Through this process Shine Fiction has transformed its self-image into that of a big league production company. Once known as Endemol Shine Fiction, it now works exclusively under Banijay Studios France’s banner. The rebranding, which took place in 2021, aims to enhance the company’s focus on producing high-quality series while leveraging Banijay’s global reach to explore new co-production opportunities.
Former Endemol Shine Group chief executive Dominique Farrugia joined Banijay in 2020. He is thus set to take control of the newly reorganized company as future chairman and managing director of Banijay Studios France. Under his leadership, Shine Fiction is increasing its annual output significantly. The company’s goal is to increase their production from two or three series to four or five series. Behind production are some of the best visual artists in the world, including Chanelle Bernard, Stéphanie Chartreux, Carole Della Valle, and Soizic Gelbard.
Shine Fiction continues to be focused on the creation of ambitious scripted programming and is already the base for the English-language version of the series “Marie Antoinette.” This local-hit-turned-global-sensation has travelled remarkably well, with Banijay Rights on a roll selling it to more than 140 markets worldwide. The second season has now debuted on Canal+ and is still getting all-star reviews. Shine Fiction partnered with Vanessa van Zuylen to co-produce the series “Carême” for Apple TV+. In March of this year, the ambitious and acclaimed series opened Series Mania in Lille.
Farrugia touched on making space for more French and English-language productions alike, saying that
“Our goal is to have a bigger footprint and to satisfy several channels with different projects.”
This strategic direction aims to create diverse content that appeals to a broader audience while maintaining a strong connection to French culture.
“Our editorial strategy is simply to make series we want to watch.”
Alexia Laroche-Joubert, commenting on the merger of the two prestigious labels, added that
“It’s great that the French language and culture can shine all over the world thanks to these global series, but we are open to English-language possibilities and co-productions.”
This strategic direction aims to create diverse content that appeals to a broader audience while maintaining a strong connection to French culture.
Alexia Laroche-Joubert remarked on the merger of the two renowned labels, stating,
“By proactively bringing together these two renowned labels under the Shine Fiction banner, we will unlock an entirely new level of creative and production expertise for our scripted business in France.”