Pilar Blasco Archives

Spectacular Immersive Experience LUMINISCENCE Arrives in Barcelona After Sell-Out Run

19th September 2025 10:33 am Comments Off

After enchanting almost a million spectators throughout Europe, LUMINISCENCE is set to arrive in Barcelona with a stunning immersive experience that will transform the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi into a temple of light, music and emotion. Created by Banijay Live’s LOTCHI, and produced by Banijay Iberia, LUMINISCENCE will combine live music, narration, 360º video mapping and 3D projection to bring the walls of this historic cathedral and its story to life.

Fusing cutting-edge technology with immersive storytelling and music, LUMINISCENCE has established itself as a cultural phenomenon through shows across Europe, previously making its Spanish debut in San Sebastián this summer, where more than 50,000 people have already enjoyed the experience – set to end later this month.

Audiences in Barcelona are set to enjoy a multi-sensory experience celebrating the exceptional musical repertoires of Beethoven, Bach, Verdi, Vivaldi, Satie, Schubert, Debussy and other great composers, and enhanced by the supporting visual narrative and natural acoustics of the space. With sessions in Catalan and Spanish, the space will be filled with live choral music by the voices of the Francesc Valls Choir, founded in the city in 2003, and directed by Pere Lluís Biosca. A popular Catalan piece will also be performed a cappella.

Pilar Blasco, CEO of Banijay Iberia, comments: “With the launch of LUMINISCENCE, we are putting our experience to work in producing live events that create unforgettable cultural moments. We are diversifying our offering with original projects that resonate internationally, while continuing to launch new live experiences we are passionate about.”

LUMINISCENCE has been hugely popular with audiences so far, with visitors already heaping praise on the show: “An absolutely unique, exciting and immersive experience”; “The place and the music create a magic that is difficult to describe”; and “A show that you cannot miss”.

Romain Sarfati, co-founder of LOTCHI, said: “Our mission is to preserve, transmit, and promote heritage worldwide, offering an artistic and inclusive experience that allows the greatest number of people to discover the cultural richness of these spaces, regardless of their age, culture, nationality or religion.”

Advance tickets will be available soon and visitors can join the waitlist now by going to luminiscence.com/barcelona. Tickets will also be available for purchase in person from the Basilica, as well as the Cathedral of Barcelona and Tourist Information Offices nearby.

The show has already been staged in historic cathedrals in several European countries including France, Germany and Spain, and will debut in the Netherlands in November. Outside Europe, LUMINISCENCE will premiere in North America at The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis.

About the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi

Considered one of the emblematic Gothic temples of Barcelona, the Basilica of Santa María del Pi was built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It features an imposing single nave, more than 54 meters long and 16 meters high, and a magnificent rose window, one of the largest in Europe. Located in the Gothic Quarter, a few steps from Las Ramblas, it is a living testimony to the spirituality and medieval artistic splendour of the city.

Banijay Entertainment Activates Banijay Launch Cycle Two

22nd October 2024 11:38 am Comments Off

Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today opens its application process for a second cycle of its award-winning global initiative, Banijay Launch. Designed to exclusively support women creators with promising unscripted formats, the program was first launched at MIPCOM ’23, with winners for its initial cycle announced in March.

Coinciding with its second run, Banijay Launch is today set to accept this year’s “Behind the Scenes Impact Award” at the Diversify TV Awards (MIPCOM ’24), owing to its contribution to diversity and inclusion within the content community. Those around the world wishing to apply to this year’s initiative, dedicated to discovering and incubating untapped talent from all backgrounds to support the next generation of global franchise makers, can apply here.

The winner(s) of Banijay Launch will emerge victorious from the three to five finalists in the process who are all mentored by a local creative to develop their formats, with the aim of nurturing them to screen. Supported over several months, the competition culminates with a live pitch presentation before a judging panel. The winner(s) are then given additional guidance and support as they take their ideas out to buyers.

