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: NRK

  1. Banijay Rights Triumphs with Bergerac International Deals

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    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces landmark acquisitions of major new six-part drama series Bergerac ahead of this month’s London TV Screenings.

    In deals negotiated across the Banijay Rights global sales team, Bergerac has been acquired by NPO in Netherlands, VRT in Belgium, SVT in Sweden, YLE in Finland, NRK in Norway, DR in Denmark, BBC First in Poland and TVNZ in New Zealand. ABC in Australia has also acquired the series, as previously announced.

    Produced by BlackLight TV, part of Banijay UK, Jersey-based Westward Studios and supported by Visit Jersey for U&DRAMA in the UK, the 6 x 60’ series sees Damien Molony (The Split, Brassic, Crashing) star in the iconic role of Jim Bergerac.

    Based on the original series created by Robert Banks Stewart, which starred John Nettles and ran for nine series on the BBC between 1981 and 1991, this modern re-imagining honours the iconic detective drama, but with a contemporary twist. Unlike the original hit from the 80s, the new series sees one character-led murder mystery run across all six episodes, in place of a new storyline each episode.

    Claire Jago, EVP Sales & Acquisitions EMEA, Banijay Rights said: “Bergerac is an enthralling, contemporary re-imagining of the much-loved 1980s crime drama, once again set in Jersey and featuring the iconic Triumph Roadster car. We have a fantastic new cast, writing and directing talent and are privileged to bring this drama to broadcasters and platforms around the world as we head into London TV Screenings this month.”

    Ben Bickerton, BlackLight TV, said: “We are so excited to be bringing back such an iconic title that means so much to so many people. With Toby Whithouse’s compelling scripts and Colm McCarthy’s outstanding direction, the relaunch will delight fans of the original and introduce Bergerac, and the beautiful island of Jersey, to a new audience around the world.”

    Bergerac is written by Toby Whithouse (The Red King, Being Human), alongside Brian Fillis (Trust, Sirens), Catherine Tregenna (The One That Got Away, Three Pines) and Polly Buckle (Love Rat, A Discovery of Witches). The drama also features Zoë Wanamaker (My Family, Shadow and Bone, Black Ops) as Charlie Hungerford, Philip Glenister (Steeltown Murders, Life on Mars) as Arthur Wakefield and introduces Chloé Sweet Love as Jim’s daughter, Kim.

    Viewers meet Bergerac (Molony) as a broken man, grappling with grief and alcoholism following his wife’s recent death. His mother-in-law, Charlie (Wanamaker), is concerned Jim isn’t putting his daughter Kim first and, when a woman from a wealthy Jersey family is murdered, Jim must fight through his personal struggles to become the formidable investigator he once was. With a troublesome convict resurfacing from his past, Bergerac is required to call on his sharp investigative instincts and past successes to navigate the intricate family dynamics, and watchful eyes of the police force, in order to solve the case.

    The series was commissioned by Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning for UKTV, with Helen Perry, head of drama commissioning, acting as executive producer for UKTV. Executive producers for BlackLight TV are Ben Bickerton, Philip Trethowan and Toby Whithouse. Brian Constantine is executive producer for Westward Studios. The series is directed by Colm McCarthy (The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself, Peaky Blinders) and Sean Spencer (The Lazarus Project, A Town Called Malice) and produced by Clare Alan (Resistance, Rebellion).

    Bergerac is one of several scripted highlights on Banijay Entertainment’s slate for London TV Screenings 2025, with the content powerhouse’s full line up due to be announced shortly. The Banijay Entertainment Showcase will be held on Wednesday 26th February at BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly.

     

  2. Rubicon’s Still Breathing and The Strain Tackle Healthcare and Justice Systems

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    Norwegian creative powerhouse, Rubicon TV, part of Banijay Nordic, today announces two powerful new character-driven drama series, Still Breathing and The Strain, both for NRK.

