Tag Archive: Banijay Kids and Family

  1. Banijay Kids & Family Inks Content Deal with TheSoul Publishing

    Comments Off on Banijay Kids & Family Inks Content Deal with TheSoul Publishing

    Banijay Kids & Family, the global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, today announces a deal with award-winning digital studio, TheSoul Publishing.

    The collaboration will introduce some of Banijay Kids & Family’s globally loved titles, including Mister Maker, Let’s Play and Lilybuds, to TheSoul Publishing’s FAST, AVOD and social content proposition. Known for channels, such as 5-Minute Crafts®, the No. 1 DIY digital brand in the world, Bright Sideand 123 Go!, TheSoul Publishing reaches over 2 billion followers across its portfolio of platforms including on Facebook, Instagram, Snap, TikTok and YouTube.

    Banijay’s Alongside Mister Maker, Let’s Play and Lilybuds, as well as TheSoul’s 5-Minute Crafts, Slick Slime Sam, and Frankenfood, are among the multiple entertainment brands featured on this newchannel and VOD offering for social media and streaming platforms.

    Dan Lewsey, Global Head of Digital, Banijay Kids & Family says: “Combining TheSoul Publishing’s expertise with our diverse catalogue of premium kids’ brands, allows us to reach our audiences across a multitude of growing and emerging platforms. This collaboration ensures some of the most popular kids brands in the market are available to a wide audience and demonstrates our commitment to supercharging the commercial performance of our IP.”

    Jonathan Shrank, Head of Broadcast Content Distribution, TheSoul Publishing says: “TheSoul’s presence on streaming platforms worldwide, and our hugely popular, diverse, and engaging kids’ content offering is a perfect match for Banijay Kids and their fantastic shows. As platforms look for unique and compelling programming, pairing the world’s largest international content distributor with the world’s most viewed digital content company is a can’t miss opportunity! Additionally, we are very excited to bring our incredible social media reach to Banijay’s fingertips and to see this relationship blossom.”

    With a diverse catalogue of award-winning content, Banijay Kids & Family partners with leading broadcasters and platforms globally, producing a broad range of shows for kids and families. Notable credits include Zodiak Kids & Family France’s global franchise Totally Spies! which will be returning to screens with a rebooted series from 2024; the iconic Mr Bean: The Animated Series from Tiger Aspect Kids & Family; and from Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK, Mister Maker, the popular ultimate interactive arts and crafts show for younger kids, broadcast in over 200 territories.

  2. Movimenti Production Bolsters Senior Leadership Team

    Comments Off on Movimenti Production Bolsters Senior Leadership Team

    Movimenti Production (part of Banijay Kids & Family), Italy’s leading independent production and animation studio, today announces three key hires, with Cristiana Buzzelli as COO, Alessandra Principini as Fundraiser, and Federico Rognoni as CFO.

    Movimenti’s CEOs and Creative Directors, Giorgio Scorza and Davide Rosio, continue the company’s growth plan by strengthening production management and development, fundraising and financial divisions.  

    Reporting directly to Giorgio Scorza, new COO, Buzzelli, will oversee the management of the company’s IPs, from the financing and co-production stage to market launch, playing an active role in defining corporate strategies, working in synergy with the Banijay Kids & Family team. Buzzelli joins Movimenti Production after a long tenure at Rainbow S.p.A. where she started as Sr. Licensing Manager – Publishing and Home Video, moving to the role of  VP Global Contents – OTT distribution, Gaming, Publishing, Music and finally as SVP Contents and Licensing. 

    Movimenti Production also announces Principini as Fundraiser. A film and TV professional since 2004, she was most recently responsible for fundraising activities at 3D Produzioni. Alessandra will further grow Movimenti Production’s connection with film commissions and institutions on opportunities related to funding and beyond. 

    New CFO, Rognoni, will manage the company’s economic and financial activities plus its subsidiaries, namely the 2D animation studio DogHead Animation and the 3D production company MoBo. Rognoni previously held senior financial roles as Viacom, Inc. And Discovery, Inc. 

