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Tag: Peaky Blinders

  • 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.

  • Banijay to acquire Endemol Shine in $2.2 billion deal

    Banijay to acquire Endemol Shine in $2.2 billion deal

    MUMBAI: Now that’s what we call a mother of an acquisition. French production company Banijay Group  – which is headed in Asia by Deepak Dhar – has announced that it will acquire the Walt Disney: Appollo Global Management-owned Endemol Shine Group at a sticker price of $2.2 billion.

    A press release stated that the deal will encompass Endemol Shine’s 120 production labels with an estimated 66,000 hours of scripted and non-scripted programming together with over 4,300 registered formats. Upon completion of the acquisition, Banijay Group will own almost 200 production companies in 23 territories and the rights for close to 100,000 hours of content. The merged entity will have around 100,000 hours of content, making it the largest non-US production outfit. Total pro-forma revenue of the combined group is expected to be approximately $3.3 billion for the year ending 31 December 2019.

    Parleys for a deal between the two have been going on for more than 18 months now. The asking price early on was a humungous $4 billion, which lead to other interested parties like talent agency Endeavor and ITV losing interest quickly.

    The acquisition will be financed through a capital increase of Banijay Group and committed debt financing, which includes a committed full refinancing of Banijay and Endemol Shine’s existing financial debt, supported by Deutsche Bank, Natixis and Société Générale. Endemol Shine’s respective debt was approximately $486 million ($539.5 million) and $1.83 billion ($2 billion) as of December 2018. Postclosing, the combined group will be held by LDH (67.1 per cent ) and Vivendi (32.9 per cent).

    LDH is a holding company controlled by Financière LOV (52 per cent), Banijay chairman Stéphane Courbit’s investment arm. LDH has the following other shareholders: the Italian Group De Agostini with 36 per cent  of the capital, and Fimalac, the investment company of Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière, which will own 12 per cent of the capital through a reserved capital increase dedicated to the financing of the Endemol Shine acquisition. In addition to a direct investment in LDH, Fimalac will reinforce its long-term partnership with Financière LOV by increasing its stake in Financière LOV from 5.75 per cent to 8.4 per cent.

    The press release stated that: “Boosting Banijay Group’s scripted credentials and further building its reputation as a go-to provider of high-quality unscripted IP, the combined catalogue is expected to include some of the world’s best known brands and formats such as Black Mirror, Versailles, The Millennium Trilogy, Peaky Blinders, Big Brother, MasterChef, Survivor, Temptation Island, Wife Swap and The Island. Furthermore, with a significantly broader brand portfolio, and larger creative platform, the combined group will be in an even stronger position to create, nurture and drive fresh IP for both linear broadcasters and new players.”

    “Endemol Shine brings an incredible array of industry-leading talent, globally-renowned brands and high-quality creative content. Combining the resources of these two companies will instantly strengthen our position in the global market, and our capabilities across genres will further define us as a go-to provider of first class IP worldwide. Welcoming the Endemol Shine brands and talents to our existing business will signal enhanced opportunities in the marketplace, and we are all excited by what the future holds for the combined entity,” said Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti.

    “At Endemol Shine, we have continually inspired and entertained audiences around the world, a testament to every single person across the Group. This deal takes us into a whole new and exciting chapter and into a new enhanced global content house with many opportunities ahead,” added Endemol Shine Group CEO Sophie Turner Laing.

    The merger – when it is approved by the authorities  – is likely to lead to a rationalisation of manpower at both the groups.

    In India, Endemol Shine is amongst the top three production companies by revenue and is headed by CEO Abhishekh Rege. The overseas merger will probably result in him once again reporting to his former Endemol Shine India boss Deepak Dhar who has since gone on to set up Banijay Asia. The latter has been on an overdrive and in a very short span of time has emerged as amongst the top 10 producers in India. The Rajeash Kamat, Paul Aiello-headed Emerald Media group is one of the equity owners in Endemol Shine India.

