Banijay launches AI Creative Fund to power development of new formats

James Townley

Producer and distirbutor Banijay has unveiled a new AI Creative Fund, which aims to fuel the creation of formats using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology.

The size of the fund has not been revealed, but Banijay said it will allow producers and labels across its 21 territories to showcase ideas using AI, which will then receive development funding via Banijay’s central Creative Fund.

The AI initiative is being operated at group level and sits under the broader Creative Fund, which has supported formats such as Blow Up (Endemol Shine Nederland), Love Triangle (Endemol Shine Australia), The 50 (Banijay Productions France), Save The Date (Endemol Shine Finland and Endemol Shine Israel) and Starstruck (Remarkable).

James Townley, chief content officer for development at Banijay, said the AI-focused fund would “empower our producers across the footprint to create new formats which embrace tech, whether that be central to the show, or redefining the production process.

“We’re in a new era of technology and innovation, and while human creativity will always prevail, it’s important to work alongside the tools which are available to contribute to the future of ground-breaking entertainment.”