This week saw a “Black Monday” for the TV industry due to the proposed layoffs at Channel 4 and Paramount, according to storied The Office and It Crowd producer Ash Atalla.
Atalla predicted there will be “less” shows made this year, “not more,” and that freelancers are “hurting” due to the industry slowdown, compounded by the redundancy plans.
On Monday, Channel 4, for which Atalla’s Roughcut TV has made a wealth of shows down the years including current hit Big Boys, announced it will be laying off around 240 staff as part of a ‘Fast Forward’ strategy, which will see Film4 and TV drama commissioning merged. Channel 5-owner Paramount, meanwhile, is prepping to make hundreds of layoffs in the States and UK-based international studios boss Maria Kyriacou is leaving.
“Yesterday felt like a ‘Black Monday’ in the world of TV,” Atalla said last night on a Royal Television Society panel.
Atalla predicted there will be “less” shows made this year, “not more,” and that freelancers are “hurting” due to the industry slowdown, compounded by the redundancy plans.
On Monday, Channel 4, for which Atalla’s Roughcut TV has made a wealth of shows down the years including current hit Big Boys, announced it will be laying off around 240 staff as part of a ‘Fast Forward’ strategy, which will see Film4 and TV drama commissioning merged. Channel 5-owner Paramount, meanwhile, is prepping to make hundreds of layoffs in the States and UK-based international studios boss Maria Kyriacou is leaving.
“Yesterday felt like a ‘Black Monday’ in the world of TV,” Atalla said last night on a Royal Television Society panel.
- 1/31/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Banijay UK’s Chief Financial Officer is to exit the Big Brother juggernaut at the end of the year.
Derek O’Gara has been in post since Banijay’s takeover of Endemol Shine Group, having been that company’s CFO for four years prior. He previously served in various financial roles for the BBC and BBC Studios (then BBC Worldwide) across two decades.
O’Gara is staying on until the end of this year while a successor is sought.
Jon Penny, former VP Finance at Warner Bros International Television Production, has joined Banijay on an interim basis while the outfit seeks the replacement. Penny has spent the past 12 years at Warner, helping fuel growth of the UK and international TV production and format distribution businesses including the setup of a non-scripted outfit in France and acquisition and integrations of Shed, BlazHoffski and Eyeworks.
During his tenure, O’Gara has...
Derek O’Gara has been in post since Banijay’s takeover of Endemol Shine Group, having been that company’s CFO for four years prior. He previously served in various financial roles for the BBC and BBC Studios (then BBC Worldwide) across two decades.
O’Gara is staying on until the end of this year while a successor is sought.
Jon Penny, former VP Finance at Warner Bros International Television Production, has joined Banijay on an interim basis while the outfit seeks the replacement. Penny has spent the past 12 years at Warner, helping fuel growth of the UK and international TV production and format distribution businesses including the setup of a non-scripted outfit in France and acquisition and integrations of Shed, BlazHoffski and Eyeworks.
During his tenure, O’Gara has...
- 11/22/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Talkback and Thames chief Leon Wilson has been named CEO of Banijay UK labels Shine TV and Zeppotron.
This comes after the news current Shine Managing Director Jon Swain is stepping down at the end of the year. Wilson will report to Banijay UK CEO Patrick Holland the he takes up the CEO role at the end of the month.
Shine is known for the BBC’s MasterChef brands, Hunted and Celebrity Hunted and new Channel 4 prison format Banged Up, while Zeppotron makes the long running shows 8 Out of 10 Cats, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Would I Lie to You?.
There are no plans to directly replace Swain at Shine, but Wilson will work with Creative Director Tim Whitwell, MasterChef boss David Ambler and the wider team. At Zeppotron, MDs Ruth Phillips and Peter Holmes will work with Wilson on a push into the streamer market.
Wilson...
This comes after the news current Shine Managing Director Jon Swain is stepping down at the end of the year. Wilson will report to Banijay UK CEO Patrick Holland the he takes up the CEO role at the end of the month.
Shine is known for the BBC’s MasterChef brands, Hunted and Celebrity Hunted and new Channel 4 prison format Banged Up, while Zeppotron makes the long running shows 8 Out of 10 Cats, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Would I Lie to You?.
There are no plans to directly replace Swain at Shine, but Wilson will work with Creative Director Tim Whitwell, MasterChef boss David Ambler and the wider team. At Zeppotron, MDs Ruth Phillips and Peter Holmes will work with Wilson on a push into the streamer market.
