Banijay UK's Patrick Holland reveals 'substantial' part of $63m growth fund spent as he talks about James Norton deal and unscripted pivot

July 10, 2023 01:00

EXCLUSIVE: Over the past six months, Banijay's UK boss Patrick Holland has set to oversee the spending of a “substantial” amount of the super-indie’s £50m ($63.6m) growth fund, striking deals with the likes of James Norton, Kitty Kaletsky, Kevin Oscar-winning Macdonald and experienced executives Tommy Bulfin, Kim Varvell and Chris Sussman, among others.

At a time of macroeconomic strife and advertising meltdowns, the former BBC Two chief has been on something of a charm offensive to prove that SAS Rogue Heroes, Masterchef and Big Brother maker can grow in line with the Fund's three pillars: investing in start-ups, strike flexible deals with talent, and recruit for existing labels.

And Holland isn't done yet, the Fund isn't quite dry and there's still plenty of potential to expand it or invest in ventures using non-Fund money, such as last year's majority stake in Chloe producer Mam Tor.

Deadline may reveal that Banijay UK is set to unveil another scripted deal and, in unscripted space...