Simon’s Cat fans to create the purr-fect product

Banijay Brands has announced a new partnership for internationally loved digital animation Simon’s Cat, with leading social commerce platform Spring. The latest collaboration offers Simon’s Cat fans the opportunity to help design the ultimate Simon’s Cat plush that will go into production later this year.

Building on the success of previous Simon’s Cat collaborations with Spring, including the sell-out Baby Simon’s Cat plush, this latest project will, for the first time, give fans control over the design of the new product. Voting via the Simon’s Cat social media platforms, fans can determine the body shape, facial expression and packaging of the new range. Once the design has been finalised, the plush will go into production and be available for pre-order ahead of delivery in time for Christmas 2022.

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands, says: “This is a really unique venture that connects fans with upcoming products like never before. We are already seeing strong engagement and interactivity for the project, with the first poll last month generating over 20,000 votes.”

Simon’s Cat (part of Banijay UK) is one of the biggest YouTube sensations in the world. From a single free-to-air, two-minute cartoon, it is now a major global success, with over 3bn online views and nearly 20m fans across TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Simon’s Cat brand also enjoys international success across multiple categories including gaming, publishing and apparel. There have been more than 90 million digital sticker downloads, in excess of 20 million mobile gaming downloads and over 2 million books sold across 30 countries.

Banijay unveils slate for Licensing Expo

Banijay Brands, in collaboration with Endemol Shine North America, will be attending Licensing Expo on 24-26 May in Las Vegas, showcasing its diverse portfolio of IP, including the worldwide smash-hit cookery show MasterChef; the multi-award-winning cult drama Peaky Blinders; the Netflix hit anthology series Black Mirror; internationally-loved digital animation Simon’s Cat, and British icon Mr Bean.

Banijay Brands is co-sponsor of this year’s Licensing Expo opening party, which will feature a Peaky Blinders branded bar. It is also sponsoring the show badge, which incorporates a competition for attendees to win a case of MasterChef wine.

In addition, MasterChef and Peaky Blinders have been shortlisted in the 2022 Licensing International Excellence Awards for Best Live Action Entertainment Brand, and Best Product – Appliances, Electronics or Housewares for an Entertainment Property respectively.

Owain Walbyoff, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay, says: “We are keenly exploring new opportunities and emerging technologies as we continue to drive consumer engagement with our brands. Banijay’s world-class portfolio provides endless opportunities for authentic products and experiences, and we look forward to forging new partnerships across multiple categories.”

Banijay Brands controls the brand licensing rights to some of the most high-profile and creative IP in the world across multiple genres, from scripted to entertainment.

Award-winning anthology Black Mirror explores themes of contemporary techno-paranoia. Available on Netflix globally, the series, created by Charlie Brooker, boasts a stellar fanbase with numerous industry accolades including Emmys, International Emmys, BAFTA Craft Awards and a Rose d’Or.

Peaky Blinders is the award-winning crime drama that is sold to more than 180 countries, airing on BBC One in the U.K. and widely available internationally on Netflix. The final season will be launching in the U.S. and other international markets from 10 June. The recently aired season six was the UK’s number-one drama of the year for young adults, with over 17 million views on BBC iPlayer to date. Brand-owner and series producer Caryn Mandabach Productions recently announced an immersive theatre show and a first-of-its-kind dance theatre show which will run through to 2023.

Simon’s Cat is one of the biggest YouTube sensations of recent years. From a single free-to-air, two-minute cartoon, it has gone on to become a major global success, with not only 1.3bn views and 5.7 million subscribers on YouTube but also over 15m followers and over 1bn views across social media too.

MasterChef is the most travelled food format, last year celebrating 500 seasons airing globally since its 2005 reboot. With more than 65 local versions aired in over 200 countries, the MasterChef brand is respected and recognised all around the world.

Adventure-reality stalwart Survivor was last year ranked #1 Best Reality Show of All Time by Variety magazine. One of the most watched formats around the world, last year was its most successful to-date with 24 productions.