Wilson...
- 11/16/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Acquisitions
Banijay U.K. have acquired “Becoming Elizabeth” producer The Forge. The terms of the agreement include a first look deal for Banijay Rights.
The Forge was founded by managing director George Faber and the senior creative team is comprised of Faber, EP and head of business affair Mark Pybus, EP Beth Willis and EP George Ormond. Upcoming series from the production company are “The Buccaneers” for Apple TV+ and Peter Kominsky’s drama about the Grenfell fire for BBC One.
The studio is the eleventh scripted label to be acquired by Banjay U.K., joining companies including Tiger Aspect and Kudos.
“I have been a massive admirer of The Forge since its inception,” said Patrick Holland, CEO of Banijay U.K. “George Faber, Mark Pybus, Beth Willis and George Ormond have together grown one of the most ambitious and exciting drama slates in the U.K. We are so...
Banijay U.K. have acquired “Becoming Elizabeth” producer The Forge. The terms of the agreement include a first look deal for Banijay Rights.
The Forge was founded by managing director George Faber and the senior creative team is comprised of Faber, EP and head of business affair Mark Pybus, EP Beth Willis and EP George Ormond. Upcoming series from the production company are “The Buccaneers” for Apple TV+ and Peter Kominsky’s drama about the Grenfell fire for BBC One.
The studio is the eleventh scripted label to be acquired by Banjay U.K., joining companies including Tiger Aspect and Kudos.
“I have been a massive admirer of The Forge since its inception,” said Patrick Holland, CEO of Banijay U.K. “George Faber, Mark Pybus, Beth Willis and George Ormond have together grown one of the most ambitious and exciting drama slates in the U.K. We are so...
- 11/2/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Banijay has added to its UK scripted roster with the acquisiton of Help and The Buccaneers producer The Forge.
The Big Brother maker’s UK arm has taken a majority stake in The Forge, its first since Chloe producer Mam Tor almost exactly a year ago. The deal includes a first-look agreement with distributor Banijay Rights. The Forge previously had a similar deal in place with All3Media International but it ran down several years ago.
The Forge was founded by former BBC commissioner George Faber a decade ago and counts vet UK drama execs such as Beth Willis, Mark Pybus and George Ormond amongst its senior creative team.
The company has collaborated with the likes of Jack Thorne, Ben Wheatley and Peter Moffat, with past credits including Thorne’s Channel 4 BAFTA-winner Help, Starz’ Becoming Elizabeth and BBC drama Collateral starring Carey Mulligan. It has big streamer shows coming up...
The Big Brother maker’s UK arm has taken a majority stake in The Forge, its first since Chloe producer Mam Tor almost exactly a year ago. The deal includes a first-look agreement with distributor Banijay Rights. The Forge previously had a similar deal in place with All3Media International but it ran down several years ago.
The Forge was founded by former BBC commissioner George Faber a decade ago and counts vet UK drama execs such as Beth Willis, Mark Pybus and George Ormond amongst its senior creative team.
The company has collaborated with the likes of Jack Thorne, Ben Wheatley and Peter Moffat, with past credits including Thorne’s Channel 4 BAFTA-winner Help, Starz’ Becoming Elizabeth and BBC drama Collateral starring Carey Mulligan. It has big streamer shows coming up...
- 11/2/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Independent production giant Banijay’s U.K. arm unveiled the acquisition of scripted producer The Forge, the company behind such dramas as Marriage, starring Sean Bean, Help, starring Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham, and Becoming Elizabeth.
Banijay lauded the company’s “well-established reputation for high-quality, ambitious and award-winning TV drama.” Financial details weren’t disclosed.
The Forge’s other successes have included the likes of National Treasure (Channel 4), The Miniaturist (BBC), Kiri (Channel 4) and Collateral (BBC).
Banijay also highlighted that The Forge currently has multiple, high-profile titles for linear and streaming platforms in production. They include eight-part series The Buccaneers for Apple TV+, due to launch globally Nov. 8, whose plot description says it revolves around “the daughters of America’s new rich — beautiful and untameable, despite the best efforts of England’s finest governesses, they are on their way to London to snare themselves an aristocrat, low in funds...
