Steve Matthews and Johannes Jensen have been handed new roles in Banijay Entertainment’s central scripted division.
Matthews has been named Head of Scripted, Creative, and Jensen Head of Scripted, Business. Together, they will work to support and partner with Banijay’s group of more than 60 scripted labels.
Frédéric Balmary will continue to oversee the overall direction of Banijay’s scripted effort as Chief Business Officer. “As we continue to grow, the refreshed roles for Steve and Johannes will strengthen our creative and business acumen, ensuring we continue to innovate and lead on the global stage,” he said.
Former HBO Europe exec Matthews has been with Banijay since 2023, working as a pivot for the France-based giant’s scripted producers and overseeing global initiatives. He has taken on an even more prominent role since the exit of Christian Wikander this time last year.
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Jensen has to this point been Head of Scripted for Banijay Nordic. He has led both Jarowskij and Yellow Bird, and the company that resulted when the pair merged in September last year.
Denis Leroy will main his role as Senior Director of Banijay Entertainment‘s central scripted division, specializing in sourcing and developing international scripted formats and book IP.
“In an increasingly competitive environment, success is built on creating and exploiting the most powerful slate of scripted IP possible,” said Jensen. “Collaboration drives that success, and this new structure will align deal-making nous with creative prowess to ensure we remain globally influential.”
“The key is to support and empower editorial teams and to foster strong creative partnerships between them, across Banijay Entertainment’s scripted network,” added Matthews. “In working together to develop enduring relationships with talent — established or emerging — we will continue to grow the group’s reputation for first class storytelling.”
Banijay’s scripted slate includes the likes of SAS: Rogue Heroes, The Rig, Ripley, The Sixth Commandment, The World According to Lidia Pöet, Fallen, 30 Coins and NCIS: Sydney.
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