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: Norway

  1. Banijay’s MasterChef Cooks Up Brand-New Iteration MasterChef: Young Talent

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    Banijay today announces that Viaplay Group has ordered first seasons of MasterChef: Young Talent in Denmark (MasterChef, De Unge Talenter) and Norway (MasterChef, Unge Talenter), produced by Banijay companies Metronome (Denmark) and Nordisk Banijay (Norway).

    The new iteration of the hit culinary format showcases promising chefs aged 13 – 18, who will have their culinary skills honed throughout the competition in a celebration of talent and regional gastronomic excellence. Each week under the eye of expert judges, the contestants will be faced with several tasks, and must produce exceptional food. The series culminates in one chef being crowned the MasterChef: Young Talent winner.

    This follows the news that Viaplay are bringing Celebrity MasterChef to the Netherlands for the first time this autumn, produced by SimpelZodiak, a Banijay Benelux company.

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay: “This exciting spin-off will showcase a new demographic of talent and equip a future generation of chefs with the best tools and experiences. It is the perfect example of MasterChef’s constant evolution as a format, and with Metronome and Nordisk Banijay building on their successful credits, audiences are set for some fantastic new MasterChef moments.”

     

    Kenneth Kristensen, SVP Non Scripted Content at Viaplay Group says: “MasterChef is an incredibly popular format for both young and old, and we are very proud to have the format on Viaplay. We were convinced that there are also many talented young people who can impress and surprise in the kitchen, and this assumption has been more than true. We are looking forward to showing our viewers MasterChef: Young Talent on Viaplay as the young talented chefs have excelled beyond all expectations. It’s always exciting to develop current formats, and here’s a super great example of a completely obvious spinoff.”

    MasterChef: Young Talent is the latest spin-off from the world’s most successful cookery television format which also includes Celebrity MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, Junior MasterChef, MasterChef All Stars, MasterChef Senior and the recently announced Young MasterChef (w/t) with BBC Three in the UK, which will be dedicated to up-and-coming young food talent between the ages of 18 and 25. Created by Franc Roddam, the show is produced in over 60 territories and celebrated its 500th series globally in 2021, with 49 productions airing in 33 territories last year. An international ratings hit, the current season of MasterChef in Denmark has seen strong ratings, with its debut exceeding the slot average by 110%+. Elsewhere, the recent finale of Argentina’s first ever Celebrity MasterChef peaked at an incredible 82.3% audience share.

    Nordisk Banijay, led by Erlend Hernø Røeggen, is well-known for producing top entertainment shows in the market. MasterChef: Young Talent will sit alongside 71 Degrees North, All Against 1 and Strictly Come Dancingin its slate.

    Headed up by Tina Christensen, Metronome boasts a strong portfolio producing both internationally known formats such as, LEGO® Masters, Hunted, The Block, Ex on the Beach and All Against 1. As well as creating its hit own IP such as Alone Together and Surviving the Wilderness.

  2. Condragulations – Banijay’s Drag Me Out Goes International

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    Banijay today announces Nordisk Film TV Norway is in production with the first international adaptation of Drag Me Out, and is set to air on discovery+ and TVNorge.

    Created by Mastiff TV Denmark, in Drag Me Out celebrities are welcomed into the sensational world of drag. In the Norwegian version, two celebrities go head-to-head in an epic drag contest, and a fabulous panel of judges will crown the evening’s best act. This is their time to shine and showcase all that their legendary drag mentors has taught them. The professional drag mentors will transform them, creating fierce new personas for the well-known faces, but also dig deep into the celebrities’ own personal stories and struggles.

    Erlend Hernø Røeggen, Managing Director at Nordisk Film TV Norway adds: “We can’t wait to spotlight LGBTQ+ culture with enthusiastic celebrities eager to turn gender on its head and fully embrace their inner drag. The beauty of this series is the combination of emotional stories, amazing makeovers and crazy stage performances. Bold, refreshing and iconic this is the perfect format to add to our slate.”

    Created by Mastiff TV Denmark the show aired on TV 2 Zulu and performed above slot average for 3+ and on the commercial demo. This format adds to several non-scripted titles which celebrate LGBTQ+ culture, and the Nordics are leading the way with Metronome’s Fabulous Dads another asset to Banijay’s catalogue.

    One of the longest running production companies in Norway, Nordisk Film TV Norway aims to create bold, unique content which inspires and entertains. It boasts an impressive slate such as hit formats 71 Degrees North, Born Winners and All Against 1.

  3. Ivar Køhn Takes Rubicon Helm as CEO

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    Banijay Nordic today announces a new senior appointment at Norwegian scripted label Rubicon, with Ivar Køhn taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer, joining from public broadcaster NRK.