Sharon Levy, CEO, Endemol Shine North America and James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development, Banijay Entertainment: “It’s very difficult to nurture and navigate an idea to screen for even the most experienced creators, let alone women creators who don’t have ‘connections’ to a prodco or group. The recent study we conducted with the Geena Davis Institute really reinforced the gender imbalance in unscripted creation, and with Banijay Launch we hope to open the door to women whose ideas may not otherwise be heard and facilitate positive change for these creators while supercharging our pipeline, and the industry’s at-large. The market and creative economy relies on great ideas, and we don’t want to leave any behind… particularly from women.”

In its first run, Banijay Launch received an extraordinary 500+ applications from 30+ territories and a diversity of backgrounds. With the finalists pitching their ideas in-person to an esteemed jury comprisingEndemol 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, two winners were selected – Amber Kane (Australia), for variety talent concept, Double Act; and Emily Wilson (UK), for psychological dating format, Can’t Buy Love. This year, the judges will be joined by Cathy Payne, CEO, Banijay Rights, and Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO, Banijay France.

The first cycle of Banijay Launch was initiated by Levy, co-led by Townley, and supported by a network of creative ambassadors across Banijay Entertainment 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. The pair continue to oversee the operation, supported by a new wave of ambassadors dotted across the group’s 23-territory footprint.

The inaugural Banijay Launch was supported by 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 highlighted significant gender disparity in unscripted production across Brazil, U.K., U.S., and France, were unveiled in July, with the key findings available here.

Banijay Launch was inspired by the Propelle program, a female-focused accelerator initiative created and developed in 2020 by Everywoman Studios’ CEO, Abby Greensfelder. At Banijay Entertainment, the initiative capitalises on the infrastructure and expertise of Creative Networks, its central unscripted content department co-led by Townley and Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations.

Banijay Iberia Bolsters Sports Offering with New Division

21st October 2024 7:53 am Comments Off

Banijay Iberia, part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today at MIPCOM Cannes announces the launch of Banijay Iberia Sports. The new division will create and develop original sports-related content, led by newly-appointed Gonzalo Miró.

The move, spearheaded by Banijay Iberia CEO, Pilar Blasco, signals a significant push into the world of sport. Broadening the business’ efforts in sportainment, documentary and digital, it echoes the wider Banijay Entertainment-focus in this area, following the launch last year of new division, Banijay Sport.

Pilar Blasco, CEO of Banijay Iberia, says: “Banijay Iberia’s move into the sports area began in 2023 with the creation of LaLiga Studios. Today, complementing Banijay Entertainment’s wider global sports drive, we strengthen our commitment to diversifying our offering in this way, capitalising on market opportunity and demand, via the birth of Banijay Iberia Sports, a new division led by Gonzalo Miró. Welcoming him to our ambitious collective of talent, we look forward to continuing to explore alternative avenues for storytelling in this burgeoning space.”

Gonzalo Miró, director of Banijay Iberia Sports added: “It is an honour to be part of Banijay Iberia, a company responsible for great audiovisual successes, and at the forefront of innovation and creativity. I am embarking on this brilliant challenge with great enthusiasm, and with the aim of boosting the company’s position as a leader in sports content. In doing so, I’m confident we can attract new talent and pave for the way for more sport-centric, original stories, to make their way onto screens.”

Having started a degree in Humanities, Politics and Journalism, Miró began his audiovisual content career working as an apprentice of a director on successful short films, one of which was awarded the Spanish Goya award in its category. Thanks to this experience, he decided to study at film school in New York. After, he returned to Spain and began his career as a television contributor presenting Las mañanas de Cuatro alongside Concha García Campoy. Since then, he has appeared in a variety of shows, from sports (Deportes COPE, Radio MARCA), to current affairs (La Roca, Liarla Pardo, Más vale tarde, Espejo Público) and entertainment (Celebrity MasterChef, Pekín Express). Having completed the RFEF sports director course, he has also been a jury member at film festivals such as the Málaga Festival.

Today’s news follows the unveiling of new feature-length documentary, The Silence of the Earth, produced by Banijay Iberia label Diagonal TV with Crescendo Media Production, in association with Banijay Rights. Shedding light on one of the most pressing issues facing the world, climate justice, this gripping exposé takes centre stage at MIPCOM 2024, bringing the undeniable human rights story to global buyers.

