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: MIPCOM

  1. Banijay Launch Winners Unveiled

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    Coinciding with International Women’s Day, media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today confirms Amber Kane and Emily Wilson as joint winners of its inaugural Banijay Launch program. Kane, a freelancer from Australia, scooped the prize for her high-octane variety talent concept, Double Act; and Wilson, for her original psychological dating format, Can’t Buy My Love. Selecting two owing to the fierce competition amongst the four finalists, the judges commended both entries as “fantastic ideas with significant international appeal.”

    Designed to exclusively support women creators with promising unscripted formats, Banijay Launch was unveiled at MIPCOM 2023 and received an extraordinary 500+ applications from 30+ territories. Spanning Australia (Amber Kane), UK (Emily Wilson), France (Yasmina Salmandjee), and Denmark (Lisbet Winther), the respective finalists assembled in London on Tuesday 6 March for the grand finale, where they pitched their ideas to an esteemed jury comprising Endemol Shine North America CEO, Sharon Levy; Banijay Chief Content Officer, Development, James Townley; Banijay Chief Business Officer, Fred Balmary; Banijay Iberia CEO, Pilar Blasco; and Founder and CEO of Everywoman Studios, Abby Greensfelder. But there could only be… two winners!

    Kane’s idea was credited by the judges for its brilliant reality elements, highly-clipable offering, and the way in which it taps into the zeitgeist of the “mash-up” in a spectacular way to create a new competition show. Elsewhere, Wilson’s was enjoyed by judges for its twist and turns, strong format pillars, brandable moments, and original “gifting” concept everyone can identify with.

    Sharon Levy, CEO, Endemol Shine North America comments: “Banijay Launch was envisioned as a bridge for women to gain access to our industry, and based on the sheer volume and quality of pitches we received, its time was long overdue. Mirroring the global reach of Banijay, we heard from applicants far and wide, and I hope the result illustrates just how strong the four finalists were. The two fantastic women who share the ‘winner’ title had unbelievably competitive ideas that were well-pitched, original, and highly sellable. The ambassadors and Banijay at-large feel fortunate to continue collaborating with them to bring their amazing concepts to life. We are all so proud to have played a role in opening the door to the next generation of talent, and with the study results from the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media imminent, we hope to keep doing more to foster a wider community of women in non-scripted.”

    Amber Kane says: “I still can’t quite believe it. I had been working on Double Act for six years and it always felt taking it to screen may be impossible given the continued challenges for women in the content industry. However, Banijay Launch truly opened the door for me. Working with the talented Amelia Fisk, I have not only strengthened my idea but also my confidence in pitching, and I look forward to continuing to partner with her, and Banijay’s Creative Networks, in hopefully landing my idea on-screen. I am hugely thankful for the opportunity and feel inspired to keep going with creating great formats for the world to enjoy.”

    Emily Wilson says: “As a huge reality TV fan, it was always my dream to create my very own unscripted format that could transcend audiences across the globe. In Can’t Buy My Love I feel I have crafted an original show that I truly believe has all the elements for success, and with the help of Banijay, and my brilliant mentor Claire O’Donohoe, could tap into the buyer demand for social experiments everywhere. I’m hugely grateful for this life-changing experience and look forward to seeing where this opportunity can take me in a career capacity.”

    Addressing gender equality by discovering and incubating untapped women talent, Banijay Launch was initiated by Levy, co-led by Townley, and supported by the group’s network of creative ambassadors who nurtured the finalists in developing their bold new formats from concept to pitch, with the aim of the winning ideas eventually landing on screen. It was inspired by the Propelle program, a female-focused accelerator initiative created and developed in 2020 by Everywoman Studios’ CEO, Abby Greensfelder. Both Kane and Wilson will now work with their ambassadors and Banijay’s Creative Networks to develop their ideas further, and the group hopes to unveil both ideas fully at launch.

    Coinciding with the program, Banijay Americas announced the commission of a first-of-its-kind study with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, in partnership with Everywoman Studios. The findings of the ground-breaking study, which investigates women’s inclusion in creative leadership roles in unscripted production across Brazil, U.K., U.S., and France, will be unveiled at an event in Los Angeles in May. Further news will follow in the coming weeks.

