Banijay has forged a “global accelerator program” to encourage more women to get into unscripted formats.
Unveiled at a swanky breakfast at Mipcom Cannes attended by press and producers, Banijay Launch is being helmed by Endemol Shine North America CEO Sharon Levy and Chief Content Officer, Development James Townley.
The program from the Big Brother and Survivor maker will provide women with mentorship by the French powerhouse’s creative heads to aid them in developing formats from concept to pitch to sale, which it is hoping will boost pipeline. Interested parties can apply here.
To support the program, Banijay Americas has commissioned a first-of-its-kind study with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, in partnership with Everywoman Studios. Banijay Launch was inspired by the Propelle program, a female-focused accelerator initiative created and developed in 2020 by Everywoman Studios’ CEO, Abby Greensfelder. Greensfelder consulted on the creation of Banijay Launch and will join the judging panel for the initiative’s inaugural year.
Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti said: “We are proud at Banijay to have over 50% of our managerial positions globally filled by women. However, we recognize the landscape has not always supported this demographic of creators in breaking through. With Banijay Launch, we are vested in spearheading a raft of new unscripted format ideas, ideated by women, and in doing so, we hope to bring new voices and talent to the market, with the potential of creating the next Survivor, MasterChef, or Big Brother.”
Levy added: “Through Banijay Launch, and the partnership with the Geena Davis Institute, we hope to welcome women creators who may be struggling to have their voices heard, setting a new narrative for the industry, and fostering the next generation of break-out unscripted formats.”