Banijay Iberia and Mrs Greenfilm Join Forces to Drive Sustainability in Iberian TV

22nd April 2024 11:47 am Comments Off

Banijay Iberia, comprising Spain and Portugal’s leading scripted and non-scripted production companies, and Mrs Greenfilm, a leading sustainability consultancy in Spain, have signed an agreement to help build a greener future. In doing so, they combine their efforts to achieve a more sustainable audiovisual industry.

Through education, training and meetings at Banijay Iberia’s labels, the partnership with Mrs Greenfilm aims to develop protocols, tools, new initiatives and ultimately, the group’s own sustainability strategy and transformation.

Pilar Blasco, CEO of Banijay Iberia: “Aware of the impact productions have on our environment, today we take a decisive step in our commitment to developing a more sustainable content industry. Thanks to Mrs Greenfilm’s guidance – with whom our teams have already collaborated on productions like Operación Triunfo – we will be better equipped to understand our impact and implement appropriate measures to reduce it.”

Ana Méndez Márquez, co-founder of Mrs Greenfilm: “Sustainability in the content sector is here to stay. That’s why it’s important to see companies like Banijay Iberia embracing sustainability as part of its core business. We firmly believe initiatives like this are what our industry needs to achieve a true transition toward a greener economy.”

Earlier this month, Banijay Iberia was confirmed as the first Gold Partner of non-profit organisation, the Observatory of Diversity in Audiovisual Media (ODA), to further the company’s strong social commitment and advocacy for diversity within the content industry.

Banijay Iberia is part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay. The global group champions positive change across ESG (environment, social, governance) and continues to promote education, establish new initiatives, and maintain high standards in measurement, to stimulate improvements globally both internally and within the wider industry. Most recently, it launched Banijay Launch, dedicated to women format creators, and supported by Blasco, who served as judge.

Banijay Iberia Strengthens its Commitment to Diversity with ODA Partnership

10th April 2024 11:50 am Comments Off

Banijay Iberia, part of media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces it has become the first Gold Partner of the Observatory of Diversity in Audiovisual Media (ODA). The partnership with the non-profit organisation furthers the company’s strong social commitment and advocacy for diversity within the audiovisual industry.

Through this innovative 360-degree pilot project, ODA will support the company in developing, producing, and promoting its productions, and serve as a consultant throughout the entire process, ensuring compliance with representation and diversity standards.

As a Gold Partner, Banijay Iberia will contribute to ODA’s ongoing research into representation through annual reports and the ODA Awards. It will also have exclusive access to the organisation’s premium analytics tools, talent pool and tailored workshops.

Pilar Blasco, CEO of Banijay Iberia, comments: “With this initiative, we want to take another step forward in our commitment to diversity. Internally we count on employee resource groups, such as Banijay Pride and Banijay Elle, as well as other partnerships with organisations that promote a better society; but this collaboration with ODA is truly strategic. For the first time, we will offer a practical tool that will enable all our teams to create better and more inclusive content, placing us at the forefront of positive change in the region.”

Jorge Gonzalo, President and CEO of ODA, adds: “Thanks to this agreement, Banijay Iberia and ODA join forces to demonstrate the importance of specialist support throughout the different phases of the development process, ensuring fairer and more responsible methods and outcomes.”

Banijay Iberia is part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay. Launched in 2008, Banijay, is home to over 130 production companies across 21 territories, a multi-genre catalogue boasting over 185,000 hours of original standout programming, and a complementary live entertainment business – Banijay Events. The global group chapmpions positive change across ESG (environment, social, governance) and continues to promote education, establish new initiatives, and maintain high standards in measurement, to stimulate improvements globally both internally and within the wider industry. Most recently, it launched Banijay Launch, dedicated to women format creators, and supported by Blasco, who served as judge.

Banijay Launch Winners Unveiled

8th March 2024 9:15 am Comments Off

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.