Banijay lauded the company’s “well-established reputation for high-quality, ambitious and award-winning TV drama.” Financial details weren’t disclosed.
The Forge’s other successes have included the likes of National Treasure (Channel 4), The Miniaturist (BBC), Kiri (Channel 4) and Collateral (BBC).
Banijay also highlighted that The Forge currently has multiple, high-profile titles for linear and streaming platforms in production. They include eight-part series The Buccaneers for Apple TV+, due to launch globally Nov. 8, whose plot description says it revolves around “the daughters of America’s new rich — beautiful and untameable, despite the best efforts of England’s finest governesses, they are on their way to London to snare themselves an aristocrat, low in funds...
- 11/2/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lenny Henry has launched a new production company backed by Banijay U.K.
Titled Esmerelda, the new venture will focus on drama and comedy with an emphasis on under-represented voices.
Henry, an actor, comedian and writer, will take the position of joint co-managing director of the company alongside producer, writer and director Jon Sen.
Henry most recently starred in “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” and is soon set to launch his latest series, “Three Little Birds,” for ITV. Henry wrote the show while “Doctor Who” show runner Russell T Davies and Tiger Aspect’s Lucy Bedford exec produce.
Henry founded production company Douglas Road in 2014 and will stand down as CEO to focus on Esmerelda.
Douglas Road Productions will continue to be run by managing director Angela Ferreira.
Jon recently held a role at BBC Studios as an executive producer and development exec where he also helmed “Casualty” and “EastEnders.
Titled Esmerelda, the new venture will focus on drama and comedy with an emphasis on under-represented voices.
Henry, an actor, comedian and writer, will take the position of joint co-managing director of the company alongside producer, writer and director Jon Sen.
Henry most recently starred in “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” and is soon set to launch his latest series, “Three Little Birds,” for ITV. Henry wrote the show while “Doctor Who” show runner Russell T Davies and Tiger Aspect’s Lucy Bedford exec produce.
Henry founded production company Douglas Road in 2014 and will stand down as CEO to focus on Esmerelda.
Douglas Road Productions will continue to be run by managing director Angela Ferreira.
Jon recently held a role at BBC Studios as an executive producer and development exec where he also helmed “Casualty” and “EastEnders.
- 10/23/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Lenny Henry has launched a scripted production outfit backed by the £50M ($61M) Banijay UK Growth Fund.
Henry is helming Esmerelda Productions with former EastEnders and Casualty exec Jon Sen. It will produce drama and comedy shows with an emphasis on working with under-represented writers, cast and crew.
British comedy legend and diversity lobbyist Henry will step down as CEO of his current Banijay-backed production house Douglas Road, with MD Angela Ferreira taking the reins. That company just saw ITV launch Three Little Birds, Henry’s drama inspired by the experience of his family settling in the UK in the 1950s, which was exec produced by Russell T Davies.
Banijay’s investment will enable Esmerelda to build its team and slate, while the deal includes a first look with distributor Banijay Rights. Banijay’s Growth Fund has so far taken stakes in the likes of James Norton and Kitty Kaletsky’s Rabbit Track,...
Henry is helming Esmerelda Productions with former EastEnders and Casualty exec Jon Sen. It will produce drama and comedy shows with an emphasis on working with under-represented writers, cast and crew.
British comedy legend and diversity lobbyist Henry will step down as CEO of his current Banijay-backed production house Douglas Road, with MD Angela Ferreira taking the reins. That company just saw ITV launch Three Little Birds, Henry’s drama inspired by the experience of his family settling in the UK in the 1950s, which was exec produced by Russell T Davies.
Banijay’s investment will enable Esmerelda to build its team and slate, while the deal includes a first look with distributor Banijay Rights. Banijay’s Growth Fund has so far taken stakes in the likes of James Norton and Kitty Kaletsky’s Rabbit Track,...
- 10/23/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kitty Walshe, the CEO of Rdf Group and Your Home Made Perfect producer Remarkable Factual, is exiting after eight years, with the pair of Banijay labels set to merge.
A redundancy consultation process is currently taking place and a number of staff are expected to be laid off, with the newly-merged label badged Rdf. Walshe’s decision to leave preceded the merger decision. Rdf West MD Jo Scarratt-Jones and London boss Meredith Chambers will remain with the company.
