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: Stephane Meunier

  1. Terence Films Creates High-End Louis Braille Drama for Global Market

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    Banijay France’s acclaimed scripted label, Terence Films, today announces a new premium drama in development, based on best-selling novel ‘The Hands of Louis Braille’ by Hélène Jousse.

    Patrice Leconte, the well-known French director and writer, behind hits Ridicule, Monsieur Hire, The Hairdresser’s Husband, The Man on the Train and the forthcoming feature film, Maigret et la Jeune Morte, with Gerard Depardieu, has immediately accepted to freely adapt the novel into a world-class drama. As well as directing, Leconte will partner with Serge Frydman (Now or Never, The Girl on the Bridge) to write the screenplay, tracing the life of young genius Louis Braille, who lost his sight at four years old. In the 1800s, through his desire to access knowledge in his early teens, Louis Braille revolutionised the world by creating the tactile writing system that bears his name.

    Bertrand Cohen and Stephane Meunier, Co-Founders of Terence Films comment: “Louis Braille is one of France’s most iconic figures, and while his writing system is known globally, the story of his life is largely untold. At a young age he changed the world for millions by creating a code that works in all alphabets and languages, even today. Based on a novel by Hélène Jousse, this drama is set to have widespread appeal, especially with Patrice Leconte on board to write and direct. With his impressive list of credits, he is ideally placed to take this extraordinary story and develop it into a high-end proposition for the international market.”

    Lars Blomgren, Head of Scripted at Banijay comments: “We have a very established scripted business in France, and this deal is further evidence of how our companies attract significant talent and IP. The story of Louis Braille is a fascinating one, and with the audience demand for untapped, diverse stories continuing to grow on both linear broadcasters and streaming platforms, there is huge potential globally for this inspirational drama.”

    Terence Films is behind numerous hit dramas. This year, the company has produced the fourth season of Criminal Pacific (18×52), two TV-movies of Poquelin & de Beaumont directed by Gabriel Aghion starring Clementine Celarie for France Television, and the feature film Magnificat, which is supported by an advance on earnings from the CNC (Orange Cinema – theatrical release in 2022). Magnificat is directed by Virginie Sauveur, starring Karin Viard and François Berléand. The company recently picked up the option rights to adapt French-language drama series Après (After), produced by Duo Productions, distributed by CBC & Radio-Canada Distribution.

    Led by François de Brugada, Banijay France is home to a line-up of boutique scripted labels with Terence Films, Marathon, Shine Fiction and Banijay Studios France, the company behind recent hit Germinal and the new major series for CANAL+ and BBC, Marie Antoinette.

    Banijay’s wider footprint is home to over 50 scripted labels, spearheaded by Lars Blomgren, and producing high-end, award-winning content for the local and international market. Recent and upcoming credits include SAS: Rogue Heroes (Kudos), Marie Antoinette (Banijay Studios France), Ripley (Endemol Shine North America), Then They Run (Kudos/ MadeFor), Countrymen (Rubicon), Call My Agent: Bollywood (Banijay Asia), Ronja the Robber’s Daughter (Filmlance for Viaplay), Heirs to the Land (Diagonal), Bonnie & Clyde (Banijay Benelux), Queens (Endemol Shine Israel) and Aarya (Endemol Shine India).

  2. Terence Films Launches Production on OPJ, South Pacific

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    Terence Films today confirms production has begun on OPJ, South Pacific. Hitting screens later this year, the new police investigation soap opera will air on France Télévisions’ France Ô. The first order is set to be 50×26’ episodes played across a week or 2×52’ episodes for one evening.

     

    Based on the original idea of Terence Films’ Co-Founder, Bertrand Cohen, OPJ, South Pacific tells the daily life of a group of investigators from a judicial police force in New Caledonia. The show will star Yaëlle Trules, who plays Clarissa, the commander of Nouméa’s police force. Equal parts brilliant and stubborn, she is a true leader at work, while single-handedly raising her two teenagers at home.

     

    Anchored in everyday life, OPJ, South Pacific addresses the aspirations and evils that are commonplace in contemporary society. Through the officers in the team, the series follows how they live and work together, and explores the visual, historical, cultural and societal traits of New Caledonia.

     

    The series will also be supported by a significant digital campaign, with young characters, Kelly and Agathe, inviting viewers to share their happiness, passions and dilemmas via daily posts on Facebook. Via photos, videos, 360° visuals, live posts and stories, the pair will drive interactivity and engagement outside of the traditional broadcast.

     

    Bertrand Cohen, Co-Founder of Terence Films & Executive Producer comments: “For the first time, we are bringing the French public a cop show entirely shot in the South Pacific. The 20×52’ format will also allow viewers to discover the daily and family life of these officers who have the chance to live in a dream location.”

     

    OPJ, South Pacific will be produced by Terence Films, with the participation of France Télévisions, France Ô, and TV5 Monde, with the support of the audiovisual and cinematographic production fund of New Caledonia, in partnership with the CNC. Bertrand Cohen and Stéphane Meunier will serve as executive producers for Terence Film. The episodes will be written by Eugénie Dard (Collection Director), José Caltagirone, Emmanuelle Dupuy, Juliette Gilot and Charlotte Joulia, and directed by François Bigrat and Matthieu Vollaire.