ITV

Category: Non-Fiction

  • Disney+ and Nippon TV hit the road with ‘Traveling with Snow Man’

    Disney+ and Nippon TV hit the road with ‘Traveling with Snow Man’

    MUMBAI: Disney+ and Nippon TV are teaming up for a genre-first from Japan—an unscripted travel reality series titled “Traveling with Snow Man,” set to premiere on 27 July on Nippon TV, with an exclusive uncut global version dropping on Disney+ right after.

    The 10-episode series (each running 22 minutes) stars Snow Man, the chart-topping nine-member J-pop boy band, as they embark on a joyride from Okinawa to Hokkaido, blending heart, humour, and hometown charm. But this isn’t your typical idol show. Joining them is Tabi, an AI-style robot and the unofficial 10th member, capturing all the candid chaos as it unfolds.

    This marks a major milestone for Disney+, as Traveling with Snow Man becomes the first-ever Japanese unscripted travel series to launch on the platform.

    Kicking off with a laid-back beach barbecue in Okinawa, episode one sets the tone—shop-hopping, joyrides, grilled surprises and plenty of banter. Along the route north, the group gets up close with Japan’s rich cultural diversity, sampling local delicacies, bonding with residents, and exploring iconic locations.

    Under the banner theme “One for Snow Man, Snow Man for One,” each member reflects on their individual growth and how it fuels the collective journey, resulting in a travelogue full of introspection, brotherhood, and playful misadventures.

    A newly released key visual shows Snow Man lounging by the Okinawan seaside breezy, beachy, and brimming with off-stage charm. Fans can expect a rare peek behind the idol curtain, where spontaneity trumps script, and raw moments steal the show.

    With global audiences now in tow thanks to the Disney+ release, “Traveling with Snow Man” is poised to become Japan’s next bingeable cultural export—one barbecue, one tear, and one Tabi-captured moment at a time.

    “We are deeply honored to announce that the uncut version ‘Traveling with Snow Man’, with additional scenes, will be streamed globally on Disney+, allowing audiences around the world to enjoy it immediately after broadcasting in Japan,” said Travelling with Snow Man producer and chairman Takashi Kato. “What stood out to me in our conversations with the group is their deep passion for their work and the strong bond they share. This series captures all of that and more. As we travel across Japan, we capture the members’ genuine personalities and heartfelt dedication, all while savoring local delicacies along the way. And please look forward to the cheeky navigation by the AI-style robot, ‘Tabi’.”
     

  • APOS 2025: Banijay Asia and its grow-grow urge

    APOS 2025: Banijay Asia and its grow-grow urge

    BALI: Banijay Asia, the formidable content producer, is strategically expanding its reach into Southeast Asia, with a sharp focus on Indonesia and a ground breaking reality series that will propel contestants into space, according to a report in Variety. Group chief executive Deepak Dhar, speaking at the APOS conference, revealed the company has “already locked a couple of deals in Jakarta” for both scripted and unscripted ventures.

    This expansion includes an enhanced version of Banijay Asia’s previously announced cross-border reality show, which initially sought one Indian participant but will now search for “one Indian and finding one Indonesian who we can send to space in a Blue Origin rocket.”

    The move comes as Banijay Asia continues to scale its substantial operations in India, a market with a “voracious content appetite,” according to Dhar. He noted the company produces “800 days of Big Boss [the local version of Celebrity Big Brother] in our calendar year of 365 days,” highlighting the sheer volume of content generated.

    “The timing is right for us personally, because we’re happy in the position that we are at in India, and now we can focus our bandwidth into the rest of the region,” Dhar explained. “We are really doubling down on Indonesia and then subsequently in Thailand.”

    Banijay Asia has built a strong reputation for successfully localising international formats while also developing successful Indian originals. Its  adaptation of The Night Manager for the erstwhile Disney+ Hotstar garnered massive viewership, with a second season currently in production. The company also recently rebooted the long-running crime procedural CID, which delivered “massive strong results on Sony television” before its subsequent windowing to Netflix.

