Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.
Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.

Tag Archive: NL Film

  1. NL Film Signs First-Look Deal with sunny pictures

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    Banijay Benelux today announces its award-winning scripted label, NL Film, has signed a first-look deal with sunny pictures, a newly-established production company.

    Led by influential forces Paula van der Oest and Mark van Eeuwen, sunny pictures crafts bold, original, and high-quality films and television for both local and international audiences. Through this collaboration, NL Film and sunny pictures will join forces to elevate their creative and production capabilities, and by combining strengths they will deliver powerful, impactful projects, while expanding their respective slates.

    Oscar-nominated Van der Oest, an acclaimed filmmaker with 25 years’ experience, is known for her expertly crafted direction and storytelling, and has a focus on attracting and mentoring new talent and experienced creators, driving projects with fresh creativity. Meanwhile, Van Eeuwen, producer of Stromboli and De Joodse Raad, oversees production and international financing. The two producers previously collaborated at Levitate Film, and together they form a powerhouse duo with the expertise and knowledge to bring high-quality projects to the local and international stage.

    Dennis Cornelisse, Managing Director of NL Film, says: “We are committed to ambitiously growing NL Film, and this partnership with exceptional talent like Paula and Mark, further builds our creative position. Working with Sunny Pictures, with Paula’s reputation as one of the Netherlands’ most acclaimed directors and screenwriters, and Mark’s extensive experience with large-scale financing, represents a major step in strengthening our rich portfolio of films and series.”

    Paula van der Oest and Mark van Eeuwen, founders and producers of sunny pictures, say: “We have a strong connection with the NL Film team; its passion and energy for creating outstanding drama and film perfectly aligns with our own. In uniting forces, we can bring a more ambitious slate to the market, knowing we have first-class production partners and a distribution engine to boot.”

    Recent and forthcoming credits for NL Film include Escape from Albatros, which launched on NPO3 earlier this week; Full Moon, a feature-film for Prime Video, and Bij Heldere Hemel, a forthcoming drama for EO, shedding light on an infamous fireworks disaster. The company also created travelling scripted format Penoza, which returning to Poland after an eight-year hiatus, underscoring the company’s ability to create content resonating with audiences worldwide.

    NL Film is part of Banijay Entertainment’s broader line-up of over 60 scripted labels globally, with an impressive oeuvre of short and feature-length films, youth drama and television series.

  2. Banijay Entertainment’s Scripted Crime Format Penoza Returns to Poland

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    Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces the return of crime thriller Penoza to Polish screens. After an eight-year hiatus, Banijay label Endemol Shine Poland is producing a third season, which will air on TVP 2 in the spring.

    Originally created by NL Film, part of Banijay Benelux, the award-winning format, Penoza, has been adapted in seven markets across Europe and the US.  In this Polish series, Agata Kulesza reprises her role as Carmen, a resilient woman entangled in the dangerous male-dominated world of organised crime. This new season picks up with her release from prison, as she seeks a peaceful life as a wife and mother. However, her hopes are dashed as she is once again drawn into the ruthless underworld. It’s a gripping story of survival, directed by Michał Rogalski (The Spy’s Bay, War Girls).

    Małgorzata Perkowska-Czaja, MD, Endemol Shine Poland says: “The return of Penoza in Poland marks a significant new chapter in our broader strategy to strengthen not only our slate of entertainment hits, but to build our scripted portfolio. With an incredible storyline, high-production values, and a focus on the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal world, this gripping series showcases our expertise and commitment to delivering contemporary productions with wide audience appeal.”

    Endemol Shine Poland has over 20 years’ experience producing hit shows including local adaptations of renowned brands Good Luck Guys, SAS: Who Dares Wins, Boomerissima, Drag Me Out, Don’t Forget The Lyrics, MasterChef, LEGO Masters, and All Together Now, amongst others. In addition, it is behind premium scripted programming such as Our Century for TVP 1, and Squared Love for Netflix.

