Banijay Kids & Family Archives - Banijay Group

Miniheroes of the Forest Confirmed in Collaboration with Rai Kids and France télévisions

5th February 2024 10:34 am Comments Off

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 new animated series, Miniheroes of the Forest, for broadcast partners Rai Kids and France télévisions.

Based on the books of the same name, by French publisher Auzou, which have been released in more than 15 countries, Miniheroes of the Forest is a 3D preschool comedy adventure. Produced by Movimenti Production and MoBo, and co-produced by Zodiak Kids & Family France, it has been commissioned for two seasons, totalling 52 x 7’ episodes. Banijay Kids & Family Distribution will distribute the show.

Miniheroes of the Forest follows the playtime adventures of four woodland creatures who have mini mega powers. Gabin’s Bunny Hug makes everything better, Gaston’s Beary Bounce and Roll cheers everyone up, Jade’s Foxy Ear helps her communicate with everyone, and Juliette’s Owly Eye helps her watch over her friends. When school is over, they put on their ‘secret’ costumes and discover what excitement the woods have in store for them.

Giorgio Scorza, CEO Movimenti Production says: “We are passionate about Miniheroes of the Forest, which we love for its simplicity, the tenderness of the protagonists and the messages it conveys. The adventures and those mini mega powers that are in each of us, are sure to captivate audiences immediately. MoBo, with its 3D animation expertise, was the obvious choice to bring on board, and we’re also delighted to welcome our friends from Zodiak Kids & Family France.”

Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO, Banijay Kids & Family adds: “Movimenti Production has created a show of poetic tenderness for a pre-school audience. Marking another dynamic internal collaboration within the group, we are very pleased the team has chosen Zodiak Kids & Family France and Banijay Kids & Family Distribution as co-production partner and distributor respectively.”

Executive Producers are Magali Fuzellier for Movimenti Production, Ilaria Mazzonis for MoBo and Ludovic Taron for Zodiak Kids & Family France. The series is directed by Massimo Montigiani. Christian De Vita and Ilenia Provenzi are head writers.

Banijay Kids & Family’s collective of first-class producers and talent is behind some of the biggest kids brands in the world. As brand builders and experts at amplifying IP, it delivers creative and impactful 360 brand strategies for its shows.

Led by Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family is part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay.

Bean is Back

4th January 2024 9:30 am Comments Off

Tiger Aspect Kids & Family (a Banijay Kids & Family company), today announces its hit comedy, Mr Bean: The Animated Series, has been commissioned for a fourth run, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and ITVX, through deals agreed by Banijay Rights.

Executive produced and voiced by Rowan Atkinson, season 4 will comprise 52 x 11’ episodes, bringing the total number of episodes across all series to 182 x 11-minutes. It will air on Cartoonito and HBO Max across EMEA, on Warner Bros. Discovery’s kids channels and streaming services across South East Asia and South Asia, and on ITVX Kids in the UK and Eire from 2025, which will be the 35^th anniversary of the first live-action episode. The animation follows the antics of Mr Bean and of course Teddy, as they embark on a series of adventures, making plenty of mischief along the way.

Rowan Atkinson says: “I have always enjoyed this iteration of the Mr Bean character and the particular freedoms he has in animated form. We can take him into space or down a tin mine, without me personally having to suffer the consequences. The animation process creatively is always fascinating and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the new series very much.”

Tom Beattie, MD Tiger Aspect Kids & Family/Series Producer says: “It’s a real pleasure to have the opportunity to go back to such a special series. Mr Bean is an iconic comedy legend and it’s an honour to work with Rowan to create this physically funny series.”

Cathy Payne, CEO Banijay Rights says: “One of the most loved characters in television comedy history, Mr Bean’s amusing escapades are cherished by children and families across the world. So we’re thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Warner Bros Discovery and ITV on this wonderful animated series which captures Bean’s world so brilliantly.”