Banijay Iberia Partners with D&I Organisation Fundación Diversidad

10th March 2023 2:57 pm Comments Off

Banijay Iberia (a Banijay company) announces it is a sponsoring partner of Fundación Diversidad, the largest European business movement of diversity and inclusion. The company will promote the principles of equality, inclusivity and anti-discrimination among its staff, as well as between collaborators, suppliers, and clients.

Banijay Iberia, a group that includes Cuarzo Producciones, Diagonal TV, Endemol Portugal, Gestmusic, Magnolia, Shine Iberia, Tuiwok Estudios and Zeppelin, among other production companies, has demonstrated its commitment to diversity and inclusivity through its broad offering of series and its casting and recruitment.

Pilar Blasco, CEO, Banijay Iberia, says: “At Banijay Iberia, we believe in the potential of culture and the power of audio-visual products to build a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive society, which fosters positive change. We are hugely sensitive to social realities and we preserve diversity in our content. In parallel, internally at Banijay, we have employee resource groups promoting respect and equality, such as Banijay Embrace, Banijay Pride, Banijay Disability and Banijay Elle. By joining Fundación Diversidad, we reaffirm our commitment to creating safe, open, and responsible environments, for all the people who work with us.”

Sonia Río, Director, Fundación Diversidad, added: “The incorporation of Banijay Iberia into the Foundation is important because we believe that the culture, entertainment and media sector has a fundamental role in the transformation of society and, furthermore, it is capable of taking this message to mass audiences. It is necessary for companies in this sector to have diverse and inclusive workforces, and to put this diversity at the centre of innovation, to broaden the industry’s competitive offering of authentic storytelling, and making, for audiences and clients alike.”

Banijay Iberia and LaLiga Strike a Deal to Launch LaLiga Studios

13th February 2023 11:38 am Comments Off

Content powerhouse Banijay today announces Banijay Iberia and the football league, LaLiga, will join forces to launch LaLiga Studios, a new sports-related content production company led by Chalo Bonifacino Cooke.

The agreement sees Banijay Iberia utilise its production expertise and LaLiga, its knowledge and reputation, to establish LaLiga Studios, a global leader in the creation of sports-related content.

Through this partnership, LaLiga Studios will produce audiovisual content for LaLiga, clubs, sponsors, and broadcasters. It will also work with international platforms and brands in the development, production, and distribution of entertainment, documentary, fiction, and animation content. Chalo Bonifacino Cooke has been appointed Managing Director and Executive Producer of LaLiga Studios, and will oversee its international growth utilising the footprint of both companies.

Pilar Blasco, CEO of Banijay Iberia comments: “We are very proud to announce this partnership with LaLiga; a great generator of narratives around sport and its values. We are eager to use our experience in the production and creation of premium content to tell these stories, with the highest quality standards, so they become known all over the world.”

Óscar Mayo, Executive Director of LaLiga says: “We have ambitious plans for LaLiga Studios, including working with the best brands, so it was critical for us to have the perfect partner. Banijay Iberia’s track record of bringing premium quality viewing to the region, gives LaLiga Studios the best possible start.”

Banijay Iberia is behind some of the region’s most popular shows with flagship titles like MasterChef, Big Brother and Temptation Island, as well as true crime documentaries including Where is Marta? For Netflix. It also produces premium scripted titles for a range of platforms including Bosé, The Gypsy Bride, Heirs to the Land and Hierro, amongst others. Not to mention animation series, Virtual Hero.

The deal should become effective in the coming weeks.

Filming underway for adaptation of Almudena Grandes’ novel Los pacientes del doctor García

25th January 2022 10:27 am Comments Off

Banijay Iberia’s Diagonal TV announces the television adaptation of Almudena Grandes’ bestseller Los pacientes del doctor García (Tusquets Editores). Produced by RTVE, Diagonal TV (Banijay Iberia) and DeAPlaneta, in association with Netflix, the series will be directed by Joan Noguera (‘Isabel’, ‘Sin identidad’, ‘Mercado central’) and written by José Luis Martín (‘Isabel’).

Filming began this week in Segovia with an ensemble cast led by Javier Rey, Tamar Novas and Verónica Echegui, and will continue until June on location in Segovia, Madrid and Guadalajara.

