Immersive Everywhere announces expansion and new hires

The directors of Immersive Everywhere have announced expansion with three new hires: Rich Major joins in July as Group Sales & Marketing Director, Neil Connolly has taken up the post of Creative Director, and Tom Roe has come on board as Head of Global Licensing.

Immersive Everywhere works with world-famous titles to create live theatrical experiences, and also operates the UK’s first dedicated immersive theatre venue, IMMERSIVE|LDN in Mayfair, London, where the UK’s longest running immersive show, The Great Gatsby, is currently playing.

The partnership between Olivier Award-winning theatre producers Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook (Hartshorn – Hook Enterprises) and Showtime Theatre Productions’ Mark Hurry, Elliot Hargreaves and Mark Hargreaves, opened its inaugural production, Doctor Who: Time Fracture, in Spring 2021, and will be opening Peaky Blinders: The Rise in July 2022. Future projects include the return of Olivier Award-nominated The Choir of Man, the US launch of The Great Gatsby and immersive events featuring major global IP, details of which will be announced later this year.

Rich Major is a technically and commercially minded live entertainment specialist with over 20 years’ experience gained within producers’ offices, venues, marketing agencies and ticket companies. After launching ticketing technology company Ingresso, most recently he has led the build of the theatre and visitor attractions business at See Tickets, while also focusing on growing and developing an industry leading groups, education, travel trade and affiliate programme.

Neil Connolly is a creative leader of design and production teams focused on development, production and installation of live theatre, entertainment, multi-media and attractions for the themed entertainment industry worldwide. In a distinguished career spanning 18 years, Neil has brought passion to every facet of themed entertainment in the creative direction, development and production of attractions such as The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, Tomb Raider The Live Experience & Chaos Karts, an AR GoKart real-life battle.

Neil is currently working with Immersive Everywhere on creative development of show and attraction content for projects across the U.K, Europe, North America and Asia.

Tom Roe is a brand licensing professional with over 20 years of experience in the sector. He has worked for leading media and licensing companies including ITV, IMG, CPLG and most recently DHX Media/Wildbrain, where he headed up the commercial licensing business on a global scale for five years.

Tom has a wealth of experience across all major brand areas, in particular Entertainment and Sports IP, and has operated as a brand owner, brand licensing agent, and now licensee. As well as bringing in new leading IP, Tom is also overseeing the licensing of Immersive Everywhere’s shows into new territories.

Rich Major says: “I’ve worked with the emerging immersive and location-based experience economy in my role at See Tickets and have been hugely inspired by the creativity, support, imagination and commercial drive on display in this fast-growing sector.

“Immersive Everywhere are leaders in the field, constantly innovating technically while delivering high-quality, engaging events with real heart and humour. They deliver an amazing experience for audiences regardless of how engaged they are in the immersive style. This isn’t purist work, it’s unashamedly and proudly populist. In my role at Immersive Everywhere, I’ll be devising and directing a global marketing and CRM programme and leading on sales and ticketing strategy, audience development and data insight across an international live portfolio of world class IP – I can’t wait to get started!”

“Our expansion is bringing some of the brightest minds in our industry together,” says Brian Hook, Chief Creative Officer of Immersive Everywhere. “Rich Major joins us from a prolific career at See Tickets, bringing expert commercial strategy, direction and heading up their formidable ticketing operation. Neil brings his unique brand of exceptional creative talent from Little Lion Entertainment (Crystal Maze, Tomb Raider, Khaos Karts), and Tom joins us from an exemplary career in licencing – this team will drive our ambition to be at the top table with some of the most exciting brands in the world and placing our current shows in new and exciting homes across the UK, and delivering our work to local partners in many territories. As the immersive sector expands, Immersive Everywhere will be at the forefront for many years to come.”

IMMERSIVE | LDN is a 32,000sq ft historic building in the heart of Mayfair, which was home to the Queen Victoria’s Rifles Association until 2017. It includes three floors of immersive theatre and event spaces designated for performance, live gaming, events, escape rooms and private parties. For information about programming and venue hire visit www.immersiveldn.com

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.