The global game show phenomenon Deal or No Deal has been commissioned in 83 territories worldwide with 324 productions internationally. A ground-breaking show known all around the world, contestants play and deal for a top cash prize in a contest of nerves, luck and raw intuition. 

Action-packed family entertainment brand Wipeout has won the world over with its zany crashes, smashes and hilarious mud splashes. Following the success of the recent U.S. reboot, which was the #1 unscripted series on cable, the John Cena and Nicole Byer fronted version has been renewed for a new season. Wipeout continues to grow a substantial digital audience with over 10 million active followers worldwide across Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Banijay is home to a raft of homes and interiors titles including the award-winning Your Home Made Perfect, Your Garden Made Perfect and the Alan Carr-hosted Interior Design Masters. From the use of cutting-edge technology and VR to the competitive world of interior design, these increasingly popular brands are synonymous with innovative and stylish transformations.

Mr. Bean is a globally loved animation that has been in continual distribution for over 30 years. A pioneer for Banijay, the brand recently became the company’s first activation in the Metaverse with a Mr Bean NFT drop. The brand has amassed a huge digital following across a number of platforms with over 129 million followers on Facebook, making it the biggest TV brand on the platform; nearly 50 million subscribers and 15 billion lifetime views across official YouTube channels; 8.7 million followers on Instagram; and 8.3 million likes on TikTok.

Banijay Brands will be attending Licensing Expo, 24-26 May, in Las Vegas.

Banijay Brands strengthens Peaky Blinders portfolio with raft of new deals

Banijay Brands has today announced new licensing deals for global hit drama Peaky Blinders, in collaboration with series owner and producer Caryn Mandabach Productions. These new partnerships build on the brand’s hugely successful portfolio, as the global hit series heads towards its dramatic conclusion, with season six launching on Netflix on 10 June in the U.S. and other markets.

Banijay Brands has collaborated with the leading craftsmen at Conway Stewart for a global limited-edition Peaky Blinders branded range of luxury pens, available online now. In addition, the brand is building its apparel offering, partnering with Drew Pearsons for a UK range of high-quality, Peaky Blinders-inspired caps.

Recent additions to the Peaky Blinders portfolio include Endemol Shine North America’s partnership with Bushmills Irish Whiskey, for the first official whiskey for the hit series, which is set to launch in 2022 in the U.S.; the Peaky Blinders themed Risk board game, which is now available to pre-order ahead of its UK April release in GAME retail stores; the recent opening of Endemol Shine Brazil and Escape 60’s Peaky Blinders-themed escape room and the upcoming launch of Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom VR game from Maze Theory.

Further extending the world of Peaky Blinders, brand-owner and series producer Caryn Mandabach Productions recently announced a brand-new immersive theatre show Peaky Blinders: The Rise, opening in summer 2022 at The Vanguard Theatre, Camden, London, and Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, a first-of-its-kind dance theatre show, running 2022/23, written and adapted for the stage by Steven Knight.

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands, says: “Peaky Blinders is a global phenomenon which translates incredibly well in the brand licensing space. It is a hot property right now, with a surge in demand from both audiences, and licensees who are keen to work with us. By collaborating with experienced and reliable partners, we are able to continue offering high-quality products and experiences for fans of the show to enjoy for years to come.”

Susan Waddell, Managing Director, Caryn Mandabach Productions, adds: “We are thrilled with the response to the most recent book and game launches and even more delighted to see these new products come to market, which we know our global Peaky Blinders fanbase will be delighted with.”

The current portfolio of official Peaky Blinders products is performing strongly, with the Peaky Blinders cookbook from White Lion Publishing (Quarto Group) becoming a March 2022 bestseller in the UK, hitting number nine in the top-ten hardback nonfiction charts, and number five in the food and drink category; the limited-edition Peaky Blinders Monopoly board game which was recently released in the UK completely sold out; and the Peaky Blinders official webstore had a record-breaking month during the airing of series six in the U.K.