  2. Banijay Rights to represent music documentary features The Musical Mind: A Portrait in Process and My Name’s Ben Folds, I Play Piano

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    Banijay Rights today announces it has the global distribution rights to theatrical feature documentary The Musical Mind: A Portrait in Process and feature concert film My Name’s Ben Folds, I Play Piano, as MIPCOM 2023 gets underway this week.

    Both films come from powerhouse South Australian team of Oscar-nominated director Scott Hicks and celebrated producers Kerry Heysen and Jett Heysen-Hicks, with their world premieres set for this month’s prestigious Adelaide Film Festival.

    The Musical Mind: A Portrait in Process explores the power of the musical brain. Inspired by the 25th anniversary of his movie Shine, director Scott Hicks reveals the creative process of elite international musicians, with unprecedented access to their private worlds, processes, and obsessions. The film Shine is the linking device between four musicians /contributors: David Helfgott (subject of the original movie), celebrated musician Ben Folds, Australian rock star Daniel Johns, and Simon Tedeschi, who was hand double for the young David in the original movie.

    My Name’s Ben Folds, I Play Piano is a symphonic concert spectacle featuring Emmy award-nominated composer and rock maestro Ben Folds with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. The film offers unique coverage of the rock pianist including the remarkable creation of a new song from scratch, live onstage, via audience participation when Folds achieves the extraordinary feat of inducing the crowd to sing a choral refrain in three-part harmony.

    Both documentary features are Beyond May 30 Entertainment productions in association with Banijay Rights.

    Cathy Payne, CEO, Banijay Rights, said: “These are two unique and highly entertaining premium documentary features that showcase world class musical talent and the inner workings of their craft. Both are excellent additions to our MIPCOM line-up and we’re in no doubt they will be highly sought after by international buyers in Cannes.”

    Scott Hicks added: “I’m delighted to be working with Banijay Rights on the release of my latest music-based documentary features, celebrating superstar musicians in their private worlds and exploring their unique creative processes.”

    Both features join Banijay’s outstanding slate of titles at MIPCOM including documentary highlights Four Kings (w/t) and Moulin Rouge: Yes We Can Can, as well as The Other Mrs Jordan, Sharon and Ozzy: Home to Roost, Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy and The Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson. These autumn highlights complement the 172,000 hours of globally renowned, stand-out IP within Banijay’s catalogue.

     

    Visit us at C.20 in front of the steps of the Palais des Festivals.

  3. Banijay Unveils Compelling Documentary Line-Up for MIPCOM 2023

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay today reveals its formidable line-up of premium documentaries for MIPCOM 2023. Showcasing the best new titles from its in-house collective of filmmakers and acquisitions from Banijay Rights, the slate reflects its growing commitment to this field and burgeoning portfolio of leading titles.

    The diverse new offering includes Banijay’s Four Kings (w/t) and Moulin Rouge: Yes We Can Can; as well as third-party Banijay Rights-distributed titles, The Other Mrs Jordan, Sharon and Ozzy: Home to Roost, Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, and The Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson.

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay comments: “Accompanying an expansive development slate, these latest hot picks represent our rapidly expanding documentary portfolio, which is brimming with new, high-end programming, showcasing world-class talent and offering broadcasters and viewers an insightful, visual journey into some extraordinarily thought-provoking and fascinating subjects.”

    Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions at Banijay Rights says: “This year’s slate is packed with engaging and eye-opening content, from unbelievable true crime to stimulating takes on food through its importance in global cultures to insights in globally recognised individuals. This selection of new titles along with the rest of the expansive slate continues to elevate our premium factual offering.”

    During one week in 1993, half a billion people tuned into the biggest week in the history of British boxing.Four Kings (w/t), from Workerbee, part of Banijay UK, for Amazon Prime Video, is the story of four men from the same London neighbourhood who heralded a golden era and changed the way Britain viewed its black athletes. 30 years on, the documentary series will revisit the notorious rivalries of Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn; and Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno, combining archive footage of the clashes, and newly-captured exclusive interviews that reveal their tough struggles with mental health issues outside the limelight. The series is Executive Produced by Kevin Macdonald (Whitney, Janet, Bruno V Tyson).

