Following a competitive final round of judging in Paris, content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, crowns Tai Hanson-Shin as its 2025 Banijay Launch winner. The second cycle of the group’s accelerator program – dedicated to incubating untapped women talent – saw six candidates take to pitching, but there could only be one winner. Her winning idea – The Exchange – a social and strategic reality concept, was commended for “it’s innovative take on the genre and strong format pillars, which would appeal to a broad demographic.”
The judges commented: “Now in its second cycle, Banijay Launch has opened the door to hundreds of untapped creative women across the world. Prioritising accessibility to our industry, the inclusive program has illustrated the extent of fantastic ideas that lay undiscovered year-on-year – particularly from women. This year, we were once again overwhelmed by the quality and competitive nature of the pitches, but all agreed – The Exchange – took the edge. Huge congratulations go to Tai – we all believe this is just the beginning of this format’s journey and we look forward to working with her to build this brand and see where we can take it.”
Tai Hanson-Shin comments: “When I arrived in Paris this week – I did not expect to be leaving as the winner of Banijay Launch. I’ve been developing 'The Exchange' for eight months and the reality of bringing it to a producer, let alone a buyer, always seemed worlds away. However, thanks to this initiative, my idea has been heard, and not just heard, but by some heavy hitters of the entertainment industry. A big shout out to Joanne Yang and Kristin Malley who have been a brilliant mentors and creative partners to me in this process. I look forward to what comes next.”
Designed to exclusively support women creators with promising unscripted formats, Banijay Launch was first unveiled at MIPCOM 2023. Following a successful first run, a second cycle was announced at the market one year later, which attracted entries from 20+ countries. Spanning Australia (Lottie Naughton-Rumbo), Italy (Michelle Claase), Mexico (Laura López), UK (Emma Millions) and USA (Tai Hanson-Shin and Makayla Cotton), the finalists gathered in Paris on Wednesday 18 June for the grand finale. It was there they pitched their original ideas to an esteemed jury comprising Endemol Shine North America CEO, Sharon Levy; Banijay Entertainment Chief Content Officer, Development, James Townley; Banijay Rights Chief Executive Officer, Cathy Payne and Banijay France Chief Executive Officer, Alexia Laroche Joubert.
Hanson-Shin’s idea was credited by the judges for its clever gameplay, and potential for international adaptation, capturing the cultural trends in demand from global broadcasters and streamers.
Banijay Launch was initiated by Levy, co-led by Townley, and is supported by the group’s network of creative ambassadors who nurture the finalists in developing their bold new formats from concept to pitch, with the aim of the winning ideas eventually landing on screen. Tai will now work with Endemol Shine North America’s Joanne Yang and Kristin Malley, and Banijay’s Creative Networks to develop The Exchange further for screen.
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