ITV Studios strikes overall deal with Nordic formats duo

ITV Studios has struck an overall deal with Viaplay veterans Karsten Bartholin and Kenneth Kristensen and their nascent label Banjo Formats.

Th super-indie’s formats arm will collaborate Banjo to “create diverse new concepts that will resonate globally”, according to Mike Beale, managing director, Global Creative Network.

Beale added: “The new deal will see Karsten and Kenneth using their amazing experience commissioning and developing shows from around the world, to boost our international format slate.

“Their great ideas and ability to pitch across territories will greatly support our search for new IP.”

Kristensen and Bartholin previously spent a decade leading Viaplay Group’s non-scripted content arm – with the former serving as senior vice-president of non-scripted content and Bartholin as group head of formats and development.

Their tenure saw the commission of ITVS’ dating juggernaut Love Island and other major global brands including Survivor, MasterChef and Paradise Hotel, as well as the launch of original format Buying Blind.

Previously, Bartholin was the co-creator and co-owner of Babyfoot, the triple Rose d’Or winning production company behind ABC series I Survived A Japanese Game Show. He was also behind formats such as Gay Army for broadcasters in Denmark, Sweden and Norway, and Bingo Banko for Denmark and Germany.

Kristensen had a 10-year stint at Viacom in Northern Europe as vice-president of content and programming for Comedy Central and MTV overseeing commissioning and content strategy. His myriad credits include being part of the team launching MTV in The Nordics and responsible for bringing the Polish adaptation of Jersey Shore (Warsaw Shore) to MTV, which has run for 21 series.

Kristensen and Bartholin said, “We feel confident our approach - rooted in our experience from both sides of the table: commissioning and developing - will bring both companies much success.”