Banijay (formerly Banijay Entertainment and later Banijay Group) is a French television production and distribution company which is the world's largest international content producer and distributor with over 120 production companies across 22 territories, and a multi-genre catalogue containing over 120,000 hours of original programming. Headquartered in
Paris
Paris () is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,165,423 residents in 2019 in an area of more than 105 km² (41 sq mi), making it the 30th most densely populated city in the world in 2020. S ...
, the company was founded in January 2008 by
Stéphane Courbit
Stéphane Courbit (born 28 April 1965) is a French businessman in the sector of media and television.
In 2018, his net worth was estimated to be €800 million. He was listed as the 114th-richest man in France.
Biography Beginnings
Sté ...
, formerly president of
Endemol France, and has risen since its inception, to become a €3bn turnover business. It is currently a subsidiary of FL Entertainment N.V., based in
Amsterdam
Amsterdam ( , , , lit. ''The Dam on the River Amstel'') is the Capital of the Netherlands, capital and Municipalities of the Netherlands, most populous city of the Netherlands, with The Hague being the seat of government. It has a population ...
.
The company has expanded over the years through multiple acquisitions, including its purchases of
Zodiak Media
Zodiak Media was an independent French production company.
In February 2016, Zodiak merged with Banijay.
History
In 2008, the group re-branded itself as Zodiak Entertainment after the acquisition of Zodiak TV (Nordics, Eastern Europe, Russia ...
in 2016 and
Endemol Shine Group
Endemol Shine Group B.V. (stylized in all spaceless) was a Dutch production and distribution company of scripted and non-scripted content, responsible for programmes such as '' Big Brother'', '' Deal or No Deal'', '' The Money Drop'', '' Fear F ...
in 2020, when it adopted its current name.
The group represents some of the world's most renowned non-scripted television formats including ''
Big Brother'',
''Survivor'', ''
Deal or No Deal
''Deal or No Deal'' is the name of several closely related television game shows, the first of which (launching the format) was the Dutch ''Miljoenenjacht (Netherlands), Miljoenenjacht'' (''Hunt/Chase for Millions''). The centerpiece of this f ...
'', ''
Temptation Island'', ''
MasterChef
''MasterChef'' is a competitive cooking show television format created by Franc Roddam, which originated with the UK version in July 1990. The format was revived and updated for the BBC in February 2005 by executive producers Roddam and John ...
'', ''
Don't Forget the Lyrics
''Don't Forget the Lyrics!'' is an international game show in the United States. The American show originally aired on Fox from July 11, 2007, to June 19, 2009, and after a year off the air, a third overall season, and first as a syndicated show ...
'' and ''
Hunted''. Banijay is also behind long-running hits that include ''
Peaky Blinders
The Peaky Blinders were a street gang based in Birmingham, England, which operated from the 1880s until the 1910s. The group consisted largely of young criminals from lower- to middle-class backgrounds. They engaged in robbery, violence, racke ...
'', ''
Grantchester
Grantchester is a village and civil parish on the River Cam or Granta in South Cambridgeshire, England. It lies about south of Cambridge.
Name
The village of Grantchester is listed in the 1086 Domesday Book as ''Grantesete'' and ''Grauntset ...
'', ''
Wallander Wallander may refer to:
TV, film, books
* Kurt Wallander, a fictional Swedish police inspector in novels by Henning Mankell
:* ''Wallander'' (film series), Swedish-language television films of the Wallander stories starring Rolf Lassgård
:* ''Wal ...
'', and ''
Black Mirror
''Black Mirror'' is a British anthology television series created by Charlie Brooker. Individual episodes explore a diversity of genres, but most are set in near-future dystopias with science fiction technology—a type of speculative fictio ...
'' as well as the upcoming series ''
Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette Josèphe Jeanne (; ; née Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna; 2 November 1755 – 16 October 1793) was the last queen of France before the French Revolution. She was born an archduchess of Austria, and was the penultimate child a ...
'' and ''
SAS: Rogue Heroes''.
History
In 2009, Banijay acquired 51% of Spanish production company Cuarzo Producciones on 12 January, 50% of German producer
Brainpool TV
Brainpool TV GmbH is a German television production company located in Cologne. It was a subsidiary of VIVA Medien AG between 2001 and 2006, until a management buyout in January 2007, now owned by Banijay. The film '' Stromberg – The Movie'' ...
on 2 July and the entire television division of
Copenhagen
Copenhagen ( or .; da, København ) is the capital and most populous city of Denmark, with a proper population of around 815.000 in the last quarter of 2022; and some 1.370,000 in the urban area; and the wider Copenhagen metropolitan ar ...
