Banijay announced the launch of The Wonder Society, a dedicated community for live entertainment companies. Set to house the Balich Wonder Studio label and its existing activities, the introduction of the collective further bolsters the business’ ambitions to expand and diversify its offering and territory reach globally. To coincide with the unveiling of the new operation, the group, part of Banijay Live, also announced a minority investment in agence black lemon, paving the way for dedicated event curation and delivery in France.
Uniting ambitious and pioneering entrepreneurs, talent and companies, The Wonder Society will support the rise of new entrants to the live events market, while celebrating and preserving their creative DNA. Agence black lemon, known for its disruptive and unconventional projects for fashion, beauty, and spirits brands, stands as the first acquisition and move into luxury capital, France. Specialising in powerful and memorable live experiences, the company has partnered with the likes of leading houses and global brands Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Rabanne, Chaumet, Diptyque, Pernod-Ricard, and Moët Hennessy.
The Wonder Society will be led by Chief Executive Officer Stefano Core, who commented: "The launch of The Wonder Society supports our mission to build and foster the best community of creative talents and brands in the live entertainment space globally. In welcoming the talented and innovative team of agence black lemon, we establish our footprint in France and cement our ambitions to drive further growth across the world.”
Valentina Saluzzi, Partner of Balich Wonder Studio, now based in Paris, added: "The acquisition of agence black lemon is the first step in a broader entrance strategy into the French market. By creating a bridge between Italian and French creativity, we will celebrate the world's leading luxury brands through memorable live experiences."
Axel Bonnichon and Marine Lefort, respectively Founder and General Manager of agence black lemon stated: “This new adventure with The Wonder Society will enable us to grow and tackle fresh challenges. Strengthening our presence in the French market and expanding our reach internationally through the wider group’s powerful global network, we can further excel in entertaining people through memorable brand activations."
François de Brugada, CEO of Banijay Live mentioned: “The Wonder Society is hugely complementary to Banijay Live’s strategy to build the world’s largest community of talent in live events and experiences. Capitalising on Balich Wonder Studio’s global reputation in delivering ambitious offerings that capture audiences across the globe, this new set-up will no doubt go further in attracting the best entrepreneurial creatives in the market.”
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Milan, with operating offices in the Middle East, Balich Wonder Studio has quickly grown to become a creative live entertainment player, tapping into a broad range of exclusive events and experiences for top brands, including Louis Vuitton, Ferrari, Dolce & Gabbana, Maserati, Bulgari, IWC, Buccellati, Chanel, MSC, and Audemars Piguet. From inspiring creative concepts and emotional narratives to impeccable execution, the company builds multichannel projects that create long-lasting legacies across luxury, lifestyle, culture, fashion, and tech. Notably, it is credited with the organisation of the highest number of Olympic Games ceremonies globally, as well as institutional ceremonies and destination experiences. Balich Wonder Studio will now sit under The Wonder Society banner.
In 2023, Banijay Entertainment acquired a major stake in Balich Wonder Studio and Banijay Live was later launched (originally known as Banijay Events), a dedicated pillar committed to live entertainment and experiences.