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: Viaplay

  1. Scenery Announces Formula 1 Docu-Series Max Verstappen – Off the Beaten Track

    Comments Off on Scenery Announces Formula 1 Docu-Series Max Verstappen – Off the Beaten Track

    Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces Scenery, a joint venture with Banijay Benelux, will produce Max Verstappen – Off the Beaten Track for Viaplay. The series, a collaboration between Scenery, Viaplay and Verstappen, offers unique glimpses into the life of the three-time Formula 1 world champion, and comes off the success of last year’s acclaimed documentary, Max Verstappen- Anatomy of a Champion.

    Max Verstappen – Off the Beaten Track presents a unique opportunity for viewers to explore Verstappen’s passions beyond the F1 circuit, providing intimate insights into his character and race craft. Through three 30-minute episodes, director Nick Hoedeman unveils a hidden side of Verstappen not captured by other cameras ever before. Each episode highlights a different aspect of Verstappen’s passion beyond the F1 track, and in this more intimate setting, the series gains a deeper understanding of this global superstar and his love for racing.

    Max Verstappen: “This series shows a side that often remains unseen during the moments on the Formula 1 circuit. ‘Off the Beaten Track’ gives a glimpse of my life, my love for different forms of motorsport and the people who inspire me. I’m proud to collaborate with Viaplay in bringing this unique series to viewers.”

    Isidoor Roebers, Scenery Founder and Producer comments: “We reflect with immense pride on the remarkable journey of creating this series for Viaplay and Max Verstappen. Together with director Nick Hoedeman, our dedicated team crafted a truly distinctive series, filmed on location in Monaco, Las Vegas, Austria, Italy, and Amsterdam. Through this captivating documentary, it has been an honour to delve into the life of Max, a perspective that few have had the privilege to witness.”

    Peter Nørrelund, Viaplay Group EVP and Chief Sports & Business Development Officer says: “Our collaboration with Max Verstappen on Off the Beaten Track is a testament to our commitment to delivering exclusive and captivating content. In this series, we’ve opened the doors to a side of Max that goes beyond the fast-paced world of Formula 1. This isn’t just about racing; it’s about uncovering the essence of a global superstar. We are thrilled to offer viewers an intimate look into Max’s passions and pursuits outside the circuit, highlighting the depth of his character, and the fervour that fuels his success. We’re proud to present this unique and compelling series that adds another dimension to Max Verstappen”.

    The news follows Banijay’s recent launch of Banijay Sports, which signalled its ambitions to grow across sportainment, documentary and digital, via new partnerships, content investments and M&A.

  2. Banijay Rights Takes Marie Antoinette Worldwide

    Comments Off on Banijay Rights Takes Marie Antoinette Worldwide

    Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay, today announces further landmark sales of historical drama Marie Antoinette.

    Produced by Banijay Studios France, CAPA Drama and Les Gens, this CANAL+ Creation Originale eight-part series – created and written by Deborah Davis (The Favourite) – has been acquired by Antenna Plus (Ant1+) in Greece, Ceska Televize in the Czech Republic, DIRECTV in Latin America and Canada’s national public broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada for CBC Gem (English) and ICI Télé and ICI Tou.tv (French).

    Meanwhile, RTÉ in Ireland, Sky Italia, Radio & Television Slovakia – RTVS and Viaplay across all Nordic and Baltic countries and the Netherlands, have all acquired the drama.

    These agreements follow previous sales of Marie Antoinette to BBC First in Australia, PBS Distribution in the US, and BBC Two and iPlayer in the UK, which reported consolidated viewing figures of 2.1 million for its premiere last month.

    Claire Jago, EVP Sales and Acquisitions, EMEA, Banijay Rights, said: “Boasting tour-de-force performances, beautiful scenery and powerful writing from Deborah Davis, Marie Antoinette is an extraordinary drama that continues to appeal to broadcasters and streaming services worldwide. We’re extremely pleased that so many new buyers have acquired this series, which gives one of the most comprehensive accounts of this unique woman to date.”

    Marie Antoinette tells the story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen, played by Emilia Schüle (Ku’damm 56/ 63), with Louis Cunningham (Bridgerton) as the Dauphin of France, Louis XVI.

    The series is produced by Claude Chelli and Margaux Balsan for CAPA Drama, Stéphanie Chartreux for Banijay Studios France, and Christophe Toulemonde for Les Gens. Filming took place in many prestigious historical places including the Châteaux of Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Lésigny, Champs, Voisins, and in the emblematic studios of Bry-sur-Marne.