-based film studio
Nordisk Film
Nordisk Film A/S (lit. "Nordic Film") is a Danish entertainment company established in 1906 in Copenhagen by filmmaker Ole Olsen. It is the fourth-oldest film studio in the world behind the Gaumont Film Company, Pathé, and Titanus ...
on 12 October. In March 2010, Banijay acquired American production company
Bunim/Murray Productions
Bunim/Murray Productions is an entertainment production company based out of Glendale, California, and is considered a pioneer in the reality television genre. It is best known for ''The Real World'', ''Road Rules'', ''Bad Girls Club''. Mary-Ell ...
for an undisclosed amount.
In September 2012, Banijay acquired a majority stake in Australian production company
Screentime
Screentime is an Australian television production company, which develops and produces scripted and unscripted television programs in Australia and New Zealand. The company has produced numerous popular series including ''Popstars'', the ''Under ...
, which included a New Zealand division (Screentime New Zealand) and a 49% stake in Irish producer
Shinawil which was sold in 2015. That same year, French celebrity channel Non Stop People and
Cyril Hanouna
Cyril Valéry Isaac Hanouna (; ar, سيريل فاليري إسحاق حنونة, link=no; born 23 September 1974) is a French radio and television presenter, writer, author, columnist, producer, singer and occasional actor and comedian of Tunis ...
's became new members of the Group, followed in 2013 by Italian producer Ambra Multimedia and Spanish producer, DLO Producciones.
In April 2014, Banijay launched Banijay Studios North America in
Los Angeles
Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...
,
California
California is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States, located along the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the List of states and territori ...
. On 9 January 2015, Banijay acquired
New York City
New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the List of United States cities by population, most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the L ...
-based Stephen David Entertainment.
In July 2015, Banijay Group announced that it would merge with
Zodiak Media
Zodiak Media was an independent French production company.
In February 2016, Zodiak merged with Banijay.
History
In 2008, the group re-branded itself as Zodiak Entertainment after the acquisition of Zodiak TV (Nordics, Eastern Europe, Russia ...
; the merger was completed in February 2016. Vivendi also became a shareholder in 2016.
In 2017, Banijay acquired BlackLight Television, Blast and Fearless Minds in the UK, launched YellowBird UK and acquired Shauna Events in France. In July of that year, Banijay announced it had acquired ''
Survivor'' production company Castaway Television Productions.
In February 2018, Banijay Group acquired Britain-based company Wonder and Neon Ink Productions in February Banijay Studios Italy, Banijay Asia and Banijay Productions Germany were created in June of that year. Portocabo and Terence Films also became members of the group in 2018.
In October 2018, Banijay entered advanced talks to acquire rival
Endemol Shine Group
Endemol Shine Group B.V. (stylized in all spaceless) was a Dutch production and distribution company of scripted and non-scripted content, responsible for programmes such as '' Big Brother'', '' Deal or No Deal'', '' The Money Drop'', '' Fear F ...
, with a deal approved a year later on 26 October 2019.
In October 2019, Good Times and Funwood Media became part of the group and the company launched joint venture The Natural Studios alongside Bear Grylls and Delbert Shoopman.
On 30 June 2020, the
European Commission
The European Commission (EC) is the executive of the European Union (EU). It operates as a cabinet government, with 27 members of the Commission (informally known as "Commissioners") headed by a President. It includes an administrative body o ...
approved Banijay's purchase of Endemol Shine. The purchase was completed on July 3, 2020, whereby Banijay took on its current name (dropping off "Group") and upscaled from its 16 territories to 22. More recently, it signed a deal with Nineteen11, a production company. On December 15, 2021, Banijay Rights inked a deal with
Viaplay
Viaplay is a streaming service owned by Viaplay Group which is based in Stockholm.
History
Originally owned by Modern Times Group, it was launched in May 2007 as Viasat On Demand. It was rebranded as Viaplay in 2011. Viaplay released its first ...
which provided access to its Nordic drama titles. This led to the creation of Banijay Brands and in September 2020 Banijay Germany secured the majority stake in SR Management GmbH.
In April 2021 it was announced Banijay acquired animation company Monello Productions to sit under Banijay Kids & Family. In addition, that month, Banijay Germany launched a new label before announcing in May that Banijay Germany had established a new documentary division. In June of the same year Endemol Shine Germany, part of Banijay Germany, had launched Rainer Laux Productions which is a collaboration with renowned TV producer Rainer Laux. Banijay Germany also partnered with Stephan Denzer in October to found fiction label Good Humor.