    Moulin Rouge: Yes We Can Can is a Dragonfly (a Banijay UK company) production for BBC Two and explores one of the most iconic cabarets in the world, and while synonymous with Paris, is actually run by a Brit… This six-part arts documentary follows artistic director Janet Pharaoh as she recruits a new cohort of dancers from Britain, all desperate to be cast in the Moulin Rouge’s high-kicking spectacular shows. Viewers are given a sneak-peek behind the scenes of the specular world-famous home of cabaret, to tell the story of the 450 staff members and creatives who meticulously ensure each night runs smoothly.

    Banijay Rights internationally distributes third-party title The Other Mrs Jordan, a unique three-part documentary boxset for ITVX that explores the cat-and-mouse tale of a serial bigamist, fraudster, father, and psychopath who left a trail of destroyed lives all over the world. The title is produced by Circle Circle Films and October Films.

    Famous family The Osbornes are used to cameras following their every move, but in Sharon and Ozzy: Home to Roost, we will see a different side to notorious heavy metal singer, Ozzy, and television personality and music manager, Sharon Osborne, as they return to Britain after over 20 years living in the US. This series documents their move home, as well as their children Kelly and Jack’s efforts to support them as they restart their lives in rural Buckinghamshire. The series is produced by Expectation for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Banijay Rights holding global distribution rights.

    Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico, and Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, are CNN Original series produced by Raw TV, following the award-winning actors as they explore the rich culture, landscape, and cuisine of their ancestors. Banijay Rights handles global distribution for these globe-trotting travelogues outside the US.

    The Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson chronicles the events that shaped British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his meteoric rise to power, and his extraordinary premiership. Hearing from his friends, enemies, and through rare archive footage, the 72 Films production for Channel 4 will give insight into his actions, his ambition, and the real events that have influenced modern British politics.

    Banijay is supercharging its documentary offering by bringing together the best in-house Banijay productions from across the footprint, with premium third-party titles, all available to broadcasters and platforms around the world. The diverse catalogue includes titles like Lara from BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning director, Mags Gavan, and produced by Scenery, part of Banijay Benelux; and That Peter Crouch Film from Workerbee for Amazon Prime Video, an in-depth look at one of modern football’s most unique and beloved stars.

  4. Banijay Reveals Premium Scripted Slate for MIPCOM 2023

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay today reveals its array of stellar scripted titles for MIPCOM 2023 with This Town, Three Little Birds, Fallen, Murder in Hanko, Brocéliande, and Rivière-Perdue, headlining the offering for international buyers.

    Cathy Payne, CEO Banijay Rights says: “With new angles, gripping scripts, and clever character development, we are heading into MIPCOM with a strong slate which is sure to capture the attention of broadcasters and platforms worldwide. These titles are great additions to our rich catalogue, reflecting the evolving market and our commitment to representing the best content out there.”

    Christian Wikander, Global Head of Scripted at Banijay comments: “This portfolio of fantastic stories is a testament to the distinct identities and unrivalled creativity of the talent and labels across the Banijay footprint. As well as resonating with a wide audience, scripted titles like La Caza. Monteperdido which is being adapted for France as Rivière-Perdue, are perfect for local remakes with their compelling narratives and universal themes. Collaboration continues to be at the heart of what we do, and with multiple co-productions amongst this offering, it is great to see our companies partnering with those in the wider industry to maximise and ensure the reach of innovative, original ideas.”

    The UK continues to offer a strong slate of premium scripted with This Town, a major new drama from Peaky Blinders and SAS Rogue Heroes creator, Steven Knight, set in a world of family ties, teenage kicks and the exhilarating music of a generation. This Town tells the story of a band’s formation against a backdrop of violence, capturing how creative genius can emerge from a time of madness. The series is produced by Kudos, part of Banijay UK, and Nebulastar for the BBC, and co-produced with Mercury Studios, in association with Kudos North.