    Still Breathing is an emotionally-charged 16-episode medical drama following four ambitious medical interns working at a struggling Norwegian hospital. Facing the harsh realities of an overstretched medical system, with rising patient numbers and dwindling resources, the young interns grapple with the complex ethical dilemmas of providing care in a system stretched to its limits. The characters learn that compassion alone may not be enough, and they are forced to grow in ways they never expected. The series explores the cracks in the system, while offering a glimmer of hope as the interns fight for a better healthcare future.

    The Strain is a high-stakes, six-episode crime thriller, where a former lawyer-turned- gardener is thrust into the underworld to save her daughter after a reckless mistake puts them both in danger. When the police fail to help, the mother is pushed to break the law, discovering a darker side of herself in the process. Set in an isolated Norwegian community where people do things their own way, the series blends gritty realism with suspense and action, exploring how far a mother will go when society’s safety net crumbles.

    Ivar Køhn, CEO of Rubicon, and Executive Producer, says: “These series underscore Rubicon’s commitment to crafting stories examining contemporary societal issues. Still Breathing sheds light on the critical issues of public healthcare, while The Strain confronts the impact of a fragmented justice system. Even with dark undertones, these dramas do offer viewers optimism, and while deeply rooted in Norwegian culture, they explore universal themes of hope, sacrifice and determination, making them perfect for NRK and bring wider international appeal.”

    Oslo-based Rubicon TV is behind a range of original comedy and drama for the local and international market. The company is behind recent Netflix success, Billionaire’s Island, as well as other creative hits Beforeigners (HBO) and The Countrymen (NRK).

    In line with Banijay Entertainment’s commitment to championing creative ambition, Still Breathing has been supported by the company’s Scripted Fund. Available to producers across the group’s footprint, the fund enhances the scope of projects, allowing creatives to fully realise their vision. Other recent scripted initiatives include Banijay Bootcamp, which paired in-house development executives from five different countries with emerging writers in a dynamic residency.

  3. Banijay Kids & Family Secures Raft of Sales for Charlie and Lola

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    Banijay Kids & Family, a global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies!and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, today announces multiple international sales for preschool animation series Charlie and Lola. The deals were secured by the company’s distribution arm, Banijay Kids & Family Distribution.

    A Tiger Aspect Kids & Family property, seasons 1-3, plus two specials, have been sold to TG4 (Ireland), and relicensed by WDR (Germany). Asiana (Korea) has taken seasons 1-3; seasons 2-3 have been picked up by NRK (Norway); and seasons 1-2, plus two specials, have been relicensed by NPO (Netherlands). Last year it was confirmed Banijay Kids & Family would represent the animated series’ audio-visual, digital and merchandising rights.

    Charlie and Lola has won numerous industry accolades, including multiple Children’s BAFTAs. It combines 2D cut-out-style animation and photomontage, with a children’s voice cast, and is based on the award-winning picture book series by Lauren Child. There have been three seasons to-date, totalling 78×11’ and 2×22’ episodes, which first launched on CBeebies in 2005.

    Julia Rowlands, SVP Sales, Coproductions & Acquisitions, Banijay Kids & Family says: “Charlie and Lola is an iconic brand, and the continued international interest in it is testament to its enduring appeal for preschool audiences. We are so proud to have the show in our portfolio of premium kids titles and we are delighted audiences around the world continue to embrace the magic of its storytelling.”

    Tiger Aspect Kids & Family (a Banijay Kids & Family company) is a multi-BAFTA-winning production label, which works in live action and animation, from preschool through to family content. It has created iconic series including Mr Bean: The Animated Series, Aliens Love Underpants, Tinga Tinga Tales, Danny & Mick, Corpse Talk, and the recently announced Super Happy Magic Forest.

    Led by Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family is part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment. Its dedicated commercial and sales division, Banijay Kids & Family Distribution, is responsible for the exploitation of linear and non-linear rights for the group’s high-quality animated and live-action kids brands. As part of these efforts, it drives ancillary activity across all platforms, and through brand licensing and digital exploitation.