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. FL Entertainment creates ‘Banijay Events’ & appoints François de Brugada as CEO

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    FL Entertainment, a global entertainment leader, announces the creation of “Banijay Events”, a live events offering which will capitalise on the company’s expertise and success in content production, as well as expand its capabilities within the wider entertainment industry. The newly developed offering will be led by current Chief Executive Officer of Banijay France, François de Brugada.

    This announcement follows FL Entertainment’s recent new ventures – an investment into The Independents, and the acquisition of Balich Wonder Studio by Banijay. These investments in the events business, combined with the creation of Banijay Events, showcase FL Entertainment’s ambition to become a global leader in the production of live events. The new offering will sit as part of FL Entertainment’s leading global content production and distribution operations, led by Banijay’s Chief Executive Officer, Marco Bassetti.

    This strategic initiative is based on the assessment that the live events production industry has significant growth potential. It remains largely unconsolidated and has a business model very similar to that of content production and distribution, on which media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, was built. Banijay reached €3.2bn in revenues for 2022, proving the strength of its long-term creative strategy and approach, on which FL Entertainment will further capitalise.

    Brugada has served as CEO of Banijay France since 2015, building an ecosystem of the best talents, labels and IP, firmly positioning the group as the country’s undisputed production leader. Having gathered a local holding currently comprising more than 15 production labels, Brugada was responsible for nurturing a local catalogue of almost 3,000 hours of diverse, premium content each year, a portfolio that has continued to evolve and prosper under his guidance. Having first joined Banijay at its inception in 2008 as EVP for Content, Brugada was then appointed Chief Operating Officer, partnering closely with Chairman, Stéphane Courbit, to support the organisation’s initial international expansion ambitions across France, Spain, the US, Nordics, Germany and Australia. In this position, he also initiated internal cross-territory format sharing and helped develop and position the organisation’s worldwide brand.

    Evolving and executing the group’s dedicated strategy, Brugada will be tasked with growing this part of the business, developing synergies with the rest of the group, and identifying additional companies to build its dedicated portfolio.

    François Riahi, CEO, FL Entertainment: “The live events business has rapidly soared post-Covid and given our already-established entertainment assets, it represents a perfect addition to our Group and to our strategy to become an integrated global entertainment leader. Capitalising on our entrepreneurial production/distribution model, we have great ambitions in this area and are confident this new reinforced offering will become a destination for creativity and awe-inspiring activity.”

    Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay: “Diversifying our content capabilities beyond the screen marks a real gear shift for the group. Banijay Events launches with a solid base thanks to the recently announced investments, and from here, there are so many opportunities for further collaboration and onward global growth. This, combined with the appointment of François, who has been a key player in Banijay’s journey, marks a significant commitment to the live events business and we all look forward to seeing what comes next.”

    François de Brugada, CEO, Banijay France: “It has been an exciting journey growing the business in France, and as part of that work, bolstering the scripted offering. Joining FLE to lead Banijay Events, is for me like going back to the early years of Banijay; but this time with two major players already onboard – I am thrilled by this new challenge! There are many similarities between Banijay and the events production business, and I have no doubt, that in blending the two experiences, we can establish a healthy footing in the market, as was done in the audio-visual space.”

    Recruitment is currently underway to find a replacement CEO for Banijay France, with Brugada remaining in place until at least September, to ensure a smooth and effective transition period.

  2. Banijay France Unveils Screen Line Productions

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    Content powerhouse Banijay, today announces the launch of Screen Line Productions, a new scripted label that will sit within Banijay France. Set to devise its own slate, the production company was created, and will be operated, by ALP’s Chief Executive Officer, Alexia Laroche-Joubert, and Managing Director, Frédéric Lussato.

    Screen Line Productions, will see Laroche-Joubert and Lussato build on their expertise of producing some of France’s biggest non-scripted hits like Koh Lanta (Survivor), to create an ambitious portfolio of scripted series. As part of the launch, the pair have appointed Lavinia Jullien as Development Executive.

    With focus on character-driven content, Screen Line is developing original ideas as well as book adaptations, spanning a number of themes, notably youth oriented. Its first commission is set to be announced soon.

