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: Marco Bassetti

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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 mentorprogram@endemolshine.com.au.

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

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. DLO Producciones’ Hit Spanish Thriller, La Caza. Monteperdido, to be Adapted by Terence Films and Gétévé Productions

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    Banijay France today announces its latest thriller, an adaptation of La Caza. Monteperdido, the hit drama created by Banijay Iberia’s DLO Producciones. The French series, titled Rivière-Perdue, will be distributed by Banijay Rights and is a co-production between Banijay France labels Terence Films and Gétévé Productions, along with TF1.

    Originally produced in Spain by RTVE in collaboration with DLO Producciones, the critically-acclaimed psychological thriller, La Caza. Monteperdido was first created in 2019 following the success of Agustín Martínez’s best-selling novel, Monteperdido. It was produced by José Manuel Lorenzo and written by Agustín Martínez, Luis Moya, Antonio Mercero, Miguel Sáez Carral and Jorge Díaz. The debut series was watched by over two million viewers, with a 14% share, picked up a FesTVal Award, and continued its success with a second compelling season in 2021, and the third season which launched this year in March is now available on Netflix.

    In France, filming for the gripping 6 x 52-minute series, written by Eugénie Dard, Sylvain Caron et Elsa Vasseur, and directed by Jean-Christophe Delpias, is underway in the Pyrenees. In Rivière-Perdue, a car accident leads to the mysterious reappearance of Anna, a teenage girl who has been missing for five years. Commissioner Balthus (Jean-Michel Tinivelli) and Captain Alix Stern (Barbara Cabrita) investigate with the local police and embark on a race against time to find Lucie, who disappeared at the same time as Anna, but is nowhere to be seen.

    Bertrand Cohen, CEO at Terence Films says: “We are excited to collaborate with TF1 and Gétévé Productions to bring this successful Spanish novel and series to French audiences. We’ve worked on many book-to-screen adaptations, but this project has a strong central concept and overarching storyline, making it ideal for adaptation. Strong leading performances with Barbara Cabrita, Nicolas Gob, Jean-Michel Tinivelli, Odile Vuillemin, Bruno Debrandt, Annelise Hesme and Kamel Belghazi will ensure this suspenseful drama will leave viewers wanting more.”

    José Manuel Lorenzo, Managing Director and Producer at DLO Producciones says: “La Caza. Monteperdido is a sensationally tense and gripping drama which performed well here in Spain, and its narrative structure is perfect for a French adaptation. Filmed on location in the Pyrenees, the concept immerses viewers in the beautiful scenery, where mystery and nature become one more character in the story. I look forward to seeing how the nuances of the French version will unfold, keeping audiences guessing at every twist and turn.”

    Banijay France operates through fifteen production companies: for non-scripted – Adventure Line Productions, Air Productions, Banijay Productions France, DMLS TV, Endemol France, H20 Productions, KM Production and Tooco – and for scripted – Banijay Studio France, Shine Fiction which has recently announced its latest scripted show Carême, a co-production with VVZ Production for Apple TV+. Also within Banijay France are Fiction’Air, Marathon Studio, Terence Films, Montmartre Films and Screen Line. Producing a diversity of content for all French channels and platforms, its portfolio comprises both original creations and the adaptation of international formats. The country’s leading producer, it entertains more than 38 million people every week.

  10. Alexia Laroche-Joubert Upped to Chief Executive Officer, Banijay France

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today confirms the promotion of Alexia Laroche-Joubert to Chief Executive Officer, Banijay France. Taking full oversight of the French portfolio, which comprises 15 labels spanning non-scripted and scripted, she will be tasked with evolving and diversifying the pipeline, attracting new talent, identifying new areas for growth, and driving collaboration with the wider group internationally to maximise on exploitation opportunities. The appointment takes effect from 1 September 2023.

    Laroche-Joubert takes on the post after a significant tenure with Banijay, where, since 2016, she has served as Chief Executive Officer for Adventure Line Productions (ALP), and recently launched scripted label, Screen Line Productions.

