BBC Studios Exits India Production, Inks Format Deal With Banijay Asia

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I’m thrilled to share that BBC Studios, a company I greatly admire, has announced it will no longer be producing content locally in India. Instead, they’ve entered into an exclusive, multi-year collaboration with Banijay Asia. This partnership aims to tailor BBC formats for the Indian market, which is truly exciting!

Under this arrangement, Banijay Asia obtains exclusive access to BBC Studios’ library of both unscripted and scripted format shows, effective once BBC Studios fulfills its ongoing production obligations within the region.

Previously known for popular shows such as Indian versions of “Criminal Justice” and “The Office,” BBC Studios functioned as a conduit, blending British narratives with the nuances of Indian audiences.

Banijay Asia, a partnership between Banijay Entertainment and its CEO Deepak Dhar, will utilize their knowledge of local markets to infuse BBC’s formats with an Indian twist for TV broadcasters and streaming services. The company has already proven successful in adapting formats, as seen with the introduction of shows like “Masterchef,” “Big Brother,” and “Temptation Island” to Indian viewers.

BBC Studios houses a variety of popular formats worldwide, including shows like “The 1% Club,” “Dancing with the Stars (also known as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’),” “Weakest Link,” and “The Great Bake Off.” They also boast scripted series such as “The Office” and “Ghosts.

Banijay Asia is a remarkable production company that combines creativity, foresight, and local knowledge to breathe life into BBC Studios’ extensive format library for the Indian audience,” stated Jacob DeBoer, the executive VP of Global Entertainment at BBC Studios. He also highlighted the significant impact of BBC Studios’ Mumbai team, commending their efforts since the debut of “Jhalak Dikhla Ja” in 2006.

Through this partnership, Banijay Asia fortifies its standing in the Indian content market, becoming even more renowned for productions like “The Night Manager” and “Call My Agent: Bollywood.” As Dhar stated, “This strategic alliance supports our mission to produce top-tier, influential content that resonates effectively across various platforms.

Matt Forde, MD of Global Entertainment for BBC Studios, stated: “Our aim is to bring BBC Studios’ popular entertainment programs to viewers worldwide, collaborating with top talents to connect with audiences on a local level. Banijay Asia, like us, is dedicated to their craft and compelling storytelling, demonstrating success in adapting hit shows that resonate strongly in India. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the amazing things they will create with our renowned intellectual properties.

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2025-02-11 13:16