TF1 greenlights Newen project

MIPFORMATS: French commercial broadcaster TF1 has commissioned a pilot of the latest gameshow from Newen, following its purchase of the production group at the turn of the year.

Newen’s gameshow On Fire is being piloted by parent TF1

Bibiane Godfroid, who joined the production powerhouse as CEO of content in December, announced the TF1 pilot of On Fire at MipFormats here in Cannes last night. The format has contestants competing for cash but the money they don’t win gets burned in front of them.

A former Canal+, France Télévisions and Fremantlemedia France executive, Godfroid was also M6 programmes director for the past eight years. She joined Newen in the wake of the group’s acquisition by TF1.

The broadcaster commented at the time the goal was to build Newen into a major international player, although the company will continue to be operated independently from TF1’s channels. This news was not welcomed by public broadcaster France Télévisions, for which Newen is a major supplier.

France Télévisions subsequently froze all developments with Newen.

Godfroid did not comment on the France Télévisions issue last night but said her priorities are to maintain Newen’s leading position, as well as hiring new talents of different profiles in order to be able to supply all channels.

On Fire is the first example of this strategy, having been developed by format creator Aurélien Lipianski and his company Tooco, which has just been acquired by Newen. Lipianski is joining the Newen research and development team to develop gameshows and entertainment formats.

Godfroid said she intends to push further new developments both in scripted and non-scripted, and the group is dedicating 5% of its revenues to R&D.

In formats, Newen is also looking to reach co-development partnerships with third parties, while in drama the development of more international coproductions like Canal+ series Versailles is on the agenda. Newen Studios recently hired former consultant Sandra Ouaiss as head of international drama coproductions and associate producer.

Newen will also look to diversify itself into international event documentaries, through subsidiary Capa.