovation and decorating options for players to manage.

    The television series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition showcases great stories, inspired volunteers and jaw-dropping home renovations for families who give back to their communities. The whole-home overhauls include interior, exterior and landscaping – all completed within a week. Created by Endemol Shine North America, part of Banijay, the format, which has been produced in 13 territories, is represented internationally by Banijay. A new version is being developed for ABC in the US by Endemol Shine North America and Hello Sunshine, with Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, co-founders of the global lifestyle brand, The Home Edit, hosting. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is also active in Belgium and Romania.

  11. Banijay Italia Partners with Premium Start-Up, Greenboo Production

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces Banijay Italia is partnering with Greenboo Production, a recently established Italian label, founded by award-winning producer Marco Belardi. Launched in 2022, the company has quickly become known for its diverse portfolio of premium scripted series, documentaries and films for linear, streamers and cinema, and via the agreement, will look to further build growth and audiences, both locally and beyond.

    Marco Belardi’s recent credits include A casa tutti bene, a series by Gabriel Muccino, inspired by his 2018 film of the same name, which was filmed last year, and Lions of Sicily, coming up for Disney. Elsewhere, his renowned film repertoire includes Immaturi, Immaturi – Il Viaggio and Tutta Colpa di Freud, along with recent hits Perfetti Sconosciuti, The Place, Supereroi, Il Primo giorno della mia vita, Italiano Medio by Maccio Capatonda, Il Professor Cenerentolo by Leonardo Pieraccioni, La Pazza Gioia by Paolo Virzì and Gli anni più belliby Gabriele Muccino.

    Paolo Bassetti, President and Country Manager of Banijay Italia Holding says:  “Greenboo is a promising new venture, which, thanks to the experience of its founder, Marco, has already launched numerous high-profile projects with great writing and directing talent attached. For us at Banijay Italia Holding, partnering with this rising force represents a significant stride to expand our industry position in scripted, feature films and cinema.”

    Marco Belardi, founder and CEO of Greenboo Production says: “I’m immensely proud that a powerhouse like Banijay is investing in a company I founded, and I thank Marco and Paolo Bassetti for the trust shown. I am sure that together, Greenboo will continue to flourish and hit even more significant milestones.”

    Marco Bassetti, Chief Executive Officer of Banijay says: Marco Belardi is a great creative whose entrepreneurial spirit aligns with our core values at Banijay. This strategic partnership is an exciting step as we look to further expand our presence in Italy, especially in feature films, building Banijay Italia’s premium scripted and documentary offering. This collaboration will allow Greenboo to tap into the expertise of our labels and teams across the world, maximising their creative potential, and building our library of local language content, as well as amplifying our position as a significant partner for talent, broadcasters and platforms internationally.”

    Banijay Italia Holding has gradually grown its portfolio of scripted labels, which are behind numerous successful titles like documentary Ferro, the docu-reality The Ferragnez and the film Pausini – Piacere di conoscere ti, all for Amazon Prime Video. Its production companies’ credits also include Un Professore, Lea – Un Nuovo Giorno, La Sposa, Cuori, Il Paradiso delle Signore for Rai, and Luce dei miei occhi and Fosca Innocenti for Mediaset. It also acquired high-end Italian scripted label Groenlandia last year, bringing a slate of productions including Rose Island, The Law According to Lidia Pöet, The Law and Mixed by Erry, all for Netflix, as well as two seasons of Romulus for Sky, and the recently announced projects for Amazon Prime Video,Antonia and No Activity.

  12. Banijay Re-Organises Business in Asia, Building Content Powerhouse in India

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces the successful reorganisation of Banijay in Asia, combining two market-leading entities – Endemol Shine India and Banijay Asia, under the leadership of Deepak Dhar, who has been appointed the Founder & Group CEO – Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India.

    Building a regional content powerhouse, the move follows the full buy-out of Endemol Shine India from CA Media, and sees media veteran and entrepreneur, Dhar, take on overarching role. Having led Endemol’s Indian operations between 2005 and 2018, before launching Banijay Asia and overseeing its strategic growth, he will now continue his focus on leading the wider group’s content strategies, partnerships, new business, and alliances, in addition to building both companies’ reputations in generating new IP, which can travel the world.

    In line with the changes, and with the aim of unlocking greater synergies, Dhar will now finesse the structure of Banijay in Asia, setting group-wide roles, as well as dedicated creative positions within the respective production labels. Key personnel-related news is expected to be shared in the coming few weeks.

    Talking on the developments, Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO – Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India, commented, “The reorganisation of Banijay in Asia is our biggest and boldest move yet and aligns with our ambition to drive further growth in India and Asia at-large. Leveraging the creative potential and possibilities of both brands, we will now strategically pursue complimentary yet independent creative portfolios to offer the most diverse, and compelling cross-genre content from all across the globe, to our Indian and Asian platforms and screens.”

    Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay: “Deepak is a leading creative and entrepreneurial force in Asia, and in our partnership thus far, he has successfully created an impressive slate, and a host of fruitful partnerships with major buyers and partners worldwide. In this new phase for the business, he will now focus on unlocking and aligning other strategic growth avenues to put Banijay in a dominating position, both in India, as well as Asia.”

    Dhar further added, “I’ve been fortunate to have been involved in the growth of both businesses since their inception in India; now, leading them both through the next phase of growth, is a surreal feeling. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues at Endemol Shine and Banijay Asia to continue to create path-breaking content, and having fun along the way.”

    Over the last few years, Banijay Asia has delivered mega-hit scripted adaptations like The Night Manager, Call My Agent Bollywood, Hostages, and Fall, and successful Originals like Dahan, Matsya Kaand, Undekhi, Tribhanga amongst many others. The content studio’s upcoming shows include Indian reimaginations of The Good Wife Monk, House, and Suits. On the non-scripted front, Banijay is leading the genre with blockbuster titles like The Kapil Sharma Show, MTV Roadies, The Voice, The Big Picture, Into The Wild with Bear Grylls, Case Toh Banta Hai, Nach Baliye and more. The content studio’s upcoming shows include Survivor and Temptation Island.

    Meanwhile, since 2005, Endemol Shine India has established a strong reputation as the leading producer of Bigg Boss across 9 regions, as well as the Indian adaptations of Fear Factor, MasterChef and Deal or No Deal. On the Scripted front, apart from Bombay Begums, Trial By Fire and Tooth Pari, the label has announced a third season of International Emmy-nominated Aarya, and a Hindi adaptation of The Bridge (Bron/Broen).

    Now, some of the biggest global, and original Indian IP would now be available and produced between the two entities, under the leadership of Dhar.