Banijay Group is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay Group is present in 16 territories.
Banijay Group is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay Group is present in 16 territories.

Tag Archive: Secret Story

  1. Secret Story Returns to France with TF1

    Comments Off on Secret Story Returns to France with TF1

    Banijay France today announces the long-awaited return of Secret Story, a format within the Big Brotheruniverse, on TF1. Produced by Endemol France, the widely popular reality TV show will be back next year after a six-year hiatus, with casting underway.

    Secret Story was first introduced to French audiences in 2007, airing for 11 seasons and almost 1000 episodes. A 15-year anniversary special in 2022 confirmed a great appetite for its return. More recently, the format has also been adapted in Spain and Portugal.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO of Endemol France says: “Entertaining viewers is in our DNA, and we are excited to creatively grow Secret Story for its comeback, introducing it to a new generation of fans, while celebrating the time-tested success of this ever-evolving format. TF1 is a great partner and we enjoyed revitalising the resoundingly popular classic format Star Academy for them, and we are poised to harness our expertise to take Secret Story to new heights.”

    Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay adds: “As part of the expansive Big Brotheruniverse, Secret Story is well-placed to make a successful return to French television, bringing this hugely entertaining, original reality format to a fresh wave of viewers. This is a format that delivers drama and audiences; with Jean-Louis and Endemol France at the helm, enthusiastic reality fans and TF1 viewers can expect a must-watch, unmissable series.”

    To date, Big Brother, a Banijay format, has had 67 adaptations, broadcast across 72 countries, with over 550 seasons and 36,000 episodes. Last year alone, it enjoyed its most successful year ever globally with 33 productions airing across 26 markets. Big Brother recently made a highly-anticipated return in the UK on ITV with 3.4 million viewers tuning in to the debut episode, making it the highest launch for the format since 2010.

    Endemol France, part of Banijay France, is a non-scripted powerhouse having produced recent hits such as Star Academy which will be airing its second season in November, LEGO® Masters, Celebrity Hunted, LOL: Last One Laughing, and Drag Race France.

  2. Banijay Iberia Appoints Miguel Martín as Managing Director of Zeppelin

    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.