  • Netflix’s binge scale reveals TV series to devour and savor upon

    Netflix’s binge scale reveals TV series to devour and savor upon

    MUMBAI: Netflix members around the world are making their own rules when it comes to watching TV. Instead of one episode per week, Netflix members choose to binge watch their way through a series. Though binge watching is clearly the new normal, not all series are enjoyed the same way. Netflix has unveiled The Binge Scale, revealing which shows they devour and which they savor.

    Netflix examined global viewing of more than 100 serialized TV series across more than 190 countries and found when members are focused on finishing a series, they watch a little over two hours a day to complete a season. When organizing series in relation to this benchmark, interesting patterns emerge, ranging from high energy narratives that are devoured to thought-provoking dramas that are savored.

    Series like Sense8, Orphan Black and The 100 grab you, assault your senses, and as The Binge Scale shows, make it hard to pull away. The classic elements of horror and thrillers go straight for the gut, pushing the placement of series like The Walking Dead, American Horror Storyand The Fall towards the devour end of the scale. Likewise, comedies with a dramatic bent, like Orange is the New Black, Nurse Jackie andGrace and Frankie, seem to tickle our fancy and make it easy to say ‘just one more.’

    It’s no surprise that complex narratives, like that of House of Cards and Bloodline, are indulged at an unhurried pace. Nor that viewers take care to appreciate the details of dramas set in bygone eras, like Peaky Blinders and Mad Men. Maybe less obvious are irreverent comedies like BoJack Horseman, Love and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. But the societal commentary that powers their densely layered comedy paired with characters that are as flawed as they are entertaining allow them to be savored.

    “As The Binge Scale indicates, the viewing experience of a series can range from the emotional to the thought-provoking,” said Netflix VP of original content Cindy Holland. “Netflix helps you to find a series to binge no matter your mood or occasion, and the freedom to watch that series at your own pace – whether that’s to appreciate the drama of Bloodline or power through Orange is the New Black.”

    The Netflix Binge Scale based on global viewing data by the platform 

    SAVOR

    Irreverent Comedies

    Political Dramas

    Superhero Dramas

    Crime Dramas

    Historical Dramas

    ·         Arrested Development

    ·         BoJack Horseman

    ·         Club de Cuervos

    ·         F is for Family

    ·         Love

    ·         Summer Heights High

    ·         Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

    ·         Wet Hot American Summer

    ·         House of Cards

    ·         Homeland

    ·         Occupied

    ·         The Good Wife

    ·         The West Wing

    ·         Marvel’s Daredevil

    ·         Gotham

    ·         Marvel’s Jessica Jones

    ·         The Flash

    ·         Better Call Saul

    ·         Bloodline

    ·         Fargo

    ·         The Blacklist

    ·         The Bridge

    ·         Twin Peaks

    ·         Mad Men

    ·         Narcos

    ·         Peaky Blinder

    ·         The Americans

    DEVOUR

    Dramatic Comedies

    Sci-Fi

    Action & Adventure

    Horror

    Thrillers

    ·         Orange is the New Black

    ·         Flaked

    ·         Grace & Frankie

    ·         Weeds

    ·         Sense8

    ·         Between

    ·         Under the Dome

    ·         The 100

    ·         Ascension

    ·         Heroes

    ·         Orphan Black

    ·         The 100

    ·         The 4400

    ·         Marco Polo

    ·         Arrow

    ·         24

    ·         La Reina del Sur

    ·         Marco Polo

    ·         Outlander

    ·         Prison Break

    ·         The Last Kingdom

    ·         Turn

    ·         Vikings

    ·         Scream

    ·         Penny Dreadful

    ·         American Horror Story

    ·         Hemlock Grove

    ·         The Walking Dead

    ·         Z Nation

    ·         Dexter

    ·         Bates Motel

    ·         Breaking Bad

    ·         The Fall

    ·         Sons of Anarchy

    ·         The Fall

    ·         The Following

    ·         The Killing

     

  • Netflix’s binge scale reveals TV series to devour and savor upon

    Netflix’s binge scale reveals TV series to devour and savor upon

    MUMBAI: Netflix members around the world are making their own rules when it comes to watching TV. Instead of one episode per week, Netflix members choose to binge watch their way through a series. Though binge watching is clearly the new normal, not all series are enjoyed the same way. Netflix has unveiled The Binge Scale, revealing which shows they devour and which they savor.