Zia Sands, Lead Content Acquisitions, Partnerships & Co-productions, KIDS, EMEA, Warner Bros Discovery says: “We’re thrilled to continue our long standing partnership with Mr Bean, making Cartoonito its home across EMEA alongside our kids channels and streaming services in South and South-East Asia. Mr Bean’s comedy antics continue to resonate universally, and we are excited to bring our audiences more of what they love.”

Darren Nartey, Senior Acquisitions Manager for Film and Kids at ITVX says: “We are so looking forward to welcoming back a British icon to ITVX Kids in 2025, and can’t wait to share more of Mr Bean’s unique sense of humour with the young and the young-at-heart.”

Mr Bean is a British icon, with the original live-action series first hitting screens in 1990. It has since been broadcast in 195 territories, with the series in continual distribution for over 30 years. Co-created by Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis, the eponymous hero was played by Rowan Atkinson, who now voices the globally successful animated series, which launched in 2002. The brand also attracts significant digital audiences, with over 140 million followers on Meta, making it the biggest TV brand on the platform; over 72 million subscribers and 19 billion lifetime views across official YouTube channels; 10 million followers on Instagram; and 14.2 million likes on TikTok.

Produced by Tiger Aspect Kids & Family (part of Banijay Kids & Family), MD Tom Beattie is Exec Producer along with Rowan Atkinson. Dave Osborne will direct the series, Arnold Widdowson is producer and the head writers are Ciaran Murtagh and Andrew Barnett Jones.

Led by Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family is part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay.

Banijay Kids & Family Partners with tonies®

26th October 2023 2:09 pm Comments Off

Banijay Kids & Family, a global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, today announces the launch of its first tonies® figurine in French, inspired by the animated series, Mumfie.

The new figurine welcomes listeners to Dream Island, the home of Mumfie. Babou the Whale invites them to relax before listening to a story of Mumfie and his friends. Each story makes for a 2-part bedtime ritual, where relaxation and fiction intertwine.

Annick Bizet, New Business & Strategic Alliances Director says: “The Toniebox has established itself as a must-have item for young children all around the world. As home to some of the biggest brands in the kids market, Banijay Kids & Family has a wealth of IP that aligns with tonies®’ vision, and we look forward to growing this partnership.”

Preschool comedy series Mumfie, is a co-production between Zodiak Kids and Family France and Italian animation studio Animoka, alongside France Télévisions and Rai. Based on Britt Allcroft’s Magic Adventures of Mumfie, the series features the optimistic young elephant, alongside his best friends, Pinkey the flying pig and Jelly Bean the colour-changing jellyfish. Meeting an eclectic array of animal friends along the way, the trio embark on a series of adventures. In a world where nothing is quite as it seems, no challenge is too tough for the loveable Mumfie and his friends to overcome.

The Toniebox is a real sound theatre that takes little ones, from 3-years-old, on great audio adventures as soon as they put a figurine called “Tonie” on it. Fantastic stories, timeless tales, exciting adventures, sleep support or educational games… there is something for everyone! Much more than a story box, it is a comforting partner who accompanies children at all stages of their development, according to their needs.

Banijay Kids & Family to Represent Animated Series Charlie and Lola

12th October 2023 10:18 am Comments Off

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 it has acquired the rights to preschool animation series Charlie and Lola.

A Tiger Aspect Kids & Family property, the series has won numerous industry accolades, including multiple Children’s BAFTAs. The iconic series, which combines 2D cut-out style animation and photomontage with a children’s voice cast, is based on the award-winning picture book series by Lauren Child. There have been three seasons to-date, totalling 78×11’ and 2×22’ episodes, which first launched on CBeebies in 2005.

Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay Kids & Family says: “Charlie and Lola is a really strong, evergreen property which continues to attract young global audiences. I am such a huge fan of this series and with our strengthened commercial capabilities across distribution, digital and licensing, we feel there is huge potential for us to amplify the brand internationally.”