In 2021, Marathon Studio, a joint venture with Banijay France was established and it was announced in July that Banijay France acquired DMLS TV. In July new French talent agency, Banijay Talent and IMA the new creative agency from Banijay Iberia were launched. Additionally, Banijay Benelux acquired a majority stake in leading Dutch sports producer Southfields.
In September 2021, Banijay Americas launched new production studio Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic, which is based in Mexico City and Los Angeles. Banijay UK also announced in October 2021 the creation of new scripted start-up Double Dutch.
In February 2022, Endemol Shine Boomdog, announced the launch of its post-production studio. This month also saw the creation of Yasuke Production. This new production company between Endemol France and Teddy Riner will focus on the world of sport. Later this month, a partnership with award-winning French producer Alain Goldman via Pitchipoï Productions and Montmartre Films was confirmed.
In March 2022, it was announced that Banijay had acquired the
Rome
, established_title = Founded
, established_date = 753 BC
, founder = King Romulus (legendary)
, image_map = Map of comune of Rome (metropolitan city of Capital Rome, region Lazio, Italy).svg
, map_caption ...
-based production company, Grøenlandia Group.
In April Banijay, announced it is further growing its premium scripted offering via a partnership between Banijay Iberia and Pokeepsie Films.
In May 2022, it was announced that Banijay will be public through an agreement with a
SPAC investment group.
In July 2022, it was announced that Banijay would acquire the
Sony-owned German television production company, Sony Pictures Television Germany.
In October 2022, it was announced that Banijay has entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed (Scheme) to acquire
Beyond International
Beyond International Limited is an international television and film production company with operations in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States. Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (), the company is involved i ...
. Also in the month, it was announced that Banijay UK had acquired Mam Tor Productions.
In December 2022, Banijay acquired Brazilian studio A Fábrica.
Programmes
Banijay has several brands of television programmes and formats aimed at different demographics. Some of its better-known programmes and formats produced by its many subsidiaries (past and present) are:
* ''
5 Million Money Drop''
* ''
Aarya''
* ''
All Together Now''
* ''
Beauty and the Geek
''Beauty and the Geek'' is an American reality television series that premiered on The WB on June 1, 2005. It has been advertised as "The Ultimate Social Experiment" and is produced by Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg and J.D. Roth. The show's ti ...
''
* ''
Beforeigners
''Beforeigners'' is a Norwegian television series that premiered on 21 August 2019. The show was created and written by Eilif Skodvin and Anne Bjørnstad, and directed by Jens Lien. Produced by Rubicon TV AS for HBO Nordic, it is the first Norwe ...
''
* ''
Big Brother''
* ''
Bigg Boss
''Bigg Boss'' is an Indian reality television game show franchise based on the Dutch reality show '' Big Brother''. It is produced by Endemol Shine India through Viacom18 and Disney Star. Subsequently, the various versions of the show are made ...
''
* ''
The Biggest Loser
''The Biggest Loser'' is a reality television format which started with the American TV show ''The Biggest Loser'' in 2004. The show centers on overweight and obese contestants attempting to lose the most weight; the winner receives a cash prize. ...
''
* ''
Grantchester
Grantchester is a village and civil parish on the River Cam or Granta in South Cambridgeshire, England. It lies about south of Cambridge.
Name
The village of Grantchester is listed in the 1086 Domesday Book as ''Grantesete'' and ''Grauntset ...
''
* ''
Black Mirror
''Black Mirror'' is a British anthology television series created by Charlie Brooker. Individual episodes explore a diversity of genres, but most are set in near-future dystopias with science fiction technology—a type of speculative fictio ...
''
* ''
Deal or No Deal
''Deal or No Deal'' is the name of several closely related television game shows, the first of which (launching the format) was the Dutch ''Miljoenenjacht (Netherlands), Miljoenenjacht'' (''Hunt/Chase for Millions''). The centerpiece of this f ...
''
* ''
Domina''
* ''
Domino Challenge
Dominoes is a family of tile-based games played with gaming pieces, commonly known as dominoes. Each domino is a rectangular tile, usually with a line dividing its face into two square ''ends''. Each end is marked with a number of spots (also ca ...
''
* ''
Don't Forget the Lyrics
''Don't Forget the Lyrics!'' is an international game show in the United States. The American show originally aired on Fox from July 11, 2007, to June 19, 2009, and after a year off the air, a third overall season, and first as a syndicated show ...
''
* ''
Drag Race France
''Drag Race France'' is a French reality competition television series based on the original American series ''RuPaul's Drag Race'' and part of the ''Drag Race'' franchise. It airs on the digital channel France.tv Slash in France and on WOW Pres ...
