BBC Studios and Banijay Asia sign multi-year deal for Indian market

An announcement regarding this partnership was made by BBC Studios today, stating that it has entered into an exclusive partnership with Banijay Asia for selling scripted and unscripted formats to Indian broadcasters and streamers. Mumbai, India-based Banijay Asia will now exclusively have access to their format catalogue for local production purposes.

BBC Studios' catalog comprises shows like The 1% Club, Dancing with the Stars, Weakest Link, and The Great Bake Off, as well as scripted formats such as The Office and Ghosts. Under this multi-year deal, Banijay Asia will introduce BBC Studios' formats to the Indian market.

Banijay Asia, which was jointly set up by Banijay Entertainment and founder and group CEODeepak Dhar, coexists with Endemol Shine India. Some of the original titles include Into The Wild With Bear Grylls and Trial By Fire, while formats including MasterChef, Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, Temptation Island, and Fear Factor adapted by India have also been included in the company. It has also been involved in local adaptations of The Night Manager, Call My Agent: Bollywood, and The Good Wife.

The new partnership will see BBC Studios cease its own production activity locally, once current and contracted commitments are delivered to focus on this new model in India.

Deepak Dhar, founder and group CEO, Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, stated, “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.”

Jacob DeBoer, EVP global entertainment for BBC Studios, added, “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. I would also like to pay tribute to the BBC Studios team in Mumbai for all the incredible content they have developed and produced over the years, with our very first episode of Jhalak Dikhla Ja in 2006.”

Matt Forde, MD global entertainment for BBC Studios said, “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. We can’t wait to see what they will do with our world-leading IP.”