BBC Studios has announced a multi-year partnership with Banijay Asia, to adapt and produce its renowned unscripted and scripted formats for Indian audiences. This collaboration marks a strategic shift for BBC Studios, which will cease its local production activities in India once current commitments are fulfilled, focusing instead on leveraging Banijay Asia’s expertise to bring its formats to the region.
Under the agreement, Banijay Asia will have exclusive access to BBC Studios’ extensive catalogue of formats, including popular titles such as The 1% Club, Dancing with the Stars, Weakest Link, Great Bake Off, The Office, and Ghosts. These shows will be adapted with a local flavor to resonate with Indian viewers, catering to both broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Jacob DeBoer, EVP Global Entertainment for BBC Studios, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, ‘Banijay Asia is an outstanding producer with the creativity, vision, and local expertise to bring BBC Studios’ rich catalogue of formats to life for the Indian market. We are excited for this partnership to bring the next generation of compelling, talked-about entertainment shows to Indian audiences’.
Banijay Asia, the joint venture between Banijay Entertainment and Deepak Dhar, Founder and Group CEO, has a proven track record of adapting global formats for the Indian market. The company has successfully localized shows such as MasterChef, Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, Temptation Island, and Fear Factor, alongside original productions like Into The Wild With Bear Grylls and Trial By Fire.
Dhar commented on the collaboration, saying, ‘BBC Studios has an incredible catalogue of iconic formats, and as its exclusive partner in India, we will bring these powerful stories to Indian viewers with our unique approach to storytelling. This strategic collaboration aligns with our vision of delivering high-quality, impactful content that resonates across platforms’.
The partnership signifies a strategic pivot for BBC Studios in India. After years of producing original content locally, including the long-running dance reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, the company will now focus on licensing its formats to Banijay Asia. This move allows BBC Studios to concentrate on its global distribution strategy while relying on Banijay Asia’s deep understanding of the Indian market.
Matt Forde, MD Global Entertainment for BBC Studios, highlighted the importance of working with local experts, stating, ‘Our strategy is to deliver BBC Studios’ hit entertainment shows to audiences around the world, working with the best in the business to engage audiences locally. Banijay Asia shares our commitment to its craft and to powerful storytelling, with a proven track record in adapting hit shows that really breakthrough in India’.