     

    Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO at Screen Line says: “Together, Frédéric and I are eager to develop our know-how in a new creative field, and with the launch of Screen Line we are set to announce our first original series soon. During my career I have created and adapted many formats from the world of entertainment including Koh Lanta (Survivor) and Star Academy, with the commonality of all being popular formats. With our knowledge of this audience paired with production expertise, Screen Line is geared up to develop ambitious projects for a wide audience.”

     

    François de Brugada, CEO of Banijay France says: “Alexia and Frédéric have the experience and talent to find and tell the best stories in entertainment, and now in scripted too. The launch of Screen Line confirms Banijay France’s ambition to further grow in the field of scripted.”

     

    Screen Line joins Banijay France’s line-up of scripted labels including Banijay Studios France, Shine Fiction, Terence Films, Marathon and Montmartre. Credits include Marie Antoinette, co-produced with Banijay Studios France, CAPA Drama and Les Gens, which has sold to over 70 territories and has recently been commissioned for a second season by CANAL+. Other successes include Serial Lover, Shine Fiction’s debut series for M6 which has just sold to Spain with Atresmedia.

  3. Banijay Brands Deploys SAS Rogue Heroes

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    Banijay Brands, the commercial arm of content powerhouse Banijay, today announces it will represent a range of commercial rights for the Kudos (a Banijay UK company) series, SAS Rogue Heroes.

    Created by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Taboo, A Christmas Carol), SAS Rogue Heroes is produced by Kudos for the BBC with MGM+. Based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book of the same name, the show centres on David Stirling, an eccentric young officer, who is hospitalised after a training exercise gone wrong. The first series became a huge hit with viewers and critics alike, attracting an audience of 9.4 million viewers on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK. Season two, which again will be a dramatised account of the origins of the SAS, has begun filming.

    Owain Walbyoff, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay says: “With breath-taking cinematography and beautifully crafted characters, SAS Rogue Heroes is a visually powerful show that lends itself perfectly to a broad range of products and activations. Banijay Brands has extensive expertise in driving the commercial performance of our shows and we are delighted to add Steven and Kudos’ brilliant creation to our portfolio.”

    Martin Haines joint Managing Director, Kudos added: “Viewers worldwide have connected deeply with Steven’s storytelling and this has opened the door for the exploration of products and experiences for audiences to enjoy beyond the screen. With our second series on the horizon there is so much more to come for SAS Rogue Heroes fans and I look forward to seeing how the brand evolves further in this way.”

    Key cast for the series includes Jack O’Connell as Paddy Mayne, Connor Swindells as David Stirling, Sofia Boutella as Eve Mansour, and Dominic West as Dudley Clarke. Gwilym Lee (The Great, Bohemian Rhapsody) joins for series two to play Bill Stirling, David Stirling’s brother and founder of the 2SAS regiment, while Con O’Neill (Happy Valley, Our Flag Means Death) will play General Montgomery.

    SAS Rogue Heroes is distributed internationally by Banijay Rights. The series was developed for television and written and executive produced by Steven Knight. Series two (6×60’) will be directed by Stephen Woolfenden (Outlander, Willow) with Stephen Smallwood (The Serpent, Patrick Melrose) as producer. The series will be executive produced by Karen Wilson, Emma Kingsman-Lloyd and Martin Haines for Kudos, and Nick Lambon for the BBC.

  4. Banijay to Build Media & Entertainment Powerhouse with Balich Wonder Studio

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    Banijay today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Balich Wonder Studio. Building a stand-out, global media and entertainment powerhouse, the deal will combine the strengths of the established world-renowned content group, with the pioneering capabilities of the live entertainment player.

    Having already bolstered its position as a leading content powerhouse, Banijay has over the years nurtured a creative footprint spanning 21 territories and playing home to 130 labels. In this latest phase of transformative growth, it will unite the creative and commercial strengths of two unique companies to build a differentiated offering in the media and entertainment space.