    Dhar articulated the company’s broader regional ambition: “It’s really time that an Indian story catches the fancy and attention of global audiences as well. So that’s really something that we’re excited and working towards.”

  • Marco Bassetti to be bestowed with Variety Vanguard Award at Mipcom Cannes

    Marco Bassetti to be bestowed with Variety Vanguard Award at Mipcom Cannes

    MUMBAI: Marco Bassetti, the no-nonsense chief of Banijay, is set to receive the prestigious Variety Vanguard Award at Mipcom Cannes this October. Known for helming global smashes like Survivor and Peaky Blinders, Bassetti will be honoured on 13 October during a keynote conversation at the Palais des Festivals.

    The award—jointly presented by Variety and Mipcom—recognises television titans who’ve reshaped the global entertainment business. And few have done it with as much panache (and profit) as Bassetti.

    “Marco Bassetti is one of the most entrepreneurial, visionary and impactful television executives of our era who has led Banijay Entertainment to be the world’s largest production and distribution group through his championing of creativity, independence, and innovation,” said Mipcom Cannes & Mipcom Junior director Lucy Smith. “It is our privilege to partner with Variety to recognize his achievements in front of the global TV industry at Mipcom Cannes and to hear his insights on wider opportunities, developments and trends globally, which as a true vanguard, are always invaluable.”

    Variety co-editor in chief Cynthia Littleton said “Banijay has proven to be one of the most dynamic of the super indie content groups to emerge on the global stage.” She added: “Under Marco Bassetti’s leadership the company has delivered strong results and ambitious slates. We are happy to present him with the Variety Vanguard Award at Mipcom 2025 for his contributions to this ever-growing industry.” 

    Strong and ambitious are understatements. In 2024, Banijay racked up a staggering €3.3 billion in content business and posted an EBITDA margin of 15.8 per cent. While already ruling the unscripted kingdom, Bassetti now has scripted squarely in his sights—with the company eyeing €1 billion in scripted revenues for 2025. The pipeline includes Carême (Shine Fiction for Apple TV+), Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight, and a much-hyped Peaky Blinders film for Netflix.

    If that wasn’t enough, Bassetti’s been on a shopping spree: acquiring Caryn Mandabach Productions (home of Peaky), Fábrica, The Forge, and Balich Wonder Studios (FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022), plus stakes in Hyphenate Media Group, Conker Pictures, Rabbit Track Pictures, and Lenny Henry’s Esmerelda.

    The award will be the crowning moment of C-Suite Conversations—a Mipcom-Variety initiative helping top execs decode the chaos of today’s content world.

    Mipcom Cannes runs 13–16 October. And with Bassetti centre stage, the festival’s finale promises to be nothing short of blinding.

  • Nippon TV brews bold global play with Gyokuro Studio and LA hub

    Nippon TV brews bold global play with Gyokuro Studio and LA hub

    MUMBAI: Nippon TV is taking its global ambitions seriously—and stylishly. Japan’s leading multiplatform entertainment giant has just unveiled Gyokuro Studio, a premium content label for international audiences, and Nippon TV LA Business Office, a full-fledged U.S. outpost opening in July to chase co-productions and IP sales across North America and Latam.

    The Tokyo-based Gyokuro Studio—named after Japan’s most exquisite green tea—plans to roll out 10 unscripted titles a year, aiming for a full-bodied portfolio of 100 global-ready formats in the next decade. It promises the same handcrafted quality as its namesake tea, brewed through a blend of in-house talent and heavyweight co-creators. Think less sushi bar, more global showbiz kitchen.

    Kenichiro Akiyama, veteran chief producer of prime-time hits, will head the new studio. “We are restructuring our production framework from a domestic-focused model to one designed for global rollout, accelerating the development of a robust foundation for creating content that resonates with audiences worldwide,” said Akiyama. “We will actively engage in truly global ‘co-creation’ with our production partners both in Japan and abroad, and together we will strive to generate new needs and value in the global entertainment market. We will continue to take on new challenges every day, aiming to build a strong and sustainable presence.”