Kitty Walshe
Walshe joined from Twofour almost a decade ago to shepherd Remarkable Factual before adding Crystal Maze and Only Connect producer Rdf to her roster in 2021. Remarkable Factual makes the likes of Your Home Made Perfect, the BBC’s VR format hosted by Angela Scanlon in which technology and innovative architects turn ordinary houses into dream homes.
Rdf calls itself “one of the largest UK production companys within Banijay” and...
A redundancy consultation process is currently taking place and a number of staff are expected to be laid off, with the newly-merged label badged Rdf. Walshe’s decision to leave preceded the merger decision. Rdf West MD Jo Scarratt-Jones and London boss Meredith Chambers will remain with the company.
Kitty Walshe
Walshe joined from Twofour almost a decade ago to shepherd Remarkable Factual before adding Crystal Maze and Only Connect producer Rdf to her roster in 2021. Remarkable Factual makes the likes of Your Home Made Perfect, the BBC’s VR format hosted by Angela Scanlon in which technology and innovative architects turn ordinary houses into dream homes.
Rdf calls itself “one of the largest UK production companys within Banijay” and...
- 7/17/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Meera Syal is to deliver the Alternative MacTaggart at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Syal also received the BAFTA Fellowship and has appeared in the likes of Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at Number 42 and The Split. She will soon be seen in Acorn’s Mrs. Sindhu Investigates and Prime Video’s Wheel of Time.
“I’m so excited that the wonderful Meera Syal has agreed to be this year’s Alternative MacTaggart speaker,” said Edinburgh Advisory Chair Kiran Nataraja. “As an icon who has always been at the forefront of the industry, I know her unique perspective will make for a fascinating and lively session.”
Syal added: “I am delighted to be invited to speak as this year’s Alternative MacTaggart and look forward to sharing some of those untold stories with the wonderful Fatima Salaria.”e
The main MacTaggart will be delivered by Louis Theroux. Other sessions confirmed today...
Syal also received the BAFTA Fellowship and has appeared in the likes of Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at Number 42 and The Split. She will soon be seen in Acorn’s Mrs. Sindhu Investigates and Prime Video’s Wheel of Time.
“I’m so excited that the wonderful Meera Syal has agreed to be this year’s Alternative MacTaggart speaker,” said Edinburgh Advisory Chair Kiran Nataraja. “As an icon who has always been at the forefront of the industry, I know her unique perspective will make for a fascinating and lively session.”
Syal added: “I am delighted to be invited to speak as this year’s Alternative MacTaggart and look forward to sharing some of those untold stories with the wonderful Fatima Salaria.”e
The main MacTaggart will be delivered by Louis Theroux. Other sessions confirmed today...
- 7/13/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Dogwoof nabs Nick Broomfield feature set to premiere at Tribeca next month.
Whitney Houston documentary Whitney: Can I Be Me has been picked up by UK documentary specialists Dogwoof for release in early summer 2017.
Co-directed by Nick Broomfield and Rudi Dolezal, the film is set to have its world premiere at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival next month.
Featuring new footage and live recordings, the documentary chronicles the life of American pop princess Houston, one of the best-selling artists of all time, who died suddenly at the age of 48 in 2012.
Alongside her glittering music career, she also had roles in films including The Bodyguard and The Preacher’s Wife.
Dogwoof struck the deal with Us outfit Content Media, which is representing world sales.
Broomfield’s Lafayette Films produced the feature with Marc Hoeferlin. Executive producers were John Battsek, Shani Hinton, Charles Finch, Ben Silverman and Patrick Holland.
Us TV network Showtime holds North American distribution...
Whitney Houston documentary Whitney: Can I Be Me has been picked up by UK documentary specialists Dogwoof for release in early summer 2017.
Co-directed by Nick Broomfield and Rudi Dolezal, the film is set to have its world premiere at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival next month.
Featuring new footage and live recordings, the documentary chronicles the life of American pop princess Houston, one of the best-selling artists of all time, who died suddenly at the age of 48 in 2012.
Alongside her glittering music career, she also had roles in films including The Bodyguard and The Preacher’s Wife.
Dogwoof struck the deal with Us outfit Content Media, which is representing world sales.
Broomfield’s Lafayette Films produced the feature with Marc Hoeferlin. Executive producers were John Battsek, Shani Hinton, Charles Finch, Ben Silverman and Patrick Holland.
Us TV network Showtime holds North American distribution...
- 3/27/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
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