Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces Jarowskij will adapt hit reality competition format The Summit for TV4. This marks the first announced European deal, and the third territory to produce the adventure series. With the title now gaining pace globally, it is set to be showcased at Banijay’s exclusive, invite-only London TV Screenings event, Banijay @ BAFTA on Wednesday 28 February.
The 9Network and Endemol Shine Australia original series, produced by Endemol Shine Australia, had a hugely successful launch in 2023, doubling its viewership on replay for Nine Network, and a second season was greenlit. Earlier this year, Endemol Shine North America announced the first international adaptation for CBS.
The returning adrenaline-fueled series follows a group of contestants as they embark on an epic journey through treacherous mountains. Carrying backpacks containing an equal share of the final cash prize, contestants have 14 days to reach “The Summit” of a distant mountain to claim their reward. In a thrilling tale of endurance, survival and greed, morals will be tested, physical limits pushed, and bonds broken.
Johannes Jensen, interim CEO Jarowskij comments: “The Summit is a great addition to our slate, with its gripping blend of adventure, high-stake competition, suspense, and proven success in Australia. We are confident this adaptation will resonate strongly with audiences in Sweden, offering a thrilling and entertaining viewing experience.”
Peter Newman, CEO at Endemol Shine Australia says: “With a second season in the works, The Summit continues to travel seamlessly across borders, and is a testament to the format’s universality, adaptability and scalability. It’s been our ambition to create original formats that travel globally, and we are proud to see this IP launch in the US, and now Sweden, with more to come.”
The Summit will join Jarowskij’s impressive catalogue of scripted and non-scripted titles including recent hit drama, A Nearly Normal Family for Netflix, Solsidan, SAS Who Dares Win and Wild Kids.
Comments Off on NSW Government supports Endemol Shine Australia’s Post Production training expansion
Endemol Shine Australia (ESA) is thrilled to announce support from the New South Wales Government Jobs Plus Program to take their successful Accelerated Broadcast Post Production Training Program to the next level.
The Accelerated Broadcast Post Production TrainingProgram provides a ground-breaking combination of theory and practical experience in television post production which will equip students with the skills and opportunities to foster a long lasting career. This exciting project is addressing the talent shortfall in the screen and post-production industry.
The initiative aims to build workforce capacity and keep post production jobs in Australia. Successful graduates will have the opportunity to take up roles within ESA’s post production department, creating 30 full-time roles upon graduating thanks to support from the NSW Government’s Jobs Plus Program. The contribution by the NSW Government will be equally matched by ESA.
This new incentive is an expansion of the work ESA has already done over the past 18 months, since the conception of their Accelerated Broadcast Post Production Training Program. This program was devised by ESA’s Post Production Consultant Nadia Diggins, alongside ESA’s senior post production executives which saw approximately 40 students efficiently trained in post production, with an 80% employment retention rate. The new program represents a critical step in the long-term investment in the industry’s skilled workforce.
Endemol Shine Australia Chief Executive Officer Peter Newman said: “I am extremely proud to announce this initiative. I was lucky enough to receive incredible training at the start of my career whilst at the BBC. Since then, I have been passionate about increasing training opportunities for our industry and with the Accelerated Broadcast Post Production Training Program, we are doing just that. This training will be led by our world class post production team at ESA and I’ve got no doubt it will deliver the next generation of brilliant story tellers to our industry. We are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government who will now help us super-size the work we have done in this area into something even more impactful.”
Nadia Diggins said the objective of the program was to help address the Screen Industries current crew shortage crisis.
“By nurturing talent with specialised on the job training, we pave the way for the sector’s future superstars and build capacity and depth for the freelance industry. It’s huge, not just for ESA but for the entire Australian Screen Industry. The impact of this program will be felt by a new generation of story tellers for their entire careers.”
ESA has already begun its inaugural intake, welcoming 20+ students into the Accelerated Broadcast Post Production Training 2023 program.
Prospective applicants for the next intake should send their CV and links of previous work to ESAU Mentor Program via mentorprogram@endemolshine.com.au.
The incredible initiative is possible thanks to support from the NSW Government’s Jobs Plus Program.
Welcome to Rush, the 9Network’s new travel adventure series following twelve everyday Aussies embarking on an adventure of a lifetime to some of the most exhilarating places on the planet.