Tiger Aspect Kids & Family (a Banijay Kids & Family company) is a multi-BAFTA-winning production label, which works in live action and animation, from preschool through to family content. It has created iconic series including Mr Bean: The Animated Series, Aliens Love Underpants, Tinga Tinga Tales, Danny & Mick, Corpse Talk, and the recently announced Super Happy Magic Forest.

Banijay Kids & Family is part of media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay.

Banijay Kids & Family Options Arnold the Super-ish Hero

7th June 2022 12:33 pm Comments Off

Banijay Kids and Family today announces it has signed an option agreement with Canadian children’s publisher Kids Can Press to develop a preschool series based on the acclaimed picture book Arnold the Super-ish Hero.

Written by Heather Tekavec and illustrated by Guillaume Perreault, the story follows Arnold, who helps out at his family’s superhero business. The only catch is that Arnold doesn’t have a superpower of his own. One day a call comes into superhero HQ from a little girl in need, and being the only one around, Arnold jumps into action. Determined to succeed as a hero, Arnold helps all kinds of people along the way. He does so many good deeds the city celebrates their newest hero: Super Nice Guy! Arnold discovers that all you need to be a hero is the power of kindness.

Gary Milne, Head of Content Development, Banijay Kids & Family says: “As soon as I read Arnold the Super-ish Hero, I fell in love with the character and the wonderful notion that kindness is a superpower. Heather and Guillaume have created a delightful story that will translate beautifully on screen.”

“We’re delighted to work with Banijay Kids and Family to introduce more young fans to our favourite superhero,” says Lisa Lyons Johnston, President and Publisher, Kids Can Press. “Having had a sneak peek at early script and visual development, we’re confident that the team will bring Heather and Guillaume’s endearing and funny underdog story fully to life, and we can’t wait to see Arnold’s superhero-ish leap from page to screen.”

Arnold the Super-ish Hero is published by Kids Can Press, part of the Corus Entertainment family.

Zodiak Kids and Family Studio UK Secures Taylor for Creative Lead

24th January 2022 10:23 am Comments Off

Zodiak Kids and Family Studio UK, part of Banijay Kids and Family, today announces that Cheryl Taylor will be joining the production outfit this month as Creative Director Zodiak Kids and Family Studio UK.

Taylor has had a long and prestigious career in Children’s and Comedy television – holding the role of Head of Content BBC Children’s until last year. She was responsible for commissioning 500 hours of multi-genre content per annum across CBeebies, CBBC and BBC iPlayer. Prior to this she held various commissioning roles at the BBC including Controller BBC Comedy Commissioning and Controller CBBC. She joined the corporation in 2005 from the independent production sector.

Taylor will be transitioning into the role of outgoing Creative Director Steven Andrew who is retiring from the industry. They will be working together at Zodiak until the spring to ensure a seamless transition.

Andrew joined Zodiak in 2011 from CBBC and has been responsible for a wide-ranging slate of programmes during his tenure. From long running BAFTA award-winning interactive series Secret Life of Boys (CBBC/ABC Australia) to CITV gameshow Spy School, Flatmates for BBC iplayer, The Lodge for Disney and critically acclaimed Joe All Alone for CBBC. He has also been developing and executive producing up-coming international drama Silverpoint (CBBC/ZDF) and Ted’s Top Ten for CITV.

Taylor will be jointly reporting into Banijay Kids and Family CEO Benoit Di Sabatino and Zodiak Kids and Family UK COO Gwen Hughes.

Benoit Di Sabatino, CEO, Banijay Kids and Family said: “It takes at least the talent of Cheryl Taylor to succeed the very talented Steven Andrew. We will miss you Steven. Welcome Cheryl!”

Steven Andrew said: “I am very proud of the programming we have brought to life for millions of viewers during my 10 years at Zodiak Kids and will miss the incredible talent on and off screen that I have worked with during this time. However, I am thrilled the remit is being placed in Cheryl’s hands. Having worked together at the BBC and then on many of our series at Zodiak Kids I know she will be brilliant and am looking forward to working together as she comes on board.”

