Banijay Entertainment has acquired the highly anticipated strategic reality format “Werewolves”. This format, inspired by a popular board game, is set to roll out across multiple regions, originating from Studiocanal and Dreamparks.
“Werewolves” serves as both a social experiment and a psychological thriller that unfolds in real-time. Banijay Entertainment plans to adapt the format across key international markets where it has established a presence, such as the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Nordics, The Netherlands, Israel, Mexico, Brazil, and India.
Based on the beloved board game “Les Loups-garous de Thiercelieux” by Philippe des Pallières and Hervé Marly, published by Asmodee, this engaging format immerses players in a scenario where villagers work towards a prize while a faction of hidden Werewolves secretly aims to eliminate them.
Tension escalates as players confront each other, raising the question: can the Villagers identify the Werewolves before it’s too late? The show’s gripping narrative has already found great success in France on the Canal+ platform, where it was conceptualized by creators Fary and Panayotis Pascot of Presque Prod, alongside Arnaud Chautard from JAAD Productions. A second season is in the works, scheduled to debut shortly on Canal+.
Shot in a specially designed forest village in France, this production site is now open for international adaptations via Banijay Entertainment’s extensive global network.
Following the successful French launch, a German adaptation released on ARD Mediathek has also achieved impressive ratings. Distribution for the format is managed by Studiocanal and Dreamparks.
Helen Greatorex, head of format acquisitions at Banijay Entertainment, expressed, “Werewolves represents one of the most exhilarating formats available, marking a significant victory for us at Banijay Entertainment.”
“Combining the allure of its board game heritage with a captivating forest backdrop, intense strategic gameplay, and cinematic quality, this format is designed for a global audience. We are thrilled to enhance its international presence through our network of labels,” she added.
Anne Chérel, CCO of Studiocanal, commented, “Werewolves presents a unique and impactful concept with robust international appeal, and we are confident it will engage viewers worldwide.”
Moe Bennani, the CEO of Dreamparks, highlighted that the format provides a thrilling experience, showcasing the strategies of participants in the iconic Werewolves setting.
“Werewolves” is featured in Banijay Entertainment’s Mipcom lineup of premium third-party formats, alongside popular shows like “Ninja Warrior;” 100 from the creators of The Masked Singer; the culinary competition format “Atypical Critics;” and the unique knitting series The Game of Wool, produced by Hello Halo for Channel 4.
