Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and Banijay, the world’s largest independent content creation and distribution group, today announced an exclusive global publishing and production music agreement. Under the terms of the deal, UMPG will work with Banijay Brands (Banijay’s extensive brand and commercial arm), which has a portfolio spanning some of the world’s most recognizable shows, including Peaky Blinders, Survivor, Temptation Island, Lego Masters and Hunted.
As part of the agreement, Universal Production Music will represent Banijay’s existing global catalogue spanning 30,000-tracks across some of the world’s most popular shows.
Mike McCormack, UMPG UK Managing Director, said: “This new partnership with one of the leading, most ambitious and creative new media companies in the world is an extremely important one for UMPG, not only in UK but globally. We look forward to a mutually successful collaboration.”
Antonia Gilham, Global Director, Music & Secondary Rights, Banijay adds: “Combining our extensive and ever-evolving portfolio of standout brands with Universal’s music excellence makes perfect sense. In a world where IP is king, exploring new avenues for exploitation is key and through this collaboration, we have no doubt there is room to further innovate our revenue streams to bring additional value to our creative home.”
Jane Carter, Universal Production Music UK Manging Director and Vice President of Global Repertoire, said: “We are extremely proud to be in a production music partnership with Banijay. With Universal Music global offices and expert teams working alongside Banijay productions, we looking forward to supporting their portfolio and working collectively on ground-breaking new initiatives.”
With more than 120 production entities across 22 territories worldwide, Banijay has an impressive catalogue of over 110,000 hours of content – for which Banijay Brands manages much of its brand and commercial exploitation, including music. This new partnership with UMPG, led by Gilham for Banijay, will focus on maximising music-related revenues and expanding creative and commercial opportunities worldwide.
This partnership with Banijay, further reinforces UMPG’s unique position as the publisher of choice for the world’s leading film, TV and production companies, studios, content platforms and networks. UMPG is currently home to some of the most iconic and universally recognized themes from broadcast, stage and screen, and will now be joined by those from Banijay’s most successful show brands.
About Banijay
Banijay stands as the largest international content producer and distributor; home to over 120 production companies across 22 territories, and a multi-genre catalogue boasting over 88,000 hours of original standout programming.
A collective of creative entrepreneurs, the group represents some of the biggest global brands including Survivor, Big Brother, Peaky Blinders, Temptation Island, MasterChef, Wallander, The Kardashians, Mr Bean, The Wall, Hunted, Black Mirror, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Deal or No Deal among others. Imagining and delivering high-quality multi-genre IP that was born locally and travels globally, the business offers the best stories told the best way.
Built on independence, creative freedom, entrepreneurialism and commercial acumen, the company, launched in 2008, operates under the direction of Chief Executive Officer, Marco Bassetti.
Photo credit: Carsten Windhorst
L-R: Simon Baker (General Manager, UMPG Europe), Antonia Gilham (Global Director, Music & Secondary Rights, Banijay), Jane Carter (Managing Director, Universal Production Music UK), Jody Gerson (Chairman and CEO, UMPG), Mike McCormack (Managing Director, UMPG UK), Owain Walbyoff (Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay)