All3Media vs BBC Studios

Format Market Shrinks as Banijay Dominates with All3Media

At MIPCOM, The Wit's 'Fresh TV' presentation revealed a significant contraction in the non-scripted format market, with new format entries down 62% from the 2013/14 peak. However, successful formats are being adapted faster, and Banijay Rights, boosted by its All3Media acquisition, now accounts for 25.8% of all format sales, more than triple its nearest competitor. The UK leads as the top format exporter, followed by the US and the Netherlands. The presentation also highlighted a lack of standout new formats, with many trailers relying on generic AI-generated content. Notable formats included Keshet's 'Who wants to start?', NBCUniversal's 'The Wargame', and various new dating shows from Talpa Studios, All Right Media, BBC Studios, and Banijay.

• The Wit recorded a 62% decrease in new non-scripted formats in 2024/25 compared to 2013/14.
• Banijay Rights, including All3Media, holds a 25.8% market share in format sales, triple that of Fremantle.
• The UK is the largest format exporter with 22% of new adaptations, followed by the US (15.5%) and the Netherlands (13.3%).

Banijay Eyes Further Acquisitions, Executives Signal

Banijay, now the world's largest independent production company after acquiring All3Media, held its first major joint appearance by CEO Marco Bassetti and Chairman Jeff Zucker at MIPCOM. They emphasized that Banijay is more than a producer, positioning as a global entertainment group across digital, live, and sports. While focusing on the completed integration, they openly stated further acquisitions are not excluded. The strategy centers on scale, IP retention, and expanding formats like The Traitors into more markets. They see US scripted as a new opportunity, but caution on talent and IP. Key execs noted small producers may seek refuge with larger players.

• Banijay acquired All3Media, becoming the world's largest independent production company.
• At MIPCOM 2026, CEO Marco Bassetti and Chairman Jeff Zucker hinted at possible further acquisitions.
• Banijay is active in 25 countries with numerous subsidiaries.

Banijay Germany integrates All3Media units under new Filmpool United structure

Following the global merger of Banijay Entertainment and All3Media, Banijay Germany, led by Marcus Wolter, is integrating the German All3Media subsidiaries Filmpool Entertainment, Filmpool Fiction, South & Browse, and a 50% stake in Magic Connection. The combined German operations generated a pro-forma revenue of €407 million in 2025, with Banijay Germany contributing €312 million and All3Media Deutschland €95 million. The All3 units are bundled under a new brand, Filmpool United, led by Vittorio Valente, who reports directly to Wolter but is not on the board. Wolter emphasizes leveraging synergies and maintaining strong brands, while the future of the separate digital agency Little Dot Studios remains unclear. Banijay Germany is also expanding beyond traditional TV production into branded content and live entertainment, with over 20% of revenue now coming from non-classical production.

• Banijay Germany and All3Media Deutschland had a combined pro-forma revenue of €407 million in 2025.
• Banijay Germany contributed €312 million, while All3Media Deutschland contributed €95 million.
• Filmpool Entertainment, Filmpool Fiction, South & Browse, and 50% of Magic Connection are integrated into Banijay Germany.

BBC's Kate Phillips Prioritizes Creative Instinct Over Algorithms

At MIPCOM 2026, BBC's Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips stated that despite the growing importance of YouTube as a distribution partner, the corporation will not rely on algorithms to guide format development. Instead, Phillips uses an unconventional economic indicator: counting construction cranes in London's skyline to gauge the economy's future health, which she believes influences viewing habits—harder entertainment in boom times, comfort TV in downturns. She emphasized that YouTube-first formats must still uphold editorial and creative standards, citing the success of the documentary channel 'Deep Watch' with 2.5 million subscribers. BBC Studios' CEO Zai Bennett discussed turning content into long-lasting brands, using 'Dancing with the Stars' as an example, while Shelley Macintyre highlighted extending brands into merchandise and games early in development.

• Kate Phillips, BBC's Chief Content Officer, stated at MIPCOM 2026 that the BBC will not use algorithms for format development.
• Phillips uses the number of construction cranes in London's skyline as an economic indicator to predict future viewing habits.
• BBC's YouTube documentary channel 'Deep Watch' has reached approximately 2.5 million subscribers.

Mattel Partners with BBC's Bluey Across Multiple Brands

Mattel announced a multi-year global licensing partnership with BBC Studios to bring the animated series Bluey to five of its major brands: Fisher-Price's Little People, Barbie, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, and UNO. This move is part of Mattel's strategic shift from a traditional toy maker to a 'brand management company' focused on building lifelong fandom through an ecosystem of toys, entertainment, and live experiences. The partnership was announced by Mattel's chief marketing and brand officer, Roberto Stanichi, at ADWEEK's Brandweek. The collaboration aims to leverage Bluey's emotional resonance to deepen consumer engagement and expand Mattel's franchise ecosystem, aligning with its brand pillars of centering fans and creating immersive experiences.

• Mattel and BBC Studios signed a multi-year global licensing partnership for Bluey.
• Bluey characters will appear in Fisher-Price Little People, Barbie, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, and UNO products.
• The deal was announced by Mattel's CMO Roberto Stanichi at ADWEEK's Brandweek.

BBC Studios unveils next generation of reality formats at MIPCOM 2026

The Yacht, The Big Date, Silent Attraction and Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro launching to international buyers in session Reality Check: A New Era of Unscripted Formats, on Monday 12 October.