    “We are constantly striving to be the leading player in Italian animation, both in our country and internationally. We are confident that the arrival of Cristiana, with her considerable experience, will be a fantastic support in the management of our productions,” says Giorgio Scorza. “We strongly wanted Cristiana, Alessandra, and Federico on board. With their knowledge and expertise, we are certain that each of them will play a fundamental role in Movimenti’s growth, both operationally and as inspirational leaders.” 

    Established in 2004 with bases in Milan, Florence, Rome and Bari, Movimenti Production has created and produced renowned animated TV series, feature films and short films, including Topo Gigio (Topo Gigio Srl, Rai) and the two Zerocalcare’s series for Netflix Tear Along the Dotted Line and This World Can’t Tear Me Down. Led by Giorgio Scorza and Davide Rosio, the company has established itself as a leading driver in the young adult animation space, and as a solid pre-school and kids animation partner, with high-quality standards, in both the Italian and international markets.

  3. Banijay Kids & Family Expands its Commercial Division

    Comments Off on Banijay Kids & Family Expands its Commercial Division

    Banijay Kids & Family, the global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, today announces the appointment of Roubina Tchoboian as Head of Global Licensing.

    Reporting into Banijay Kids & Family’s Chief Commercial Officer, Delphine Dumont, Tchoboian will be responsible for growing the international licensing portfolio for the division’s brands, which includes animated spy-fi franchise Totally Spies!, upcoming CGI series Shasha & Milo, and iconic preschool brand Topo Gigio.

    Tchoboian joins the company from Cloudco Entertainment (formerly American Greetings) where she was Vice President of International Licensing, responsible for driving international partnerships for brands such as Care Bears and Holly Hobbie. Prior to that she held roles working across the sales teams at Zodiak Rights and BSkyB.

    Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay Kids & Family says: “With a strong track-record in delivering creative and successful global licensing programmes for one of the biggest properties in the world, Roubina is a fantastic addition to the company. As we continue to diversify our commercial activity for our broad IP portfolio, she will be instrumental in driving our growth in this area.”

    Roubina Tchoboian added: “Banijay Kids & Family is home to a raft of premium, world class children’s content, from established hits like Totally Spies! to exciting new IP coming through. With high demand from young audiences to engage with their favourite shows beyond the screen, there is huge potential for our portfolio, as we look to grow and strengthen our ranges of licensed products and experiences.”

    With a diverse catalogue of award-winning content, Banijay Kids & Family partners with leading broadcasters and platforms, producing a broad range of shows for kids and families. Notable credits include Zodiak Kids & Family France’s global franchise Totally Spies! which will be returning to screens with a rebooted series from 2024; the iconic Mr Bean: The Animated Series from Tiger Aspect Kids & Family; and the classic brand Topo Gigio which has been lovingly reimagined by Banijay’s Movimenti Production.

  4. Banijay Kids & Family Boosts its Digital Network

    Comments Off on Banijay Kids & Family Boosts its Digital Network

    Banijay Kids & Family, the global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, today announces a partnership with YouTube revenue experts, The Polar Bears, to supercharge the commercial performance of its digital network.

    The partnership will see Banijay Kids & Family leverage The Polar Bears’ expertise, to grow and unlock new revenue streams across its digital channel network, via paid media, advertising sales, sponsorship, branded content and ad funded programming.

    Dan Lewsey, Global Head of Digital, Banijay Kids & Family says: “With an extensive catalogue of globally loved brands, we are reaching huge audiences every day through our digital network. Innovating and adapting to an ever-changing market is at the heart of what we do, and by working with The Polar Bears, we can optimise monetisation of these views and deliver an additional, healthy revenue stream.” 

    Elliot Baum, Founder, The Polar Bears add: “The Banijay Kids & Family’s award-winning catalogue is an enticing proposition for advertisers looking for innovation and safe, premium environments on YouTube. The broadcast presence and global scale; will give brand partners the confidence to create unique digital activations on YouTube. We’re excited to work with these brands and help shape the Banijay Kids & Family digital commercial solutions for the future.”

    Banijay Kids & Family, the specialist production and distribution arm of media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, is home to some of the biggest kids brands in the world. Its portfolio of iconic and globally-loved shows generates 75 million global monthly digital views with the likes of Lolirock, Mister Maker and Totally Spies!.