Dropped into the heart of some of the most pulsating cultural festivals, huge events and exotic locations in Brazil, Turkey, Jordan, India, Thailand, Ireland, France, Kenya and South Africa, deprived of all senses they must work together to complete the mission and reach the Escape Zone.
Host David Genat will issue missions that will immerse them deep into each country’s culture, pushing them out of their comfort zones and giving them the most authentic and mind blowing experiences they could ever imagine. The last team to get to the Escape Zone is forced to eliminate one member of their team. At the end of the global adventure one individual will emerge and scoop up a life-changing prize.
David Genat said: “I’ve done some adventurous things in my time, but nothing to top this. Rush is going to blow people away. It’s unlike anything we’ve seen before, and having the opportunity to host such an exciting new series is a huge thrill.
“We’re going to be in the middle of the world’s biggest events and festivals and these players are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Strap in – it’s going to be a wild ride.”
Endemol Shine Chief Executive Officer, Peter Newman, said: “Rush is a blockbuster adventure series that captures the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of travel on a mind-blowing scale never attempted on Australian television. This exhilarating, immersive and authentic take on the travel genre will be a spectacular and unpredictable romp around the world that’s guaranteed to entertain audiences and also awaken the travel bug in all of us!”
Nine’s Director of Television, Michael Healy, said: “When Nine and ESA collaborate the world takes notice. Hot on the heels of The Summit we are proud to announce Rush, our unique and authentic take on travel and adventure. Delivered on a global scale across four continents and the Middle East, Australian audiences will be on the edge of their seats from the very beginning”.
Rush is an original concept developed by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Company) and NINE and will be represented internationally by Banijay.
Comments Off on Banijay Rights Secures First Bali 2002 Deal
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.
Comments Off on Stan Original Series Bali 2002 Currently in Production
Stan, Australia’s unrivalled home of original productions, and the 9Network today announced production has commenced on the upcoming Stan Original and 9Network co-commissioned series Bali2002.
Based on the 2002 terrorist attacks on Bali’s tourist hotspots, Bali 2002 is an inspiring drama that explores how everyday heroes from Bali, Australia and beyond defied the odds to bring order from chaos and hope from despair. The four-part series is produced by Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia, with major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW.
Featuring a stellar cast led by AACTA Award-winners Rachel Griffiths (Total Control) and Richard Roxburgh (Rake), Bali 2002 stars Claudia Jessie (Bridgerton), Sean Keenan (Stan Original Film Nitram), Ewen Leslie (Stan Original Series The Gloaming) and Arka Das (upcoming Stan Original Film The Portable Door), alongside a diverse group of Australian and Balinese actors, including Anthony Wong (Stan Original Series The Commons), Paul Ayre (Soul Mates), Maleeka Gasbari (The Heights), Gerwin Widjaja (The Code), Sri Ayu Jati Kartika and more.
Developed in consultation with those directly impacted by the tragedy, Bali 2002 marks the first original drama series co-commission between 9Network and Stan. The series is 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) as story editor. AACTA Award-winner Peter Andrikidis (Stan Original Series Eden) and Katrina Irawati Graham (upcoming Siti Rubiyah) will direct the series.
Produced by Kerrie Mainwaring (Stan Original Series Wolf Creek) for Screentime, Tim Pye executive produces, alongside Sara Richardson for Endemol Shine Australia, Michael Healy and Andy Ryan for the 9Network and Amanda Duthie and Cailah Scobie for Stan.
On October 12, 2002, the island paradise of Bali 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 and comfort the dying. 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, justice and meaning.
Stan Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie said: “Developed in collaboration with world-class creatives from Australia and Indonesia, and in consultation with those directly impacted, Bali 2002 promises to be a powerful, inspiring and sensitively told drama series that pays respect to everyday heroes from Australia, Bali and beyond. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the teams at the 9Network, Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia on the project.”
Nine Director of Television Michael Healy said: “It is a privilege for the 9Network and Stan to mark the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings with this landmark drama. The Bali bombings were a turning point in Australian and Indonesian history and we are proud to have such an outstanding multinational cast and creative team on this project. Bali 2002 is first of many co-commissions between 9Network and Stan, and we look forward to making more announcements on these collaborations in the coming months.”
Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason said “While the devastating impact from this tragedy is still felt by so many twenty years on, Bali 2002 is an opportunity to tell a version of the story that memorialises and honours victims, survivors and their families. Screen Australia is proud to support the diverse creative team from both Indonesia and Australia, who are set to bring us an emotional yet premium Australian drama that will showcase and remind us of people’s humanity and courage.”
