Banijay brings dating, balloons, karaoke, Marie Antoinette to Mipcom

Balloon artist competition format Blow Up

Production and distribution giant Banijay is bringing a range of entertainment and dating formats and premium scripted titles to Mipcom later this month.

The company, which is bringing over 125 executives to the event via its various business units and production subsidiaries, will be shopping formats including Love Triangle, Blow Up, Le Plus Grand Karaoké de France and MasterChef: Young Talent in Cannes.

Love Triangle, from Endemol Shine Australia for Stan, is described as an unpredictable and explosive relationship journey filled with love, heartbreak and a twist that will rock the couples to their core.

Dutch format Blow Up, meanwhile, from EndemolShine Nederlands for RTL4, sees talented balloon artists battle it out in a colourful and creative competition with high stakes.

French label DMLS TV’s Le Plus Grand Karaoké de France sees experts select the best singers from 1,000 mic’d up participants who are belting out songs.

The company is also bringing a host of scripted series to the market, including historical drama Marie Antoinette.

Created and written by Deborah Davis (The Favourite), the eight-part series was produced by Banijay Studios France, CAPA Drama and Les Gens, and tells the story of the avant-garde young queen.

From Kudos and Nebulastar, Rogue Heroes, written by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) is a dramatised account of how the SAS was formed under extraordinary circumstances in the darkest days of the Second World War. It stars Connor Swindells, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Allen, Tom Glynn-Carney, Sofia Boutella and Dominic West.

Alongside these period dramas is Shine Fiction’s Serial Lover, a coproduction with Sibaro Films.

Written by Alice Der Broek, the story centres around a man who lives many lives, manipulating those around him, especially women who he targets and steals from.

Meanwhile, Bali 2002 explores the everyday heroes directly impacted by the terrorist attacks in Bali 20 years ago. Written by Justin Monjo (Storm Boy), Kris Wyld (Pulse), Marcia Gardner (Wentworth) and emerging screenwriter Michael Toisuta with Balinese writer, actor and musician Ketut Yuliarsa (Janggan) as story editor, the drama is produced by Endemol Shine Australia and Screentime.

Stonehouse, meanwhile, builds on Banijay Rights’ slate of dramas based on true events and comes from writer John Preston.

The third-party offering from Clearwood Films and Snowed-In Productions is directed by Jon S Baird (Stan & Ollie) and depicts the story of disgraced Labour minister John Stonehouse.

In addition, Banijay Rights has Greenacre Films’ production Riches on its slate. Written and created by Abby Ajayi, it follows the exploits of a brash, super-successful and wealthy family.

The new shows at Mipcom join the 130,000 hours of programming within Banijay’s catalogue and sit alongside brands such as Big Brother, Survivor, Lego Masters, Hunted, The Bridge, Peaky Blinders and The Truth Will Out.

James Townley, global head of content development at Banijay, said: “We’re very much looking forward to heading to Cannes in person, offering broadcasters new premium entertainment, bold dating shows and showcasing the modern evolution of our super brands – all of which, have travelling potential at their core.”

Cathy Payne, CEO at Banijay Rights, added: “Our portfolio is further evidence of how we are tapping into the international audience’s desire for high-end content with nuanced narratives, and visually powerful series. Our line-up for Mipcom epitomises this with fascinating, compelling stories from across the Banijay footprint and beyond.

“We can’t wait to showcase our new eco-friendly stand and spend some time face-to-face with all our clients from across the globe.”

In other news, Banijay has appointed Netflix’s VP of studio finance for EMEA Cédric Brignon as its chief financial officer following former CFO Sophie Kurinckx’s move to FL Entertainment.

Brignon, who joins on November 1 and reports to CEO Marco Bassetti, will be charged with overseeing the organisation’s overarching finance strategy, while working alongside the wider executive committee on delivering against its general long-term business plan and M&A ambitions.

He joins Banijay from Netflix, where he most recently served as VP of studio finance for EMEA. Prior to Netflix, he served as VP of finance for IT and real estate in France and Benelux for Warner Bros Entertainment.