Banijay Benelux acquires ‘Terrible Eighties’ prodco Topkapi

Banijay Benelux has acquired Topkapi, the Amsterdam-based producer of Flying Dutchmen and The Terrible Eighties.

The two companies have struck a strategic that will allow Banijay to further expand its scripted portfolio and development and co-production opportunities in the drama and film space.

Led by Laurette Schillings, Arnold Heslenfeld and Frans van Gestel, Topkapi is also behind feature films such as Another Round, Piece Of My Heart and Close.

“We are very much looking forward to working with Topkapi, which has a great reputation for high-quality drama series and films both locally and internationally. With an impressive global creative network that fits seamlessly with our co-production ambitions beyond our national borders, the label is a perfect fit for our family,” said Peter Lubbers, CEO of Banijay Benelux.

“In Banijay Benelux, we have found an international operating partner that allows us to realise our ambition in the field of co-producing international series,” added Topkapi’s van Gestel. “The clout of its wider sales and distribution arm allows us to bring our new titles and catalogue, with more than 100 different films and series, to the attention of parties outside the Netherlands and also build new relationships with international writers, directors and producers.”

Banijay Benelux already has a scripted presence in the Netherlands via NL Film, which is behind titles including Penoza, Modern Love, Van der Valk and Commandos, and also with EndemolShine Scripted, responsible for Bonnie & Clyde, Roombeek and GTST.