    Founded in 2013, Milan-based Balich Wonder Studio is a creative player which has quickly grown to be a prestigious live event creator and service provider, tapping into a broad range of institutional ceremonies, brand and destination experiences. Firmly on the map globally as a leading reference and go-to for premium live entertainment events, it is credited for the organisation of the highest number of Olympic Games Ceremonies in the world and other prestigious events such as the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup; Pan American Games Ceremonies in Perù 2019 and Chile 2023; 2016 Rio Olympic Games Ceremonies (CC2016); and 2014 Sochi Olympic Games closing and Paralympic Games Ceremonies. Additionally, it has delivered a range of exclusive events for top brands including Louis Vuitton, Formula 1, Ferrari, Dolce & Gabbana, UEFA, MSC, Maserati, Bulgari, IWC, Azimut Benetti and many others. Balich Wonder Studio posted revenues of €315m in 2022.

    The deal will bring together the creative strengths of Banijay’s global talent collective, led by CEO Marco Bassetti, with the proven expertise of Balich Wonder Studio’s leading live entertainment team, led by its founders Marco Balich, Gianmaria Serra and Simone Merico, the CEO Stefano Core, and Carolina Dotti and Valentina Saluzzi, partner and luxury experts. A complementary union, the transaction will signal a new era and further growth for both businesses.

    Marco Bassetti, Chief Executive Officer Banijay: “Complementary to us in its ambition and entrepreneurialism, Balich has risen to be top of its game in the live-event space, and via this acquisition, there is huge potential for further pioneering growth. We feel fortunate the team chose to partner with us on this trailblazing move and can already see how together we can build additional creative and commercial synergies, to cement the collective as a media and entertainment powerhouse. In marrying our businesses, we will create a unique universe of globally-spanning premium content, and the world’s most-watched ceremonies and illustrious events – ultimately, a one-stop-shop for creativity.”

    Marco Balich, Chairman Balich Wonder Studio: “We are glad that a world-class player like Banijay has chosen a committed creative team with the ambition to become the world’s most prestigious live entertainment group. Together we feel empowered to accelerate this journey. We share the passion for creativity, the ability to create exceptional content and spread emotions, culture, and beauty as pillars for a better world. Today, after ten years of extraordinary growth, we look forward to an exciting future and we are happy to continue inspiring wonder around the world”.

    As a creative studio, the live entertainment group has also been involved in a number of public destination developments, creating resident and water shows, immersive experiences and landmark icons like the symbol of World Expo – the celebrated “Tree of Life”, and the ‘Whale Shark’, a 30-metre symbol suspended in Doha in 2022 to represent the country’s focus on preserving its natural environment.

    Balich Wonder Studio’s healthy portfolio of successful businesses includes two brands, with operating offices in Europe and the Middle East, which is one the fastest growing and most important markets for the high-end event management industry. At the forefront of innovation, the ESG-committed live event specialist has swiftly grown both its offering and its footprint, and with Banijay, is now poised for further creative expansion.

    The acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions and is anticipated to close in the coming months.

  5. Contestants Clock in for Zeppelin’s Time Zone On HBO Max in Spain

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    Content powerhouse Banijay today announces Zeppelin, part of Banijay Iberia, will produce Time Zone for HBO Max in Spain. Created by Zeppelin and EndemolShine Nederland, the extreme competition show employs video game aesthetics, for a unique and exciting format which is set to air this summer.

    Welcome to Time City, a huge, abandoned facility where the Master of Time has created a real-world video game: Time Zone. Outside its perimeter is desert and dust, inside, 10 players will take on thrilling challenges and complete the levels to defeat the Master of Time. eSports presenter and streamer, Cristinini, will embody this role and monitor the players’ progress as they race against the clock.

    Each level will require great mental and physical skill, and in this competition, time is everything, as at the end of each round, the player with the least amount of it remaining is eliminated. However, ‘time zones’ scattered around the arena offer a few minutes of relief, because when players are inside them, time will stop. Each task also offers the chance to win a reward, from receiving extra seconds to stealing minutes from their teammates. In the final level, a player must face the Master of Time in an epic duel, where only one can walk away triumphant.

