Tag Archive: Benoit di Sabatino

  1. Totally Spies! Deploys New Licensing Activations

    Comments Off on Totally Spies! Deploys New Licensing Activations

    Banijay Kids & Family, a global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows including Mr Bean: The Animated Series, today announces a new raft of licensing deals for the iconic Totally Spies! franchise.

    A popular brand, with a unique dual audience, Totally Spies! continues to captivate both nostalgic Millennials and Gen Z fans of the original series, as well as a new generation discovering the animated reboot. Reflecting this broad appeal, the latest licensing agreements include products tailored for younger viewers discovering the brand for the first time, alongside offerings designed to tap into the nostalgia of longtime fans, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

    Hachette Heroes is set to launch an adult colouring book, tapping into the nostalgia of older fans with stylish, spy-themed artwork. Apparel partner Hybris will deliver fashion-forward collections that blend retro flair with modern streetwear, while Osan, a creative Saudi-based eyewear brand, introduces a range of fashion-forward Totally Spies! sunglasses in the Middle East, bringing the characters’ iconic style to life. Chaks is developing dress-up costumes for adults and children, letting them step into the shoes of their favourite spies. And, further boosting visibility and fan engagement, Totally Spies! also featured in this summer’s Gulli Tour – a high-profile marketing activation across France that brought the brand directly to families through live events and interactive experiences.

    Roubina Tchoboian, Head of Global Licensing, Banijay Kids & Family says:Totally Spies! has a unique ability to connect with fans globally and across a broad demographic. These new partnerships reflect our ongoing commitment to building a multi-generational franchise through products and experiences that celebrate the brand’s legacy, while welcoming a whole new audience.”

    First launching in the early 00s, Totally Spies! hooked a generation of fans with its iconic aesthetic and powerful female leads. Produced by Zodiak Kids & Family France (part of Banijay Kids & Family), it returned last year with its seventh season, following an 11-year hiatus. An eighth season has been confirmed, in addition to a live action adaptation, which is in development with Amazon MGM Studios, and Will Ferrell’s Gloria Sanchez Productions.

    Banijay Kids & Family’s collective of first-class producers and talent is behind some of the biggest kids brands in the world, and its dedicated licensing division supercharges international commercial opportunities for its portfolio of brands. Led by Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family is part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment.

  2. Banijay Kids & Family Scales Once Upon a Time… with Multi-Category Licensing Push

    Comments Off on Banijay Kids & Family Scales Once Upon a Time… with Multi-Category Licensing Push

    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 a new wave of licensing deals for edutainment saga Once Upon a Time….

    The franchise continues to expand its reach with a diverse slate of partners including Old Time Fever for a youth-oriented apparel line; Educa Borras extends its offering with a new multi-series board game and card games; while SD Toys will roll out figurines in Spain and France, offering fans collectible toys that bring the iconic characters to life. Lunii is extending its partnership with Once Upon a Time…, which is already one of the platform’s top-selling brands, with the release of a new audiobook for the Space series. And in Germany, Edel will produce audio storyteller volumes inspired by the Life series, in a deal secured by agent Active Merchandising.

    Alexandra Filiol, VP of Licensing, France, Banijay Kids & Family says: Once Upon a Time…continues to resonate with audiences through its unique blend of education and entertainment and we are proud to support the franchise’s ongoing evolution with a new wave of brand extensions. These partnerships reflect the brand’s enduring appeal and our commitment to delivering meaningful, multi-platform experiences – from collectible toys and stylish apparel to immersive board games and top-performing audiobooks.”

    Produced by Procidis (part of Banijay Kids & Family), the Once Upon a Time… saga was originally created by Albert Barillé in 1978 and has broadcast continuously in France for nearly 50 years. Seven seasons, totalling 182 episodes have aired in over 100 countries.  

    Banijay Kids & Family’s collective of first-class producers and talent is behind some of the biggest kids brands in the world, and its dedicated licensing division supercharges international commercial opportunities for its portfolio of brands. Led by Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family is part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment.

  3. Street Football Returns for Season 5 with Major Cross-Platform Brand Push

    Comments Off on Street Football Returns for Season 5 with Major Cross-Platform Brand Push

    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 return of beloved animated series Street Football for a thrilling Season 5. 20 years since the show first launched, the new season premieres 22 August on the Okoo platform, and 27 August on France 4 (France Télévisions). The return is powered by a cross-platform campaign spanning music, live fan experiences, and a new publishing venture.  