    Meanwhile, the Los Angeles office will be led by Tom Miyauchi, vice president of Nippon TV International and the man behind the Canadian adaptation of cult favourite Old Enough!. Miyauchi moves to LA in June and kicks off operations in July.

    “With the launch of our Los Angeles business hub at the forefront of the global entertainment market, we are here to tap into the pulse of local trends and connect with global audiences with precision and agility. By strengthening collaboration and co-creation with valued partners and creators, our aim is to lead every phase of the content journey – from content development and full-scale production to distribution and international rollout, and the establishment of local production frameworks. In collaboration with Gyokuro Studio, we aim to pioneer new frontiers for globally driven entertainment, proudly originating from Japan.”said Miyauchi.

    Nippon TV has been flexing its format muscles globally, with Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank spawning 52 versions across 186 countries and Mother crowned as Asia’s most exported scripted format. Add to that the viral Old Enough! and Netflix-fuelled anime success, and you’ve got a broadcaster not just chasing trends—but setting them.

    Now with Studio Ghibli in its corner, Nippon TV is stacking its global arsenal. The new studio and LA office mark a strategic two-punch play, positioning Japan’s content powerhouse to charm the west, one gyokuro-infused idea at a time.

  • Gabriella Carriere climbs higher at Fremantle with expanded global strategy and new biz brief

    Gabriella Carriere climbs higher at Fremantle with expanded global strategy and new biz brief

    MUMBAI: Fremantle has handed group head of strategy Gabriella Carriere a power-packed promotion, expanding her remit to include new business in addition to her current strategic responsibilities. She now takes charge as group head of strategy and new business, reporting to group COO and CEO continental Europe Andrea Scrosati.

    With the new hat, Carriere will now command Fremantle’s most lucrative growth levers — including sports, branded content and licensing, music rights, live events, and its vast library of IP — all while continuing to lead the company’s global strategy agenda. Reporting into her are director of Fremantle Sport Owain Walbyoff and global head of branded content & sponsorships Gabriella Zamboni.

    Since joining Fremantle in 2022, Carriere has been at the forefront of major moves, from launching the documentaries division to shaping the Fremantle Sports unit, driving branded entertainment, and integrating global M&A footprints.
     

    Scrosati commented: “I am delighted to announce Gabriella’s promotion to Group Head of Strategy and New Business. I have been working with Gabriella for many years and highly admire her analytical and business skills and her innovative approach to define and drive strategy. I have no doubts that in this new expanded role Gabriella will drive even more value for Fremantle and her teams.”

    Carriere added: “I am deeply grateful to Fremantle’s leadership team for their trust in me and for this incredible opportunity. I strongly believe in the growth potential of these areas and in the outstanding team currently driving this forward. I’m excited to collaborate with the Fremantle labels and the talented Fremantle teams to unlock many opportunities across our global footprint. I am proud of our achievements over the last three years and now I look forward to what we can accomplish together going forward.”

    Before Fremantle, Carriere made waves at Sky Italia, where she spearheaded landmark deals for Serie A and the UEFA Champions League, inked game-changing partnerships with Netflix and Disney, and helped launch Sky’s broadband business. Her career roots lie in the energy sector, with senior stints at EDF and Edison across Milan and Paris.

    Now with the full force of Fremantle’s revenue-generating verticals under her belt, Carriere looks set to play a starring role in the company’s next act.

  • Banijay group maps blockbuster growth plan at capital markets day 2025

    Banijay group maps blockbuster growth plan at capital markets day 2025

    MUMBAI: Banijay group, the global powerhouse in entertainment, unveiled its ambitious growth roadmap at its capital markets day on 16 May 2025, pledging to supercharge its content empire and maintain its industry dominance. With a target of €7 billion in revenue and over €1.2 billion in adjusted EBITDA by 2028, the company laid out a strategy to stay on top in a fast-evolving entertainment landscape.

    Under the leadership of founder &  chairman Stéphane Courbit, Banijay committed to leveraging three powerful growth levers: accelerating organic growth, developing synergies across its diverse portfolio, and capitalising on industry consolidation.

