Banijay U.K. has acquired production company Caryn Mandabach Productions Limited (CMP), producer of the global hit Peaky Blinders.
Mandabach has plans to pivot to a first-look development and producer agreement with Banijay U.K. under her newly formed Conduit Productions umbrella. It means that CMP’s slate of projects and back catalog transfers to Banijay.
The group will manage all future series, spinoffs and brand ventures resulting from that IP, including the recently-announced Peaky Blinders movie officially in the works at Netflix. Mandabach remains attached to the film as a producer alongside Steven Knight, Cillian Murphy and Guy Heeley.
Director Jamie Glazebrook remains with the company, which will continue to operate under the new name of Garrison Drama Limited.
Mandabach developed and produced U.S. hits such as The Cosby Show, Roseanne, 3rd Rock From The Sun, That ’70s Show and Nurse Jackie. She said: “As a serial entrepreneur, I have fortunately been able to help conjure up and maintain rights in hits that resonate with global audiences. Peaky was such a show. And imagine my delight in being able to work with Cillian Murphy for 10 years!”
Patrick Holland, CEO of Banijay UK, said: “Caryn Mandabach is one of the legends of the U.K./U.S. drama markets and Banijay has been hugely privileged to work with her over the years (through Peaky Blinders co producer Tiger Aspect and via Banijay Rights), especially on the global phenomenon that is Peaky Blinders. Steve Knight’s truly unique vision found a similarly maverick spirit in producer partner Caryn and the series redefined TV drama. We are so excited to be announcing that Caryn’s company, CMP, is being fully acquired by Banijay, and are delighted that she’s agreed to a separate development deal with us, and we look forward to future collaborations.”
Award-winning gangster drama Peaky Blinders — starring Murphy, Helen McCrory and Paul Anderson — premiered on BBC Two in 2013 to rave reviews. It debuted on Netflix a year later and moved to BBC One for its fifth season in 2019. Banijay U.K. label Tiger Aspect has worked alongside CMP as a co-producer for all six seasons of the show.