    Miguel Martín, Managing Director of Zeppelin says: “Time Zone is a strategic game we have been fortunate to create together with EndemolShine Nederland and HBO Max– both who have trusted in this pioneering format. There is nothing like it… 10 brave participants completely immersed in a unique show totally inspired by video games, in terms of look and language.”

    Miguel Salvat, VP Original Programming and Commissioning Editor HBO Max Iberia adds: “Time Zone immerses you in the universe, aesthetics, and technology of a video game, but with real people, carefully selected for their strategic skill and competitiveness. This happens all under the orders of Cristinini, an expert in the field who acts as Master of Time, both in person and in “cyborg” version. The series stands as a spectacular production, with frenetic rhythm, music and tension, and a unique location. Through new recording elements, the production is a clear commitment to innovation.”

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay comments: “At Banijay, we strive to develop IP which is innovative, visually powerfully and ultimately, with concepts people will engage in, but are yet to see. Zeppelin and EndemolShine Nederland’s new creation is a perfect example of these elements coming together. It is a clever combination of the two hugely popular worlds of gaming and competition reality, with a healthy dose of strategy added to the mix.”

    Miguel Martín and Floren Abad are executive producers for Zeppelin with Miguel Salvat and Annelies Sitvast the executive producers for HBO Max. The series is produced by Zeppelin (Banijay Iberia) for Warner Bros. Discovery.

    Zeppelin is behind huge shows such as Big Brother Spain and is also the creator of original formats like The Bridge (El Puente), which has now sold internationally to territories including the UK, Australia and Brazil. It is also a pioneer in the development of anime projects in Spain, with  Virtual Hero, the first series of a Spanish animation created by YouTuber Rubius, and the adaptation of Laura Gallego’s trilogy, The Idhún Chronicles.

  6. It’s A Deal for Gestmusic as Banijay’s Gameshow Returns to Spain After 12 Years

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    Content powerhouse Banijay today confirms renowned gameshow, Deal or No Deal, will return to Spain after a 12-year hiatus, produced by Gestmusic, part of Banijay Iberia. Known locally as ¡Allá tú!, the renewed version of the show will air on Telecinco with Jesús Vázquez as the host.

    The Banijay-owned format has been commissioned in over 80 territories with more than 350 productions to-date. It first launched in the Netherlands in 2002 and continues to draw huge audiences, with the first episode of EndemolShine Nederland’s 43rd season, which aired earlier this year, the most-watched entertainment show of the evening. This revival also follows the news that Deal or No Deal will return to the UK later this year, produced by Remarkable Entertainment (a Banijay UK company) for ITV and ITVX.

    Tinet Rubira, Managing Director of Gestmusic says: “We are thrilled to be bringing back this iconic format with the opening theme tune still resonating with so many in Spain. We are adding new twists to the beloved series, but of course, audiences can still expect to feel closely connected to the contestants and our charismatic host.”

    Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay adds: “Game shows continue to attract large audiences and at Banijay we’re proud to own and create strong titles which deliver the excitement and jeopardy that keeps audiences hooked. Deal or No Deal is in rude health, with extremely successful long-running series in territories like the Netherlands and big, bold returns in markets including the UK and Spain.”

    The series offers up a high-stakes game of risk and reward, in which contestants face a series of potentially life-altering decisions. With numerous sealed boxes full of varying amounts of cash – contestants decide whether to accept an offer of cash from ‘the Banker,’ in exchange for what might be contained in the contestant’s chosen box. As each of the other boxes is opened, the likelihood of the player having a valuable cash amount in their case decreases or increases, with ‘the Banker’ tempting the player throughout the game. As long as the larger cash prizes haven’t been opened, the Banker’s deals will only get higher, but if the player opens a case with a bigger cash value, the Banker’s offer could suddenly evaporate.

    Gestmusic is one of Spain’s leading producers of entertainment and game shows and has successfully produced Money Drop, among others. As well as creating international hits such as Your Face Sounds Familiar which is the most travelled Spanish format to-date.

  7. Dates Announced For The Fourth Annual London TV Screenings

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    The organisers of the annual London TV Screenings have today announced it will return from Monday 26 February to Friday 1 March 2024.

