Banijay Launch - FAQs
What is Banijay Launch?
Banijay launch is a global accelerator program that discovers and empowers emerging women creators, pairing them with the best of Banijay’s global network of creatives, and helping them develop bold new formats from concept to sale.
Geared towards addressing gender inequity and fuelling creativity, LAUNCH will seek out dynamic new format ideas from creators the industry might not be hearing enough from, all leading to one global winner that hopefully becomes Banijay’s next big travelling hit.
How does it work?
All entrants can apply via our dedicated online global portal (need to upload a word description of format or full PPT), which will close on 1 December. The Creative Networks team will then select the top 20 ideas, before they are whittled down to 3 to 5 finalists with Sharon and her team at Endemol Shine North America.
From there, we’re pairing each finalist with a Banijay mentor in their local territory to aid in further developing their project, and work with them on their materials and pitch.
It will all culminate with an in-person pitch at the London Screenings in February for the finalists – where we will declare and share our winner.
N.B. full terms & conditions are available on the portal.
Who can apply?
Any woman, anywhere, can apply for Banijay Launch; from a freelance producer to a woman who works in a government office. They just need a good idea…
N.B. Banijay employees are not eligible to apply.
What are the benefits to Banijay?
Creative pipeline is supercharged
The winning idea could be the next travelling hit for Banijay
Lots of additional ideas could be discovered for local territories to exploit in their markets
Pro-social - opening doors for women content creators
Capitalising on our global reach to be a responsible player
The women (undiscovered talent) will be mentored to success by our global creatives to ensure we nurture the next generation of creators, with whom we build lasting relationships.
What inspired the program?
Banijay Launch was inspired by the Propelle program, a female-focused accelerator initiative created and developed in 2020 by Everywoman Studios’ CEO, Abby Greensfelder.
Sharon Levy and Endemol Shine North America partnered for two consecutive years with Everywoman Studios and Realscreen for the Propelle program, and the pair established a long-standing working relationship.
Abby has subsequently consulted on the creation of Banijay Launch and will join the judging panel for Banijay Launch’s inaugural year.
Why now?
There’s no hiding from the fact the market is competitive and there has never been a greater urgency for breakthrough ideas – with Banijay Launch we are supporting an underrepresented group of creators, thus enhancing our ESG commitments, while also supercharging our pipeline. It’s the perfect solution to a global industry conundrum, which incidentally, no one else is tackling.
Who are the judges?
Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay
Sharon Levy, CEO, Endemol Shine North America
James Townley, Chief Creative Officer, Development, Banijay
Pilar Blasco, CEO, Banijay Iberia
Abby Greensfelder, Founder and CEO of Everywoman Studios
Which territories are participating and who are the ambassadors?
16 territories
Australia: Amelia Fisk, Endemol Shine Australia
Benelux: Annabelle Aaftink, SimpelZodiak
Brazil: Natasha Szaniecki, Endemol Shine Brasil
Denmark: Line Westi, Metronome
Finland: Vera Olsson, Endemol Shine Finland
France: Leslie Blumberg, Air Productions
Germany: Shona Fraser, Good Times
Iberia: Sonia Perez, Cuarzo Producciones
India: Mrinalini Jain, Banijay Asia
Israel: Lee Gaon, Endemol Shine Israel
Italy: Francesco Lauber, Banijay Italia
Mexico: Marie Leguizamo, Banijay Mexico and US Hispanic
Norway: Hege Hansen, Mastiff Norway
Sweden: Miranda Kroge, Mastiff Sweden
UK: Claire O’Donohoe, Remarkable, Initial, and ZnakTV
USA: Chachi Senior, Truly Original
What is the role of the ambassadors?
Drive entries via local creative, communication and industry networks
Organise and oversee development process of finalists in their territory.
Assist in all efforts towards the sale of the winning project in their territory; working with country head on local label format allocation.
Why is Banijay best placed to lead this scheme?
Banijay is home to the best talent and best IP. A content powerhouse, it not only has the largest catalogue of non-scripted travelling hits but also a portfolio of some of the world’s most recognised and notorious superbrands. It’s a group that really knows what makes a good format and importantly, has the potential internally alone, to take it to 21 territories, and more, using its distribution nous.
Importantly, while each label retains its DNA and each country operates independently, the group is built on collaboration, and via its leading non-scripted department, Creative Networks, drives the cross-pollination of ideas, best practice, and incentivisation/investment to guarantee ideas are nurtured from concept to screens worldwide.
We therefore have the local knowledge and networks, global expertise and infrastructure, to support new women creators bring brilliant concepts to fruition and enhance their travel prospects.
What is the deal make-up with the creators?
We will not disclose the deal structure or the financials publicly.
What happens to the women after the initiative is over?
The hope is that while there can only be one winner, some of the other ideas could fit well within local territory portfolios.
We plan to maintain the relationships with those involved, with the view to working together in the future, where appropriate.
What is the survey?
Banijay Americas has commissioned a first-of-its-kind study with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media in partnership with Everywoman Studios. The institute is a US non-profit organization that researches gender representation in media and advocates for equal representation of women.
The study will investigate womens’ inclusion in creative leadership roles in unscripted production across four distinct territories: Brazil, France, the U.K., and the U.S.
Why do you use women and not female?
Our initiative is inclusive of all who identify as women.
How many women creators does Banijay have within its group?
We know that well over half of those in management positions at Banijay are women, but we don’t cut our data any further. We do however recognise, that we, like the wider industry, can do more to support women creators.
Are any other competitors facilitating similar programs?
As far as we are aware, no.
What has Banijay invested in this scheme?
We will not disclose any financials related to the scheme.