  3. NL Film Shines Bright with Full Moon

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces NL Film, a Banijay Benelux company, has struck a deal with Searchers and Prime Video, to distribute their latest feature film, Full Moon. The very first Dutch film to be filmed entirely in Thailand, it will be released in local cinemas in 2025, as well as Prime Video.

    Full Moon, directed by David Cocheret (De Slet van 6VWO, SpangaS) with screenplay written by  Brian De Vore (SpangaS, Misfit: The Series, Costa!! de serie), follows four friends in their thirties who travel to Thailand for a holiday filled with parties and adventure. When the body of a young woman washes up after a wild ‘Full Moon Party’, the four best friends wind up as the main suspects, and what should have been a carefree holiday quickly turns into a horrific nightmare. Directed by David Cocheret, the four main roles are played by Yannick Jozefzoon (Femi, Santos), Kay Greidanus (Net als in de film, Commando’s), Matthijs van de Sande Bakhuyzen (De Stamhouder, Billy the Kid) and Joep Paddenburg (Jippie No More!, Tegendraads).  

    Dennis Cornelisse, Managing Director and Producer of NL Film: “Full Moon is a remarkable project, having been entirely shot in Thailand with a Thai and Dutch crew under challenging circumstances. Moreover, the film combines various genres from bromance to action thriller, making it a broadly appealing and valuable addition to our portfolio and to Dutch cinema. With its universal theme, we hope to see this gripping thriller gain exposure beyond its Dutch borders and capture global audiences, whilst also demonstrating its great potential as a travelling format.”

    David Cocheret, director of Full Moon: “Filming for a full month in Thailand was an unforgettable experience that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss. Despite the differences between Dutch and Thai culture – such as the necessary blessing of the set by a monk for the Thai crew — we found a common language in the film. I am proud of the crew and look forward to the result.” 

    Full Moon is being produced by NL Film and hs been made possible by the Netherlands Film Production Incentive, Searchers, and Prime Video. The film is currently in post-production and is set to be released in Dutch cinemas in 2025. NL Film is part of Banijay’s broader line-up of over 60 scripted labels globally, with an impressive oeuvre of short and feature-length films, youth drama and television series. 

  4. Banijay Unveils New Scripted Initiative Banijay Bootcamp

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    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces Banijay Bootcamp, a new creative programme for scripted talent, set to facilitate collaborative storytelling by pairing in-house development executives with emerging writers in a dynamic residency.

    Led by Steve Matthews, Content Executive at Banijay, Banijay Bootcamp is facilitated through the established MIDPOINT Institute’s Series Launch programme which Matthews has been part of since its inception in 2015. Working with Matthews is Portocabo’s Head of Content Nina Hernández along with guest tutor Tatjana Samopjan.

    Starting this week in Prague, with two residencies across three months, a cohort of five Banijay development executives from Mexico, Spain, France, Israel, and the Netherlands, will each be mentored with a writer to develop an idea, storyline, plot and script.

    Participants in the inaugural Banijay Bootcamp include Clara Machado (Endemol Shine Boomdog) with Carl Zitelmann, Anita Pico (Zeppelin) with Carlotta Dans and Lucía Estévez (Portocabo), Héloïse Ridoux (Banijay Studios France) with Quentin Elles, Adi Bar Yossef (Endemol Shine Israel) with Elad Laor, and Claire Zhou (NL Film) with Leon Golterman.

    Steve Matthews, Content Executive at Banijay, says: “Banijay Bootcamp will see our in-house development storymakers and their chosen writers sharpen skills to further understand the deep structure of an idea and how to make it the very best version possible. They’ll expertly demolish and rebuild to make projects sharp and – yes, commercial. In an increasingly competitive market, productions need to be really, really, good, so this is really about supporting development executives and writers, strengthening the next-generation across the footprint.”