    To mark the launch, Street Football is teaming up with legendary French rapper Akhenaton, who produced the original theme tune, for an exclusive music single, launching 29 August. This summer, Street Football also hit the road as part of the Okoo Summer Tour, bringing live experiences and games to cities across France. The campaign continues into autumn with the debut of a dedicated magazine with Reworld Media. 

    Street Football has been broadcast in 28 territories. Season 4 doubled the audience record for Okoo and was the best launch for an animated series on the platform. The new 26 x 22’ series, produced by Monello Productions, with Zodiak Kids & Family France and MoBo, follows our heroes’ team, the Blues, who must face 19 other teams in the Street Football World Cup. 

    Giorgio Welter, CEO, Monello Productions: Street Football has always been about more than just the game – it’s about inclusion, resilience, and friendship. With Season 5, we’re taking the brand to new heights, with a wide-reaching campaign, which connects audiences across content, culture, and community, to create a 360° experience for fans.”  

    With a strong reputation for producing world-renowned animation, Monello Productions (part of Banijay Kids & Family) creates premium shows for children and the whole family, covering comedy, action-adventure, and education. Founded in September 2013, the Paris-based studio, run by Giorgio Welter and Cécile Sady, is behind internationally successful series, including Max and Maestro, Marblegen, When I Was Your Age, CGI Hello Kitty, Chimera Keepers: Adventures with Incredible Creatures, and Froggie. 

    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 content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment. 

  4. Procidis Extends Handicap International Partnership

    Comments Off on Procidis Extends Handicap International Partnership

    Banijay Kids & Family, a global leader in children’s entertainment, today announces Procidis, creator of the iconic edutaining saga Once Upon a Time…, is once again partnering with aid organisation, Handicap International, for its book protection kits.

    In time for the start of the 2025 school year, the kits, with 10 ready-to-use book covers and illustrated self-adhesive labels, feature popular characters from the Once Upon a Time… Life series, including Maestro, Psi, Pierrot and Virus.

    This marks the second year Procidis has worked with Handicap International on this initiative. Over the last 26 years, 10.5 million book cover kits have been sold, raising €10.5 million, with funds contributing to the association’s projects in the field, such as mine clearance operations, the implementation of inclusive education projects and the provision of equipment for people with disabilities. Created and managed by Handicap International, the book covers are assembled and packaged in an ESAT (Etablissement et Service d’Aide par le Travail), a work-based social enterprise that employs people with disabilities.

    Benoît Di Sabatino, President of Procidis and CEO of Banijay Kids & Family says: “This is an incredibly poignant partnership for us, and Helene Barillé and I are pleased to once again be working with the Handicap International team to create the kits, which support hugely impactful projects in the field. Our shared values of solidarity and inclusion, have fostered a strong foundation for collaboration, enabling us to drive meaningful change together.”

    The series Once Upon a Time… Life takes viewers on a journey of discovery in the human body. A cult favourite for generations, it is a globally trusted brand*, which has been translated into 80 languages, and broadcast in more than 100 countries.

    Product information:

    • The product will be on sale in France from June across supermarkets, bookshops, stationery shops and on the association’s online shop: https://boutique.handicap-international.fr/protege-livres-hi/
    • Retail price: €5.90, with €1 from each sale going directly to Handicap International’s humanitarian missions.
    • To reduce their environmental impact, the recyclable book covers this year are now also made from 50% recycled material.

    Procidis is part of Banijay Kids & Family, whose 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 content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment.

  5. Procidis’ Maestro Welcomed to Grévin Museum

    Comments Off on Procidis’ Maestro Welcomed to Grévin Museum

    Procidis, part of Banijay Kids & Family, a global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, announces an interactive installation at Paris’ Grévin, with Maestro, the hero of its animated educational series Once Upon a Time….

    The installation, in partnership with France Télévisions Okoo, is set within the world of Once Upon a Time…Life, with a recreation of the legendary cell control office from the series. Centred around Maestro, reimagined in statue form, the activation gives visitors an immersive and interactive experience, uncovering the history of the museum and the process behind creating its iconic wax statues. Sculptor Stéphane Barret is behind the custom-made creations of Maestro and his cunning, mischievous co-star Nabot, based on drawings by illustrator Jean Barbaud. The installation will be further supported in 2025 with an extensive out-of-home campaign in the Paris subway. Opening in 1882 on the Grands Boulevards, Paris, Grévin welcomes more than 900,000 visitors each year. Maestro and Nabot join other iconic animated characters at the museum including the Little Prince, Asterix and Obelix, Paw Patrol, Lady Bug and Cat Noir.

