Banijay returns for France Télévision’s Takis Candilis as scripted charge continues

Takis Candilis

Banijay has re-hired its former head of scripted programming Takis Candilis as it looks to expand its investment in the genre.

Candilis becomes senior advisor at the company, with a remit to identify and bring in co-productions and secure high-end scripted projects in southern Europe.

He left Banijay in 2018 for France Télévisions, where he became deputy MD of broadcast and programming and worked across programming and editorial strategy for the group’s national channels. Prior to his first stint at Banijay, he was an independent producer and went on to hold leadership roles at TF1, Lagardère Entertainment, Tara Productions and Caméras Continentales.

Candilis – who previously oversaw expanding international activity in scripted for Banijay – will work with CEO Marco Bassetti and the group’s core leadership team in his new role.

His arrival follows the appointment of Lars Blomgren, who now manages non-English language content for the group as head of scripted for EMEA. It also comes after Banijay Rights’ scripted chief, Caroline Torrance, left the company following its acquisition of Endemol Shine Group, as revealed by TBI.

Bassetti said: “While unscripted continues to be at the core of Banijay, we have undoubtedly amplified our scripted efforts through the latest acquisition. Teaming our increased ambition in the drama space with the ample opportunity in the market, we are sure, with Takis, we can further grow our international pipeline and strategically drive up southern European owned-IP for our catalogue.”

Candilis added: “What a difference two years makes… Banijay was always an inspiring, ambitious and ultimately creative business but over the past few months it has rapidly expanded and become a leading player in the scripted space. It’s a great time to be returning as the group continues to innovate and I look forward to working with the team to identify original premium IP projects and collaboration opportunities across southern Europe.”