    Køhn has been Head of Drama at NRK since 2013. Under his leadership, the network has fostered a strong portfolio of acclaimed hits, including Rubicon’s original series directed by Izer Aliu, Countrymen,which picked up a Cannes Series award in September, has been nominated for Best Script at this week’s Göteborg Film Festival, and will air in the US on NENT’s Viaplay, through a deal with Banijay Rights. Other recent successes include last year’s International Emmy winner, Atlantic Crossing, as well as high-profile scripted series 22 July, State of Happiness and Mammon 2.

    Prior to his time at NRK, Køhn spent six years leading the development and production department at the Norwegian Film Institute, and has previously held posts at the Norwegian Film Fund, Maipo Film and has also written and created his own scripted series.

    At Rubicon, Køhn will work with the company’s creative leaders, Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin, to further build the company’s pipeline of standout original programmes for the local and international market. He will take up the role on 1st May 2022, and will report to  Banijay Nordic’s CEO, Jacob Houlind, and the region’s Head of Scripted, Johannes Jensen.

    Norway’s leading drama production company, Rubicon, is behind a slate of freshly-created scripted productions. As well recent success Countrymen, Rubicon is also behind hit HBO Max series Beforeigners, which launched its second series last year across Europe and the US. Standout local talent, Eilif Skodvin and Anne Bjørnstad, are also behind global success Lillyhammer, and The Councilman, which was also adapted for the Dutch market.

    Ivar Køhn comments:  “I’ve had a great eight years with a skilled and committed gang in NRK’s ​​drama department, building a brilliant portfolio of hits. I feel very lucky to have been part of a very strong period of growth, at a broadcaster with a conscious and innovative relationship to both drama and publishing. The time now feels right for a change of editor, both for NRK, the industry and myself. There are great opportunities ahead for Norwegian drama, and to be involved in developing this through Rubicon TV will be challenging and super fun. The company is behind high-profile series such as Lilyhammer, Beforeigners and Countrymen, and is part of the worldwide community of producers in Banijay. I’m going to do something I’ve not done before, based on something I’ve been doing for quite some time.”

    Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin, Creative Directors at Rubicon comment: “Ivar has been one of the key figures in the successful development of Norwegian TV drama in recent years. He is globally recognised for his exceptional instinct in backing original ideas which become international hits. This, coupled with his industry know-how, vision and business sense, puts Rubicon in a fantastic position to further innovate and succeed both at home and abroad. We look forward to creating new, exciting stories together with Ivar.”

    Jacob Houlind, CEO at Banijay Nordic says: “Ivar Køhn has a stellar reputation across the scripted industry globally, and especially here in the Nordics. His knowledge of drama in Norway is second to none, and having already worked with Rubicon on several shows, he is the perfect match to lead the team. I’m looking forward to discovering the future stories and projects the new Rubicon team will create for the local and international market.”

    Banijay Nordic encompasses the region’s very best scripted labels, behind internationally-recognised drama and comedy. Recent and forthcoming credits from around the region include Yellowbird/Jarowskij film, Ur Spår, which launched in theatres in Sweden last week,  Ronja the Robber’s Daughter(Filmlance for Viaplay), A Class Apart (Jarowskij in co-production with Brommamamma, Film I Väst and Nent Group for Viaplay), Bäckström (Yellow Bird for CMore/ TV4), Young Wallander 2 and Playlist(Yellow Bird UK for Netflix), Detective Marie Kallio (Banijay Finland for CMore), and Filmlance’s long-running detective drama Beck (Filmlance for CMore).

    Håkon Briseid, who was announced as CEO in September, took the decision to embark on an alternative role prior to officially joining the business.

  4. Rubicon Unveils Countrymen for NRK

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    Banijay today announces Countrymen, a new scripted series from Norwegian label, Rubicon, for public broadcaster NRK, in co-production with Arte France and distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

     

    Countrymen sees four men with dubious plans move to a farm in the rural Norwegian countryside. More or less against their will, they end up as the founders of Norway’s first halal cheesemaking business.

     

    The 8-part series is created and written by award-winning director and screenwriter, Izer Aliu (Hunting Files), along with Rubicon’s Anne Bjørnstad. The lead actors are Nader Khademi (Ninjababy, Beforeigners, Homeground, Witch Hunt), Ayaz Hussain (Kasim Bæder), Jonas Strand Gravli (Ragnarok, Wisting, July 22) Arben Bala (Exit, Lilyhammer) and Erika Strand Mamelund.