    Benoît Di Sabatino, President of Prodicis & CEO of Banijay Kids & Family says: “Banijay Kids & Family is focussed on amplifying its IP with innovative brand strategies, and live experiences and immersive events are key growth areas for the business. This activation is a great example of this, and a seamless fit with Hello Maestro’s values, leveraging its reputation as a leader in the edutainment field.”

    Hélène Barillé, Managing Director of Procidis, says : Once Upon a Time…Life is an ideal brand for the immersive experience space, and our partnership with Grévin allows fans of the show to connect with the characters in an entirely new way. The museum is the perfect home for Maestro, who, as a trusted source of educational information, is perfectly placed to take visitors on a never-before-seen journey behind the scenes of this iconic institution.”

    In September this year, Banijay Kids & Family confirmed the majority acquisition of Procidis, creator of the famous edutaining saga Once Upon a Time…, and inclusive of its iconic umbrella brand, Hello Maestro. Procidis was established in 1962 by the late Albert Barillé, and since 2009, has been led by Hélène Barillé. A new eighth season of its multi-series saga, Once Upon a Time…The Objects recently debuted around the world. The September launch of this new series  with Warner Bros. Discovery Italy’s Cartoonito was among the top 10 shows on the channel and ranked #1 top content on the Cartoonito app for Media Starts during the month of launch.

    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 content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment.

  6. Banijay Kids & Family Expands Portfolio with Procidis Acquisition

    Comments Off on Banijay Kids & Family Expands Portfolio with Procidis Acquisition

    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 majority acquisition of French production company, Procidis, creator of the famous edutaining saga Once Upon a Time…, and inclusive of its iconic umbrella brand, Hello Maestro. The complementary deal broadens the group’s existing portfolio of premium kids labels and marks its first edutainment focused producer.

    Procidis was established in 1962 by the late Albert Barillé, and since 2009 has been led by Hélène Barillé as President, who will now remain as Managing Director of Procidis following the acquisition. Banijay Kids & Family, led by Benoît Di Sabatino, takes on the role of President of Procidis.

    Procidis’ Hello Maestro incorporates all seasons of its multi-series saga, Once Upon a Time…, a leading edutainment show, and globally trusted brand*, which has been translated into 80 languages, and broadcast in more than 100 countries. A new 78 x 7’ season, Once Upon a Time… The Objects, launched this year, co- produced by Procidis and Samka, in association with France Télévisions and HOT, with the participation of RTS and TV5Monde. Procidis also operates a substantial licensing programme for Hello Maestro, across multiple categories including games, audio, experiential, promotion and publishing, selling in more than 200m books.

    Banijay Kids & Family’s portfolio of seven production labels spans France, Italy and the UK, and houses Banijay Kids & Family Distribution, alongside its marketing, digital and licensing divisions.

    Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO of Banijay Kids & Family, says: “Procidis has been a leader in the educational entertainment market for more than 40 years, and as a huge fan of its work, it’s an honour to welcome the team to the group. Procidis and Hello Maestro have unique identities which perfectly complement our existing labels and brands. I know how important the company is to Hélène, and with her remaining on board to retain and champion the DNA the business was built on, it is with great enthusiasm that together we will lead Procidis in its next phase of growth.”

    Hélène Barillé, Managing Director of Procidis, adds: “I’m proud of the company and brands we have established, building on Albert’s prescient vision of the importance and positive impact of learning through entertainment. We have an ambitious growth strategy, and with Banijay Kids & Family’s world-class capabilities, we are well-placed to realise these ambitions. The company echoes our core values of family and trust, which makes it the perfect home for us to enter this exciting new chapter.”

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

    Led by Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family is part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment.

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

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

    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.

  8. ABC and Télé-Québec Pick Up Shasha & Milo

    Comments Off on ABC and Télé-Québec Pick Up Shasha & Milo

    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 further sales for its comedy-action series Shasha & Milo. ABC (Australia) and Télé-Québec (French Canada) are confirmed to air the show in deals secured by the company’s distribution arm which has recently been rebranded as Banijay Kids & Family Distribution.