    “Entertainment is the common DNA that connects all our activities. Our purpose remains the same: to produce and deliver emotional experiences at scale,” Courbit declared.

    Banijay group CEO François Riahi highlighted the company’s readiness to capture new growth avenues, driven by a clear strategic focus on digital platforms, premium content, sports, and immersive experiences. “We are raising our mid-term guidance, backed by a strong platform, iconic IP, and disciplined financial management,” he added.

    Banijay’s bold financial goals included:
    * Revenue of around €7 billion in 2028.
    * Adjusted EBITDA of over €1.2 billion in 2028.
    * Organic revenue growth of mid-to-high single digits for content production and low-to-mid teens for online sports betting and gaming.
    * Over 80 per cent adjusted free cash flow conversion.
    * A dividend payout of over 33 per cent of adjusted net income.
    * Target leverage of 2.0x in the medium term.

    The group also revealed plans to consolidate The Independents, increasing its stake from 14 per cent to 51 per cent in 2026. This move would add €1 billion in revenues by 2028 without impacting leverage, thanks to a primary equity raise of €300m to €400m.

    From blockbuster TV shows and digital content to live experiences and sports entertainment, Banijay’s ambitions are crystal clear – to remain the world’s go-to entertainment powerhouse.

  • Something Special welcomes Jacob Han as head of productions, set to lead Unforgettable Duet series

    Something Special welcomes Jacob Han as head of productions, set to lead Unforgettable Duet series

    MUMBAI:  Something Special, the Seoul-based format powerhouse co-founded by Jin Woo Wang and InSoon Kim, has announced the appointment of Jacob (Jongbin) Han as its new head of productions. Han, a seasoned producer with a 12-year track record, is set to lead the full series production of Unforgettable Duet, a poignant and heartwarming show commissioned by MBN, with backing from the KOCCA Fund.

    Han, a former senior producer at MBC, brings a wealth of experience to Something Special, having been recognised as the Korean Producer Association’s best TV producer of the year in 2021. His career highlights include winning the best programme award from the Korea Communications Agency in 2020 for Mystery TV: Surprise and a best programme award at MBC in 2018. Before joining Something Special, Han led content operations at uhomes.com in the UK, overseeing social media content for five Asian markets.

    Unforgettable Duet is a deeply emotional unscripted series where dementia patients are reconnected with cherished memories through mementos and a powerful duet performance with a family member. The series, which was one of the highest-rated specials last year, returns this summer under Han’s direction.

    Hwang and Kim expressed their excitement, stating, “Something Special are pleased to celebrate our sixth year in business with Jacob Han as our new head of productions who will oversee several of our projects, starting with the wonderful Unforgettable Duet this summer. His vast international production experience, along with our recent investment will help propel Something Special to the next level.”

    Han echoed their sentiments, saying, “I am thrilled to join Jin, InSoon and the entire Something Special team as head of productions. Something Special has been a leader of Korean formats, breaking new ground by taking our formats onto the world stage. As my first project, I am honored to produce the full season of  Unforgettable Duet which was one of the highest rated specials last year.”

  • COLORS’ ‘Laughter Chefs’ TV non-fiction extends run for more comedy

    COLORS’ ‘Laughter Chefs’ TV non-fiction extends run for more comedy

    Mumbai: A month ago, COLORS lifted the lid on its first-of-a-kind comedy show, ‘Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment’ which turned out to be a buffet that India cannot stop devouring and proving that laughter truly is the best ingredient for success. It has been crowned the number one non-fiction show on television with a whopping 13.6 crore viewers gulping the flavours of its delectable humour, garnering an impressive reach of 978 million on social media. With 2.2 billion impressions and 966 million views on digital, it’s clear that viewers are savouring every bite of the show’s hilarious content. Given the overwhelming viewers’ demand, COLORS is set to dish out extra portions of comedy, announcing its extended run with a fresh time slot from 1 August airing every Thursday and Friday at 10:00 pm, plating more fun for the viewers before the weekend.

