Paris-based Banijay Entertainment has launched a new unit called Banijay Live Studio that will leverage its IPs to develop location-based entertainment projects worldwide. 

Senior producer Tristan Desplechin was hired three months ago to head up this new label of the existing Banijay Live division. The former CEO and co-founder of Dream Factory, Desplechin is best known for developing the first immersive cinema in France in 2020. He also has 15 years of cross-category experience in sectors related to the LBE industry, including digital design, engineering and business strategy.

Banijay Live Studio is already hard at work on its first project—a virtual-reality experience set in the occult-rich world of Black Mirror. And the LBE unit also has full access to Banijay’s IP catalogue, including Totally Spies (pictured), Mr. Bean, Master Chef and Deal or No Deal, which it will translate into new immersive exhibitions, life-sized action games and other VR experiences. 

This latest announcement comes on the heels of Banijay acquiring live experience company Lotchi for an undisclosed amount in January. With both Lotchi and its internal Balich Wonder Studio, the new LBE unit is primed to launch and nurture a new slate of live experiences with wide global appeal, which the company will scale using its vast network of creative agencies and independent talent, says Banijay Live CEO François de Brugada.