Industry

Banijay Entertainment, announces the return of Banijay Bootcamp. Designed to sharpen creative talent across the footprint, its global scripted initiative pairs in-house development talent with emerging writers in two intensive week residency. Following 2024’s triumphant inaugural cycle, the second edition is already in full swing, with sessions continuing this month.

In this year’s edition, six Banijay Entertainment development executives, and their chosen writers, will once again be mentored to elevate their projects to reach full potential. The Banijay Bootcamp participants include Miguel Lorenzo (DLO Productions, Iberia) with Adrià P. Xancó, Mirko Schulze (MadeFor, Germany) with Henning Wagner, Renato Fagundes (A Fabrica, Brazil) with Marcelo Antunez, Max Malka (Banijay Finland) with Cristal Snow, Marta Hopfer-Gilles (Rubicon), and Grace Blick (The Forge, UK) with Sarah Gordon.

Led once again by Steve Matthews, Head of Scripted, Creative at Banijay Entertainment, alongside Portocabo’s Head of Content, Nina Hernández, and guest tutor Tatjana Samopjan, the Bootcamp is delivered in collaboration with the MIDPOINT Institute’s Series Launch programme. Over two intensive residencies in Prague, participants will sharpen their storytelling skills, develop original scripted projects, and expand their professional networks within the Banijay Entertainment ecosystem.

Steve Matthews, Head of Scripted, Creative, Banijay Entertainment, says: “In an ever-evolving industry, pushing creative boundaries and investing in fresh storytelling talent is more important than ever. Banijay Bootcamp leverages our scale, enabling our producers to supercharge slates to create more original, exciting and ambitious content.”

Nina Hernández, Head of Content at Portocabo adds: “Banijay Bootcamp brings together a diverse cohort to create bold, market-ready original ideas. By nurturing both writers and development executives, we’re not just strengthening storytelling, we’re fuelling the next generation of talent.”

Banijay Bootcamp is one of several initiatives designed to supercharge creativity and accelerate talent, including Banijay Launch, which supports women creators in unscripted, offering mentorship and development opportunities to bring new formats to market.

Based in Prague, MIDPOINT Institute is an international centre for audiovisual training and networking, providing professional support in film and series development. The institute is dedicated to advancing emerging and mid-career professionals, helping them refine their craft and bring compelling new projects to life.