Bushmills Irish Whiskey is named the official tipple of Peaky Blinders

Bushmills Irish Whiskey – from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery – has announced its designation as the Official Whiskey of the Peaky Blinders TV show, and preferred sipper of the notorious Shelby Family.

The partnership with Endemol Shine North America (a Banijay company), and Peaky Blinders’ official brand owner and series producer, Caryn Mandabach Productions, launches just in time for St. Patrick’s Day and will extend through 2022.

“The motivations of the Shelbys are those of family, loyalty and perseverance, which are the same qualities that have put Bushmills at the forefront of whiskey making for hundreds of years,” says Lander Otegui, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Proximo Spirits, Bushmills’ brand owner. “Over the course of our partnership, we are excited to connect with a new, dynamic generation of whiskey drinkers through collaborative content and experiences that speak to the history and heart of our brand.”

To kick off the partnership, U.S. fans of Bushmills Irish Whiskey and of the Peaky Blinders TV show can order a Shelby Sour from their local bar between now and 17 March, and Bushmills will cover the cost. The cocktail, inspired by Tommy Shelby, features sweet and fruity flavours, balanced by the smooth, warm finish of Bushmills Original Whiskey. Head to www.Bushmills.com/Shelby for official terms and conditions of the offer, the Shelby Sour recipe and an exclusive sneak peek into Bushmills’ next release.

“What better way to welcome Bushmills as the Official Whiskey of the Peaky Blinders TV series than with a free whiskey cocktail for our loyal fans,” says Scott Shillet, Vice President of Licensing at Endemol Shine North America. “We’re excited to give our extended Shelby family a first taste of the partnership this St. Patrick’s Day as they eagerly await the sixth and final season of the hit show.”

Throughout the year, Bushmills, Endemol Shine North America and Caryn Mandabach Productions will connect with U.S. consumers through a full-scale promotion featuring co-branded content, a national advertising campaign and live experiential moments.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Quarto announces The Official Peaky Blinders Cookbook

With the sixth and final series of Peaky Blinders set to air in 2022, White Lion Publishing, a division of Quarto, has announced the forthcoming release of the first official cookbook based on the hit series.

Containing 50 recipes, the book takes inspiration from the iconic locations the infamous gang inhabits, from the bar at The Garrison to the glamour of the Eden Club and the extravagance of Arrow House. Dishes include Warming vegetable & barley soup with Alfie Solomons’ soda bread, Grilled Oysters with parmesan crumb, Roast Rabbit with bacon & mushrooms in a whiskey sauce, and Sloe Gin jelly with blackberries and cream. The book combines stills from the series with specially commissioned photography.

Peaky Blinders is distributed by Banijay Rights and has sold in more than 183 countries, and is widely available on Netflix. The Peaky Blinders brand enjoys international success across multiple categories including gifting, live experience, apparel, accessories and essentials, and now boasts 40 licensees across multiple territories.

The Official Peaky Blinders Cookbook is out on 8 March, priced at £14.99 hardback.

Steamforged Games launches its bluffing and scheming card game Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth

The tabletop games publisher, Steamforged Games has launched its official Peaky Blinders card game, a new competitive title based on the multi award-winning television drama.

Aimed a three to six players, Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth forces players to keep their cards close to their chest as they navigate a gameplay inspired by the BAFTA award-winning TV drama. Set in 1920s Birmingham, the game features fan-favourite characters from the series.

Released worldwide on February 26th, Peaky Blinders: Faster Than truth centres on bluffing and tricking opponents. Like characters in the show, players can also choose whether to make alliances, break alliances, and even sabotage and steal from their rivals.

Mat Hart, co-founder and creative director at Steamforged Games, said: “When I first watched Peaky Blinders, I was instantly blown away by the vivid depiction of Britain after the Great War – a time of raw, bloody fighting for survival in an industrial landscape gripped by upheaval.

“We wanted to capture that feeling of playing your cards close to your chest, ever mindful of the razor-thin line between winning and losing. Blink first and you lose, and never forget that fortune smiles on the bold.”

Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth is available from game retailers in the UK priced at £14.99.

Take a first look at the new Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth card game from Steamforged Games

Fans have been offered a sneak first peek at the upcoming Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth card game, a tabletop gaming title developed by Steamforged Games under a licensing agreement with Banijay Brands and Caryn Mandabach Productions.