     

    Anne Bjørnstad, Creative Director at Rubicon comments: “This metaphoric concept will get people talking here in Norway, and also resonate with global audiences. This high-quality series has been elevated with Izer Aliu writing and directing, and we are proud to create characters which are so brilliantly portrayed with warmth and humour by our cast.

     

    One of Norway’s leading drama production companies, Rubicon, is behind a slate of original scripted productions, and recently announced Håkon Briseid has been appointed as CEO, joining early next year.

     

    Credits include Beforeigners, which is available across HBO Europe territories, and via HBO Max in the U.S. Season two will launch later this year with Paul Kaye (Game of Thrones), Ann Akin (I May Destroy You), Jade Anouka (Cleaning Up), Billy Postlethwaite (Chenobyl), and Philip Rosch (The King) joining the cast.

     

    Other credits include coming-of-age story Nach for Discovery Nordic, distributed by Banijay Rights.Rubicon and its creative leaders Eilif Skodvin and Anne Bjørnstad are also behind global success Lillyhammer, and The Councilman, which was adapted for the Dutch market.

     

    Banijay is home to the world’s best scripted producers, with over 50 diverse, award-winning labels across the company’s footprint in the UK, US, Australia, Germany, Benelux, Iberia, Israel, Italy, Poland, Russia, India and across the Nordics.

  5. Banijay Nordic Appoints New CEO at Rubicon

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    Banijay Nordic today announces a new senior appointment at Norwegian scripted label Rubicon, with Håkon Briseid taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer.

     

    Håkon Briseid joins Rubicon from Norway’s Monster, where he has held responsibility for the company’s scripted division for over a decade. During his time at Monster, Briseid has executive produced numerous hit dramas including The Half Brother, Nobel, Borderliner, Young&Promising, Pørni and upcoming Furia.

    In his position at Rubicon, Håkon Briseid will report to Banijay Nordic’s CEO, Jacob Houlind, and the region’s Head of Scripted, Johannes Jensen. With a remit to further grow Rubicon’s output, he will work with creative leaders, Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin, on building the company’s line-up of critically-acclaimed, original content for both the Norwegian and international market. Briseid will take up the position early in 2022.

    One of Norway’s leading drama production companies, Rubicon, is behind a slate of freshly created scripted productions, including Beforeigners, which is available across HBO Europe territories, and via HBO Max in the U.S. Season two will launch later this year with Paul Kaye (Game of Thrones), Ann Akin (I May Destroy You), Jade Anouka (Cleaning Up), Billy Postlethwaite (Chenobyl), and Philip Rosch (The King) joining the cast.

    Other credits include coming-of-age story Nach for Discovery Nordic, distributed by Banijay Rights, and a soon to be announced project for NRK. Eilif Skodvin and Anne Bjørnstad are also behing global success Lillyhammer, and The Councilman, which was also adapted for the Dutch market.

    Håkon Briseid comments: “Sixteen years at Monster speaks for itself. It has been a fantastic ride and I am extremely proud of my colleagues and the upcoming slate. This is an opportunity I could not let go, as I have long-admired Rubicon’s slate of scripted series which shines a light on topics in the the local and international zeitgeist. Eilif and Anne have a distinctive voice, often with a satirical twist, allowing the audience to connect with characters in a unique way. I look forward to working with them and the rest of the talented team at Rubicon, as well as joining the unrivalled community of scripted producers at Banijay.”

    Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin, Creative Directors at Rubicon comment: “We’re delighted Håkon has decided to join Rubicon as our CEO. He has a deep understanding of the local and global market, and it’s brilliant to have a well-respected leader team up with us, especially with a second season of Beforeigners on the horizon, and as we enter the next phase of creating new projects for our eclectic slate.”

     

    Jacob Houlind, CEO at Banijay Nordic says: “Nordic scripted content continues to take the world by storm, and we are incredibly proud of Rubicon’s productions. This appointment cements the company’s position as an industry trailbrazer.”

     

    Johannes Jensen, Group Head of Scripted Banijay Nordic adds: “Håkon Briseid is a proven scripted leader and the ideal person to join Eilif and Anne as they continue to create premium, original programming for Norway and beyond.”

     

    Banijay Nordic encompasses the region’s very best scripted labels, behind internationally-recognised drama and comedy. Joining Rubicon’s Beforeigners (HBO) and Nach (Discovery Nordic), are forthcoming credits such as Vinterviken/ JJ & E (Filmlance for Netflix and SVT), Ronja (Filmlance for Viaplay),  A Class Apart (Jarowskij in co-production with Brommamamma, Film I Väst and Nent Group for Viaplay), Snow Angels (Yellow Bird for SVT), Young Wallander 2 and Spotify Untold (Yellow Bird UK for Netflix) and Detective Marie Kallio (Banijay Finland for CMore).

