At Iberseries & Platino Industria, Steve Matthews, head of scripted and creative at Banijay Entertainment, emphasized that the company’s global strategy centers around writers rather than mere scale or trends. Maria Grazia Vairo from Groenlandia echoed this, noting that the balance between commercial appeal and creative ambition hinges on strong writing.
Matthews highlighted Banijay’s goal of fostering an international network without losing the unique creative identities of its labels. He champions a boot camp initiative that connects writers and producers from Banijay’s various labels, enhancing their skills in a collaborative environment.
The panel featuring Vairo, Simone Oliveira from A Fábrica, and Carolina Bang from Pokeepsie Films discussed the shared challenge of sourcing standout material in a crowded scripted space. Vairo pointed out that Groenlandia focuses on original stories, often based on true events, and builds supportive relationships with writers. Similarly, Oliveira noted A Fábrica’s commitment to long-term partnerships with creators.
Bang shared her journey into young-adult storytelling, emphasizing the importance of passion over commercial goals. Matthews cautioned against treating market trends as the primary development guide, advocating for a balance of market understanding and creative integrity.
Overall, the conversation painted a picture of an industry where nurturing talent and fostering authentic creative processes are essential amidst evolving market dynamics. Banijay’s expansive structure is positioned as a framework for individual labels to innovate while mitigating the inherent risks of production.