Cheryl Taylor said: “Zodiak Kids and Family has a stellar reputation for producing inventive stories for children of all ages and I’m delighted to be joining a team who feel as strongly as I do about inspiring young audiences. I’m honoured to be picking up the reins from Steven – he’s been responsible for an exceptional canon of work and has always demonstrated enviable flair for growing popular titles and nurturing new talent.”

Banijay Brands Strengthens Portfolio with Banijay Kids and Family

16th November 2021 5:07 pm Comments Off

Banijay Brands today announces it has secured the brand licensing rights to the Banijay Kids and Family catalogue. The newly launched Banijay Kids and Family brand incorporates Zodiak Kids and Family (Totally Spies!, Lolirock, The Ranch, Yellow Yeti, Mumfie, Silverpoint), Monello Productions (Street Football, When I Was Your Age, Marblegen, Hello Kitty) and Tiger Aspect Kids and Family (Mr Bean, Charlie and Lola).

Banijay Kids and Family is a global leader in childrens entertainment, producing a wide range of animation and live action series, digital content, and entertainment formats for children worldwide under three production labels: Zodiak Kids and Family, Monello Productions and Tiger Aspect Kids and Family. Banijay Brands already represents Tiger Aspect Kids and Family IP such as Mr Bean. The new partnership will enable the infant-skewing collective to further leverage the global infrastructure of Banijay Brands and deliver extensive brand licensing programmes for titles such as Street Football, Totally Spies!, Lolirock, Silverpoint, When I Was Your Age, Mister Maker and the upcoming The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti, and Mumfie.

Banijay Brands will also work with local commercial teams to explore a number of regionally-led opportunities.

Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO, Banijay Kids and Family, says: “It’s a big achievement for Banijay to announce at the same time the creation of our new brand Banijay Kids and Family and the launch of our licencing strategy with Banijay Brands. We are confident that our evergreen IPs as well as our creations will be in good hands with such a professional team like Banijay Brands.”

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands added: “Banijay Kids and Family has a strong and relatable kids content slate, which, when partnered with the experienced team at Banijay Brands, should trigger a lucrative position in the the childrens licensing space. Recognising the already huge interest from the market, we will be working across a number of categories including experiential, publishing, gaming and products to ensure the relevant and successful exploitation of the business’ IP moving forwards.”

Mumfie is an upcoming new animated series of the heritage property (78 x 7’), directed by the French director Daniel Dubuis, is a co-production between Zodiak Kids Studio France and Italian animation studio Animoka alongside France Télévisions and Rai (Italy). Zodiak Kids recently announced it has secured a pre-sale from KiKA German.

Street Football is the popular animated series combining the action of matches with insights into the hardships of life is co-produced by Zodiak Kids and Monello Productions for France 3 and Rai 2

The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti is a co-production between Zodiak Kids Studio France, and Gigglebug Entertainment. An original animated comedy series for kids aged 6+ and their families, it has been co-commissioned by Disney Channel Europe, Middle East & Africa and Nordic broadcasters YLE, DR, NRK, and SVT.

Silverpoint is a 13 x 22’ sci-fi mystery adventure series about kids at summer camp. Co-produced by Zodiak Kids, CBBC and ZDF Enterprises, the series is created by Lee Walters, Lead Writer, and Executive Producer Steven Andrew, Creative Director, Zodiak Kids.

When I Was Your Age is produced for RAI and France Télévisions by Monello Productions. The animated series features 10-year-old Paul who he has a special gift – as soon as someone says “When I was your age”, Paul is thrown back into the days when the person he is talking to was 10 years old

Mister Maker is the popular ultimate interactive arts and crafts show for younger kids. Broadcast in over 200 territories, the series is a Zodiak Kids Studios for CBeebies.

Totally Spies! is the hit franchise that has been broadcasting for over 15 years, produced by Zodiak Kids for TF1 and Disney France.

Lolirock is a Zodiak Kids production for Disney France and France Télévisions, featuring five princesses with magical singing voices that fight harm with crystal charm!

Tag Archive: Banijay Kids & Family