    The third annual event in 2023 attracted 28 studios/distributors, an 87% increase on the 2022 edition, and more than 500 international buyers. It comprised a full schedule of events, each conveniently taking place in landmark West End locations to enhance the buyer experience.

    ITV Studios and All3Media International held their events at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, Fremantle and Banijay Rights at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, and eOne at Picturehouse Central in Piccadilly. Other participating companies included Abacus Media Rights, About Premium Content, Blue Ant Media, Bossanova Media, Cineflix Rights, DCD Rights, Dogwoof, Eccho Rights, FIFTH SEASON, Fox Entertainment Global, Hattrick International, Keshet International, Lionsgate, NBC Universal Global Distribution, Newen Connect, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Passion Distribution, Red Arrow Studios International, Sony Pictures, STUDIOCANAL, TVF International, Viaplay Content Distribution and Warner Bros International Television Production.

    The fourth annual Screenings will again see the group of leading distributors working together to offer expertly curated sessions, exclusive first looks and “deep dives” into some of the most hotly-anticipated formats, scripted and non-scripted content – as well as the chance to connect with world-class on and off-screen talent.

    A London TV Screenings spokesperson said: “The third annual London TV Screenings proved that the event is firmly embedded in the annual buying calendar, packing out the largest and most prestigious screening venues London has to offer. We’re delighted to continue to deliver this premium and unmissable experience for buyers in 2024.”

    Clients from all major markets, including the US, Europe, Australia, China, Africa and the Middle East, attended the 2023 Screenings. The London TV Screenings was founded by five leading London-based distributors: All3Media International, Banijay Rights, eOne, Fremantle and ITV Studios.

  8. Banijay Hires Tech Veteran, Damien Viel

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay, today confirms the appointment of Damien Viel as Chief Digital and Marketing Officer. Stepping into the newly devised role, the executive will take charge of the group’s overarching marketing and digital diversification strategies, supercharging innovation worldwide.

    Viel comes onboard after a seven-year stint as Managing Director for Twitter in France, a role he departed late last year. There he led the global brand’s local business development and operations, which included the negotiation and management of country-level partnerships. During 2018 and 2020, he was also a strategy committee member for Idinvest/Eurazeo. With a strong track record in the digital space, he spent 2011-2015 at Google, the latter part as Director, YouTube and Google Brand solutions for Southern/Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa. Whilst there he ran the regional team, evolving and executing its branding and business strategy, delivering relevant education outside the company, and influencing significant revenue growth.

    At Banijay, reporting to Chief Executive Officer, Marco Bassetti, Viel will now concentrate on injecting his tech experience into the 21-territory-strong group. Exploring new partnerships, further monetisation opportunities for its leading brands, and reputation-building opportunities outside the entity’s core industry, he will be key to bolstering the company’s impactful long-term strategy.

    Marco Bassetti, Chief Executive Officer, Banijay: “Our industry is in an undeniable period of flux, and with further digital diversification on the horizon, we are keen to capitalise on innovation avenues to ensure we maintain our position as a frontrunner in the market. In Damien, we have a visionary leader, with a track record that speaks for itself, and he will be a great asset to our group as we look to further fulfil our growth ambitions and elevate our brand on the global stage. In embarking on what will no doubt be a transformative journey, we are committed to bolstering the creative environment we offer our talent to ensure creativity always prospers.”

    Damien Viel adds: “Digital innovation has rapidly changed how audiences consume content, and importantly, how leading storymakers share it. While tech advancements are often met with scepticism given their complexity, I’m a firm believer that innovation, creative technologies, AI and a customer-focussed approach, only bring further opportunity and that is what I am keen to explore at Banijay. In its hands is a prolific portfolio of brands and the talent that creates them, a combination which will be invaluable to evolving a robust marketing strategy and exploring further opportunities to diversify and positively boost the operation.”