    Recognised as one of the 100 Women of Culture for 2022, Laroche-Joubert is credited for huge stints executive producing 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, and for reshaping beauty contest event, Miss France, leading it to the top three most watched non-scripted shows in France.

    A creative visionary, Laroche-Joubert has had a multi-faceted career, both as a leading producer on titles like M6’s Loft Story (Big Brother), TF1’s Star Academy and Secret Story, and W9’s Les Ch’tis and Les Marseillais, and on-screen, in a multitude of roles such as a juror for Popstars in France. Prior to Banijay, she spent 10+ years in the Canal+ group and became Editor-in-Chief at TF1. Before that, she was Director of Programmes at Endemol France under Stéphane Courbit’s leadership. Now she will be entrusted with building on Banijay France’s success to date, reporting to Banijay’s Chief Executive Officer, Marco Bassetti, having worked with the group’s Chairman, Stéphane Courbit, for 25+ years.

    Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay: “Alexia has been a leading force for us in France for a number of years, and with entrepreneurialism and creative spirit at her core, she is the perfect profile to lead our French operations from here-on-in. Hugely respected, strategic and with a brilliant repertoire of credits, we have no doubt her experience and knowledge will be invaluable in driving the business to new heights, as we look to further diversify and enhance the offering.”

     

    Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO, Banijay France: “From start-ups, to well-established labels like ALP, I have led a career underpinned by entrepreneurialism and at Banijay, I’ve found a home where I can continue to indulge my creative passions. Stepping up to lead Banijay France was the logical next step, and I am proud to be taking on this challenge. We have an incredibly strong production offering and I look forward to collaborating with the MDs and their teams to drive diversification, further format exploitation, cross-company collaboration and importantly, attract new talent. I will forever be thankful for Stéphane and Marco’s support over the years and for now handing me the reins, and am hugely appreciative to François de Brugada, who leaves the business as the country’s number one producer.”

  11. Banijay’s Good Times Brings The Block to Germany

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    Content powerhouse Banijay today confirms Good Times, part of Banijay Germany, will produce a new adaptation of The Block for RTL Germany. The show will be known locally as Wettkampf in 4 Wänden – Die ultimative Bau-Challenge.

    In this adaptation of the renovation-based competition reality show, four couples compete in order to turn an unloved apartment into a high-end property. Every room matters in this series as it is all about who can impress the expert jury.

    A Nine Network format, Banijay holds the global distribution rights to the format and finished tape. The Blockhas aired over 800 episodes in Australia to-date, with its 18th-season-launch the top-rated show of the night and its finale was the most-watched unscripted show in 2022. In addition, it already been adapted in 14 territories including New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands, the US, and Denmark, where its eighth season consistently won the slot on all demos.

    Shona Fraser, Managing Director of Good Times comments: “We love The Block – it’s such a strong format and we can’t wait to bring it to RTL in Germany with our own special reality twist. It is so exciting watching the teams create completely new rooms from a blank canvas.”

    Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay says: “The Block is a brilliant format that has hooked audiences around the world. Banijay has a strong record in creating must-watch competition reality shows and we are sure with Good Times’ expertise, the German audience is bound to be engrossed in the transformations.”

    Since the company’s creation 25 years ago, Good Times has developed and produced numerous formats for the German audience. Its credits include Mein Lokal, Dein Lokal – Der Profi Kommt, Armes Deutschland and Home of the Year.

  12. Banijay UK takes stake in James Norton and Kitty Kaletsky’s ‘Rabbit Track Pictures’

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    Banijay UK today announced its investment in Rabbit Track Pictures, the London based TV & Film production company co-founded by film, TV and stage actor James Norton and scripted executive Kitty Kaletsky.

    Rabbit Track Pictures launched in 2019 and has an impressive slate of diverse projects, including major scripted projects green lit for the BBC and for ITVX, alongside a raft of exciting developments across film and TV.  Their first film, Rogue Agent, a thriller for Netflix starring Norton, was released in 2022.