    In addition, Three Little Birds, from Tiger Aspect, in association with Douglas Road Productions (both Banijay UK companies), for ITV and BritBox International, tells the story of three woman who travel to Britain from Jamaica in the late 1950s to start a new life in the ‘mother country’. It is a triumphant celebration of immigration, community and the strength of Black womanhood inspired by the story of writer and Executive Producer Sir Lenny Henry’s mother and all those who have travelled from one country to another to make a new home.

    From the producers of Bron (The Bridge), Top Dog, and Beck, is Fallen, the highly-anticipated crime drama created and written by Camilla Ahlgren, the screenwriter behind iconic series Bron (The Bridge), along withMartin Asphaug and Alex Haridi. Starring Sofia Helin and Hedda Stiernstedt, it is produced by Filmlance, co-produced with C More, TV4, ZDF, and Film i Skåne.

    Jarowskij Finland is also meeting the demand for strong crime series with Murder in Hanko. Set for Nelonen and Ruutu, it sees Vera, a police officer, become entangled in a murder investigation and the return of her estranged father, Ruben. Exploring familial ties amidst a shocking and tense backdrop, the gripping series is based on author Matti Remes’ Ruben Waara novels.

    Banijay is also highlighting Brocéliande, the latest thriller from Banijay France’s Shine Fiction in co-production with Les Films du Printemps for TF1. Is it just a coincidence that renowned biologist Fanny Legoff is the last person to see two people before they disappear? Will she be able to prove her innocence and find out who is really behind these crimes?

    Rivière-Perdue, a co-production between Terence Films and Gétévé Productions, along with TF1, is the first adaptation of La Caza. Monteperdido, the hit drama based on Agustín Martínez’s best-selling novel of the same name, which Banijay Iberia’s DLO Producciones created. With tremendous casting the series centres around the mysterious reappearance of Anna five years after going missing. Commissioner Balthus and Captain Alix Stern must embark on a race against time to piece together what happened and find Lucie who disappeared at the same time.

    With over 60 scripted production labels within Banijay, these titles join a strong slate of premium diverse fiction that includes drama, series, and feature films. The portfolio includes critically-acclaimed hits including The Sixth Commandment, streamer commissions like Carême and Billionaire Island, and returners including Rogue Heroes, Marie Antoinette, Anonymous, The Rig, Beck, Domina and more. Banijay also represents scripted formats available for adaptation including familiar titles such as Bron (The Bridge), Penoza,Broadchurch, Younger, and newer titles including Anonymous, Fallen, Dance Brothers, Soul Sister and Then You Run. 2023’s hot picks follow a strong year of around 130 launches for Banijay in 2022, of which 70% were non-English language.

  5. Banijay Spotlights Adventure, Reality Competition and Factual in its Autumn Line-Up

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay today reveals its autumn slate of non-scripted formats set to be showcased at MIPCOM 2023. With an unprecedented line-up of six premium multi-genre titles, the content champion is set to enter the market with bang, as it unveils its upcoming hits to the world’s linear and streaming clients…

    Banijay’s Creative Networks is highlighting original blockbuster adventure reality series, The Summit, Rush and Shaolin Heroes, as well as reality competition formats Deal or No Deal Island and Buddy Games. In addition, the company is strengthening its factual reality offering in BANGED UP (w/t).

    James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay comments: “Last year alone, Banijay delivered 145 new format launches, and in 2023, our incredible creatives continue to raise the bar with new, high-quality, original ideas that are already capturing audiences around the globe. From The Summit to Buddy Games, we see fantastic potential in this slate as it truly captures audience desire for attention-grabbing, entertaining shows packed with adventure, that are unique and scalable. We look forward to finally showcasing these innovative titles to our clients worldwide at MIPCOM, leveraging the strength of our brilliant teams whilst on-the-ground in Cannes.”

