Banijay France has taken a significant step in the scripted television landscape by merging Banijay Studios France and Shine Fiction into a newly consolidated entity under the name Shine Fiction. This rebranding aims to create a powerful force in scripted production, focusing on premium series tailored for both French broadcasters and international streamers. The new enterprise is set to leverage the strengths of its illustrious predecessors, with seasoned industry figures steering the helm.
The leadership team for Shine Fiction comprises chairman Dominique Farrugia and chief operating officer Guillaume Thouret. Farrugia, speaking on the merger, stated, “When launching Shine Fiction four years ago, my goal was to create and produce ambitious series, which reached audiences far and wide, and today, the results speak for themselves.” His enthusiasm reflects the success and growth of their offerings, notably with shows such as “Marie Antoinette” and the Apple TV+ series “Carême.”
“Marie Antoinette” stands out as a flagship title for Shine Fiction. This series has debuted its second season on Canal+ and has enjoyed impressive international sales, spanning over 140 markets through the efforts of Banijay Rights. The show's captivating retelling of the life of the notorious queen has resonated globally, leading to its successful reception outside of France.
Another title fostering excitement is “Carême,” which recently made its world premiere at Series Mania, a significant festival for showcasing new content in the television industry. The event highlights the rising prominence of Shine Fiction as it positions itself among the leading content creators for various platforms. The tales of culinary and historical narrative untold through “Carême” have intrigued audiences, promising to engage viewers further upon its wider release.
Looking ahead, Shine Fiction has an ambitious lineup of forthcoming titles that are expected to further elevate its profile in the industry. These include a comedy-crime series titled “The Family Detective,” scheduled for TF1, a thriller called “Rien ne t’efface,” also slated for TF1, and a coming-of-age drama titled “Désenchantées,” which will air on France TV. Each of these series promises to leverage unique storytelling techniques and cultural narratives to capture diverse audiences.
Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO of Banijay France, emphasizes the strategic importance of this merger, stating, “By proactively bringing together these two renowned labels under the Shine Fiction banner, we will unlock an entirely new level of creative and production expertise for our scripted business in France.” This sentiment showcases the organization’s commitment to excellence and artistic innovation.
In addition to its original content, Banijay France is bolstering its portfolio with high-profile upcoming releases. Notable among these is Alain Goldman’s “Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight,” in collaboration with Montmartre Film for Netflix. This co-production between Authentic Productions and TF1 underscores Banijay's reach and strategic partnerships that expand their creative horizons.
Banijay Entertainment is also expanding its influence with a diverse slate of titles, including “House of Guinness” by Kudos for Netflix, “The World According to Lidea Poët” by Groenlandia for Netflix, and international co-productions like “Elixe” with Topkapi/New 8 and “Rogue Heroes” with Kudos for BBC One. These efforts highlight Banijay’s extensive contribution to the evolving landscape of entertainment, showcasing their adaptability in delivering compelling narratives to various platforms.
At Series Mania, Shine Fiction further solidified its presence with the world premiere of “Carême,” alongside other highlighted festival debuts such as “A Life’s Worth” by Yellowbird for Arte, and “Weiss & Morales” from Portocabo for RTVE and ZDF. This recognition at a premier festival underscores Shine Fiction's growth and ambition in the industry as it seeks to compete on a larger, global stage.
The consolidation of Banijay Studios France and Shine Fiction is not just a corporate reshuffle; it marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of French scripted content. As establishments like Shine Fiction emerge with renewed vigor and a promising slate of original programming, they signal a bright future for storytelling that meets both regional and international audiences on their terms.
With commitments to high-quality storytelling and a focus on innovation in production, Shine Fiction is poised to make a lasting impact in the industry. The blending of creative forces under the leadership of influential figures like Farrugia and Thouret provides a compelling narrative about the unfolding evolution of French television. As they navigate the intricacies of production and distribution across various media, Shine Fiction is sure to attract viewers looking for engaging and polished storytelling.
