Banijay Unveils One of the Biggest – and Broadest – Lineups at the 2024 London TV Screenings (EXCLUSIVE)
John Hopewell and Marta Balaga
Thu, February 22, 2024 at 1:06 AM PST·8 min read
“Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light,” formats “Upside Down” and “Shaolin Heroes” and premium doc feature “Front Row,” offering a novel take on the Ukraine War, are potential highlights on Banijay’s powerhouse lineup at what promises to be one of the biggest presentations at next week’s London TV Screenings.
Mixing third-party pick-ups and Banijay productions, further scripted titles take in second seasons of two Banijay hits, the sumptuous and revisionist “Marie Antoinette,” and “Rogue Heroes,” a big WWII special ops adventure story which hit high ratings on BBC.
Unspooling over Wednesday Feb. 28 at BAFTA in three sessions, dedicated to factual, scripted and then formats, the Banijay@BAFTA lineup, as last year, the spread will give audiences a chance to catch up with high-concept adventure reality “The Summit” and “Deal or No Deal Island,” described as an “epic” recast of the format.
Banijay’s lineup features some big names on the current U.K. production scene, led by “Wolf Hall” writer Peter Straughan and director Peter Kosminsky, and “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight, behind “Rogue Heroes” and “This Town” in partnership with Banijay’s Kudos. They are a reminder of the continuing power of U.K. production.
Banijay also promises to shine a light on what it calls its global superbrands and returning formats such as “Survivor,” “Big Brother,” “Star Academy,” and reality formats “Love Triangle” and “The Fifty.”
“This year’s line-up for Banijay @ BAFTA truly illuminates the breadth of our catalogue and ability to showcase outstanding content across multiple genres,” said Cathy Payne, Banijay Rights CEO.
She added: “From high-end dramas to acclaimed factual series, we look forward to coming together later this month to celebrate great talent, captivating storytelling and stand-out IP. We really do have something for everyone.”
“The London TV Screenings provides an incredible opportunity for Banijay to demonstrate its commitment to delivering exciting emerging IP as well as tried and tested formats and reboots, which continue to compel audiences globally,” commented James Townley and Lucas Green, respectively Banijay chief content officers for development and operations.
From “Shaolin Heroes” to “The Summit,” and iconic format “Deal or No Deal,” we are sure to enthral buyers seeking fresh, innovative, and proven formats,” they added.
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“Shaolin Heroes”
New premium adventure series – from Denmark’s Metronome – puts celebrities to the ultimate test. They have to embark on a transformational journey under the guidance of two Shaolin Masters. If they complete the course, they might be able to lead a happier and more harmonious existence. But it won’t be easy, because they have to “find the mind and body of a warrior within themselves.”