Banijay Benelux Adds Two New Formats to Slate

Banijay Benelux has added to its catalog the new competition format Blow Up and a spin-off of Hunted, Hunted into the Wild.

Created by EndemolShine Netherlands for Dutch broadcaster RTL 4, Blow Up will introduce viewers to the world of balloon art. The series sees contestants create unique balloon artwork, with only one balloon artist named the winner in the end.

The Dutch production label SimpelZodiak has created Hunted into the Wild for NPO 3. In the format spin-off, ordinary people must hide in an inhospitable landscape to evade capture, at the mercy of the wilderness as they try to remain undetected. Professional hunters, without the use of surveillance cameras, use their experience to try to track them down. Originally created by Shine TV for U.K. broadcaster Channel 4, Hunted has since been commissioned in 11 countries.

Rob van der Vleugel, managing director EndemolShine Netherlands, said: “The world of balloon artists is full of extremely talented people, and we can’t wait to share their creative expertise with audiences on RTL 4. This format is the ultimate in uplifting, joyful fun and showcases the skills of an untapped community of balloon experts. The set is a mesmerizing creation full of balloons, and this show will entertain viewers as they cheer for their favorite artists to win, hoping their vision only pops in a good way.”

James Townley, global head of content development, said: “Blow Up is a brilliant addition to our ever-growing portfolio of innovative competition formats tapping into unique creative communities. It’s exciting to further grow our expertise from MasterChef and LEGO Masters, delivering high-end fun to primetime audiences, and we expect this show will inflate interest with broadcasters.”

Justine Huffmeijer, managing director of SimpelZodiak, said: “Hunted into the Wild will have viewers on the edge of their seat as the drama surpasses anything we’ve seen before. We know how much Dutch audiences are captivated by the VIP and civilian versions, so we can’t wait for audiences to see this fresh take.”

Lucas Green, head of content operations of Banijay, added: “Hunted is factual entertainment at its best. This new spin-off highlights the expanding potential for Hunted’s thrilling social experiment, as anonymity becomes increasingly harder in modern life. SimpelZodiak always produces high-quality programming, and we are sure this new series in the ‘escape genre’ will be no different. Having already established such a strong following for this format in the Netherlands, we know they are a safe pair of hands to further develop this new chapter of Hunted.”