    Prior to his time at Google, Viel was Deputy General Manager for M6 Publicité, the advertising arm of M6 Groupe. As operational lead, he had oversight of all agency and client relationships and during this period, also served as a member of the RTL Group European Trade Executive Committee. With an illustrious career to date, he has acted as General Manager for CARAT France (an Aegis Media company), and before that, he spent seven years with L’Oreal, holding various marketing responsibilities in France and Asia, having graduated from ESSEC.

  9. Banijay Promotes Townley and Green

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    Content powerhouse Banijay today announces the elevation of James Townley and Lucas Green. Continuing to oversee Creative Networks, the group’s non-scripted operation, the pair will now operate as Chief Content Officer, Development and Chief Content Officer, Operations respectively.

    Taking effect immediately, the elevations signal Banijay’s continued commitment to creativity. As Chief Content Officer, Development, Townley maintains his position in enhancing unscripted development across the group at-large, while also overseeing 3rd-party format acquisition. Expanding his remit to include documentary, his department continues to manage all group level investment in non-scripted, including the Creative Fund, which to date has already supported the evolution of original travelling formats, Blow Up (EndemolShine Nederland ), Love Triangle (Endemol Shine Australia) and Starstruck (Remarkable). 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 2023, 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) commissioned and garnering further interest globally.

    In the Chief Content Officer, Operations role, Green partners with the group’s non-scripted labels worldwide to drive production efficiency and creative best practice. Bringing producers together, he and his team support, scrutinise and champion existing formats to ensure high-quality output, innovative production methods, favourable margins, and unrivalled global footprints. Establishing healthy production ecosystems, his team provides production consultancy to implement Banijay’s vast collection of format bibles. One further key aim is the ongoing expansion, success, and brand integrity of superbrands such as Big Brother, Survivor, MasterChef, Temptation Island, and their spin-offs. Recently evolving the role, he also takes responsibility for ESG (environment, social and governance) across the unscripted portfolio, in keeping with the business’ overarching goals in this area.

    Both parties report to Chief Executive Officer, Marco Bassetti, who said of the promotions: “James and Lucas have been fantastic forces for Creative Networks, ensuring a productive, well-travelled non-scripted pipeline. Creative reinvestment, efficiency and rights retention are all central to our global strategy, and to date, the pair have been key in championing these elements across the group globally. While the market has its challenges, we have a robust operation in place to maintain the high standards of delivery and innovation our buyers have become accustomed to, and ultimately, our leading position in international formats.”

    The announcement follows K7’s latest report, which unveiled Banijay as “Distributor of the Year” for producing the most new format launches in the market for 2022.

  10. Banijay Studios France Appoints Managing Director

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    Banijay today announces the appointment of Guillaume Thouret as Managing Director for Banijay Studios France.

     In this role, Thouret will set Banijay Studios France’s strategy for the local and international market, managing the portfolio of projects in development, building co-production opportunities, and continuing to grow the talent base. He will work hand-in-hand with the existing team of producers, who are behind recent hits such asMarie Antoinette, co-produced with CAPA Drama and Les Gens, Les disparus de la Forêt Noire for TF1, among others.

    Thouret joins Banijay France’s production label from Newen Group, where he was Deputy Managing Director, having joined as Managing Director of CAPA in 2015. Beginning his career in the industry at RTL Group in 1997, he went on to join TF1 Group two years later, holding various roles before becoming General Secretary of TF1 Production in 2003. After five years, he stepped up to Deputy Managing Director, overseeing the group’s scripted and streamer formats before taking on the helm as Managing Director of TF6 and Série Club in 2011.

    François de Brugada, CEO of Banijay France says: “Guillaume brings a wealth of experience to Banijay Studios France, and his industry knowledge will be invaluable in bolstering the growth of high-quality and ambitious scripted programming. His arrival cements the label’s position as an essential producer of premium scripted series in France and beyond, building on the success of internationally renowned shows such as Marie Antoinette.”

    Banijay Studios France has built a strong industry reputation with a portfolio of hits including Marie Antoinette, co-produced with CAPA Drama and Les Gens, which has sold to over 70 territories and has recently been commissioned for a second season. Other successes include Germinal (France TV), Les disparus de la Forêt Noire (TF1), L’école de la vie (France TV), Skam (France TV), and Versailles (Canal+).

