Banijay Entertainment’s Frédéric Balmary on U.S. Ambitions, Netflix and the Battle for IP: It’s ‘One of Our Big Fights’
Banijay Entertainment plans to expand its U.S. scripted production as Netflix renews its focus on American hits. Chief business officer Frédéric Balmary said the merged Banijay and All3Media group wants to grow its English-language business and use European talent and stories to reach global audiences.
Balmary said All3Media brings writers and producers including George Kay and Sam Mendes, while Banijay already has a growing scripted presence in the U.K., Italy and Spain. He described the U.K. as a bridge between Hollywood and Europe amid financial pressure on studios and streamers, and said retaining intellectual property is essential to funding creative work. He cited a U.K. model that can allow producers to keep 50% of IP and said Banijay invested €1 billion in creativity over four years.
In short
- Banijay wants a bigger role in U.S. scripted production.
- The All3Media merger adds English-language talent and reach.
- Balmary says retaining IP helps fund creativity.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Expanding in the U.S. could give Banijay’s European writers and producers access to a large market and global audiences, while helping the company build on its existing scripted work. Retaining a share of intellectual property can also provide continuing income to fund future creative projects, especially as studios and streamers face financial pressure.
The case against
A stronger U.S. focus and emphasis on owning intellectual property could concentrate commercial power in large production groups, potentially narrowing the range of projects that get funded. The strategy also carries financial and creative risks: European stories may be reshaped to suit market expectations, and investment in expansion may not deliver lasting returns for creators or audiences.
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