Banijay and Michael Ellenberg’s Morning Show indie make global scripted appointments
Banijay has snapped up former HBO Nordics originals boss Christian Wikander as global drama chief, as Lars Blomgren exits for The Morning Show indie.
Joining in May, Wikander will oversee the super-indie’s scripted efforts, leading strategic IP creation, collaboration between Banijay’s portfolio of over 50 drama labels, exploiting its library of scripted formats, and identifying third-party acquisition opportunities.
Most recently, he was vice-president and commissioning editor for original programming for HBO Max Nordic, having joined in 2020 from UK drama indie Twelve Town.
At HBO, he was responsible for developing original scripted series across the entity’s Nordic footprint, partnering with creators, producers, and key talent, both locally and internationally. He left the streaming giant earlier this year in the wave of job losses which are part of parent Warner Bros Discovery’s cost-saving measures.
He will report to Banijay chief exec Marco Bassetti, who said: “Having been a commissioner, managing director and producer, Christian has demonstrated not only his immense creative talent and agility as a leader, but importantly, his natural eye for recognising a story with international potential.”
Wikander added: “A collective of some of the best producers in the business, Banijay is such a well-respected home for local stories that travel the world, and I look forward to collaborating with, and learning from, the talented story-makers at the heart of it all.”
Blomgren heads to Media Res
He succeeds Lars Blomgren who has joined former HBO drama chief Michael Ellenberg’s Media Res, the indie behind Apple TV+ tentpoles The Morning Show and Pachinko.
Blomgren has been appointed to grow indie’s global footprint as head of the newly established Media Res International.
In steering the division, Blomgren will develop and produce premium television series across all genres, which draw from ambitious talent and material outside of the United States.
As head of scripted at Banijay, Blomgren led the company’s global network drama producers, shepherding 138 scripted series across the 19 territories in 2021. He oversaw high-profile titles including The Fall, Black Mirror, Peaky Blinders, Dark and Caliphate.
Ellenberg and Blomgren first worked together on HBO and Media Res limited series Scenes from a Marriage, starring Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac, with both serving as executive producer.
“Audiences have never been more engaged and excited to explore stories and cultures different from their own,” said Ellenberg.
“Our goal in launching this new division is to collaborate with international creators, filmmakers and producers on innovative, daring and arresting series for global audiences. Lars’ exceptional taste, experience, and perspective make him the ideal person to lead our efforts as we expand in this vital space.”
Blomgren added: “The strategy to work with the best global talent, both in front of and behind the camera, are the hallmarks of Media Res’ shows. Today, success can come from anywhere, but we must respect the local cultures and tell the stories rooted in their soil. I look forward to tapping into this strategy and help further build on the success.”
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