    Viacom18 president of General entertainment Alok Jain said, “We, at COLORS, are humbled at the humongous love that has come by for Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment. The idea of offering this show to the audience was to create our own dinner-tainment terrain by coining a fresh genre in the vast palette of television. It has been a decade since we’ve seen a comedy show rise, and we’re thrilled that this distinctive experience has hit a spot with our viewers. The comedy extravaganza is not just feeding the appetite for hilarity, but also cultivating a feast of engagement that is captivating for advertisers seeking innovative opportunities to connect with consumers. As the show is on its way to becoming a staple in India’s entertainment diet with an extended run, we’re excited to keep innovating and serving novelty that resonates with our audience and sponsors.”

    Leaving the audience in splits one episode at a time, this unique show features popular entertainers donning the hat of amateur chefs and whisking up a good time with hilarious stories, banter, and cooking quirks. The extended run will offer a full-course meal of laughter by welcoming the legendary actor Dharmendra, who spices things up with his timeless Punjabi swag.

    With these entertainers collecting stars for their cooking prowess and dishing out top-notch hilarity, the show has become a brand-favourite magnet for sponsors lining up to leverage its wholesome, family-friendly, and flavourful quality.

    Keep watching ‘Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment’ every Thursday and Friday at 10:00 pm only on COLORS.

  • Avi Armoza buys back Armoza Formats from ITV

    Avi Armoza buys back Armoza Formats from ITV

    MUMBAI: Avi Armoza made big news when he announced in 2019 that  he was selling lock stock and barrell the production and formats company that bears his name to ITV Studios. Now, the spotlight is once again on him with his new announcement that he was buying back Armoza Formats from the UK production major. 

    The only difference is that the latter will own the catalogue it had acquired while Armoza will have ownership over all future formats it develops as well the exclusive right to produce ITV Studios formats in Israel. So around 100 titles including Still Standing, Marry Me Now and The Four will be the property of ITV, while ongoing productions between the two will have the status quo maintained. Among these are: the Israeli version of the ITV format Love Island which is about to begin airing on Free TV, three seasons of Come Dine With Me, and two seasons of the game show The 1% Club for Kan 11.  Additionally, a new Arabic language version of Come Dine With Me is in production and The Chase in Arabic is being developed, as well as the original Armoza production, Cooking Up Memories, which is now on air for Makaan.

    “Adapting to the changing needs of the market – exploring and finding new ways to do business has always been at the heart of Armoza Formats. I’m excited for the next chapter,” says the feisty Israeli creator Avi. 

    “I’m really pleased to continue to work with Avi as he represents our catalogue of award-winning formats, ” says ITV Studios managing director international production Lisa Perrin.

  • Dandelooo grabs worldwide distribution rights for ‘Our Piggy’

    Dandelooo grabs worldwide distribution rights for ‘Our Piggy’

    Mumbai: Emmy Award-winning French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo has struck a deal with the Emmy Award-winning Czech film and television production company Bionaut for the new adorable comedy series Our Piggy.

    The deal gives Dandelooo exclusive worldwide distribution rights to the 2D animated series targeted at 2–4-year-olds produced by Bionaut, the producers of the highly successful Hungry Bear Tales series.

    Created and based on the book by Jaromir Plachy, nominated for the Golden Pinwheel, Young Illustrators Competition Award 2021, Our Piggy discovers the magic of ordinary objects and invites children into his extraordinary world through inquisitiveness and play.

    Commenting on the deal, Dandelooo co-founder Emmanuèle Pétry Sirvin said, “This new series is based on the director’s observation of his own child, which explains the charm of this delightful character. I fell in love immediately with this series, which illustrates the well-known quote ‘keep it simple.’ Bionaut is one of the most talented studios in Central Europe and we are proud to distribute their programmes internationally.”

    Dandelooo is a French award-winning creative company based in Paris dedicated to the development, production, and distribution of original and ambitious animated programs. It runs its own studio, Ooolala, in la Cartoucherie (Valence, France) and has a sales office in Barcelona, Spain, and Milan, Italy.