    With a diverse catalogue of award-winning content, Banijay Kids & Family partners with leading broadcasters and platforms, producing a broad range of shows for kids and families. Notable credits include Zodiak Kids & Family France’s global franchise Totally Spies! which will be returning to screens with a rebooted series from 2024; the iconic Mr Bean: The Animated Series from Tiger Aspect Kids & Family; and the classic brand Topo Gigio which has been lovingly reimagined by Banijay’s Movimenti Production.

  5. Bayard Seizes Totally Spies!

    Comments Off on Bayard Seizes Totally Spies!

    Banijay Kids and Family today announces a partnership with Bayard, one of the oldest press and publishing companies in France, to develop a range of magazines and children’s books based on the 2D animated franchise Totally Spies!.

    Bayard Jeunesse will publish a quarterly Totally Spies! magazine, whilst Bayard Éditions will develop a range of fiction works, including children’s novels of the series, and original stories inspired by the hit-show’s universe. Available in France, the products will tie-in with the new season of the show which returns to the country with broadcaster Gulli in 2024, following its original six-season run from 2001.

    Annick BizetNew Business and Strategic Alliances Director at Banijay Kids & Family says: “Momentum is really starting to build for Totally Spies! ahead of next year’s launch, as we begin to roll out our extensive licensing programme for the brand. The show is generating huge interest across a broad range of commercial categories, and alongside its large existing global audience, we cannot wait to introduce this iconic franchise to a new generation of fans.”

    Nathalie Becht, Bayard Jeunesse Director (press, publishing, digital, animation) says: “We are delighted that Banijay Kids and Family has trusted Bayard Jeunesse to bring the adventures of Totally Spies! to thousands of young readers of books and magazines. This wonderful franchise shares our core values of accessibility and inclusiveness, but also the combination of humour and action that makes our list so successful.”

    The new 26 x 22-minute season will be produced by Benoît Di Sabatino and directed by Stephane Berry, who directed five previous seasons of the show. Gary Milne and Ludovic Taron serve as Executive Producers. Head Writers are Jess Kedward and Kirsty Peart.

    Warner Bros. Discovery has acquired the upcoming series across EMEA and the US, and French broadcaster Gulli, and Discovery Kids LatAm, have previously been announced as co-producers of the Zodiak Kids & Family France (part of Banijay Kids & Family) show. The upcoming series follows Sam, Clover and Alex, as they move to a new city and take on a fresh crop of villains.

  6. EBS Takes Shasha & Milo to Korea

    Comments Off on EBS Takes Shasha & Milo to Korea

    Banijay Kids & Family today announces new CGI action-comedy, Shasha & Milo, co-produced by Zodiak Kids & Family France (a Banijay Kids & Family company) and South Korean studio, Pingo Entertainment, will launch in Korea with public broadcaster EBS.

    The series centres around 12-year-old protagonists, Shasha and Milo, who are given a secret new role as the Crescent Island Guardians. Gifted with the power to transform between human, cat, and a formidable hybrid form, they must protect the island from villainous forces, whilst navigating the daily complexities of pre-teen life.

    Benoît Di Sabatino, Executive Producer and CEO, Banijay Kids & Family says: Shasha & Milobrings together the best creative talent from France and Korea, to deliver a universally appealing, premium kids show. It’s fantastic to welcome EBS on-board for the series, which has been attracting significant interest from international broadcasters.”

    Miran Choi, Producer, EBS, and Kyung Jin Jeon, Producer, EBS added: “As Korea’s leading children’s program broadcaster, EBS is delighted to present a program produced with exceptional quality like Shasha & Milo to Korean children. We anticipate that children will be gifted with an enjoyable time through the friendship and adventures of Shasha and Milo.”

     Shasha & Milo is a co-production between Zodiak Kids & Family France (a Banijay Kids & Family company) and Pingo Entertainment. Warner Bros. Discovery Latin America and Tencent (China) have previously been confirmed to broadcast the upcoming series.

    Aimed at 6-9-year-olds, the 25 x 22’ and 12 x 2’ shorts are executive produced by Benoît di Sabatino, Gary Milne and Hee Seok Shin. Seul Gee Yoo is Co-Director and Creative Producer, and Hyeong Min Kim is Co-Director.