    By taking a stake in the business, via the Banijay UK Growth Fund, Banijay UK will enable Rabbit Track Pictures to build its team and accelerate its growth strategy, ensuring it can continue to acquire the best IP.  The deal includes a first look with distributor, Banijay Rights.

    Patrick Holland, CEO and Executive Chair of Banijay UK said: “James and Kitty have a truly impressive slate of projects and are incredibly ambitious for the growth of their business.  We are so delighted that they have chosen Banijay UK as their partner; their passion, commitment, talent and belief are exactly the qualities we want to invest in.  We can’t wait to start working together.”

    James Norton said: “To be joining the Banijay family is such an exciting moment for us as a company.  Patrick and his team have been incredibly welcoming and supportive already, and clearly share mine and Kitty’s values and ambition for the company. We can’t wait to jump into the rabbit hole with them and see where the next step of this adventure takes us!”

    Kitty Kaletsky added:  “When James first called me about running a company together, I was still fully living and working in Los Angeles. Little could we have imagined, when kick-starting Rabbit Track right before the pandemic, that just a few short years later, we’d be teaming up with such a huge and exciting partner as Banijay. We feel very lucky to be part of this family which will take our success to new levels and can’t wait to get going with Patrick and the whole group.”

    James Norton is a leading film, television and stage actor and is Rabbit Track’s co-founder.  James’ recent TV projects include Happy Valley (BBC/Netflix), McMafia (BBC/AMC), The Trial of Christine Keeler (BBC) and War and Peace(BBC). Film credits include Oscar-winning Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, Mr Jones directed by Oscar-nominated Agnieszka Holland, and Paramount’s upcoming Bob Marley biopic directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green.

    He is currently starring in a sell-out, critically acclaimed stage production of Hanya Yanagihara’s bestselling novel A Little Life.

    Kitty Kaletsky has worked in senior roles at leading TV and Film production companies on both sides of the Atlantic including Archery Pictures and Black Bear Pictures, having started her career at Number 9 Films. Kitty lived for four years in LA, running Oscar-winning Black Bear’s TV department, and as a result has strong relationships both in the UK and Hollywood. Kitty is Managing Director of Rabbit Track Pictures and is responsible for running all creative and business aspects of the company.

    This deal is part of the Banijay UK £50m Banijay UK Growth Fund which allows the UK group to partner in high profile talent as well as investing in new businesses, to supercharge growth.

    This is the seventh Growth Fund deal to be announced since it was launched in February 2023. Previous talent deals include a first look with scripted producer, Chris Sussman and a multi project deal with Scottish documentary director and producer Kevin Macdonald. The fund has also facilitated the acquisition of Mam Tor productions and investments in new scripted company Conker Pictures and North Wales based start-up, Ty’r Ddraig. It has also enabled DSP to grow the business launching DSP Films headed by Graeme McAulay to focus on premium documentaries.

    Great Point helped launch Rabbit Track, along with fellow founding partner The Development Partnership, by providing seed investment via its Great Point Ventures EIS fund. Both Great Point Media and The Development Partnership remain shareholders in the company. Robert Taylor will remain a director at Rabbit Track Pictures.

    Notes:

    • Great Point has backed a number of early-stage creative businesses, funded over 200 projects and invested in excess of £500 million in film and television productions.
    • Tom Manwaring of Helion Partners provided Rabbit Track with M&A advice on the transaction. Victoria Kimber of Danworth Associates also assisted Rabbit Track in arranging and negotiating the partnership, and Harbottle provided legal counsel. Simons Muirhead and Burton provided legal counsel to Banijay UK on this transaction.
    • The Development Partnership sits within The Partnership Group. Formed in 2021, The Partnership Group is made of a number of agencies and production businesses. Sitting within the group are The Artists Partnership, The Development Partnership, Sayle Screen, Sara Putt Associates, OWN IT! And BE HEARD VOICES. The ethos of the group is supporting artists in the pursuit of the highest quality of work.
    • James Norton is represented by The Artists Partnership (Agent Saskia Mulder), WME and JSSK law.