    Joining Davis in writing the ambitious drama is Louise Ironside (The Split), Avril E. Russell (All on a Summer’s Day) and Chloë Moss (Run Sister Run). The series is directed by Pete Travis (Bloodlands) and Geoffrey Enthoven (Children of Love).

    Marie Antoinette was a young teenager when she left Austria to marry the Dauphin of France. Growing from a stubborn young princess navigating the rules of the French court under pressure to continue the Bourbon line, to a true fashion icon, she impressed with her natural charisma, and recreated life in Versailles in her image: free, independent and feminist ahead of time. Even with rumours undermining her reputation, the notorious figure would defeat the enemies of the Versailles court with courage and dignity.

  3. Cast Revealed for Filmlance’s Premium Drama, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, for Viaplay

    Comments Off on Cast Revealed for Filmlance’s Premium Drama, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, for Viaplay

    Award-winning scripted label Filmlance, part of Banijay Nordic, today announces filming has begun on its latest drama for Viaplay, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, the classic Astrid Lindgren adventure about a strong and independent girl which took the world by storm when it was published 40 years ago.

    Young actress Kerstin Linden, from critically-acclaimed feature film, The Emigrants, has signed up for the highly sought-after lead role as Ronja the Robber’s Daughter. She is joined by Jack Bergenholtz Henriksson, who plays the role of Ronja’s friend, Birk Borkason.

     

    The parents of the two robber families are played by a star-studded ensemble consisting of Christopher Wagelin (The Truth Will Out, Love Me) as Mattis, Krista Kosonen (Beforeigners, The Swarm, Blade Runner 2049) playing Lovis, and in rival dynasty, Sverrir Gudnason (Love Me, Borg) plays Borka, and Maria Nohra (Honor, Beck) as Undis.

    Filming of the twelve-episode Swedish-language series solely written by acclaimed Bron creator, Hans Rosenfeldt, and first season directed by Lisa James Larsson (Victoria, A Royal Affair), has now begun.

    Kerstin Linden says: “It feels so much fun to do my interpretation of the role of Ronja the Robber’s Daughter. Although the book and film came before I was born, I have still read and seen it several times – and I really love the story. She is a tough and smart girl with a mind of her own.”

    Bonnie Skoog Feeney & Mattias Arehn, Producers of Filmlance says: “It’s a great privilege to produce a series based on the loved and well-known story of Ronja the Robber’s Daughter. Shooting in epic landscapes, in deep forests and raging waterfalls, with wild horses and fantasy creatures is a huge undertaking for everyone involved. We’re already so impressed and proud of the work our cast and crew have put in and thrilled to see the vision come to life.”

    Hanne Palmquist, Executive Producer and MD of Filmlance says: “Across the globe, the saga of Ronja is exceptionally well-loved and we are incredibly proud to be producing this series for Viaplay, a streamer that is growing quickly. This reinterpretation will bring elements such as love, courage, the essential connection between nature and human and girl power to the forefront and is set to give a deeper insight into Ronja’s world than ever before. We’ll stay true to the story, which is loved so much, but update for today’s audiences with special effects, beautiful scenery, and brilliant characters, all written by iconic screenwriter Hans Rosenfeldt.”

    Ronja the Robber’s Daughter is produced by Bonnie Skoog Feeney and Mattias Arehn (Björnstad) for Filmlance with Sara Askelöf as executive producer at Viaplay Group and Hanne Palmquist as executive producer at Filmlance.  Johan Palmberg is executive producer at Astrid Lindgren Company. Maggie Widstrand is casting director for all children, and Tusse Lande cast all adult actors. The series is a co-operation with Film i Väst.

  4. Celebrities Embark on The Journey of a Lifetime in Meter TV’s Adventure Series

    Comments Off on Celebrities Embark on The Journey of a Lifetime in Meter TV’s Adventure Series

    Banijay today announces Swedish label Meter TV, part of Banijay Nordic, will produce a brand-new adventure reality show, The Journey – 15 Days in Nepal for Viaplay Group. This new format is based on the innovative concept created by fellow Banijay label Mastiff TV Denmark and will air on Viaplay and TV3.

    In The Journey, six celebrities embark on an adventure of a lifetime. They travel through the deepest depths of the Nepalese jungle, trekking alongside elephants, tigers, and rhinos, to reach the spectacular Himalayan mountains. Along the way, they will embrace the wilderness, learn about the rich culture from those they meet, and discover how to fend for themselves in the mysterious and unfamiliar terrain. The upcoming Swedish series features renowned actors Peter Stormare (Fargo, The Box, American Gods) and Izabella Scorupco (Hidden, Goldeneye), comedian Alfred Svensson and World Champion swimmer Therese Alshammar, amongst others.