The story connects real and unknown events from World War II and Franco’s Regime, as it portrays the lives of characters who are impacted by the current affairs of both Spain and Argentina. The series follows republican doctor, Guillermo García (Javier Rey), living in Madrid under a false identity following Franco’s victory in the Spanish Civil War. Dr. García becomes embroiled in an undercover operation involving war criminals and fugitives in a thrilling story of intrigue and deception.

The novel Los pacientes del doctor García (Tusquets Editores), for which Almudena Grandes won the Premio Nacional de Narrativa 2018, is the fourth instalment in her series Episodios de una guerra interminable, and the first of her books to be adapted for television.

Javier Rey stars as Dr. Guillermo García; Tamar Novas will play Manuel Arroyo, his best friend; Verónica Echegui will be Amparo Priego. Alongside them is a wide cast that includes Jon Olivares (Adrián Gallardo), Eva Llorach (Clara Stauffer), Stephanie Cayo (Meg Williams), Claudia Traisac (Rita Velázquez), Raúl Jiménez (Pepe Moya), Nancho Novo (Fortunato Quintanilla), Pepa Pedroche (Experta Fernández), Luis Bermejo (Juan Negrín), Mario de la Rosa (Alfonso Navarro), Daniel Albaladejo (Antonio Ochoa), Martina Gusmán (Simona Gaitán), Itziar Atienza (Geni León), Toni Sevilla (Gabino de la Fuente), Iñaki Miramón (Basilio Rodríguez), Javier Lara (Jesús Romero), Marius Biegai (Otto Skorzeny), Carmen Molinar (Ingrid Weiss), and Eduard Farelo (Pablo De Azcárate).

Banijay Iberia Appoints Miguel Martín as Managing Director of Zeppelin

21st January 2022 9:57 am Comments Off

Banijay Iberia, part of Banijay, today announces the appointment of Miguel Martín as the new Managing Director of its label, Zeppelin.

Zeppelin, which is hitting its 30-year milestone, is responsible for the introduction of reality in Spain and stands as a pioneer in the development of anime and youth fiction projects, with recent hits including Secret Story, Big Brother, The Bridge and SKAM España.

Martín began his tenure at Banijay Iberia in 2019 within Banijay Birds, the territory’s creative hub for original streamer IP development, and has also served as executive producer on standout local titles including LOL: Last One Laughing for Amazon Prime Video.

Martín has directed and produced shows across multiple genres, from documentaries (Hijos del corazón), reality shows (Anonimous, Planeta Finito), and scripted titles (Herederos). He also has extensive experience in the U.S., having served as executive producer on formats for NBC-Telemundo and FOX, and as a development/production consultant in entertainment and scripted for Powwow 360 and Cinemat USA.

Pilar Blasco, CEO of Banijay Iberia comments: “We are very grateful to Amparo Castellano for her hard-work and professionalism, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours. Since 2019, Banijay Iberia has been fortunate to have Miguel Martín among its ranks, a born leader who has shown unbounded creativity. His commitment to innovation has led to original projects told from unique perspectives. All this, together with his excellent ability to manage large productions with outstanding results, makes him the ideal person to lead Zeppelin.”

Miguel Martín, Managing Director of Zeppelin adds: “I am honoured to be at the head of a team that, in its 30th year, has produced such a range of high-quality formats. Zeppelin has achieved what few audio-visual companies do. It constantly re-invents and innovates, making programmes which captivate the country, creating great original formats, and co-producing with key international players. I am proud to take on this challenge and continue Zeppelin’s creative growth and development.”

Martín’s appointment follows previous Managing Director Amparo Castellano’s decision to depart after eight years with the company.

Shine Iberia and Telemadrid Unite the Nation with Vidas de Cine

7th October 2021 10:36 am Comments Off

Banijay today announces Shine Iberia, a Banijay Iberia company, will produce Vidas de Cine (Open Air Cinema)in collaboration with Telemadrid.

