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.
Comments Off on Banijay Iberia and Mrs Greenfilm Join Forces to Drive Sustainability in Iberian TV
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.
Comments Off on Banijay Iberia Strengthens its Commitment to Diversity with ODA Partnership
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.
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.
Comments Off on Banijay Iberia Partners with D&I Organisation Fundación Diversidad
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.”
Comments Off on Banijay Iberia and LaLiga Strike a Deal to Launch LaLiga Studios
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.
Comments Off on Filming underway for adaptation of Almudena Grandes’ novel Los pacientes del doctor García
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).
Comments Off on Banijay Iberia Appoints Miguel Martín as Managing Director of Zeppelin
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.
Comments Off on Shine Iberia and Telemadrid Unite the Nation with Vidas de Cine
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.
Comments Off on Cupid’s arrow flies transcontinental in new Channel 4 dating series The Language of Love (w/t)
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.
Comments Off on Banijay Iberia Launches Creative Agency IMA
Banijay today announces Banijay Iberia is expanding its range of services with the launch of new label, IMA. The creative agency will be led by Agus Cantero.
IMA will work alongside Banijay Iberia’s productions, to enhance the visual identity of both its existing portfolio, and upcoming original IP. In addition, IMA will work with broadcasters and platforms, delivering boutique creative solutions and services to clients. With a global perspective, Banijay Iberia adds to its content production the possibility of creating and producing campaigns and On Air promotions.
Pilar Blasco, CEO of Banijay Iberia, comments:“Thanks to the launch of IMA, Banijay Iberia offers an even more diversified service. To the creation and production of content, we now add the possibility of developing creative campaigns. This new initiative led by Agus Cantero, an expert with a long and proven professional career, allows us to further utilise our experience and talent.”
Cantero began his career in television in 1999, with a role in the Canal+ Imagen team. In 2005, he was involved in the creation of channel Cuatro, where he became the director of On Air Image and Communication. From 2011 to 2013, as a freelance creative director, he worked for Discovery Channel, La Sexta, Canal+, Mediaset and Calle 13 (Universal). Since 2013, he has been Image Director of Zeppelin, creating and supervising the visual identity of content such as FAMA a bailar(Floor Filler), which is nominated for Best Cinematography at the Iris Awards and El Puente (The Bridge), which is included in MIPTV’s Fresh TV list, nominated for Best Reality Show in the International Format Awards and candidate for Best Cinematography at the Iris Awards, as well as its associated promotional campaigns.
Comments Off on Diagonal TV Develops Epic Series based on Spanish Monarchy
Diagonal TV, part of Banijay Iberia, confirms it will work with journalist and novelist, Sergio Vila-Sanjuán, to dramatise a new series based on the Spanish monarchy. Royal Palace. Brilliance and Tragedy of the Spanish Monarchy follows the trajectory of four generations of the Bourbon family, between 1900 and 2014.
Diagonal TV, producer of award-winning historical series, Isabel, La Catedral del Mar (Cathedral of the Sea), and the forthcoming Los Herederos de la Tierra (Heirs To The Land), will create 22 episodes centering on the Spanish monarchy. Sergio Vila-Sanjuán’s research will dramatise biographical and historical circumstances, from the year 1900, and depict the reigns of Alfonso XIII, Don Juan de Borbón and Juan Carlos I, until the abdication in favour of his son Felipe VI.
From life in the palace, luxury, parties, heroism and love, to power struggles, terrorism, disease and coups d’états, the Royal Palace series will portray a momentous and nuanced approach to the Spanish monarchy.
Sergio Vila-Sanjuán, novelist and journalist says: “There’s an enormous responsibility when developing a story around true events, especially as we follow a Monarchy with exceptional destinies and outstanding virtues, but like any humans, they made mistakes. These errors had massive consequences for their country and this fascinating story will leave viewers gripped.”
Jaume Banacolocha, CEO of Diagonal TV comments: “Diagonal has vast experience in creating series telling the vicissitudes of the Spanish monarchy, and this project will further build our expertise. Collaborating with Sergio Vila-Sanjuán will allow us to confidently produce an accurate and moving series, and we are expecting huge interest from broadcasters to pick up the show.”
Diagonal TV, a Banijay Iberia company, is behind numerous scripted hits including Isabel (TVE), La Catedral del Mar (Cathedral of the Sea – Atresmedia, Netflix, TVC), El Nudo (Entangled – Atresmedia), Los Herederos de la Tierra (Heirs to the Land – Netflix, Atresmedia, TVC) and film, The Bookshop (La Librería), directed by Isabel Coixet, which won best film, best direction and best adapted screenplay at the Goya 2018 awards.
Sergio Vila San-Juán is a cultural journalist and long-time writer. He currently is the director of the supplement Cultura/s of La Vanguardia. As a specialist in literary and editorial subjects, he has been awarded the National Prize for Cultural Journalism and as a novelist, he scooped the Nadal Prize. In 2020, he published the essay Why I am a Monarchist, a courageous defense of the institution that analyses four generations of Spanish monarchs, from Alfonso XIII to Felipe VI.
Comments Off on Banijay Iberia Sets New Management Team
Banijay Iberia today outlines the revised local management team for its footprint in Spain and Portugal. Under the leadership of CEO, Pilar Blasco, the new executive group comprises CFO and COO, Javier García, International and Business Affairs Director, María Pinilla, Director of Communication, Pilar Serrano, Director of Digital Strategy, Felipe Jiménez Luna, Legal Director, Marta Ferrando, Systems Director, Miguel Ángel Hernández and Commercial Director, Jaume Vilalta.