  11. Banijay UK Appoints Chief Operating Officer

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    Banijay UK has appointed Sarb Nijjer to the newly-created Chief Operating Officer role. She joins from the BBC, where she is Finance Director for BBC Content. In this role, she provides leadership and insight for content spend across network TV, iplayer, Sport, Children’s & Education and Audio and Sounds.

    Following a busy twelve months, which has seen the launch of the Banijay UK Growth Fund, the acquisition of RTS-nominated drama company, Mam Tor, commissions including Big Brother (ITV), Survivor (BBC One), Deal or No Deal (ITV), SAS Rogue Heroes s2 (BBC One) and Three Little Birds (ITV), the Chief Operating Officer will ensure Banijay UK continues to focus on future growth and investment in talent and creativity.

    In her new role, Sarb will be responsible for driving forward the Banijay UK strategy alongside CEO and Executive Chairman, Patrick Holland, as well as managing collaborations across the wider Banijay group, developing business relationships with key customers, and working closely with the 27 production companies in the local footprint to deliver their strategic aims.

    With Banijay UK’s continued focus on growth, she will also play a vital role in future investment opportunities, whether through traditional M&A means, or start-ups, via the recently-announced Banijay UK Growth Fund.

    Sarb’s appointment completes Banijay UK’s top executive team, which includes Director of HR & Operations, Bella Lambourne, Chief Financial Officer, Derek O’Gara and General Counsel, Jacqueline Moreton.

    Patrick Holland, Banijay UK CEO and Executive Chairman, said: “This is a newly created role at Banijay UK. In the COO, I wanted a senior business leader to help drive the strategy, growth and collaboration needed to take the UK group to the next level. Sarb has an exceptional business brain, has shown terrific leadership at the BBC (where she helped keep the channels vibrant during COVID), possesses exciting entrepreneurial instincts, and perhaps, most importantly, understands the nuances of the development process and how to support creatives. She’s also a delightful human being and we are really looking forward to her joining a great senior team at Banijay UK.”

    Sarb Nijjer added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Banijay UK as COO and am looking forward to collaborating with the talented team there to drive innovation and growth across the UK business. Entrepreneurialism runs strong through the group’s production community, and I’m excited about the future opportunities with partners and key talent across our industry that are likely to arise as a result. I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved as a team in BBC Content over the last five years, and it’s been an honour and a privilege to have worked for such a world-class creative business.”

  12. Banijay’s Big Brother Expands Global Reach with First Series in Chile

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    Content powerhouse Banijay today announces hit format Big Brother will be adapted in Chile for the first time.

    In a deal with Banijay Rights, the reality series will broadcast on Chilevision this year. Produced by Chilevision and Kuarzo, the show will be the first time Chile has produced its own version and will build on the success of the pan regional series which last aired 18 years ago.

    Last year Banijay format Big Brother had its most successful year yet, with 33 productions airing across 26 markets. Originally created by EndemolShine Nederland, Big Brother has had 67 adaptations. The celebrity version was named Spin-Off of the Year in K7 Media’s 2021-2022 report. This latest commission follows the successful Argentinean reboot.

     The agreement was brokered by Michelle Wasserman, SVP Latam, USH & Brazil, Banijay Rights, who said: “Big Brother is a tried and tested hit and we are thrilled to strike a deal for the first Chilean version. There is great momentum across Latin America for this iconic format, with Argentina’s recent return highlighting how powerful and relevant this programme still is.”

     Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay adds: “With last year being the best yet for Big Brother, we are excited to further build on its success and bring the legendary show to a new market in this deal with Chile. The ongoing popularity is testament to the strength of the format which enables audiences to relate, connect, and be entertained by Big Brother. We look forward to continually extending the format withnew territories such as Chile, long running series like the milestone 25th season in the US, and reboots including the UK set for 2023.”

    Big Brother sees a group of people from all walks of life, agree to be locked up in a house fitted with cameras that record their every move. With no contact from the outside world, participants must learn how to co-habit with their new housemates whilst competing against them every week in physical and mental challenges.