Cannes – Banijay Group is partnering with former Endemol North America head David Goldberg to launch Banijay Studios North America, a new entertainment company based in Los Angeles to develop original content across multiple genres for the North American market. Goldberg will serve as CEO, Banijay Studios North America; and as Banijay Group President, where he will oversee the Group’s further expansion into English language territories and Latin America. Goldberg will be based in Los Angeles and will report to Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay Group.
Goldberg, the long-time chairman and CEO of Endemol North America who launched and built the entertainment powerhouse Endemol USA (Big Brother, Steve Harvey, Wipeout), stepped down from his post at Endemol three months ago after more than 13 years with the company.
Banijay Studios North America will be the second Banijay production entity in the region, alongside Bunim/Murray Productions, which joined the Group in 2010. Bunim/Murray will remain autonomous from Banijay Studios North America, and continue to grow its operations in North America which already include BMP Latin, BMP Digital, and BMP Films. Jonathan Murray, Chairman of Bunim/Murray, will continue to report directly to Bassetti. Bunim/Murray spearheaded the reality television genre in 1992 with The Real World, now in its 29th season on MTV. Bunim/Murray continues to innovate with successes Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Total Divas (E!), Project Runway (Lifetime), The Challenge (MTV), and The Bad Girls Club (Oxygen).
Marco Bassetti, CEO Banijay Group commented, “We are very pleased to have David join us, and excited at the prospect of working with him and his team in the coming months as they develop new formats which we will roll out globally through our growing production capabilities. David’s expertise, persuasive powers and creative vision will be huge assets to us as we continue to increase our production presence in English speaking markets, a strategic priority for us that will continue to roll out over the coming year.”
David Goldberg added, “Banijay is a well capitalised, creative company that has the potential to become one of the most important players in the largest television market in the world. Banijay Studios North America will be a magnet for some of the most creative producers and talent in the content creation business. I look forward to working closely with Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti and the extraordinary team at Banijay Group to expand Banijay’s multi-territory, multi-platform business.”
David Goldberg was hired by Endemol founder John De Mol in 2000 to launch Endemol USA. Under Goldberg’s leadership, Endemol USA became a pioneering force known for delivering hit unscripted content both domestically and abroad. He led the charge to open a scripted studio in 2011 and steered Endemol USA into first run daytime syndication with the launch of the out-of-the-gate success Steve Harvey, which has been sold to NBC owned stations through 2016 and has been sold internationally to broadcasters in 49 countries. Endemol USA created and produced some of the most popular primetime programming in North America, including ABC’s two-time Emmy® Award winning series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; NBC’s Fear Factor and ABC’s Wipeout; all of which sold into off-network syndication and continue to sell globally. Goldberg oversaw the adaptation of Endemol’s international formats that have become some of the most watched and highest rated shows on network television, including Deal or No Deal, which ran for four seasons on NBC and Big Brother, currently in its 16th season on CBS. Goldberg oversaw Endemol USA’s strategic move into the growing cable market with the acquisition of Authentic Entertainment (Here Comes Honey Boo Boo), 51 Minds (Surreal Life), Original Media (Ink Masters) and True Entertainment (Real Housewives of Atlanta).
