Goldberg to launch US studio for Banijay

Banijay Group has hooked up with former Endemol North America boss David Goldberg to launch a North American studio.

Banijay Studios North America will create English-language programming in multiple genres for the North American markets.

Goldberg will be CEO of Banijay Studios North America and become Banijay Group President, working alongside Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti (pictured), another former Endemol boss, who made the announcement today at MIPFormats here in Cannes.

Goldbergh will report in to Bassetti directly and be based in LA.

Goldberg left his role as long-time chairman and CEO of Endemol North America three months ago. He had been with Endemol for more than 13 years, where he was also credited for building Big Brother USA producer Endemol USA.

“We are very pleased to have David join us, and excited at the prospect of working with him and his team in the coming months as they develop new formats, which we will roll out globally through our growing production capabilities,” said Bassetti.

“David will be in charge of all our development in English-speaking content, not just for the US but for Canada and Latin America [too], he added.

Banijay Studios North American will sit alongside Banijay’s other US production hub, unscripted producer Bunim/Murray, which is behind Project Runway and Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Banijay did have another US arm, Angel City Factory, but this closed in 2012 after its co-creator Chris Cowan exited for BermanBraun.

“Banijay is a well capitalised, creative company that has the potential to become one of the most important players in the largest television market in the world,” added Goldberg. “Banijay Studios North America will be a magnet for some of the most creative producers and talent in the content creation business.”

Banijay is making a concerted push into North America in part to make a major move into scripted. “We want to be in scripted space because we forecast to grow forty-to-fifty per cent from last year to next year,” said Bassetti, pointing to the acquisitions of Screentime in Australia, DLO in Spain and Ambra in Italy as examples of growth.