Banijay highlights Europe’s diverse crime genre offerings

Banijay Entertainment is making waves in the scripted television sector with three of its shows featured at Series Mania, Europe’s largest TV festival. The highlights include "Carême," which portrays the life of Antonin Carême, the world’s first celebrity chef, and has been described as a captivating series. "A Life’s Worth" follows the adventures of Sweden's first U.N. battalion during the Bosnian War. Another show, "Weiss & Morales," showcases a German and Spanish detective duo solving crimes in the sunny Canary Islands. Steve Matthews, recently promoted at Banijay, shares insights into current market trends. He notes that crime dramas account for a significant part of global streaming services. Matthews believes crime stories remain popular because they inherently involve drama and mystery. He notes that genres evolve, and he encourages new writers to explore sub-genres, particularly psychological thrillers. Despite the abundance of crime dramas, Matthews argues there is room for creativity and storytelling. He references successful shows like "The Sopranos" and "The Wire" as examples of crime narratives that pushed boundaries. One of the Banijay projects he is excited about is "Weiss & Morales," which he describes as a classic cop drama with broad appeal. As the industry shifts towards English-language shows, Matthews acknowledges the need for balance between local and international stories. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to a show's original cultural context while also identifying projects with international potential. The current diverse landscape of television offers opportunities for various genres and stories, from local sitcoms to international thrillers, ensuring something for every audience.