     

  6. Norwegian Scripted Label Rubicon Lands New Coming-of-Age Drama

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    Banijay today announces Norwegian scripted label, Rubicon, has produced a new eight-part drama for Discovery Nordic, which is set to be released soon.

     

    Nach, or “After Party” in English, follows university dropout Selma (Sarah Francesca Brænne) as she struggles with feelings for her half-sister’s boyfriend August (Fredrik Stenberg Ditlev-Simonsen). After being thrown out of her houseshare, she moves in with big sister Elin (Ingrid Giæver) and becomes caught up with emotions for her sister’s boyfriend. The situation unravels during eight very different after parties throughout the summer.

     

    The series is set to launch on Discovery Nordic this spring. Anne Bjørnstad and Fridrik H. Mar serves as Executive Producers for Rubicon AS and Fredrik Kvåle Dørum serves as Executive Producer for Discovery Networks Norway AS. Produced by Stine Blichfeldt. The series was written by Mads Stegger and Ernst De Geer and the Directors are Ernst De Geer and Fanny Ovesen.

     

    Nach will be distributed internationally, outside of Discovery Nordic markets, by Banijay Rights.

     

    Lars Blomgren, Head of Scripted at Banijay says: “Norwegian drama is well-known for its fantastic quality and Nach lives up to all expectations of the market’s creativity. This nostalgic tale of life blossoming into adulthood is beautifully produced and is a wonderful addition to Banijay’s scripted slate.”

     

    Anne Bjørnstad at Rubicon says; “Nach captures the borrowed time and carefree atmosphere of a party before daybreak when real life hasn’t yet begun. It mirrors the phase when young people make momentous decisions which alter their path forever. This realistic drama portrays this unique time of the human journey and will have viewers hooked.”

     

    One of Norway’s leading drama production companies, Rubicon, is behind numerous scripted hits, including Lilyhammer, created by Eilif Skodvin and Anne Bjørnstad, and The Councilman, which was also adapted for the Dutch market.

     

    Rubicon’s most recent success is Beforeigners for HBO, airing across Europe and in the US on HBO Max. Production on the second series is underway, also written and created by Eilif Skodvin and Anne Bjørnstad.

  7. Banijay Names Jacob Houlind CEO for Banijay Nordic

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    Leading content producer and distributor, Banijay, today confirms Jacob Houlind as CEO, Banijay Nordic. Set to oversee all operations across its portfolio of 24 companies, his remit spans Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and the UK and U.S., following the recent expansion of Yellow Bird.

     

    Driving a multi-brand strategy, which promotes creativity, diversity and originality, Houlind will be at the forefront of managing the territory’s investment in creativity and content development. Finding, nurturing and developing talent, he will continue to build a home for the best creatives across the Nordics. And, together with Banijay and Banijay Rights, the Nordic division will continue to focus on local and innovative IP with global appeal.

     

    Bringing together a leading offering, the Banijay Nordic portfolio comprises – Norway: Mastiff, Nordisk Film & TV, Rubicon and Screen Media; Sweden: Meter, Mastiff, Jarowskij, Nordisk Film TV, Filmlance, YellowBird, STO-CPH, Factory and MAG5; Finland: Banijay Finland, EndemolShine Finland and Zodiak Finland; Denmark: Metronome, Mastiff, Nordisk Film TV, Pineapple Entertainment, Banijay Nordic Mobile and Respirator; UK: YellowBird UK and U.S.: Yellow Bird US.A creative hotbed, the business produces some of the region’s biggest hits including Survivor, The Island, Fort Boyard, MasterChef, All Against 1, Best Singer, Big Brother, Luxury Trap, Biggest Loser, 71 Degrees North, The Wall, Paradise Hotel,All Together Now, Good Morningand Evening Denmark, Good Morning and Evening Norway, Millennium, The Bridge, Wallander and Netflix’s upcoming Young Wallander, Khalifate, Beck, The Restaurant and Sandham Murders.

     

    The integration process is now in progress and is expected to be complete by the fall. Karin Stjärne will subsequently leave the business on 31 August 2020 having been CEO of Endemol Shine Nordics since 2017. While in role, she built a successful operation, increased international format sales, secured a number of new titles including Family Food Fight, The Wall, The Heist and Lego Masters, and drove a number of returners such as Biggest Loser and Big Brother. Widening the footprint of MasterChef both in number of episodes, spin-off series and new productions across the Nordics, she also helped Norwegian label Rubicon thrive, supporting the sale of the first original Norwegian drama, Beforeigners, to HBO Nordic.