Screen NSW Head Grainne Brunsdon said: “Screen NSW is proud to partner with Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia on Bali 2002, a landmark drama series bringing together a collaborative team of authentic voices to tell this important story. Supported under the Made In NSW Fund, the production will film in Western Sydney, and is expected to generate up to 810 jobs in NSW.”
Endemol Shine Australia CEO Peter Newman said: “ESA is incredibly proud to produce a series that means so much to so many. Triggered by an event that shocked the world, Bali 2002 is a story of resilience and heroism born from the darkest tragedy. This is a gripping 4-part series that is evocative, sensitive and reflective of the stories that have been told directly from those impacted by this event. We are genuinely delighted to be working with our extraordinary cast and amazing team of creatives to realise this landmark series for our partners at Stan and Nine”.
Producer and Screentime Head of Production Kerrie Mainwaring said: “This is an important story for all Australians. We have worked hard to bring together this terrific cast and team of creatives to honour the story of all those Australians, Indonesians and others who experienced the terrible tragedy in Bali in 2002.”
The Stan Original Series Bali2002 is produced by Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia, with major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW. Banijay Rights is responsible for international distribution of Bali 2002.
The Stan Original Series Bali 2002 is currently in production and will premiere later this year, only on Stan.
Comments Off on Mark and Carl Fennessy to Step Down from EndemolShine Australia
Banijay today announces Co-CEOs, Mark and Carl Fennessy, will step down from their roles at EndemolShine Australia, with Peter Newman set to run the business as Chief Executive Officer. The brothers leave behind an incredibly healthy business, which they have led for over ten years.
Mark and Carl Fennessy will depart EndemolShine Australia. During their tenure, they oversaw the merger of the Endemol and Shine businesses in Australia and have subsequently led the team’s development and production of many major global entertainment franchises. Industry leaders, they have spent the last decade entertaining the nation and audiences across the globe, leaving behind a healthy pipeline and back catalogue.
Having been with Shine/EndemolShine Australia for eight years, most recently as Chief Content Officer, Newman will now strategically lead the business’ content pipeline and overarching operations. He joined Shine back in 2012 as Creative Director, before taking up the CCO post in 2018. Overseeing one of the biggest unscripted production slates in the world, he has been significantly involved in hits including MasterChef Australia, Big Brother, Australian Survivor, Married at First Sight and LEGO Masters.
Prior to his appointment at Shine, he was Head of Production and Development at Australian broadcaster, SBS. Having begun his career in his native city of London, he has also held a number of roles across the UK’s independent production sector, most notably at the BBC. Throughout his career to date, he has developed, commissioned and produced a host of award-winning programmes, receiving an International Emmy and Best of Rose at the Rose D’or for Go Back to Where You Came From, AACTA awards for MasterChef Australia, Australian Ninja Warrior and Australian Survivor, and Logie awards for Gogglebox amongst others.
Marco Bassetti Chief Executive Officer, Banijay comments: “The Fennessy brothers have long-served as commendable businessmen at the forefront of the country’s creative industry and we wish them all the best with where their artistic journey takes them next. We now welcome Peter who is a commercially sound producer and entrepreneur and has all the attributes we look for in our leaders. Having been close to the business’ creative core and key in driving the success of the label’s most recent hits, he is an incredible asset to Banijay as we continue to evolve our creative vision and set our strategy in Australia.”
Peter Newman comments: “It’s been amazing to work with Mark and Carl over the last eight years and it’s an honour to take up the reins of this impressive newly-combined company. EndemolShine Australia has always been about supporting and empowering the great people behind the world-class production of our shows. I’m incredibly proud of our workplace culture, our focus on creative excellence and will ensure we continue to do what we do best; working with our broadcast partners to deliver their audiences outstanding content. Banijay generates some of the world’s best TV formats and I can’t wait to bring them to life here in Australia.”
Mark and Carl Fennessy comment: “Ten years ago we commenced a journey with Elisabeth Murdoch to ‘Inspire, Create and Shine’. The period since has been like one long day filled with rewarding experiences and great success but the time has come for the next adventure. We’re grateful to the broadcasters for their support and we salute our incredible team of talented executives with whom we’ve had the privilege to lead. We look forward to a much-needed break and extend our best wishes to Banijay.”