News round-up: Banijay takes ‘Wild Cooks’ global; Two Rivers snags ‘Chums’ rights; Screen Yorkshire opens FLEX scheme

Wild Cooks

Banijay takes Wild Cooks global

Banijay has acquired exclusive global format distribution rights to Wild Cooks, which was created by French-Canadian production company Toast in collaboration with Quebecor Content.

The format sees chefs leave the comfort of their professional kitchens behind, as they are dropped into an isolated forest camp by helicopter to prepare dishes using surprising ingredients and an open flame.

It was created for French-Canadian streamer Vrai, with a second season launching this week. The format will become part of the Banijay catalogue, with the company globally representing the show, excluding French-Canada.

Banijay has been expanding its third-party format pick-ups, with IP including Still Got It! from South African prodco Rebelintown and Bloody Game from MBC in Korea.

Two Rivers snags Chums rights 

UK indie Two Rivers Media has acquired film and TV rights to Chums, the new book by Simon Kuper.

The book explores how a well-connected group of young students at Oxford University went on to conquer Britain by leading the country’s Conservative Party. It reveals how this tiny caste of elite British society rose from privilege and public school to dominate and shape contemporary Britain.

Screen Yorkshire opens FLEX scheme

Screen Yorkshire and the Screen Industries Growth Network (SIGN) have opened applications for a second year to FLEX, the development hub for creatives from across the UK.

The scheme, which has a specific focus on talent from the UK’s Yorkshire & Humber region, is looking for writers, directors and producers to create strongly authored narratives that could provide opportunities from the area.

The scheme runs overs seven months form July, with applications closing at midday on 9 June. Visit here for more info.