    Netflix examined global viewing of more than 100 serialized TV series across more than 190 countries and found when members are focused on finishing a series, they watch a little over two hours a day to complete a season. When organizing series in relation to this benchmark, interesting patterns emerge, ranging from high energy narratives that are devoured to thought-provoking dramas that are savored.

    Series like Sense8, Orphan Black and The 100 grab you, assault your senses, and as The Binge Scale shows, make it hard to pull away. The classic elements of horror and thrillers go straight for the gut, pushing the placement of series like The Walking Dead, American Horror Storyand The Fall towards the devour end of the scale. Likewise, comedies with a dramatic bent, like Orange is the New Black, Nurse Jackie andGrace and Frankie, seem to tickle our fancy and make it easy to say ‘just one more.’

    It’s no surprise that complex narratives, like that of House of Cards and Bloodline, are indulged at an unhurried pace. Nor that viewers take care to appreciate the details of dramas set in bygone eras, like Peaky Blinders and Mad Men. Maybe less obvious are irreverent comedies like BoJack Horseman, Love and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. But the societal commentary that powers their densely layered comedy paired with characters that are as flawed as they are entertaining allow them to be savored.

    “As The Binge Scale indicates, the viewing experience of a series can range from the emotional to the thought-provoking,” said Netflix VP of original content Cindy Holland. “Netflix helps you to find a series to binge no matter your mood or occasion, and the freedom to watch that series at your own pace – whether that’s to appreciate the drama of Bloodline or power through Orange is the New Black.”

    The Netflix Binge Scale based on global viewing data by the platform 

    SAVOR

    Irreverent Comedies

    Political Dramas

    Superhero Dramas

    Crime Dramas

    Historical Dramas

    ·         Arrested Development

    ·         BoJack Horseman

    ·         Club de Cuervos

    ·         F is for Family

    ·         Love

    ·         Summer Heights High

    ·         Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

    ·         Wet Hot American Summer

    ·         House of Cards

    ·         Homeland

    ·         Occupied

    ·         The Good Wife

    ·         The West Wing

    ·         Marvel’s Daredevil

    ·         Gotham

    ·         Marvel’s Jessica Jones

    ·         The Flash

    ·         Better Call Saul

    ·         Bloodline

    ·         Fargo

    ·         The Blacklist

    ·         The Bridge

    ·         Twin Peaks

    ·         Mad Men

    ·         Narcos

    ·         Peaky Blinder

    ·         The Americans

    DEVOUR

    Dramatic Comedies

    Sci-Fi

    Action & Adventure

    Horror

    Thrillers

    ·         Orange is the New Black

    ·         Flaked

    ·         Grace & Frankie

    ·         Weeds

    ·         Sense8

    ·         Between

    ·         Under the Dome

    ·         The 100

    ·         Ascension

    ·         Heroes

    ·         Orphan Black

    ·         The 100

    ·         The 4400

    ·         Marco Polo

    ·         Arrow

    ·         24

    ·         La Reina del Sur

    ·         Marco Polo

    ·         Outlander

    ·         Prison Break

    ·         The Last Kingdom

    ·         Turn

    ·         Vikings

    ·         Scream

    ·         Penny Dreadful

    ·         American Horror Story

    ·         Hemlock Grove

    ·         The Walking Dead

    ·         Z Nation

    ·         Dexter

    ·         Bates Motel

    ·         Breaking Bad

    ·         The Fall

    ·         Sons of Anarchy

    ·         The Fall

    ·         The Following

    ·         The Killing

     

  • Infinity-On-Demand launched wherein viewers get complete control on the shows

    Infinity-On-Demand launched wherein viewers get complete control on the shows

    MUMBAI: It is said that life is all about choices that we make – some easy, some defining. This June, Colors Infinity is set to bring a whole new perspective to English language Television, yet again! Starting 11th June, the channel launches its newest, first of its kind offering, ‘Infinity-on-Demand’, where audiences get a chance to handpick 12 seasons of Indian Television Premieres, from an array of exciting international shows that can be binge-watched all weekend!

