Strictly Business Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti on Producing in U.S. vs Europe, Pilots With Digital Creators and More
Oct 24, 2025
Marco Bassetti, CEO of Banijay and brains behind hits like MasterChef, discusses navigating the production landscape at Mipcom. He shares insights on Banijay's focus on profits, the complexities of integrating Endemol Shine during COVID, and the strategic importance of retaining IP for negotiation leverage. Bassetti also tackles the challenges of launching new original content in today's market, Banijay's cautious steps into film production, and their exciting foray into the creator economy with new initiatives.
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Discipline Over Flashy Deals
- Control cash and avoid overpaying for acquisitions to protect margins and future flexibility.
- Prioritize disciplined scale, diversification, and measured innovation to sustain profitability.
Integrating Endemol Shine Over Zoom
- The Endemol Shine integration happened largely over Zoom because COVID hit right after the acquisition.
- Bassetti credits prior knowledge of Endemol, strategic fit, and scale for making the integration work.
IP Retention Is Strategic Leverage
- Retaining intellectual property gives producers leverage with commissioners and creates long-term value.
- Sharing IP and volume deals let producers reinvest in new formats and protect their negotiating position.