    The 25 x 22’ and 12 x 2’-shorts are centred around 12-year-olds, Shasha and Milo, as they juggle their everyday lives, alongside their secret roles as the Crescent Island Guardians. Combining action and comedy, our protagonists are tasked with protecting the island from villainous cats and their plots to gain ultimate power, whilst navigating their own ability to transform between human, cat, and a formidable hybrid form.

    Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay Kids & Family says: Shasha & Milocontinues to gain momentum internationally, and we are delighted to welcome ABC and Télé-Québec to its growing global family. The strong ratings coming through from its launches in across Korea, Canada and Latin America, and the continued interest from our buyers, are testament to the craft, talent and hard work of the teams at Zodiak Kids & Family France and Pingo Entertainment.”

    Shasha & Milo is a co-production between Zodiak Kids & Family France (a Banijay Kids & Family company) and Pingo Entertainment. Benoît di Sabatino, Gary Milne and Hee Seok Shin are Executive Producers. Seul Gee Yoo is Co-Director and Creative Producer, and Hyeong Min Kim is Co-Director.

    The series has already been confirmed for POP (UK), WildBrain’s Family Channel (Canada), Warner Bros. Discovery Latin America, Tencent (China) and EBS (Korea). Pingo Entertainment exclusively controls all rights in Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia, Banijay Kids & Family Distribution controls international distribution rights in the rest of the world.

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

  9. 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

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. BBC and Rai Kids Partner for Super Happy Magic Forest

    Comments Off on BBC and Rai Kids Partner for Super Happy Magic Forest

    Banijay Kids & Family today announces a new animation, Super Happy Magic Forest, produced by Tiger Aspect Kids & Family with Movimenti Production (both Banijay Kids & Family companies). A broadcast collaboration with BBC and Rai Kids, the series is based on the popular picture books of the same name by Matty Long. A pre-sale has also been secured with Canal+.

    First published by Oxford University Press in 2015, Super Happy Magic Forest is a comedy quest adventure series featuring five heroes, brought together by their mutual love of questing, picnics and frolicking. Led by the outgoing and courageous faun, Hoofius; Blossom (unicorn), Herbert (gnome), Twinkle (fairy) and Trevor (mushroom) 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 52×11 minutes series will bring to life the world created in the books, in a colourful 2D animation for 7+ years. Exec Producers are Tiger Aspect Kids & Family’s MD Tom Beattie (Mr Bean: The Animated Series) and Jeff ‘Swampy’ Marsh (Phineas and Ferb).

    Tom Beattie, MD, Tiger Aspect Kids and Family says: “I have been on my own long quest to bring this project to screen and I’m Super Happy that we can now frolic into the magic forest and bring Matty’s beautiful, funny world to life.”

    Giorgio Scorza, CEO, Movimenti Production says: “We all love the Super Happy Magic Forest books and I’m thrilled to start this production alongside Tiger Aspect Kids & Family. I really can’t wait to bring all the fun of these adventures to their audience.”

    Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family CEO says: “Tiger Aspect Kids & Family and Movimenti Production are a powerful duo of producers and a brilliant example of the combined creative talents within our team. We are very proud that the BBC and Rai Kids have chosen Super Happy Magic Forestas a bridge between the international kids content community.”

    Sarah Muller, Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+ says:: Super Happy Magic Forest is full of joy and I loved it from the first moment I saw it. I just know our audience will feel the same too.”

    Luca Milano, MD, Rai Kids says: Super Happy Magic Forest is going to bring fun and fantasy. We look forward to welcoming this new co-production with BBC, Movimenti Production and Tiger Aspect Kids & Family on Rai Yoyo TV.”

     Matty Long, author and illustrator of the book series says: “I am beyond excited that the five heroes of the Super Happy Magic Forest books are making the journey from page to screen. What started as me doodling in a sketchbook will become a whole series of animated adventures and I cannot wait to share them with everyone.”

    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 and the recently launched, animated YouTube Original Corpse Talk.

    Italy’s leading independent production and animation studio, Movimenti Production, has produced acclaimed animated TV series, music videos, live-shows and multi-platform projects for local and global audiences. With more than 40 productions to its name, recent successes include the internationally popular 2D animated adventure/comedy Topo Gigio, Le Loup with Rai Kids and the first Italian YA animated series, Zerocalcare’s Tear Along the Dotted Line for Netflix. The company is run by joint CEOs and Creative Directors, Giorgio Scorza and Davide Rosio, who also founded 2D studio DogHead Animation which handle the animation of all Movimenti Production’s shows, and co-founded 3D production and international co-producer MoBo.