Siobhan Crawford named head of international at Dreamspark as French prodco’s Sea Battle format heads to TF1

Formats veteran and C21 columnist Siobhan Crawford has joined Paris-based prodco Dreamspark (The Power) as head of international.

Siobhan Crawford

Launched in 2022, Dreamspark specialises in the creation and production of gameshows, entertainment formats and reality shows. It has developed more than 60 original formats, including Werewolves of Millers Hollow for Canal+ and The Power for M6 Group.

Crawford’s remit is to work with the team to create and implement a strategy for the exploitation of Dreamspark formats worldwide.

With 20 years of experience in the industry, Crawford started her career as a sales and marketing coordinator for London-based distributor DRG, which is now NENT Studios UK and owned by All3Media.

She then joined Zodiak Rights in 2010 as a sales coordinator, before leaving to take up the role of sales manager for Banijay International. Crawford subsequently worked for Belgian distributor Primitives, initially in the role of head of sales before being upped to head of sales and acquisitions.

In 2022, she founded Glow Media, offering knowledge of the unscripted formats industry to clients. As a monthly columnist for C21, Crawford has written features about subjects such as how to survive a challenging market and the conflict between indie outfits and larger production groups.

Crawford said: “I just love formats and you go where the quality is, right now that is DreamSpark and what Moe and the team are doing is so vital to keeping Formatland supplied with new ideas. Moe is giving me opportunity to grow and learn, which after 19 years in this industry is really refreshing.”

Sea Battle has been created by Dreamspark CEO Moe Bennani

In related news, Dreamspark and French company Satisfaction Group are coproducing a TV version of classic board game Sea Battle for Gallic broadcaster TF1.

Created by Dreamspark CEO Moe Bennani, the format takes the strategy game and transforms it into a primetime gameshow where contestants compete on a grand stage to sink the other team’s battleships.

To be called Bataille Navale locally, it will be presented by Satisfaction boss and TV host Arthur Essebag. Dreamspark is handling international distribution.

Bennani said: “We wanted to create a show that brings families together around a game they already love but with a fresh and thrilling twist. With Sea Battle, we’ve elevated the classic board game into a compelling TV experience filled with suspense, strategy, and excitement.”

Julien Degroote, exec VP of content development at TF1, added: “Sea Battle embraces the gamification trend and the wave of successful TV games aired around the globe. The show fits in perfectly with TF1’s strategy of offering family entertainment and co-viewing content.”