    Madelene Hansson, Managing Director, Meter TV says: “We are looking forward to taking Viaplay’s audience on this epic adventure and bringing Mastiff TV’s format to life. Whilst we know a lot about the celebrities, when taken out of their comfort zone they are just like us. We’re seeing a huge thirst for adventure formats set in unknown locations, and this show has been an exhilarating experience which is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.”

    David Sidebotham, Chief Creative Officer, Mastiff TV Denmark comments: “With continuing strong demand for adventure reality, we are proud to work with Viaplay to create something innovative, thrilling, and authentic, with genuine self-development for the celebrities involved. The Journey is in safe hands with Meter TV, exploring the wonderful nature of our planet and bringing a spirit of discovery and adventure to Viaplay’s audience.”

     Filippa Wallestam, EVP and Chief Content Officer at Nordic Entertainment Group adds: “We will get to accompany some of our top actors, athletes, and comedians on the adventure of a lifetime with all that it entails, from challenges to inner reflections. The authenticity of this adventure is something I hope and believe our viewers will enjoy.”

    The Swedish production company, Meter TV is behind global brands like MasterChef, Big Brother, LEGO®Masters, and Family Food Fight. In addition to The Journey – 15 Days in Nepal, Mastiff TV Denmark is known for creating hit formats like Drag Me Out which has recently been adapted in Norway, as well as state of the art nature documentary Wild Wonderful Denmark, and cultural fact-ent format The Big Premiere; as well as producing shows such as SAS: Who Dares Wins, Survivor, Best Singers, and Versus.

  5. Viaplay Serves Up Celebrity MasterChef as Next Dutch Local Production

    Comments Off on Viaplay Serves Up Celebrity MasterChef as Next Dutch Local Production

    Viaplay will bring the world-famous reality format Celebrity MasterChef to the Netherlands for the first time starting this autumn. The 12-episode first season, produced by SimpelZodiak, a Banijay Benelux company, sees 10 Dutch personalities taking on a series of culinary challenges in front of an all-star jury and competing to become the next Celebrity MasterChef. Viaplay launched in the Netherlands on 1 March with a unique combination of original productions, international films and series, kids content and premium live sports.

     

    The Celebrity MasterChef jury consists of Soenil ‘The Spicy Chef’ Bahadoer, founder of the renowned De Lindehof restaurant, which received its second Michelin star in 2014; Angélique Schmeinck, one of only two female Dutch Mastercooks (the most country’s most prestigious culinary title) and head chef for 12 years at the Michelin-starred De Kromme Dissel; and Joël Broekaert, a well-known food critic, columnist and TV host.

     

    The show’s 10 celebrity contestants will be announced shortly.

     

    Filippa Wallestam, NENT Group Chief Content Officer: “High-quality local productions are a key focus for Viaplay in all our markets. Viewers everywhere have been enjoying the famous MasterChef format and its spin-offs for over 30 years, and Celebrity Masterchef will be an ideal addition to Viaplay’s fantastic menu in the Netherlands.”

     

    Celebrity MasterChef is produced by SimpelZodiak (Expeditie Robinson; Hunted; Ik Vertrek) and by Martijn de Bruin for Viaplay.

     

    Created by Franc Roddam, MasterChef has been named ‘Most Successful Cookery Television Format’ by Guinness World Records and the most successful format ever by The WIT. First aired in the UK in 1990, 49 series were produced in 33 territories in 2021. The MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay. Viaplay has produced MasterChef in Denmark since 2011.

     

    In January, Viaplay announced Dragons’ Den, the globally successful show that gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors, as its first original production in the Netherlands.

  6. Banijay Rights Secures Nordic Scripted Deal With NENT Group’s Viaplay in US

    Comments Off on Banijay Rights Secures Nordic Scripted Deal With NENT Group’s Viaplay in US

    Banijay Rights today announces it has signed a comprehensive package deal for more than a dozen of its premium scripted titles with Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group), ahead of the launch of its Viaplay streaming service in the US in late 2021.

    The agreement will give Viaplay subscribers in the US access to more than 250 hours of Banijay Rights’ critically acclaimed Nordic drama titles, including Norwegian culture-clash comedy Countrymen, which won the High School Best Series Prize and Special Interpretation Award for Cast at Canneseries last month.

    The extensive scripted deal was brokered by Matt Creasey for Banijay Rights.