    This year’s autumn slate offers exhilarating adventure reality series including two new formats from EndemolShine Australia with 9Network; The Summit and Rush. Set in New Zealand’s southern Alps, The Summit sees a group of strangers carrying an equal share of money, but to win the cash, they must reach the peak of a distant mountain in just two weeks. All that stands in the way, are a series of adrenaline-charged challenges and the unpredictable elements of human nature. Elsewhere, Rush is the new travel adventure series where twelve everyday people are dropped into the heart of some of the most pulsating cultural festivals, huge events, and exotic locations. They are without all their senses, and knowledge of their location, and must work together to complete the missions set by the host and reach the “Escape Zone”. The last team to get there is forced to eliminate one member of their team until only one person emerges to scoop a life-changing prize.

    From Metronome is Shaolin Heroes for TV 2 Denmark, where celebrities undertake the ultimate test by embarking on a transformational journey alongside world-class Shaolin Masters. By surrendering to the ancient and uninterrupted traditions of the legendary Shaolin Warrior Monks, the celebrities will find unexplored facets of themselves they never knew existed.

    Meanwhile, on the reality competition front, the iconic format Deal or No Deal is back, but like you have never seen it before… In a new spin-off created by Endemol Shine North America for NBC, Deal or No Deal Islandsees cases hidden all over an island with millions of dollars split between them, which contestants compete to retrieve, so they can play a game of Deal or No Deal against the Banker.  The banker’s challenges are pulse pounding and mind-bending designed to test every facet of the contestants, as they try to secure the most valuable cases to play Deal or No Deal. Mystery and millions await in this new format that transforms the iconic game show into an innovative social experiment.

    Airing on CBS is Buddy Games, which adapts the comedy directed by, and starring, Josh Duhamel, into areality competition format. Produced by Bunim/Murray Productions, “ride or die” friends get the chance to relive their glory days and compete in an assortment of absurd physical and mental challenges in the outdoors while bunking together in the same lake house.  To celebrate the launch of this brand-new title to the world, Josh himself is making his way to the French Riviera to join executive producer and President, Bunim/Murray Productions, Julie Pizzi down at MIPCOM.

    Showcasing the diversity of Baniijay’s slate is BANGED UP (w/t), created by Shine TV for Channel 4. In this fact-ent format, which veers into the documentary space, six male celebrity inmates will be incarcerated in a UK prison environment alongside their criminal cellmates. There they will interrogate the criminals on their prison experiences and crimes – all while experiencing the impact of the prison system themselves – for better or worse.

    Banijay will be holding exclusive invite-only masterclass sessions during MIPCOM, where they will lift the lid on the all the details of these next generation entertainment formats. The new offerings join renowned long-running superbrands like Big Brother, Survivor, and Deal or No Deal, which are all returning to the UK later this year, as well as travelling returners, Star Academy, Save the Date, Love Triangle, The Fifty, Popstars, andThe Block.

    News regarding Banijay’s scripted and documentary slates for MIPCOM to follow…

  6. Banijay Rights Secures First Bali 2002 Deal

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    Banijay Rights today announces ITV in the UK has acquired Bali 2002, the new four-part drama that explores the everyday heroes directly impacted by the terrorist attacks on the Indonesian island 20 years ago. The drama will air on new streaming service ITVX next year.

    Co-produced by Banijay labels Endemol Shine Australia and Screentime for Stan and 9Network in Australia, the deal marks the first international sale for this powerful drama series – struck ahead of the final day of MIPCOM in Cannes today.

    Premiering last month on Stan, and featuring a stellar cast led by Rachel Griffiths (Total Control), Richard Roxburgh (Rake) and Claudia Jesse (Bridgerton), Bali 2002 recounts the tragic events of October 12, 2002 – when the island was shattered by a terrorist attack on two of Kuta Beach’s busiest nightclubs.

    Local Balinese and Australian and British tourists scrambled to rescue the injured, whilst the Australian and Indonesian authorities mobilised to evacuate survivors, identify victims and investigate what really took place. Amidst this chaos, heroes arose from the most unlikely places and cultures united in the search for healing and meaning.