    Pingo Entertainment exclusively controls all rights in Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia, Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution controls international distribution rights in the rest of the world

  7. ABC and ZDF Journey into the Super Happy Magic Forest

    Comments Off on ABC and ZDF Journey into the Super Happy Magic Forest

    Banijay Kids & Family today announces its sales division, Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution, has agreed pre-sales with ABC (Australia) and ZDF and ZDF Studios (Germany) for its upcoming animation Super Happy Magic Forest. Produced by Tiger Aspect Kids & Family, with Movimenti Production (both Banijay Kids & Family companies), the recent sales follow the announcement of the project earlier this year, with broadcast partners BBC and Rai Kids, and pre-sale with Canal+, already confirmed.

    Super Happy Magic Forest is a comedy quest adventure featuring five heroes, brought together by their mutual love of questing, picnics, and frolicking. Led by the outgoing and courageous faun, Hoofius, they battle villains, share journeys, and have a jolly good time along the way as they learn how to be true heroes and how to quest sensibly. The series is based on the popular picture books of the same name by Matty Long, which were first published by Oxford University Press in 2015.

    Julia Rowlands SVP Sales, Co-Productions and Acquisitions Banijay Kids and Family says: “From the incredibly talented teams at Tiger Aspect Kids & Family and Movimenti Production, Super Happy Magic Forestis a funny and joyful series and it’s no surprise that it is generating so much interest internationally. Both ABC and ZDF are trusted homes in their respective markets for high-quality kids TV, so this is a perfect match for their audiences.”

    Roberta Allan, Head Content Curation and Distribution ABC says: “We’re Super Happy to be bringing this delightful series to Australian audiences.”

    Nicole Keeb, Head of International Co-productions and Acquisitions for Children and Youth at ZDF says: “ We are delighted to see how the skilled production teams brought the wonderful books of Matty Long to life. Our young audiences will be excited to join in on the fun of the Super Happy Magic Forest. It is fresh, funny and original. The series is simply the perfect fit for ZDF.“

    The 52×11’ series will bring to life the world created in the books, in a colourful 2D animation for 7+ years. Series Director is Ruth Ducker (Oddbods, Floogals), Series Producer is Georgia Dussaud (Best & Bester, Watership Down), Head Writers are Ciaran Murtagh and Andrew Barnett Jones (Mr Bean: The Animated Series, Ninja Express), and Exec Producers are Tiger Aspect Kids & Family’s MD Tom Beattie (Mr Bean: The Animated Series, Corpse Talk) and Jeff ‘Swampy’ Marsh (Phineas and Ferb , Milo Murphy’s Law).

  8. Totally Spies! Leaps into Action for All-New Video Game

    Comments Off on Totally Spies! Leaps into Action for All-New Video Game

    Banijay Kids and Family today announces a deal with game developer and publisher, Microids, for an exciting new title based on Zodiak Kids & Family France’s popular animated series Totally Spies!, slated for release in 2024 on consoles and PC.

    The Totally Spies! video game will offer players the opportunity to step into the shoes of the three legendary secret agents, Sam, Clover and Alex. Together they must try and save the world from a new enemy, with a host of thrilling missions, offering innovative game mechanics.

    Annick Bizet, New Business and Strategic Alliances Director at Banijay Kids & Family says:“We are seeing great momentum building for the Totally Spies! brand ahead of the much-anticipated return of the series next year. Microids’ expertise and passion for the world of video games, make it the perfect partner to recreate the universe for an authentic and captivating game for our fans.”

    Stéphane Longeard, CEO of Microids added: “Microids is committed to faithfully and innovatively adapting well-known IP and it is a real honour for us to work on the Totally Spies! license. Thanks to the skills of our studios and in-house teams, we will do everything we can to offer the community a game that meets its expectations.”

    The 2D animated franchise, Totally Spies!, returns to screens in 2024, following its original six-season run between 2001 and 2013. French broadcaster Gulli, and Discovery Kids LatAm, have previously been announced as co-producers of the Zodiak Kids & Family France (part of Banijay Kids & Family) show. The upcoming series follows Sam, Clover and Alex, as they move to a new city and take on a fresh crop of villains.

