Backing start-ups, not M&A, will drive next phase of Banijay Americas growth says CEO 

MIPCOM: Ben Samek, CEO of Banijay Americas, says that investing in creative-led start-ups, rather than looking at strategic M&A, will drive the next phase of growth for the production group whose remit spans companies in the US, Mexico and Latin America.

Ben Samek

Chatting with C21 here in Cannes, Samek said he believes that investing in new companies like BD4, the premium doc-focused label launched with former Netflix and Disney+ exec Daniel Silver, will be a foundational part of Banijay Americas’ growth in the coming years.

BD4’s mandate is to “champion bold storytellers who approach documentaries through a commercial lens,” said the company at the time of its launch.

“I think there will be fewer acquisitions, which has been a predominant piece of how Endemol, Endemol Shine and Banijay have grown in scale, but I do believe we will continue to bring new deals to the table like the one with BD4,” said Samek, who took the reins from former head Cris Abrego in February 2023.

Banijay Americas is in discussions with several other executives and creators about potentially launching new companies under the Banijay Americas umbrella, he noted.

In terms of whether Banijay Americas is approaching producers and creators about launching new ventures, or waiting to be pitched by creator/producers with a vision for a new outfit, Samek said that both methods are equally viable. “Sometimes it’s about spaces that we feel we don’t have enough in. And sometimes it’s just about finding the right creative that I believe has a vision that we can back.”

Particularly in financially strained times for the entire ecosystem, deals of this nature are prudent investments.

“We can fund them, help them grow and give them resources, whether that’s production, creative or the ability to build brands and businesses,” he said.

“More of those investments will come to market, and I think the industry needs that, because those are ones where there isn’t a massive investment. You’re not necessarily acquiring an ongoing business that may have its own challenges. We’re really just taking the creative and figuring out how do we turbocharge what you’re really special at.”

Of course, Samek’s focus will also continue to be on the portfolio of production companies already sitting within Banijay Americas. Those include Endemol Shine North America, Bunim/Murray Productions, Authentic Entertainment, Truly Original and 51 Minds Entertainment in the US, as well as Mexico City-based studios Endemol Shine Boomdog and Banijay Mexico & US Hispanic, and Endemol Shine Brasil.

Asked about the myriad challenges facing the traditional TV business today, Samek said that the “middle” is where the majority of strain is being felt.

“I would say the challenges right now are the middle of the market, because premium IP still has a home. If you look at all the franchisees that have been working in cable or broadcast, everyone still sees value in it,” he said.

“It’s investment in the middle and new [IP] that’s been more challenged but I do feel like there’s green shoots. Things are settling out. I won’t dwell on the negativity that’s out there in the market, because the reality is that if you sit down with creatives who have projects they’re passionate about, they’re going to sell. Versus if you spend all your time talking about how bad the market is, you lose your creativity,” he said.

“I’ve been on the side of coming up with an idea, it turns into a big hit show, that turns into a franchise with spin-offs and everything that comes with it, and that turns into traveling internationally. I still believe that can happen.”