The recently aired season six was the UK’s number one drama of the year for young adults, with over 17 million views on BBC iPlayer to date. The final chapter will be released on Netflix from 10 June in the U.S. and other key territories. Sold to more than 180 countries, the series, distributed by Banijay Rights, is widely available internationally on Netflix. Banijay represents a range of global ancillary rights for the Peaky Blinders brand.

The multi-award-winning gangster epic series was created and written by Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things, Eastern Promises and Locke). Peaky Blinders is owned and produced by Caryn Mandabach Productions and co-produced with Banijay’s Tiger Aspect Productions. Caryn Mandabach Productions owns the global Peaky Blinders brand.

Banijay Brands whips up new deals for MasterChef

Banijay Brands has announced further growth of its hugely successful brand licensing programme for MasterChef, the world’s most successful cookery television format. The company is building on its existing partnership with leading European housewares company Arovo, plus rolling out new deals across cookware and games.

Arovo’s MasterChef collection includes a broad selection of products such as ceramics, tableware, textiles, cookware, knives, utensils and small domestic appliances. The affordable kitchen and tabletop MasterChefrange will be launching in the U.S. in May alongside a brand-new US MasterChef Amazon store. And across Europe, interior design retail chain CASA have developed the Elite collection with Arovo, consisting of a series of high-quality, stylish kitchen must-haves and appliances, available exclusively in all 500+ CASA stores and at casashops.com.

In addition, Banijay’s Endemol Shine North America (ESNA) has partnered with leading retail product manufacturer Creative Concepts for a unique collection of MasterChef silver-ion and 18K gold coated cookware sets which are now available online.

ESNA has also furthered its partnership with Wilder Toys for a bite-sized edition of the successful MasterChef Family Cooking Game which is available at Walgreens.

Elsewhere, Endemol Shine Brasil has just announced the arrival of three Spanish MasterChef wines available in the region exclusively with local wine online retailer Grande Adega.

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands says: “MasterChef is an evergreen brand that resonates strongly with consumers all around the world, and by collaborating with teams across Banijay’s footprint we deliver a truly global licensing programme. We only work with the best partners in the business, who will uphold the integrity and quality associated with the brand, and it is wonderful to see these partnerships grow.”

 Created by Franc Roddam, MasterChef celebrated its 500th series globally in 2021, with 49 productions in 33 territories airing last year. An international ratings hit, the format has a number of successful iterations including Celebrity MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, Junior MasterChef, MasterChef All Stars, and the recently announced Young MasterChef (w/t) with BBC Three in the UK, which will be dedicated to up-and-coming young food talent between the ages of 18 and 25.

With more than 90 licensees around the world, the MasterChef brand extends into a huge range of successful commercial activities. Millions of consumer products have sold globally, the extensive publishing range has proved lucrative, and audiences around the world can engage with MasterChef through live experiences from restaurants to cruises and tours.

The MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay Rights.

Details of Licensing Expo opening night party released

Licensing Expo, produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, is celebrating the event’s long-awaited in-person return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center this May 24-26.

A highlight of the schedule is the highly anticipated Opening Night Party in Association with ATLUS, sponsored by Banijay Brands and Konami Cross Media NY, which takes place on the first day of Licensing Expo, May 24.

The party kicks off at 6pm, and registered attendees are encouraged to arrive early as capacity is limited, and entrance is granted first-come, first-served. Exhibitors and attendees must be registered to participate in this year’s event and simply need to show their Licensing Expo badge for free access. Registration can be accessed here.

As the party is held at an outside venue, masks are not required for entry. Food and beverages will be available free of charge until the allocated amount is consumed, at which point bar items will become available for purchase.

Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets, commented: “For the first time, the Opening Night Party is free of charge for all Licensing Expo registrants to encourage everyone to reconnect in person after being apart for three long years. It’s a chance to celebrate our industry’s resilience, see familiar faces, and unwind after a busy first day back at the live event. Licensing Expo is back – we couldn’t be more excited and look forward to an evening of fun and camaraderie.”

“Bringing experiences to life is core to who we are as an industry and the Opening Night Party perfectly embodies just that,” says Kris Kojima, licensing specialist for ATLUS West. “We hope all guests registered for Licensing Expo attend the celebration and uses the party as an opportunity to enjoy being a part of such a creative and dynamic industry. Join us on May 24 at Daylight Beach Club to reconnect with old friends, meet the newest industry visionaries, and have fun!”

Recent registrants for Licensing Expo include Aldi, Aykroyd & Sons, Build a Bear, Danilo, Disguise, Jakks Pacific, Hallmark, Hot Topic, HTI Toys, Inditex, Macy’s, Mad Engine, Panini, Primark, Pyramid International, ROSMAN, Target, Walmart, Zulily and many more.

Sponsorship options are available for anyone looking to secure a space at the party; enquire here. To learn more, visit www.licensingexpo.com.

 

 

 

 

MasterChef serves up tea-licious partnership with Akbar Brothers

Banijay Brands has partnered with one of the world’s largest tea producers to inspire a collection of tea blends designed to win over any MasterChef judge.

The partnership will see Sri Lanka’s Akbar Brothers create a unique collection of teas that aim to capture the sense of flair, creativity and quality that the MasterChef brand is known for.

MasterChef: The Champions Collection will be available for tea drinkers worldwide with blends such as Ceylon tea, Earl Grey, Moroccan Mint, Jasmine green tea, Rooibos Orange, Masala Chai, and more.

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing at Banijay Brands – which represents the MasterChef brand internationally – says: “Akbar Brothers is a market leader in driving sustainable practices and renowned for creating high-quality products. This is a partnership that fits perfectly with the MasterChef identity, promoting the core values at the heart of the brand. We hope that millions of MasterChef viewers worldwide can now sit back and enjoy the show with a cup of tea from the Champions Collection.”

“We are delighted to bring this collection to market with blends that we have perfected since 1907,” adds Akbar Brothers Director Mansoor Akbarally. “Every tea in this unique collection is held to the highest standard with the MasterChef seal of approval.

MasterChef is renowned as a premium brand and one synonymous with quality and integrity, which marries perfectly with our company’s values as one of the largest tea exporters in the world.”

Akbar Brothers delivers leading environmentally sustainable practices, with its tea production facility the first in Asia to reach a net-zero carbon footprint through carbon insetting, certified by The Sustainable Future Group.

To find out more about MasterChef: The Champions Collection, contact the team at info@mastercheftea.com.

VR game ‘Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom’ to launch in 2022

Digital entertainment studio Maze Theory and global distributor and content creator Banijay have announced the launch of the first virtual reality game inspired by BAFTA-winning drama Peaky Blinders in 2022. The deal was made in collaboration with Peaky Blinders’ official brand and series owner and series producer, Caryn Mandabach Productions.

Peaky Blinders fans and VR enthusiasts can – for the first time – infiltrate the Peaky Blinders underground world, coming face-to-face with much-loved and much-feared characters such as Tommy Shelby (voiced by Cillian Murphy) and Arthur Shelby (voiced by Paul Anderson), as well as host of other brand-new characters. Dramatic cinematic moments put players at the heart of a deep and memorable story, where they will navigate tense and dangerous situations and make meaningful and complex moral choices.

Ian Hambleton, Maze Theory CEO, says: “At Maze Theory, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of entertainment and creating highly innovative fan and gaming experiences. We’re very excited to be giving fans and VR enthusiasts access to the Peaky Blinders’ world, transporting them back to 1920s Birmingham and putting them in iconic locations such as The Garrison and Charlie’s Yard.”