    The name of the game and other details will be revealed soon.

  9. Warner Bros. Discovery Acquires Season Seven of Totally Spies!

    Comments Off on Warner Bros. Discovery Acquires Season Seven of Totally Spies!

    Banijay Kids & Family today confirms Warner Bros. Discovery has acquired the upcoming series of the hit spy-fi animation across EMEA and the US. French broadcaster Gulli, and Discovery Kids LatAm, have previously been announced as co-producers of the Zodiak Kids & Family France (part of Banijay Kids & Family) show.

    The 2D animated franchise, Totally Spies!, returns to screens in 2024, following its original six-season run beginning in 2001. Premiering on Cartoon Network US and later launching on Max in EMEA, the upcoming series follows the three legendary secret agents, Sam, Clover and Alex, as they move to a new city and take on a fresh crop of villains.

    Benoît Di Sabatino, Producer and Banijay Kids & Family CEO says: “With strong female leads and an aesthetic that has inspired a generation, Totally Spies! is an iconic show with a hugely passionate global fanbase, eager to join the agents on their latest adventures. The new series stays true to all the key elements that make the show so popular, but has been lovingly updated for a new audience, reflecting the modern challenges faced by both high-schoolers and spies alike!”

    Aurelie Wack, Acquisitions & Co-productions Manager, Warner Bros. Discovery Kids & Family, EMEA says: “We are thrilled to be bringing the much-awaited iconic spy trio Sam, Clover, and Alex to Max and Cartoon Network in EMEA. We cannot wait to welcome Totally Spies!’ passionate fanbase to our platforms and introduce the girls to a brand new audience. With strong female leads and a diverse offering of modern themes, the France-produced hit Totally Spies! broadens our appeal and demonstrates our commitment to European content.”

     The 26 x 22-minute season will be produced by Benoît Di Sabatino and directed by Stephane Berry, who directed five previous seasons of the show. Gary Milne and Ludovic Taron serve as Executive Producers.

    Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution handles global distribution for the franchise.

  10. Warner Bros. Discovery Springs for Upcoming CGI Animation, Shasha & Milo in Latin America

    Comments Off on Warner Bros. Discovery Springs for Upcoming CGI Animation, Shasha & Milo in Latin America

    Banijay Kids & Family today announces Warner Bros. Discovery Latin America as broadcast partner for new CGI action-comedy, Shasha & Milo. The news follows Tencent Video’s pickup in China, with Zodiak Kids & Family France (a Banijay Kids & Family company) and South Korean studio, Pingo Entertainment, co-producing the series.

    The 25 x 22’ and 12 x 2’ shorts show, aimed at 6-9-year-olds, features 12-year-olds, Shasha and Milo, as they juggle school and their home lives, along with their secret new role as the Crescent Island Guardians. Imbued with the power to transform between human, cat and a formidable hybrid form, they are tasked with protecting the island from villainous cats and their often ridiculous plots to gain ultimate power…whilst navigating the daily complexities of pre-teen life.

    Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO, Banijay Kids and Family says: “The show is a huge priority for us, with the potential to become a global brand, and key to that ambition is being able to reach global audiences with our broadcast partners. As always, Warner Bros. Discovery is brilliant to have on board, enabling us to bring the dazzling and gripping story of Shasha & Milo to a wide audience across Latin America.”

    Soledad Yañez, Manager of Original Production for Kids and Family in Latin America, Warner Bros. Discovery says: “We are very excited about Sasha & Milo, the story and characters are engaging, animation is looking great and editorially, the show is fully in line with our brands positioning. Besides the potential of the show, having partners like Banijay Kids & Family has contributed to a strong and assertive joint work, that will bring very relevant content to our audience.”

    Benoît di Sabatino, Gary Milne and Hee Seok Shin serve as Executive Producers, with Seul Gee Yoo as Co-Director and Creative Producer, and Hyeong Min Kim as Co-Director.

    Zodiak Kids and Family Distribution own international distribution rights to the series.

