Formation of a Scripted Powerhouse

Banijay France has officially merged Banijay Studios France with Shine Fiction, establishing a new entity now known as Shine Fiction. This move aims to enhance creative output in scripted programming, with leadership provided by chairman Dominique Farrugia and COO Guillaume Thouret.

Focus on Premier Series

The new structure will prioritize the development of high-quality series for both French television networks and international streaming platforms. Shine Fiction is already home to notable productions, including the acclaimed period drama “Marie Antoinette,” which has successfully reached over 140 countries through distribution via Banijay Rights.

• “Marie Antoinette” – Currently airing its second season on Canal+
• “Carême” – Available on Apple TV+
• Upcoming titles include:
• “The Family Detective” (TF1) – A comedy-crime series
• “Rien ne t’efface” (TF1) – A thrilling narrative
• “Désenchantées” (France TV) – A coming-of-age mystery

Leadership Insights and Vision

Alexia Laroche-Joubert, the CEO of Banijay France, emphasized the strategic importance of this merger, 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.” She expressed confidence that Farrugia and Thouret will enhance their delivery of compelling narratives to both French and global audiences.

Dominique Farrugia, reflecting on the inception of Shine Fiction four years ago, remarked: “When launching Shine Fiction four years ago, my goal was to create and produce ambitious series, which reached audiences far and wide, and today, the results speak for themselves. In this new phase for the brand, we bring two of France’s biggest titles to the market, ‘Carême’ and ‘Marie Antoinette,’ and I’m very much looking forward to continuing this exciting adventure with Guillaume by my side, amplifying the creative power and reach of our label.”

Team of Creative Producers

The creative efforts at Shine Fiction are supported by a talented team of producers including Chanelle Bernard, Stéphanie Chartreux, Carole Della Valle, and Soizic Gaolbird, all poised to develop engaging and high-quality content for the evolving media landscape.