MUMBAI: Banijay has welcomed former head of scripted Takis Candilis back to the business as it looks to expand its investment in the genre. Candilis has returned in the capacity of senior advisor and will drive up co-production and new IP opportunities across southern Europe.
In recent months, Banijay, which operates 120 production entities across 22 territories, has upped its operations and talent in the scripted space.
During his previous stint at Banijay, Candilis was charged with expanding international activity in scripted programming. He left the global producer-distributor in 2018 to take on the role of deputy managing director of broadcast and programming at France Télévisions. There, he spent two years supervising programming and editorial strategy for the group’s national channels.
Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti said: “While unscripted continues to be at the core of Banijay, we have undoubtedly amplified our scripted efforts through the latest acquisition. Teaming our increased ambition in the drama space with the ample opportunity in the market, we are sure, with Takis, we can further grow our international pipeline and strategically drive up southern European owned-IP for our catalogue.”
Takis Candilis added: “What a difference two years makes… Banijay was always an inspiring, ambitious and ultimately creative business but over the past few months it has rapidly expanded and become a leading player in the scripted space. It’s a great time to be returning as the group continues to innovate and I look forward to working with the team to identify original premium IP projects and collaboration opportunities across southern Europe.”
Having started his career as an independent producer, the entrepreneur has also held leadership roles at TF1, Lagardère Entertainment, Tara Productions and Caméras Continentales. As senior advisor, Candilis will partner closely with CEO, Marco Bassetti, and the group’s core leadership team.