    Matt Creasey, EVP Sales, Acquisitions and Coproductions – World (excluding EMEA), Banijay Rights, said: “Our catalogue contains a stunning range of premium stand-out Nordic titles including Norwegian sensation Countrymen and Swedish drama A Class Apart, and we are thrilled to be working with NENT Group to ensure this package deal will become a cornerstone of Viaplay’s launch in the US.”

    Countrymen (8 x 60’) sees four men with dubious plans move to a farm in the rural Norwegian countryside where, more or less against their will, they end up as the founders of Norway’s first halal cheesemaking business. Countrymen is a production from Banijay Norwegian label Rubicon for public broadcaster NRK in coproduction with Arte France.

    The deal also includes A Class Apart (8 x 60’), a drama series from Banijay Swedish label Jarowskij. The series is set at Sweden’s top ranked boarding high school which is home to a secret society for the most affluent students, the Zebra Club. On the night of the new semester, the selected few indulge in the hazing of two new members. The following morning, one of them is found dead.

    Both A Class Apart and Countrymen will be premieres in the North American market.

     Among the other titles from the Banijay Rights catalogue included in the agreement with NENT Group are two seasons of Jarowskij thriller Black Lake (16 x 60’) and Dystopia (8 x 60’); seasons one to five of crime drama Gåsmamman (42 x 60’), from Banijay Nordics; the first two seasons of Swedish science fiction drama Real Humans (20 x 60’), from Matador Film and SVT; seasons one to six of Jarowskij TV4 series Solsidan (60 x 30’); The Councilman (10 x 30’) from Rubicon; and seasons one to nine of The Sandhamn Murders (15 x 60’ and 4 x 120’), produced by Filmlance International in coproduction  with TV4, C More, ZDF, ZDF Enterprises with Endemol Shine International, TV2 Norge, DR and YLE.

    In the US, Viaplay will also show the first two seasons of Swedish crime sensation Wallander (26 x 90’) from Banijay label Yellow Bird; and seasons one and two of Wallander UK (6 x 90’), which Yellow Bird coproduced along with Left Bank Pictures, TKBC with Masterpiece, TV4, Film i Skåne and the Copenhagen Film Fund. High-end crime drama Wisting (10 x 60’), from Cinenord and Good Company Films in coproduction with Viaplay, Degeto Film, TV3 Norway and Ripple World Pictures, also forms part of the NENT Group deal, as well as the first two seasons of The Third Eye (20 x 60’), from Banijay Nordics, and Yellow Bird’s The Truth Will Out (8 x 60’).

  7. Jarowskij Reveals A Class Apart for Viaplay

    Comments Off on Jarowskij Reveals A Class Apart for Viaplay

    Swedish label Jarowskij, a Banijay Nordic company, today announces a new eight-part series for Viaplay, starring Aliette Opheim (Caliphate, Katla) and Valter Skarsgård (Lords of Chaos, Katla).

     

    Based on an idea by Henrik Schyffert and Gustaf Skördeman, A Class Apart explores the world of privilege and power. Written by Michaela Hamilton (Eagles) and Erik Eger, in co-operation with Gustaf Skördeman, Anna Platt and Fredrik Agetoft, and directed by Andrea Östlund (The Restaurant) Erik Eger and David Berron. The series is a co-production between Jarowskij, Brommamamma, Viaplay, Film I Väst and Banijay Rights.

     

    At Sweden’s top ranked boarding high school there is a secret society for the most affluent students, the Zebra Club. On the night of the new semester, the selected few indulge in the hazing of two new members. The following morning, one of them is found dead.

     

    When one of the troubled students at a disadvantaged public school nearby is falsely accused of the murder, the school’s passionate counsellor reacts on social media, critising the boarding school and stirring up emotions with the community, an action that sets unexpected events in motion.

     

    A Class Apart is distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

     

    Iréne Lindblad, Chief Executive Officer at Jarowskij says; “This original new series opens the door to the enigmatic world of the super-rich, where things are not always what they seem. Michaela Hamilton and Andrea Östlund have created a compelling world for viewers to indulge in, and witness the dramatic consequences which can occur when boundaries are pushed to the limit.”

     

    Jarowskij is behind numerous scripted and non-scripted hits including Black Lake, The Restaurant, We Got This, Welcome to Sweden, Wild Kids, Fort Boyard Sweden, SAS Sweden and many many more.

     

    Headed up by CEO Jacob Houlind, Banijay Nordic spans Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, as well as the UK and US, following the expansion of Yellow Bird. There are 18 production companies within the Banijay Nordic footprint, bringing together a world-class offering in scripted and non-scripted programming.