    Banijay is home to a diverse range of over 60 labels working within scripted. Highly-anticipated forthcoming titles include Ripley, This Town, Supersex, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, Carême, Elixer, Supporting Actor, Like Water for Chocolate, series two of The Golden Hour and many many more.

    Banijay Bootcamp is one of many of the group’s initiatives designed to accelerate and support talent and supercharge creativity, including Banijay Launch, which supports women creators with promising unscripted formats, providing in-house mentorships to aid them in developing bold new formats from concept to pitch to sale.

    Based in Prague, MIDPOINT Institute is an international centre for audiovisual training and networking which offers comprehensive professional support in film and series development, individual skills development, and post-production. MIDPOINT is devoted to helping emerging and mid-career professionals advance their projects and improve their craft.

  5. NL Film Announces New Senior Team

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    Banijay Benelux today confirms new senior team at NL Film with Dennis Cornelisse taking over as Managing Director and Wynand Chocolaad joining as Head of Productions, with both roles effective immediately.

    Cornelisse, who previously served as Producer at NL Film, is replacing Alex Doff, COO at Banijay Benelux. Having been the driving force behind many successful productions including The Golden Hour, Anoniem,Rundfunk, Neem me mee, Costa!! and De Regels van Floor, he will take over the strategic direction of NL Film and strengthen the portfolio of projects in development.

    Peter Lubbers, CEO at Banijay Benelux: “Dennis’ deep knowledge of the world of films and drama series combined with his experience, proven track record, and leadership, make him the perfect candidate to take on NL Film. I look forward to seeing the next phase of growth and creative ambition he will bring to the label.”

    Reinforcing the creative team, Chocolaad is joining as Head of Productions. Previously at Lemming Film, he brings a wealth of experience having spent 16 years at NL Film, where he built, and subsequently maintained strong ties with the creative team. In addition to supervising all productions, he will ensure departments are fully supported and maximised.

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

     

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

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

  7. NL Film Unveils New Creative Team

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    Banijay Benelux today unveils the new creative team of NL Film, with acclaimed director Anne de Clercq joining to lead the charge, along with senior promotions from within the business.

    The new Creative Director, de Clercq will manage NL Film’s creative team and portfolio, alongside her directing work. She will work closely with Jochum ten Haaf, who has been promoted to Head of Development, along with Creative Producers Henriette Drost and Claire Zhou. The NL Film ‘Creative Room’ will develop new stories and acquire IP to strengthen the business, producing films for large audiences as well as internationally driven drama series.

    Dennis Cornelisse, Production Director at NL Film, says: “Anne is one of the best in the business, she is multi-talented, inspiring and a highly in-demand creative. With her infectious enthusiasm and knowledge about the profession, along with her track record as a director, she will add great value to our company. The team is now complete with Jochum, Henriette and Claire and we can’t wait to see the new projects they develop together with Anne.”

     Anne de Clerq, Creative Director NL Film, adds; “I have a huge amount of energy for this new step in my career. NL Film is widely known for its quality drama and films, which perfectly suits my penchant for telling beautiful, catchy stories with imperfect characters. I am very much looking forward to working and collaborating with my new ambitious colleagues.”

    Versatile drama and film director, de Clercq has an extensive track record across film, television, and commercial content. A specialist in feel-good films that don’t shy away from the pain, she is one of the most sought-after directors in the Netherlands. Recent credits include cinema hit Soof 3 and Snelle- Zonder Jas Naar Buiten, a documentary about Dutch rapper and singer Snelle.

    Meanwhile, new Head of Development, ten Haaf is mostly known as an actor for his role as Vincent van Gogh in the West End and Broadway. His love of drama originated with his writing career, and his credits include numerous successful series including Commandos, Heer & Meester and Dokter Tinus.

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

  8. NL Film Appoints Sabine Brian as MD and Diederik Van Rooijen as Creative Director

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    NL Film, a Banijay company, today announces new senior leadership structure with Sabine Brian taking up the post of Managing Director and Diederik van Rooijen of Creative Director.