''
* ''
Fear Factor
''Fear Factor'' is an American stunt/ dare game show that first aired on NBC from 2001 to 2006 and was initially hosted by comedian and UFC commentator Joe Rogan. The show was adapted by Endemol USA from the original Dutch series titled ''Now or ...
''
* ''
Fort Boyard''
* ''
Hunted''
* ''
The Island with Bear Grylls
''The Island with Bear Grylls'' is a British reality television programme which premiered on Channel 4 on 5 May 2014 and ran for five series, plus a renamed sixth series and a spin-off series. Narrated by Bear Grylls, participants in the show ...
''
* ''
Keeping Up with the Kardashians
''Keeping Up with the Kardashians'' (often abbreviated ''KUWTK'') is an American reality television series which focused on the personal and professional lives of the Kardashian family, Kardashian–Jenner Stepfamily, blended family, airing b ...
''
* ''
Language of Love
''Language of Love'' () is a 1969 Swedish sex educational film directed by Torgny Wickman. It was an international success.
It gained publicity when 30,000 people gathered on Trafalgar Square in London to protest against a nearby movie theatre ...
''
* ''
LEGO Masters
''Lego Masters'' is an international reality television show in which teams compete to build the best Lego project, based on the original British show of that name, which premiered in 2017. Many other countries adapted the format and began ai ...
''
* ''
Limitless Win
''Ant & Dec's Limitless Win'' is a British game show hosted by Ant & Dec which premiered 8 January 2022 on ITV. The series was created by Hello Dolly Ltd and is produced by Hello Dolly Ltd and Ant & Dec's Mitre Studios.
Gameplay
Two contestant ...
''
* ''
Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette Josèphe Jeanne (; ; née Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna; 2 November 1755 – 16 October 1793) was the last queen of France before the French Revolution. She was born an archduchess of Austria, and was the penultimate child a ...
''
* ''
MasterChef
''MasterChef'' is a competitive cooking show television format created by Franc Roddam, which originated with the UK version in July 1990. The format was revived and updated for the BBC in February 2005 by executive producers Roddam and John ...
''
* ''
Mr. Bean
''Mr. Bean'' is a British sitcom created by Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis, produced by Tiger Aspect and starring Atkinson as the title character. The sitcom consists of 15 episodes that were co-written by Atkinson alongside Curtis and R ...
''
* ''
Peaky Blinders
The Peaky Blinders were a street gang based in Birmingham, England, which operated from the 1880s until the 1910s. The group consisted largely of young criminals from lower- to middle-class backgrounds. They engaged in robbery, violence, racke ...
''
* ''
Pointless
''Pointless'' is a British television quiz show produced by Banijay subsidiary Remarkable Television for the BBC. It is hosted by Alexander Armstrong. In each episode four teams of two contestants attempt to find correct but obscure answers to ...
''
* ''
SAS: Rogue Heroes''
* ''
Simon's Cat
''Simon's Cat'' is a British animated web cartoon and book series written by Simon Tofield. It features a hungry cat who uses various tactics to get his owner to feed him.
In January 2009, it was announced that ''Simon's Cat'' would be publis ...
''
* ''
Starstruck''
* ''
Survivor''
* ''
The Bridge''
* ''
The Courtship
''The Courtship'' is an American reality television dating game show that premiered on NBC on March 6, 2022.
Format
Court
*Mr. Claude Remy (Father)
*Dr. Claire Spain-Remy (Mother)
*Mrs. Danielle "Danie" Baker (Sister)
*Ms. Tessa Cleary (Best F ...
''
* ''
The Wall
''The Wall'' is the eleventh studio album by the English progressive rock band Pink Floyd, released on 30 November 1979 by Harvest/EMI and Columbia/CBS Records. It is a rock opera that explores Pink, a jaded rock star whose eventual self-imp ...
''
* ''
Totally Spies!
''Totally Spies!'' is an animated spy-fi series created by Vincent Chalvon-Demersay and David Michel mainly produced by French animation company Marathon Media and French broadcaster TF1, with seasons 3 to 5 being co-produced with Canadian comp ...
''
* ''
Wipeout''
* ''
Would I Lie to You?''
* ''
Your Face Sounds Familiar
''Your Face Sounds Familiar'' (Spanish: ''Tu cara me suena'') is a Spanish interactive reality television franchise series where celebrity contestants impersonate singers. The format, similar to Dutch television series ''Soundmixshow'', was f ...
''
Assets
Assets owned by Banijay include:
References
External links
*
{{Banijay
Companies based in Paris
Mass media in Paris
Entertainment companies of France
Television production companies of France
Mass media companies established in 2008
French companies established in 2008