Lex Scott, Commercial Director, Gaming & Gambling, Banijay Brands, comments: “With huge anticipation for the upcoming series, the Peaky Blinders brand is stronger than ever, and this is a fantastic addition to its extensive portfolio. Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom is an exciting, authentic, and totally unique game that takes the immersive experience for fans to a whole new level.”

The multi award-winning BBC One series is produced by Peaky Blinders’ official series and brand owner, Caryn Mandabach Productions, and co-produced with Banijay’s Tiger Aspect Productions. Series 1 to 5 are available on BBC iPlayer and Netflix. Peaky Blinders is distributed by Banijay Rights and has sold in more than 183 countries and is widely available internationally on Netflix including in the U.S.

The Peaky Blinders brand enjoys international success across multiple categories including gifting, live experience, apparel, accessories and essentials. Officially licensed products are proving a hit with consumers and retailers, with over 40 licensees across multiple territories.

 

 

 

9th Impact and Tilting Point team up for Big Brother: The Game II

Banijay Brands is extending its deal with award-winning game development studio 9th Impact for the globally interactive Big Brother mobile game. 9th Impact has partnered with leading free-to-play games publisher Tilting Point for the upcoming launch of Big Brother: The Game II on December 16.

The multiplayer online reality TV game is available worldwide for Apple and Android devices and PC download. With a life-changing prize fund up for grabs, players can become virtual housemates, experiencing life as a Big Brother contestant. They must make strategic choices to remain in the house and ultimately become victorious.

Lex Scott, Commercial Director, Gaming & Gambling at Banijay Brands, says: “Following the success of Big Brother: The Game I, we are delighted to extend our partnership with 9th Impact. Bringing in Tilting Point’s publishing expertise, we are set to supercharge the upcoming game, and entertain Big Brother fans around the world with this unique and immersive experience.”

9th Impact have created new house designs, games and mechanics, such as house juries, for Big Brother: The Game II, and the new tournament is introducing more gameplay innovation, including real life auditions.

The new game has two modes: Housemate and Spectator.  The game is free to download, and the Spectator mode is free with optional purchases. To become a Housemate the player must use a Token to enter the House, which is an in-app purchase, or audition to get an existing Housemate to sponsor their Token entry.

Big Brother: The Game I ran for 288 days and ended with Amy from Delaware beating 33,724 rival contestants, to walk away with a $33,000 grand prize.

Big Brother first aired in the Netherlands over 20 years ago. Since then, over 500 series have aired across 69 markets, producing over 28k episodes. Over 7,000 housemates from around the globe have spent over 35,000 days in the house, with over 5,000 live evictions. The format continues to deliver hit primetime ratings in long-running markets such as the US, Canada, Brazil, Italy and Israel, while continuing to evolve, with high-profile comebacks in Australia and Benelux.

Banijay Brands strengthens portfolio with Banijay Kids and Family

Banijay Brands has announced it has secured the brand licensing rights to the Banijay Kids and Family catalogue.

Banijay Kids and Family produces a wide range of animation and live action series, digital content, and entertainment formats for children worldwide under three production labels: Zodiak Kids and Family, Monello Productions and Tiger Aspect Kids and Family. Banijay Brands already represents Tiger Aspect Kids and Family IP such as Mr Bean. The new partnership will the collective to further leverage the global infrastructure of Banijay Brands and deliver extensive brand licensing programmes for titles such as Street Football, Totally Spies!, Lolirock, Silverpoint, When I Was Your Age, Mister Maker and the upcoming The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti, and Mumfie.

Banijay Brands will also work with local commercial teams to explore a number of regionally-led opportunities.

Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO, Banijay Kids and Family, says: “It’s a big achievement for Banijay to announce at the same time the creation of our new brand Banijay Kids and Family and the launch of our licencing strategy with Banijay Brands. We are confident that our evergreen IPs as well as our creations will be in good hands with such a professional team like Banijay Brands.”

