Banijay Acquires ‘Assist’ and ‘Marriage’ Producer The Forge, Bolstering U.Okay. Scripted Enterprise

Impartial manufacturing big Banijay‘s U.Okay. arm unveiled the acquisition of scripted producer The Forge, the corporate behind such dramas as Marriage, starring Sean Bean, Assist, starring Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham, and Turning into Elizabeth.

Banijay lauded the corporate’s “well-established repute for high-quality, formidable and award-winning TV drama.” Monetary particulars weren’t disclosed.

The Forge’s different successes have included the likes of Nationwide Treasure (Channel 4), The Miniaturist (BBC), Kiri (Channel 4), and Collateral (BBC).

Banijay additionally highlighted that The Forge at the moment has a number of, high-profile titles for linear and streaming platforms in manufacturing. They embrace eight-part sequence The Buccaneers for Apple TV+, attributable to launch globally on Nov. 8, whose plot description says it revolves round “the daughters of America’s new wealthy — stunning and untameable, regardless of the most effective efforts of England’s best governesses, they’re on their approach to London to snare themselves an aristocrat, low in funds however excessive in school;” four-part Disney+ sequence Shardlake, a historic whodunnit by Stephen Butchard (The Final Kingdom) due for a 2024 launch; a factual drama in regards to the Grenfell constructing catastrophe by Peter Kosminsky (Undeclared Struggle, Authorities Inspector, Wolf Corridor) for BBC One; and Technology Z, a six-part zombie apocalypse sequence that’s the first authentic TV mission from Ben Wheatley (The Meg II, Sightseers, Kill Record), at the moment capturing for Channel 4.

The acquisition will “bolster Banijay U.Okay.’s scripted output” and convey the variety of scripted labels underneath its umbrella to 11, together with such labels as Kudos, Tiger Side and Wild Mercury, the agency stated. The deal additionally features a first-look deal for Banijay Rights.

“I’ve been a large admirer of The Forge since its inception,” stated Patrick Holland, CEO of Banijay U.Okay. “George Faber, Mark Pybus, Beth Willis and George Ormond have collectively grown probably the most formidable and thrilling drama slates within the U.Okay. With a dedication to essentially the most distinctive authorship, a want to make exhibits of the best high quality and a artistic dedication to make drama that appeals to broad audiences, The Forge is a rare group of proficient producers.”

The Forge founder Faber stated: “We’re formidable for the subsequent stage of our development and we consider that Banijay’s excellent distribution arm, manufacturing experience, administration workforce and international attain will assist us chart an thrilling path to the long run.”

The Forge boasts a powerful slate of titles together with Nationwide Treasure (C4), Ackley Bridge (C4), The Miniaturist (BBC), Kiri (C4), Assist (C4), Marriage (BBC), Turning into Elizabeth (Starz), Collateral (BBC), Guidelines of the Recreation (BBC), Roadkill (BBC) and plenty of extra.