    Chris Stewart, SVP Sales UK & Eire, Banijay Rights, who negotiated the deal with ITV, said: “It was exactly 20 years ago last week when these devastating terrorist attacks rocked the paradise island of Bali – the impact of which is still being felt by victims, survivors and their families today. Bali 2002 is a tribute to them – sensitively capturing those inspirational stories to emerge out of the darkest of days. It’s an honour to be able to take this landmark series to a wider audience through this deal with ITV and ITVX.”

     

    Sasha Breslau, ITV’s Head of Content Acquisitions, said: “It’s a privilege to bring these personal stories of the brave people of Bali to UK viewers, and we look forward to premiering the series on ITVX in 2023.”

     

    Peter Newman, CEO, Endemol Shine Australia, added: “Twenty years on from an event that shocked the world, Bali 2002 is a story of resilience and heroism born from the darkest tragedy. This is a gripping four-part series that is evocative, sensitive and reflective of the stories that have been told directly from those impacted by this event.”

     

    The first original drama co-commission between 9Network and Stan, Bali 2002 was written by Justin Monjo (Storm Boy), Kris Wyld (Pulse), Marcia Gardner (Wentworth) and emerging screenwriter Michael Toisuta – with Balinese writer, actor and musician Ketut Yuliarsa (Janggan) on board as story editor.

    Produced by Kerrie Mainwaring for Screentime, Tim Pye executive produces Bali 2002 alongside Sara Richardson for Endemol Shine Australia, Michael Healy and Andy Ryan for the 9Network and Amanda Duthie and Cailah Scobie for Stan. Peter Andrikidis and Katrina Irawati Graham direct the series.

    The series received major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW. Banijay Rights is responsible for international distribution.

  7. Banijay Unveils Eco-Friendly Stand for MIPCOM 2022

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    Leading producer-distributor Banijay today reveals its innovative, new eco-friendly stand ahead of MIPCOM 2022, where the company will have an expanded market presence following a three-year hiatus.

    Located at C.20 in a prime location in front of Cannes’ famous Palais des Festivals, the two-floor structure – a responsibly built, re-usable and unique construction made of wood – comprises more than 500m2 of floor space complete with meeting rooms, reception area, multiple terraces and hospitality areas.

    Created by Romain Larue from Orati and designed by architect Nicola Spinetto, the entire build uses Cross Laminated Timber – an innovative technology that stands out for its strength, versatility and sustainability.

    The construction will completely optimise brightness throughout its central patio area and terraces and will be home to Banijay’s 250+ MIPCOM team; with the sales division on hand to offer stand-out titles to clients from a catalogue of more than 130,000 hours.

    Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay, said: “It has been three years since Banijay has exhibited at MIPCOM and our first major market since the acquisition of Endemol Shine, so we felt it important to present ourselves in a very prominent way.

     “This ground-breaking, eco-friendly project truly represents Banijay’s commitment to sustainability, re-enforcing our mission to reduce our carbon footprint and overall impact on the environment.

     “It’s the perfect engine room for our supersized team who will arrive at MIPCOM 2022 as one of the world’s biggest producers and distributors of TV content.”

     All panels have been flat-packed with a minimum of trucks required to transport the construction. To complement the eco-theme, the stand will feature many plants sourced from a local nursery, the programme catalogues and merchandise for clients are recyclable, and post-market, the stand will be stored less than 50km from Cannes.

    At MIPCOM, Banijay will unveil an impressive range of titles for its autumn slate including format highlights Starstruck, Blow Up, Love Triangle, Le Plus Grand Karaoké de France and MasterChef: Young Talent and Banijay Rights-fronted premium scripted titles: Marie Antoinette, Rogue Heroes, Bali 2002, Serial Lover, and third-party dramas Stonehouse and Riches. These break-out autumn highlights complement the 130,000 hours of globally renowned, stand-out IP within Banijay’s expansive travelling catalogue.

     Visit us at C.20 in front of the steps of the Palais des Festivals.

  8. UKTV Acquires High-End Drama Thriller, The Gulf, From Banijay Rights

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    Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, has sold premium drama title, The Gulf to UKTV for its local audiences. The series will air on the broadcaster’s crime drama channel, Alibi.

