London –Banijay International has appointed international distribution specialist Michael Jackson as Head of Global Sales. Formerly Senior Sales and Acquisitions Executive at DCD Rights, Jackson will take on the new role of Head of Global Sales selling to UK, Asia and pan-regional broadcasters, as well as covering Germany, Benelux, CEE in Siobhan Herriott’s absence (currently on maternity leave). Based in Banijay International’s London headquarters, Jackson will report to Managing Director Emmanuelle Namiech.
Namiech commented, “I am extremely pleased to have Michael join us in a pivotal role as we continue to take Banijay International to the next stage of its development. Our successful move into programme sales in addition to formats representation means Michael’s depth of experience and knowledge and his broad international contacts will be invaluable to us going forward. Michael is extremely well regarded within the content distribution community, having worked across multiple genres within both sales and acquisitions and we look forward to having him on board in the coming weeks.”
Jackson has previously worked with UK-based distributors Zodiak Rights and DRG’s Zeal Television as well as the Endemol-backed multi-platform digital distribution company Mo Media.
Mike Jackson’s first international market representing Banijay International will be in Shanghai in June. He will also attend NATPE Europe in Prague in June.
In addition, Banijay International’s VP, Sales & Acquisitions Jimmy Humphrey is expanding his role and is now responsible for selling content into Canada, U.S., Scandinavia and in Australia and New Zealand. Humphrey is also contributing to the continued development of Banijay International’s wide programming with his acquisitions remit. Humphrey’s most notable recent acquisitions include the factual series Horsetown: Inside Newmarket from the UK and the medical ob-doc Outback ER from Australia, as well as securing the global rights to the Icelandic hit entertainment format Treasured Tunes, which was recently launched at MIPTV.
Banijay International recently launched a strong content line up at MIPTV including the uplifting and life-affirming format Something Special; Homes At Risk sees families on the brink of financial disaster helped by experts; King of Chess where a young champion takes on the whole country in an interactive multiplatform battle of strategy and landmark reality telenovela format Breaking Love. Studio-based entertainment formats include Ultimate Star Quiz and Treasured Tunes in a search to find a nation’s favourite tune. It’s Only TV sees a witty host and a panel of opinionated guests make fun of the latest shows and news in the TV world.
As well as taking delivery of the critically acclaimed Australian reality series Outback ER and long-running hits including Booze Patrol and Descent from Disaster; Banijay International has hand-picked hot new shows such as The Pioneers a factual entertainment series from U.S. producer Hot Snakes Media; Rock This Boat: New Kids on the Block and The Story Behind…, hit shows from the company’s exclusive deal with POP in the U.S.; alongside second seasons of the reality makeover with a twist Pound Pups to Dog Stars and heart-warming reality series Village Vets, produced by Screentime New Zealand and Screentime Australia respectively.