     

    Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay comments: “Jacob has long been a part of Banijay’s journey. An entrepreneur with a strong creative eye, he is an admirable leader, commercially astute and the best pair of hands to oversee what will be an even more significant region for us moving forwards. With scale, an immense portfolio of IP and some of the best talent in the business, we are excited to see what he and the team have in store for the future. In the meantime, I’d like to thank Karin for her efforts over the years in building up the EndemolShine Nordics portfolio and production offering.”

     

    Jacob Houlind comments:“Banijay Nordic has long been the home of some of the region’s strongest talent and I am honoured to be welcoming a host of new creative entrepreneurs into the fold. Combining the strengths of both groups and continuing a multi-brand strategy with a strong focus on creativity, I hope Banijay Nordic will long-continue to be a renowned home for the best creatives in the region – on and off-screen, and a home for IP that travels the world. A special thanks goes to Karin who has built a strong operation in EndemolShine Nordics and successfully put new and successful scripted, as well as non-scripted titles on the Nordic map.”

     

    Houlind has been Group CEO and co-owner of Nordisk Film TV since February 2006, selling the company to Banijay in 2009. He later took up the position of Group CEO of Banijay Nordic, as a result of the merger of former Nordisk Film TV in the Nordics and Zodiak Media.

  8. Norwegian Prime Minister to play All Against 1 on NRK

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    Norwegian PM Erna Solberg will play against the nation in a special episode of All Against 1 on Norway’s national day, May 17th. The Høyre/conservative party leader will compete against the viewers as a usual player, solving tasks and experiments themed for the national day.

     

    All Against 1 season 3 has already succeeded in gathering Norwegian families this winter, with an average share of 53% and 817,000 viewers every Saturday. Staying on-air during the Covid-19 crisis, production made some creative adjustments in line with the new regulations and post-lockdown, the ratings went up.

     

    May 17th has always been a day where families and communities gather to walk in parades, eat lots of ice cream and play fun games like the potato run, sack race and tug of war. In this special episode, the Prime Minister will face experiments and challenges inspired by these games and even more importantly: the families can gather around the TV and still get a piece of the national day fun, regardless of the corona restrictions.

     

    Erlend Hernø Røeggen, CEO in Nordisk Film TV Norway said: “It’s great news and so exciting! Hats off to the team that managed to pull this season off against the odds, showing that it’s still possible to gather families around the TV at the weekend. The prime minister’s appearance in the show confirms the status and the strength of All Against 1, even in challenging times.”

     

    All Against 1 was co-developed by Nordisk Film TV Norway and Nordisk Film TV Denmark. Banijay Rights sells the format and finished tape globally. There have been six versions of the show to date worldwide.

  9. Mastiff Norway Takes Over Production on Good Morning Norway

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    TV2 today confirms Mastiff Norway, a Banijay Group company, is set to take over production on its leading breakfast show, God Morgen Norge (Good Morning Norway) following a competitive pitch.

     

    Airing daily Monday to Friday, the show combines features, celebrity chat, music, news and weather, and has enjoyed a successful run on TV2 since 1994. Mastiff Norway will begin production on the show in the fall and is tasked with developing the format further to refresh the show and grow the audience.

     

    “God Morgen Norge is a programme of great importance for TV 2. We will continue to focus on the programme’s further development and have therefore entered into an agreement extended for five years of production with Mastiff. Mastiff is one of Norway’s very best production companies, and we are confident that God Morgen Norge will have a good home here”, says Sarah C. J. Willand, Head of Organization and Communications, TV 2.

     

    Jacob Houlind, CEO, Banijay Nordic comments: “God Morgen Norge has long served as a key brand in TV 2’s schedule and we are proud that Mastiff Norway will now be taking the lead in driving this show to new heights.”

     

    “We are proud and very happy. It’s not every day you get a contract for ten seasons, and over 3000 hours of TV”, says Kathrine Haldorsen CEO Mastiff Norway. “Mastiff outmatched twelve companies in the long and extensive pitching process. The takeover of God Morgen Norge strengthen Mastiffs role as Norway’s leading production company in the factual genre. This is for sure a team victory lead by Mastiff Norway COO Jostein Olseng and the rest of the fantastic Mastiff team in Oslo!”

     

    The deal builds on Mastiff Norway’s existing relationship with TV 2, as producers of Å Crime Scene Norge, TV2 Helps You, Health Control , Food Control, and Good Evening Norway. Elsewhere in the Banijay Nordic footprint, its sister company, Nordisk Film TV Denmark, is the lead producer on Good Morning Denmark for TV2 Denmark.