    Diederik van Rooijen, the TV and film director of hit NL Film series, Penoza, will start his new role in March, where he will be jointly responsible for the development and sales of new drama series and films.

    In his new position, Van Rooijen will work closely with Sabine Brian, who has been promoted to Managing Director. Formerly a producer at the company, her recent credits include The Resistance Banker, Stanley H, Commandos and Penoza: The Final Chapter. Joining Brian in the management of NL Film is Ronald Versteeg, who will continue his role as Business Director. Together, they are responsible for the daily running of the production company.

    Former Creative Director Kaja Wolffers leaves the company after more than ten years to pursue a role at Amazon Prime.

    Sabine Brian, Managing Director NL Film comments: “Diederik is incredibly talented, a creative jack-of-all-trades, in both development and production, and he is a great addition to the team. Having previously worked together, I see huge opportunity for us to develop more high-quality series and films for different target groups, channels and platforms. Kaja played a major role in positioning NL Film as a quality international producer and we wish him all the best in his new role at Amazon Prime. After ten fantastic years working with Kaja, I look forward to growing NL Film, together with Ronald, both here in the Netherlands and internationally.”

    Diederik van Rooijen, Creative Director NL Film comments: “I am really looking forward to embarking on this adventure together with Sabine and Ronald, in addition to developing NL Film’s portfolio within the Dutch and international market. No guts, no glory has always been my motto and I want to prove projects can never be too original and creative. Nowadays, films and series are available all over the world, so it is even more important to distinguish yourself with creativity.”

    In addition to recruiting Diederik van Rooijen, Boudewijn Rosenmuller, currently working as Creative Producer at NL Film, has been appointed Head of Development.

  9. Four Acclaimed Dutch Dramas from NL Film Picked Up Internationally

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    NL Film, a Banijay company today confirms the sale of Commandos, The Columnist, Floor Rules and Remy and Juliyat to international streamers and broadcasters.

     

    Ten-part thriller Commandos follows Commander John de Koning as he struggles to come to terms with his recent failed mission in Nigeria, while protecting his former comrades from a murderer. Produced by NL Film and commissioned by AVROTROS, the Dutch hit has been picked up by SBS in Australia and TOPIC for the United States and Canada. The deal was agreed by French distributor Lagardère Studios Distribution.

     

    The Columnist launched on NPO 3 in January and follows Femke, a writer seeking to take revenge following a bout of personal attacks on social media. Supported by CoBO and BNNVARA, the telefilm has sold to Film Movement (US and Canada), Prio Spain (Spain), Vertigo Film (UK, Australia, and New Zealand), and Evrit (South Korea). First noticed at festivals in Germany, Canada, UK, Romania, Norway and the US, the dark comedy scooped an Audience Award at Fantasia Festival in Montreal.

     

    International Emmy Kids Awards-winner, Floor Rules, based on Marjon Hoffman’s series of novels, centres around Floor, a young girl who believes children should be able to create rules too and shares what she has learnt with her peers. From the very beginning, the youth-skewing series has been an enormous success, not only in the Netherlands but also beyond its borders having travelled to Germany via KiKa, France via Canal+, Belgium via VRT, Denmark via Danmarks Radio, Norway via NRK and has sold to Spanish broadcaster TV Catalunya.

     

    Last year NPO Zapp viewers followed the extraordinary love story of Remy and Juliyat, a modern retelling of the Shakespearean classic with all the drama, love and moral dilemmas. Produced by NL Film, and commissioned by AVROTROS, the show is now set for Finnish YLE and RTV Slovenia, the latter on which it will air as a film.

     

    The Columnist, Floor Rules and Remy and Juliyat are all distributed by Dutch Features.

     

    Creative Director and Producer NL Film Kaja Wolffers comments: “It’s great to see our diverse portfolio capturing more and more attention beyond its national borders. We are proud that the work of these creators is now visible outside the Netherlands, and hope the growing exposure continues to put future NL Film projects in the spotlight.”