    The deal, which will see the 3 x 90’ series launching on Alibi in early Spring 2020, was brokered by Chris Stewart, Commercial Director – Scripted at Banijay Rights, and Daniel Thomas, Acquisitions Manager at UKTV.

    Daniel Thomas, Acquisitions Manager at UKTV comments, “We are really pleased to have acquired this exciting new thriller for Alibi as we continue to include the very best of international crime drama in our schedule. Our viewers are extremely discerning and The Gulf, with its unique take on a crime story set against the incredible backdrop of New Zealand, will have wide appeal.”

    Chris Stewart, Commercial Director – Scripted, Banijay Rights adds, “We are delighted that UKTV will be bringing this absorbing and original antipodean series to a UK audience where I’m sure it will engage a new legion of drama fans looking for their next crime fix. The Gulf, co-produced by Banijay Group’s Screentime New Zealand, has launched in New Zealand and in Germany to much acclaim and is proving to be a very desirable drama property for us with further sales already in the pipeline.”

    Elsewhere in Europe The Gulf will also travel to Poland, after being acquired by Canal+ for its channel, Ale Kino+.

    This follows hot on the heels of the previously announced U.S. pick up of the drama, where AMC Networks’ streaming service Sundance Now will feature the exclusive U.S. premiere of The Gulf beginning Wednesday, 4th December 2019.

    Domestically, the series was a ratings winner for New Zealand broadcaster TV3 and is the top performing mini-series of 2019 to date. The drama pulled in a launch audience 40% above the channel average. Meanwhile, in Germany The Gulf consistently outperformed the slot average by more than 10%.

    Recently launched at MIPCOM, German-New Zealand thriller The Gulf, (6 x 60’) centres around the moral disintegration of Detective Jess Savage, who finds herself caught between upholding the legal justice system and morality, as she investigates crimes on her home patch of Waiheke Island, New Zealand. The Gulf is an international co-production from Banijay Group’s Screentime New Zealand, Lippy Pictures, German fiction specialist Letterbox Filmproduktion, a member company of the Studio Hamburg Production Group, and broadcasters ZDF and TV3.

  9. Guinness World Records Inks Biggest Ever Option Deal With Banijay Group

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    Guinness World Records (GWR) has announced it will partner with Banijay Group in an international sales drive for its primetime family entertainment show format.  The year-long deal marks the world-famous brand’s biggest option deal to date and will span 15 key markets including UK/Eire, USA, Australia and Germany.  The format has already been produced by Banijay Group’s Magnolia in Italy as five-part series, La Notte Dei Record, which premiered on TV8 in 2018, achieving impressive audience figures 26% above the slot average.

     

    The adrenaline-fuelled studio format features record-breaking in all its forms with hopefuls going head-to-head in record challenges as well as established record-holders vying to break their own world bests, all under the watchful eye of the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS ™ adjudicator.

     

    Karen Gilchrist, Guinness World Records’ Director of Visual Content commented: “Just like our book, record-breaking has broad family appeal, making it perfect appointment-to-view entertainment.  Banijay’s contemporary approach to programme making and their in-depth market knowledge makes them the perfect partner for this project and we’re really looking forward to working together”

     

    Carlotta Rossi Spencer, SVP, Format Acquisitions, Banijay Group add: “The partnership with TGWR was a no brainer. With a brand that resonates worldwide, a format that is both scalable and hugely versatile, and an incredibly well-established audience and fan-base, the potential for a collaboration was obvious. Already we’ve seen the show perform well in Italy and are now looking forward to travelling it further across our footprint.”

     

    Celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2020, Guinness World Records has built up a massive global audience with over 16 million followers on Facebook, and over 5 million subscribers on YouTube.  It is also the third biggest brand in the world on TikTok with over 3 million followers. The world-famous book remains a perennial bestseller too with over 143 million copies sold to date.

     

    The 15 territories covered by the deal with Banijay Group are: UK/Eire; USA; Australia; New Zealand; Germany; France; Spain; Denmark; Norway; Sweden; Finland; Russia; Belgium; Netherlands and India.