The card game is scheduled for release on February 26, 2021 and will pay homage to the award winning series that follows the misadventures of the Shelby family as they fight to maintain an empire across the lawless streets of 1920s Birmingham and beyond.

In Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth, players can take a walk down those very streets as they try to gather resources to beat their rivals. Players use cards to gain resources and money as well as hinder their opponents. To get through the game, players must rely on their ability to bluff and garner intelligence as they make and break alliances in the bid to come out on top.

The game has been designed for two to six players with a playing time of 30 minutes. Check out the first images of the card game below.

Take a first look at the new Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth card game from Steamforged Games

Fans have been offered a sneak first peek at the upcoming Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth card game, a tabletop gaming title developed by Steamforged Games under a licensing agreement with Banijay Brands and Caryn Mandabach Productions.

The card game is scheduled for release on February 26, 2021 and will pay homage to the award winning series that follows the misadventures of the Shelby family as they fight to maintain an empire across the lawless streets of 1920s Birmingham and beyond.

In Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth, players can take a walk down those very streets as they try to gather resources to beat their rivals. Players use cards to gain resources and money as well as hinder their opponents. To get through the game, players must rely on their ability to bluff and garner intelligence as they make and break alliances in the bid to come out on top.

The game has been designed for two to six players with a playing time of 30 minutes. Check out the first images of the card game below.

Peaky Blinders masterminds wine deal with French vineyard Vignobles Bardet

The renowned French vineyard, Vignobles Bardet, has partnered with Banijay Brands and Caryn Mandabach Productions to launch the first, official, Peaky Blinders wine.

Inspired by the multi-award winning drama, Vignobles Bardet has created two red wines – a Saint-Emilion and a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru – which will initially be available in France before being made available for export via local distributors in key markets across Europe and Asia.

Born from the highly-regarded Bordeaux region following research in 1920s wine in partnership with the win historian Jean-Michel Chevet, the offerings are set to give the buyers the opportunity to ‘immerse themselves in the world of the international hit drama.’

Jane Smith, group director, brand licensing of Banijay Brands, said: “In Vignobles Bardet we have found an established and creative partner to create an authentic product, which is perfectly suited to the Peaky Blinders brand.

“This collaboration has created two fine reds that will give fans an authentic taste of the 1920s in the very style that would be shared at the Shelby table.”

Thibault Bardet, Vignobles Bardet, added: “It’s easy to imagine a character like Thomas Shelby importing his own wine from our great-great-grandfather Jean Roy on the prestigious Saint-Emilion region of Bordeaux and we believe these reds are exactly what he would have chosen. We are extremely proud to produce a product that captures the true essence of Peaky Blinders.”

Jamie Glazebrook, executive producer of Peaky Blinders for Caryn Mandabach Productions, said:Peaky Blinders continues to be a journey into the unexpected. In series five, Churchill outlines Tommy Shelby’s progress as ‘a tent, then a boat, then a house, now a mansion.’ To which we can now add a vineyard. We could not be more delighted with this collaboration, the results of which are truly delicious.”

This year Banijay Brands has developed an extensive licensing programme for the global hit in partnership with official Peaky Blinders brand owner, brand curator and producer Caryn Mandabach Productions. This includes a collaboration with Curve Digital for Peaky Blinders: Mastermind,  Hodder for The Official Peaky Blinders Quiz Book,  a card game with Steamforged, the first stationery products in Brazil with Tilibra, Thornbridge Brewery for the first endorsed “Shelby” beer, and various product ranges spanning apparel, gifting, men’s grooming and more. 

Peaky Blinders is distributed by Banijay Rights and has sold in more than 183 countries and is widely available internationally on Netflix i including the USA.

The Banijay Brands portfolio includes MasterChef, Temptation Island, Peaky Blinders, Survivor, Deal or No Deal, The Inbetweeners, Big Brother, Mister Maker, Operation Triunfo, Eat Well for Less, Simon’s Cat, Mr Bean, Don’t, Sunday Brunch, Tipping Point, The Biggest Loser, Ready Steady Cook, Black Mirror, Miss France, Maddie’s Do You Know?, Wipeout and Crystal Maze.