    Set to launch on 11 June, Colors Infinity launches its latest, disruptive offering that gives its viewers complete control on the shows premiering every weekend for 12 weeks on the channel. The choices will be made available on all digital platforms of Colors Infinity where audience can simply log on to the channel’s website and click on their choice that they would like to watch. Viewers will receive a weekly option to select from a choice of three shows on the following link: www.colorsinfinity.com/iod

    The winning show of the week will be announced every Wednesday on the channel as well as across its social media platforms.

    Commenting on this new development, Colors Infinity vice president programming head of English entertainment Hashim D’Souza said, “Colors Infinity has always pushed boundaries in an endeavour to provide unmatched fresh content to our audiences. At a time when people have control over viewing their choice of shows at their convenience. Infinity-On-Demand is our way of keeping the audience engaged by taking their selection as the final word. With, ‘Infinity-On-Demand’, we’re taking our relationship with our viewers one step forward, giving them the right to call the shots. The shows on the list of voting have been carefully handpicked by the best to fit our programming.”

    Since its inception, Colors Infinity has consistently surprised its viewers with a series of disruptive offering and blockbuster premieres. After successful initiatives such as 3 back-to-back shows, Instant Premieres, launch of India’s first home-grown English Singing Talent Hunt and much more, the channel introduces yet another path-breaking concept with Infinity-On-Demand.

    The channel has selected a plethora of 14 new shows from across diverse genres. Each series has been hand-picked for its great content and global popularity, including highly-acclaimed titles such as Mozart in the Jungle, Bates Motel, Lucifer, Legends, Peaky Blinders, to name a few.

    Come June, Colors Infinity will transform its digital media pages into more interactive fun spaces, and give the audience the chance to sample the shows before voting for it. The shows with maximum votes will ultimately air on Colors Infinity and Colors Infinity HD, back to back over the weekend.

     

  • Infinity-On-Demand launched wherein viewers get complete control on the shows

    Infinity-On-Demand launched wherein viewers get complete control on the shows

    MUMBAI: It is said that life is all about choices that we make – some easy, some defining. This June, Colors Infinity is set to bring a whole new perspective to English language Television, yet again! Starting 11th June, the channel launches its newest, first of its kind offering, ‘Infinity-on-Demand’, where audiences get a chance to handpick 12 seasons of Indian Television Premieres, from an array of exciting international shows that can be binge-watched all weekend!

    Set to launch on 11 June, Colors Infinity launches its latest, disruptive offering that gives its viewers complete control on the shows premiering every weekend for 12 weeks on the channel. The choices will be made available on all digital platforms of Colors Infinity where audience can simply log on to the channel’s website and click on their choice that they would like to watch. Viewers will receive a weekly option to select from a choice of three shows on the following link: www.colorsinfinity.com/iod

    The winning show of the week will be announced every Wednesday on the channel as well as across its social media platforms.

    Commenting on this new development, Colors Infinity vice president programming head of English entertainment Hashim D’Souza said, “Colors Infinity has always pushed boundaries in an endeavour to provide unmatched fresh content to our audiences. At a time when people have control over viewing their choice of shows at their convenience. Infinity-On-Demand is our way of keeping the audience engaged by taking their selection as the final word. With, ‘Infinity-On-Demand’, we’re taking our relationship with our viewers one step forward, giving them the right to call the shots. The shows on the list of voting have been carefully handpicked by the best to fit our programming.”

    Since its inception, Colors Infinity has consistently surprised its viewers with a series of disruptive offering and blockbuster premieres. After successful initiatives such as 3 back-to-back shows, Instant Premieres, launch of India’s first home-grown English Singing Talent Hunt and much more, the channel introduces yet another path-breaking concept with Infinity-On-Demand.

    The channel has selected a plethora of 14 new shows from across diverse genres. Each series has been hand-picked for its great content and global popularity, including highly-acclaimed titles such as Mozart in the Jungle, Bates Motel, Lucifer, Legends, Peaky Blinders, to name a few.

    Come June, Colors Infinity will transform its digital media pages into more interactive fun spaces, and give the audience the chance to sample the shows before voting for it. The shows with maximum votes will ultimately air on Colors Infinity and Colors Infinity HD, back to back over the weekend.