BBC Studios and Banijay Asia announce Indian format production partnership
BBC Studios (BBCS), the commercial arm of UK pubcaster the BBC, is partnering with Banijay Asia to bring local-language versions of its formats to Indian audiences.
Deepak Dhar
As part of the agreement, Banijay Asia will have exclusive access to BBCS’s unscripted and scripted content catalogue. It will also produce shows with a local flavour for broadcasters and streamers in the region.
The new collaboration will see BBCS winding up its own production activity in India after two decades once current and contracted commitments are delivered.
BBCS has a portfolio of globally recognised unscripted brands including The 1% Club, Dancing with the Stars and The Weakest Link; alongside scripted formats such as The Office and Ghosts.
The multi-year deal will see Banijay Asia launch BBCS’s existing and new formats in India for the first time.
Banijay Asia is a joint venture between Banijay Entertainment and Deepak Dhar, who leads both Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India in the region. Alongside original titles such as Into the Wild with Bear Grylls and Trial by Fire, the companies have previously adapted Banijay formats for the Indian market including Masterchef, Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, Temptation Island and Fear Factor.
They are also behind third-party local adaptations including The Night Manager, Call My Agent: Bollywood and The Good Wife.
Jacob de Boer, exec VP of global entertainment, BBCS, said: “Banijay Asia is an outstanding producer with the creativity, vision and local expertise to bring BBC Studios’ rich catalogue of formats to life for the Indian market. We are excited for this partnership to bring the next generation of compelling, talked-about entertainment shows to Indian audiences.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the BBCS team in Mumbai for all the incredible content they have developed and produced over the years, with our very first episode of Jhalak Dikhla Ja in 2006.”
Dhar said: “BBC Studios has an incredible catalogue of iconic formats and, as its exclusive partner in India, we will bring these powerful stories to Indian viewers with our unique approach in storytelling.
“This strategic collaboration aligns with our vision of delivering high-quality, impactful content that resonates across platforms.”
Matt Forde, MD global entertainment, BBCS, said: “Our strategy is to deliver BBC Studios’ hit entertainment shows to audiences around the world, working with the best in the business to engage audiences locally.
“Banijay Asia shares our commitment to its craft and to powerful storytelling, with a proven track record in adapting hit shows that really breakthrough in India. We can’t wait to see what they will do with our world- leading IP.”