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands added: “Banijay Kids and Family has a strong and relatable kids content slate, which, when partnered with the experienced team at Banijay Brands, should trigger a lucrative position in the the children’s licensing space. Recognising the already huge interest from the market, we will be working across a number of categories including experiential, publishing, gaming and products to ensure the relevant and successful exploitation of the business’ IP moving forwards.”

Mumfie is an upcoming new animated series of the heritage property (78 x 7’), directed by the French director Daniel Dubuis. It is a co-production between Zodiak Kids Studio France and Italian animation studio Animoka alongside France Télévisions and Rai (Italy). Zodiak Kids recently announced it has secured a pre-sale from KiKA German.

Street Football is the popular animated series combining the action of matches with insights into the hardships of life is co-produced by Zodiak Kids and Monello Productions for France 3 and Rai 2.

The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti is a co-production between Zodiak Kids Studio France, and Gigglebug Entertainment. An original animated comedy series for kids aged 6+ and their families, it has been co-commissioned by Disney Channel Europe, Middle East & Africa and Nordic broadcasters YLE, DR, NRK, and SVT.

Silverpoint is a 13 x 22’ sci-fi mystery adventure series about kids at summer camp. Co-produced by Zodiak Kids, CBBC and ZDF Enterprises, the series is created by Lee Walters, Lead Writer, and Executive Producer Steven Andrew, Creative Director, Zodiak Kids.

When I Was Your Age is produced for RAI and France Télévisions by Monello Productions. The animated series features 10-year-old Paul who has a special gift – as soon as someone says “When I was your age”, Paul is thrown back into the days when the person he is talking to was 10 years old.

Mister Maker is the popular ultimate interactive arts and crafts show for younger kids. Broadcast in over 200 territories, the series is a Zodiak Kids Studios production for CBeebies.

Totally Spies! is the hit franchise that has been broadcasting for over 15 years, produced by Zodiak Kids for TF1 and Disney France.

Lolirock is a Zodiak Kids production for Disney France and France Télévisions, featuring five princesses with magical singing voices.

Banijay Brands launches licensing programmes for homes and interiors titles

Banijay Brands has announced the launch of new consumer products programmes for hit property and garden makeover shows including Interior Design Masters, Your Home Made Perfect and Your Garden Made Perfect. Accompanied by modern creative assets and fresh style guides, the extensive licensing programmes will cover multiple categories spanning consumer products, gaming, experiential and publishing.

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing at Banijay Brands, says: “Demand for off-air extensions from our home improvement and renovation formats is at an all-time high, and this slate of shows is a fantastic addition to our portfolio. These are brands that are synonymous with innovative and stylish transformations, and they offer exciting opportunities for our licensing partners.”

Hosted by Alan Carr, Interior Design Masters, from Banijay label DSP, takes ten fledgling stylists and launches them into the competitive world of interior design to fight it out for the chance to win a life-changing design contract with a prestigious commercial client. The first series of Interior Design Masters premiered in August 2019 as BBC Two’s No.1 show of the day and series two, which launched in February 2021, built on the share of 16-34s by 191% compared to the previous series.

Created by Banijay’s Remarkable Television, Your Home Made Perfect and Your Garden Made Perfect encapsulate the desire from modern homeowners to transform their indoor and outdoor living areas. The series use cutting-edge technology and VR to show homeowners the potential of their spaces, resulting in extraordinary and breath-taking transformations. In the UK, Your Home Made Perfect was awarded Best Original Programme in the 2021 Broadcast Awards and the third series, which launched on BBC Two this year, had its highest ever audience, making it the channel’s number one show of the day. The format has also travelled to the Netherlands and France. The first series of Your Garden Made Perfect delivered an average audience of over 2m viewers, +58% above BBC Two’s primetime average market share and a second series has been confirmed.

Banijay Brands will showcase their portfolio at this year’s BLE (stand C122)