A homage to the inhabitants of Madrid, Vidas de Cine will capture testimonies and stories from every district. The beloved actor and presenter, Florentino Fernández, will travel around Madrid speaking to communities and discovering anonymous stories which capture the essence of those living in the Spanish capital. The city is then invited to an outdoor screening to watch the compilation. From anecdotes of resilience to recognising a key individual, the audience will get an authentic insight into the lives of their relatives, friends, and neighbours.

Macarena Rey, CEO of Shine Iberia says: “The extracts showcased in Vidas de Cine are moving and emotional. By seeing the city through the eyes of others, the audience are reminded of the community of which they are part. Our lives can be so consuming, sometimes you forget to take time to appreciate and listen to those around you, and this show is all about celebrating that.”

James Townley, Global Head of Content Development at Banijay comments: “This is a truly heart-warming show, that not only brings communities back together but also celebrates the incredible people within them. These nostalgic and highly emotional moments are something we can all relate to and, following the last 18 months, feel even more poignant.”

Banijay Rights holds distribution rights for Vidas de Cine which will broadcast on Telemadrid later this year.

Cupid’s arrow flies transcontinental in new Channel 4 dating series The Language of Love (w/t)

24th September 2021 12:27 pm Comments Off

Channel 4 has commissioned a new international dating series from 2LE Media, Motion Content Group and Zeppelin, a Banijay Iberia company. The Language of Love (w/t) will see a group of Brits and a group of Spaniards pairing up at a dreamy Spanish country estate to see if they can find romance… despite not speaking each other’s language.

Set in a stunning finca in Andalusia, the eight-part series for Channel 4 will be hosted by Davina McCall alongside Spanish TV host, actor and singer Ricky Merino, who will be on hand to interpret how the couples’ relationships are developing.

A group of Brits seeking romance will travel to Spain where they’ll meet their potential partners – a group of Spanish speakers also looking for their own historia de amor – to test whether love is deeper than just words. Can sparks fly even with a language barrier to overcome? The newly-formed couples will take part in challenges and tasks to help them test their connection as well as learning more about each other’s countries, their culture and their languages. At the end of the series, will they choose amor or adiós? The international lovers will face a big dilemma: to call it quits, stay together long distance, or perhaps move country to be with their new found love.

The Language of Love (w/t) is commissioned for Channel 4 by Phil Harris, Head of Entertainment and Events, and Genna Gibson, Commissioning Editor, Entertainment. The 8 x 60’ series is produced by 2LE Media, Motion Content Group and Zeppelin, a Banijay Iberia company. Sophie Alcock is Series Producer and Executive producers are Michael Livingstone, Tom Thostrup and Georgina Hinds for 2LE Media, Martin Oxley for Motion Content Group, with Amparo Castellano and Salva Romero from Zeppelin. Banijay is the exclusive distributor, holding global format and distribution rights.

Channel 4’s Phil Harris, Head of Entertainment and Events, comments: “This is a truly fresh and entertaining dating experiment that throws up surprising cultural exchanges, hilarious linguistic mishaps and red-hot holiday romances all overseen by the original queen of reality, Davina, and her wonderful Spanish counterpart, Ricky.”

Tom Thostrup, co-founder of 2LE Media adds: “In this series we want to give our international singles the ultimate holiday romance and see if they can hurdle the language barrier to build a potential life-changing relationship, with Davina and Ricky willing them to succeed all the way.”

Martin Oxley, Executive Producer for Motion Content Group says “After a few years off from foreign travel, most of us have probably forgotten how to ask the way to the beach in Spanish. Motion couldn’t be more delighted to brush up its language skills with Davina & Ricky, 2LE, Banijay and Channel 4 with this clever and truly laugh out loud new series.”.

Amparo Castellano, General Director of Zeppelin, a Banijay Iberia company adds: “We all know how powerful love and attraction is, and this new format takes the dating genre to the next level, truly exploring whether singletons can communicate when speaking different languages. It’s been a highly entertaining concept to develop and co-produce with 2LE and Motion, and we’re sure our international colleagues at Banijay will have success bringing this format to other markets around the world.”

The Language of Love (w/t) will TX next year on Channel 4.

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