The Iberian company that includes Cuarzo Producciones, Diagonal TV, Endemol Portugal, Gestmusic, Magnolia, Shine Iberia, Tuiwok Estudios and Zeppelin, has offices in Madrid, Barcelona, La Coruña and Lisbon. The local group is behind some of the region’s best entertainment brands (MasterChef, Temptation Island, Big Brother, Operación Triunfo), new international IP (Your Face Sounds Familiar, The Bridge) and original scripted titles (Hierro, Heirs to the land, Auga Seca, Amar Es Para Siempre, The Idhún Chronicles) amongst many other formats and titles.
Pilar Blasco, CEO of Banijay Iberia, comments:“The new management team perfectly represents the richness of talent we have across the whole of Banijay Iberia. Creativity, commitment, versatility, responsibility and passion are part of our DNA and are the key to our past, present and future successes. I am proud to have this new team by my side as we continue to grow the business across both territories.”
Banijay Iberia’s production entities will continue to operate independently and under the direction of Juanra Gonzalo (Cuarzo Producciones), Macarena Rey (Shine Iberia and Endemol Portugal), Tinet Rubira(Gestmusic), Jaume Banacolocha (Diagonal TV), Amparo Castellano (Zeppelin and Magnolia) and Felipe Jiménez Luna (Tuiwok Estudios).
Elsewhere, DLO Producciones continues to be led by José Manuel Lorenzo, and Portocabo, directed by Alfonso Blanco.
BANIJAY IBERIA APPOINTMENTS:
JAVIER GARCÍA, CFO and COO of Banijay Iberia
After starting his career at PwC and working in its offices in Mexico City, Glasgow and Barcelona, Javier joined the management control area of the Telefónica Group in 2000. Five years later, he began his professional career at Endemol, first at its headquarters in the Netherlands, where he was appointed CFO of Endemol Spain, and later, at its headquarters in Madrid where, since 2015, he has held the position of CFO and COO for Endemol Shine Iberia.
MARÍA PINILLA, International and Business Affairs Director of Banijay Iberia
With a background in business administration and with degrees in both France and the US, Maria started her career in TV in 1997, after several years in strategic management consultancy. As Head of Acquisitions and International at Endemol Shine Iberia, she has worked with all major distributors to bring new format adaptations to Spanish audiences. Driving major international achievements, highlights include global rollouts of Your Face Sounds Familiar and most recently The Bridge. Since 2018, she has stepped up to handling Business Affairs for all brands across Endemol Shine Iberia, negotiating deals with all major streamers and international partners/co-producers.
PILAR SERRANO, Director of Communication of Banijay Iberia
With a degree in Journalism from the Complutense University of Madrid, and a Master’s degree in Radio and Television from the Camilo José Cela University, Pilar’s professional career has been spent mostly within the audiovisual world. Starting at AMC Networks International, where she worked on the communication strategy for their production company in Spain and Portugal, she later joined Movistar+, where she was responsible for TV channel #0’s entertainment programmes, as well as original series launches, large international formats and strategic agreements. Since 2018, she has been the Director of Communication for Zeppelin, a position she will continue in parallel with this new appointment.
FELIPE JIMÉNEZ LUNA, Director of Digital Strategy of Banijay Iberia
With more than 25 years’ experience as a writer, creator and director of films and series, Felipe’s career has garnered the recognition of the public and critics alike, achieving prestigious national and international awards. Since 2012, he has directed Tuiwok Estudios, the specialized digital video division in content creation and channel management for different platforms such as YouTube, Playz, Mtmad and Flooxer, as well as for clients such as RTVE, Grupo Planeta and Coca-Cola. Felipe is one of the architects of the success of the SKAM Spain series, produced by Movistar+ in collaboration with Zeppelin, where he collaborated as New Media Director.
MARTA FERRANDO, Legal Director of Banijay Iberia
With a degree in Law and a diploma in Tourism, Marta began her professional career in the hotel sector, in a prestigious hotel chain with a wide presence in Spain. Later, and after practicing as an independent lawyer for several years, she joined Gestmusic where she has been Legal Director for the past 14 years. In 2018, she expanded the scope of her activity, assuming the responsibilities for the whole Endemol Shine Iberia group.
MIGUEL ÁNGEL HERNÁNDEZ, Systems Director of Banijay Iberia
With more than 20 years’ experience in Technology, Miguel Ángel joined Zeppelin in 2011 as head of IT from Sacyr Vallehermoso. In 2015, he was appointed Systems Director of Endemol Shine Iberia, taking charge of integrating the systems of those companies belonging to the group in Spain and Portugal. He is also part of the Privacy and Security Committee, which ensures compliance with legal policies and regulations such as the GDPR.
JAUME VILALTA, Comercial Director of Banijay Iberia
With a degree in Art History from the University of Barcelona and a Master’s Degree in Marketing Management from ESADE, Jaume began his professional career in the Bassat Ogilvy & Mather group, working for numerous major brands. In 2003, he joined Gestmusic as Commercial Director, later assuming the same responsibility in Endemol Spain for all group companies and in Endemol International for companies in southern Europe, joining its Global Commercial Board in 2012. Jaume will participate actively in the implementation of Endemol Beyond in Spain and LATAM. Since 2015, he has held the position of Commercial Director of Endemol Shine Iberia.