Banijay UK has formed a strategic partnership with London-based scripted production company Popcorn Storm Pictures, founded by acclaimed director Tom Harper and veteran producer Negeen Yazdi. The collaboration marks a significant move to expand Banijay’s scripted content portfolio, combining creative talent with global distribution power.
Founded in 2018 by Harper, with Yazdi joining in 2024 to spearhead development, Popcorn Storm focuses on talent-driven storytelling. The new partnership includes a first-look distribution agreement with Banijay Rights, enabling Harper and Yazdi to create high-end TV and film content for both UK and international audiences.
Central to Popcorn Storm’s vision is developing original intellectual property rooted in British culture yet crafted to resonate globally. Harper and Yazdi’s 20-year personal and professional relationship has fostered enduring collaborations with top-tier actors, writers, and creatives. Together, they are already developing projects with BBC, Netflix, Amazon, and Peacock, showcasing their broad appeal and industry reach.
With access to Banijay UK’s Scripted Hub, which offers business affairs, finance, and production management support, Popcorn Storm is now positioned to scale its operations. The ability to co-produce with Banijay’s established scripted labels further amplifies their development potential.
Tom Harper: A Legacy of Prestige Drama
Harper’s directorial work includes iconic projects such as Peaky Blinders (Season 1), War & Peace (2016), Wild Rose (2018), and The Aeronauts (2019), which became Amazon Prime’s most-watched film at the time. Most recently, Harper directed A Gentleman in Moscow (2023), a Golden Globe-nominated series for Paramount+, and is currently in post-production on Netflix’s feature film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man starring Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan.
Following Banijay UK’s acquisition of Caryn Mandabach Productions, Banijay now controls the rights to the Peaky Blinders brand and all related spin-offs, making Harper’s continued involvement even more impactful.
Negeen Yazdi: International Production Powerhouse
Before joining Popcorn Storm, Yazdi served as SVP of Film at Fifth Season, overseeing critically acclaimed titles like The Lost Daughter (2021) and Flora and Son (2023). Her past executive roles include President of International Production at The Weinstein Company and Director of Worldwide Acquisitions at Universal. Yazdi’s portfolio includes Oscar-winning and nominated films such as The Imitation Game (2014), Lion (2016), and Woman in Gold (2015).
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Leadership Endorsements
Patrick Holland, CEO of Banijay UK, stated:
“Tom and Negeen are formidable talents… I’m thrilled they’ve chosen Banijay UK as their production partner.”
Harper and Yazdi responded:
“We are delighted to find a home for Popcorn Storm at Banijay UK… This partnership empowers us to bring bold stories to a global audience.”
Looking Ahead
With Banijay’s infrastructure and Popcorn Storm’s creative leadership, the partnership is poised to deliver innovative scripted projects that could shape the future of British and international television. The deal was negotiated by Josh Varney at 42, UTA, Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole (for Popcorn Storm), and Jacqueline Moreton (for Banijay UK).
