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

Tag Archive: Télé-Québec

  1. The Write Offs Books French-Canadian Deal

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    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces the fifth adaptation of factual entertainment format The Write Offs, with a new version set for French-Canada.

    French-Canadian broadcaster Télé-Québec will launch a new 4 x 30’ adaptation entitled L’Épreuve des Mots in primetime this month, with Montreal-based Sphere Media Productions on board as local producer.

    Originally created by Shine TV for Channel 4 in the UK, The Write Offs helps a diverse group of adults, who can’t read or write, to master basic literacy skills necessary for everyday situations. Each embarks on an eye-opening journey as they face tasks that encourage them to go truly outside of their comfort zones. The series concludes with a heart-warming and dramatic performance for their loved ones.

    The French-Canadian version will be hosted by Patricia Paquin whose own 13 year-old suffers from learning disorders; and features a cast of five contributors who all have primary school literacy and must complete a 16 week course. Following the Channel 4 version, The Write Offs has since been adapted in Australia, with two seasons on SBS, as well as in Denmark on DR and Germany on ZDF.

    Jane Rimer, SVP, Canada, Banijay Rights, who negotiated the agreement, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Télé-Québec and Sphere Media Productions to bring this important – and heart-warming – format to Quebec viewers. The Write Offs shines a light on a very serious global issue and demonstrates how television can be used as a force for good to literally change lives.”

    Nadine Dufour, Vice President of Content, Télé-Québec, said: “As a public television broadcaster, Télé-Québec’s mandate is to reflect the reality and challenges of Quebec through its programming. With 10% of the population considered functionally illiterate, we are proud to finally give a voice to those whom we see very little of in our Quebec media landscape.”

    Renaud Chassé, EVP, Unscripted & Documentaries, French content, Sphere Media Productions, added: “The adaptation of The Write Offs in Quebec has enabled us to understand that illiteracy is a challenge present in most countries. Since we announced this project, this issue has gained prominence in the media.”

  2. ABC and Télé-Québec Pick Up Shasha & Milo

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    Banijay Kids & Family, the global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, today announces further sales for its comedy-action series Shasha & Milo. ABC (Australia) and Télé-Québec (French Canada) are confirmed to air the show in deals secured by the company’s distribution arm which has recently been rebranded as Banijay Kids & Family Distribution.

    The 25 x 22’ and 12 x 2’-shorts are centred around 12-year-olds, Shasha and Milo, as they juggle their everyday lives, alongside their secret roles as the Crescent Island Guardians. Combining action and comedy, our protagonists are tasked with protecting the island from villainous cats and their plots to gain ultimate power, whilst navigating their own ability to transform between human, cat, and a formidable hybrid form.

    Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay Kids & Family says: “Shasha & Milocontinues to gain momentum internationally, and we are delighted to welcome ABC and Télé-Québec to its growing global family. The strong ratings coming through from its launches in across Korea, Canada and Latin America, and the continued interest from our buyers, are testament to the craft, talent and hard work of the teams at Zodiak Kids & Family France and Pingo Entertainment.”

    Shasha & Milo is a co-production between Zodiak Kids & Family France (a Banijay Kids & Family company) and Pingo Entertainment. Benoît di Sabatino, Gary Milne and Hee Seok Shin are Executive Producers. Seul Gee Yoo is Co-Director and Creative Producer, and Hyeong Min Kim is Co-Director.

    The series has already been confirmed for POP (UK), WildBrain’s Family Channel (Canada), Warner Bros. Discovery Latin America, Tencent (China) and EBS (Korea). Pingo Entertainment exclusively controls all rights in Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia, Banijay Kids & Family Distribution controls international distribution rights in the rest of the world.

    Led by Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family is part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay. The company’s collective of first-class producers and talent is behind some of the biggest kids brands in the world. As brand builders and experts at amplifying IP, it delivers creative and impactful 360 brand strategies for its shows.