Mumbai: BBC Studios has announced an exclusive partnership with Banijay Asia, a subsidiary of global content giant Banijay Entertainment, to bring its world-class scripted and unscripted formats to Indian audiences.
Under this multi-year deal, Banijay Asia will have exclusive access to BBC Studios’ extensive format catalog, producing localized versions of globally successful shows for Indian broadcasters and streaming platforms. As a result, BBC Studios will cease its independent production activities in India once its current commitments are fulfilled.
BBC Studios’ celebrated portfolio includes international hits such as The 1% Club, Dancing with the Stars, Weakest Link, and Great Bake Off, along with popular scripted formats like The Office and Ghosts. With this partnership, Banijay Asia will introduce these and new formats to the Indian market for the first time.
Banijay Asia, led by Founder and Group CEO Deepak Dhar, has a strong track record of adapting international formats for India, with successful productions including MasterChef, Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, Temptation Island, and Fear Factor. The company has also produced acclaimed adaptations of The Night Manager, Call My Agent: Bollywood, and The Good Wife.
Speaking about the collaboration, Deepak Dhar said, “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, 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.”
Matt Forde, MD Global Entertainment for BBC Studios, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal, noting, “Our strategy is to deliver BBC Studios’ hit entertainment shows to audiences worldwide, working with the best in the business. Banijay Asia shares our commitment to impactful storytelling, and we look forward to seeing them bring our world-leading IP to life in India.”
With this partnership, Banijay Asia further strengthens its position as a leading content producer in India, leveraging its expertise to deliver premium entertainment to a diverse and growing audience.
