Banijay Makes New Commission For Popstars In France

Banijay has confirmed a brand new prime time series commission for its iconic reality-talent format Popstars, which will be produced in France by Banijay Productions France for digital network D8 and launch in 2013.
A Screentime format, Popstars was sold into countries all over the world following its 1999 launch, making it one of the most successful television formats ever. It originally ran in France for four seasons starting in 2001. The new French production will follow the original model, forming a group of singers.
Xavier Gandon, Programme Director, D8, commented: "Popstars is one of the orginal and best-loved talent quest reality shows ever to appear on television. It has already launched the careers of several hugely popular recording artists in France, and we are proud and excited to be bringing it to a new generation of French fans."
Francois de Brugada, Executive Vice President, Banijay Group said: "Popstars is one of the most celebrated formats in the world, not only a great success in its own right but the inspiration for all of the other talent formats that followed. It has enchanted millions of people and uncovered huge talent in every country where it has aired. When we took a majority stake in Screentime towards the end of 2012 we knew that Popstars was ready for a revival in the territories where Banijay Group is present, and beyond. I’m thrilled that just a few months later the format has been sold locally by another Banijay company.'
Karoline Spodsberg, Managing Director, Banijay International added: "This sale confirms that as well as being a truly iconic and revered format, that Popstars has a great deal of potential in today’s global market. Shiny floor formats have been dominant for several years so it’s not surprising to see broadcasters starting to look for more emotional, intimate talent formats like Popstars. Of course it’s even better when they come with a track record as strong as this one! More international versions will follow shortly."
The re-launched version of Popstars focuses on contestants’ personalities, their relationships with one another and intimate emotional journeys, as they cope with being away from home and strive to win the competition and become Popstars.
www.banijay.com