  11. Totally Spies! Springs into Action for Webtoon Series

    Comments Off on Totally Spies! Springs into Action for Webtoon Series

    Banijay Kids and Family, part of content powerhouse Banijay, today announces a partnership with Belgian publisher Editions Dupuis, part of Média-Participations, to transform the hit spy-fi animation, Totally Spies!, into a unique webtoon for digital platform ONO.

    An increasingly popular genre of comics, developed for digital smartphone reading, the vertical strips will bring the characters of Totally Spies! to a new medium. The webtoon will be available as a weekly serialisation in French, and available for foreign rights.

    2D-animated franchise Totally Spies!, produced by Zodiak Kids & Family France, is set to return to screens in 2024 with a brand-new series, following its original six-season run between 2001 and 2013. The upcoming series follows the three legendary secret agents, Sam, Clover and Alex, as they move to a new city and take on a fresh crop of villains.

    Annick Bizet, New Business & Strategic Alliances Director, Banijay Kids & Family says: Totally Spies! is a globally-loved show with a strong existing fanbase, and given the excitement for the new series, demand from fans for brand extensions is high. Webtoons offer a new and modern reading format for young audiences, and this project will ensure we continue catering to our audiences and the changing ways in which they consume their entertainment.”

    Stéphane Ferrand, Senior Publishing Director, Editions Dupuis adds: “Strong, leading female characters, action and adventure, humour, fashion, gadgets…Totally Spies! is one of those rare transgenerational licences whose ingredients conceal an ever-relevant modernity. The webtoon is now a favoured medium for reading content among young people around the world and the marriage between this and such a strong IP was inevitable.”

    Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay Kids & Family says: “We are so pleased to announce this very exciting deal which marks the start of our relaunch strategy of this iconic brand, prior to the new series reveal on M6/GULLI (France) and Discovery Kids LatAm in 2024. Lots more to come for our favourite spies!”

    Dupuis is a 100-year-old Belgian publisher behind a number of successful series for children and adults such as Spirou, Lucky Luke, Kid Paddle or Largo Winch, which have become household names amongst European comics readers. The company strives to reinvent itself, driving its expansion into other fields such as animation and digital platforms like ONO.

  12. Tiger Aspect Kids & Family and Little Tiger to Collaborate on TV Options

    Comments Off on Tiger Aspect Kids & Family and Little Tiger to Collaborate on TV Options

    Tiger Aspect Kids & Family (part of Banijay Kids & Family) today announces it will join forces with children’s publisher Little Tiger, with the intention to option and develop future animated and live action TV projects, aimed at children of all ages and families.

    Little Tiger’s rich portfolio of bestselling and far-reaching books, featuring unforgettable characters, striking worlds and wide-ranging concepts, are the perfect source material to create innovative and entertaining TV for children and families. With Tiger Aspect Kids & Family’s presence internationally and its strong creative team, the collaboration aligns both companies ambitions to nurture talent and grow in the entertainment space.

     Tom Beattie, Managing Director at Tiger Aspect Kids & Family said: “This felt like a perfect partnership, not just because we both have ‘Tiger’ in the company names. Little Tiger creates some brilliant characters and worlds that fit with the Tiger Aspect Kids & Family DNA, and so it made sense to work more closely together. We have a proven track record of taking books to screen and we’re excited with what is to come.”

    David Bucknor, Managing Director at Little Tiger said: “Children’s books have always provided a treasure trove of stories to inspire film and TV. Over the last few years, we have seen a marked increase in interest in our books, from producers keen to feed the ever-growing number of platforms and distributors hungry for content.  As we embark on this exciting collaboration with Tiger Aspect Kids & Family, we look forward to working together creatively, and finding new ways of sharing our stories with screen audiences.”

    Under the leadership of MD Tom Beattie, Tiger Aspect Kids & Family creates bold, funny and iconic content for all ages, from pre-school through to family. Spanning live-action series and animated shows, notable credits for the multi-BAFTA award-winning company include Aliens Love Underpants, Charlie and Lola, Mr Bean: The Animated Series, Danny & Mick, Tinga Tinga Tales Corpse Talk and the recently announced Super Happy Magic Forest.

     The deal was negotiated by Jude Evans on behalf of Little Tiger and Tiger Aspect Kids & Family’s Dee Stevens.