Benoit di Sabatino Archives

Procidis’ Maestro Welcomed to Grévin Museum

3rd December 2024 10:45 am Comments Off

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.

Banijay Kids & Family Expands Portfolio with Procidis Acquisition

9th September 2024 9:25 am 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 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.

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.

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

ABC and Télé-Québec Pick Up Shasha & Milo

31st January 2024 9:09 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 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.

EBS Takes Shasha & Milo to Korea

5th June 2023 10:32 am Comments Off

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

Warner Bros. Discovery Acquires Season Seven of Totally Spies!

25th April 2023 4:05 pm Comments Off

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.

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

17th March 2023 5:41 pm Comments Off

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.

BBC and Rai Kids Partner for Super Happy Magic Forest

16th February 2023 11:32 am Comments Off

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.

Banijay Kids & Family Appointed Worldwide Distributor of Topo Gigio

15th December 2022 12:34 pm Comments Off

Banijay Kids and Family today announces it has been appointed as the worldwide distributor across audio-visual, digital, publishing, licensing and merchandising for the iconic children’s brand Topo Gigio.

Originally created by Italian puppet artist Maria Perego in 1959, Topo Gigio has recently been reimagined as a pre-school cartoon comedy series co-produced by Movimenti Production (a Banijay Kids & Family company) and Topo Gigio S.r.l. Currently airing a second season on Rai Yoyo and RaiPlay, the 2D animated adventure follows the daily adventures of Topo Gigio, the first mouse to ever live amongst humans, as he strives to solve any problems in the city of Townville, alongside his human and animal friends.

Banijay Kids & Family will work with existing master toy licensee Giochi Preziosi and has also appointed Ladybug Entertainment’s Elena Picco as a consultant to nurture the commercial expansion of the brand in Italy.

Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family CEO says: “Topo Gigio is an iconic brand that has huge commercial potential. Accompanied by the fantastic series from the talented Movimenti Production team and Topo Gigio S.r.l., we have an ambitious growth strategy for the brand in place for next year and into 2024.”

Alessandro Rossi, Owner, CEO Topo Gigio S.r.l. says: “I am very proud to be part of the Banijay Family. I look forward to a sincere creative and productive relationship. I wanted also to personally express my gratitude to Mr. Benoit Di Sabatino for his professionalism, warm exchange of ideas and dedication shown since the beginning of our collaboration.”

Giorgio Scorza, CEO, Movimenti Production adds: “I’m so excited, this is what I was expecting when we started such a great adventure and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next. Especially now that Topo Gigio Season 2 first episodes are available in Italy, bringing to the little audience the heart, the adventure and the great values we all love in such a legendary Italian icon.”

Originally premiering in October 2020 on Rai Yoyo, the first series of Topo Gigio delivered strong ratings, up 60% on the channel average, climbing quickly as one of the most watched shows of the network.

Banijay Kids & Family Expands Portfolio with Kindle Entertainment and Movimenti Production

8th September 2022 9:57 am Comments Off

Banijay Kids & Family today confirms it has acquired UK drama specialists, Kindle Entertainment, and Italian production company and animation focused creative hub, Movimenti Production. A global leader in the children’s entertainment industry, the expansive international Banijay Kids & Family division is now home to six production labels across France, the UK and Italy, alongside its distribution, marketing and licencing arm, Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution.

Based in London, the award-winning, female-led Kindle Entertainment was established in 2007. Under the stewardship of MDs Melanie Stokes and Anne Brogan, the company is behind premium YA and Family dramas, including limited series, Little Darlings (Sky), teen mystery, The A List (Netflix) and just launched trilogy of family films, Ivy & Bean (Netflix). With a strong track record and impressive slate, the label is renowned for creating rich and diverse stories, which have won a host of accolades, including International Kids Emmys and BAFTA Children’s Awards. Most recently, the duo received an industry tribute as producers of disruption, innovation and creativity from Pact.

Established in 2004 with bases in Milan, Florence and Rome, Movimenti Production has created and produced renowned animated TV series, feature films and short films, including Topo Gigio (Topo Gigio Srl, Rai) and Tear Along the Dotted Line (Netflix). Along with iconic Studio Bozzetto, the label also created ForFun Media – The Animation Network (including 2D studio DogHead Animation and 3D production studio MoBo), an Italian industry first. Furthermore, in 2019, the business teamed up with the publishing network, Auzou, to create Easy Peasy Entertainment, the independent animation production company based in Paris. Led by Giorgio Scorza (CEO, Director & Art Director) and Davide Rosio (CEO, Director & Art Director), 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.

Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO, Banijay Kids & Family says: “Kindle Entertainment and Movimenti Production will be complimentary additions to the family, both bringing their own unique expertise, with consistent track records in delivering premium shows. This is a pivotal moment for Banijay Kids & Family, as we continue to grow our footprint and remain a key player in this competitive market. I look forward to working with such passionate and creative producers as Melanie, Anne, Giorgio, Davide and their incredibly talented teams, as we embark on the next phase of our journey. From pre-schoolers to the whole household, we are proud to offer a wide range of live and animated premium shows to broadcasters all around the world.”

Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay comments: “Since joining Banijay, Benoît has had huge ambitions for the kids’ portfolio. Gradually building a healthy collective of labels, an impressive slate of content and its own independent distribution engine, the division has gone from strength-to-strength. Adding the award-winning drama capabilities of Kindle Entertainment and the animation might of Movimenti Production will only further broaden the burgeoning group’s capabilities and appeal in this space.”

Melanie Stokes, MD, Kindle Entertainment: “We are so thrilled to be joining Benoit and his team at Banijay. Kindle Entertainment is passionate about creating Premium YA and 4-Quad Drama for a global audience. It’s a hugely exciting time to be in this space, and we can’t think of a better partner to help us realize our ambitions to create ever better, bigger hit shows.”

Giorgio Scorza and Davide Rosio, CEOs, Movimenti Production: “We’re thrilled to join a family, with whom we share core values such as the focus on storymaking and the constant search for the best way to do it. From now on, we will work in synergy with our new partners within Banijay Kids & Family to give even more strength to our production of original, innovative and high-quality content, capable of conquering the international market. Local first remains key, and we will continue to bet on the extraordinary professionals we work with now, and hope to in the future, in order to bring the excellence of Italian talent in animation to an increasingly global level.”

Led by CEO Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family is the dedicated production, distribution, and sales division for children’s programming at Banijay, the world’s largest independent content creation and distribution group for television and multimedia platforms. Home to Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution, Zodiak Kids & Family France, Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK, Monello Productions, Tiger Aspect Kids & Family, Movimenti Production and Kindle Entertainment notable credits include Danny and Mick, Lilybuds, Little Princess, Lolirock, Horrid Henry, Max and Maestro, Mister Maker, Marblegen, Mr Bean, Street Football, Mumfie, Ted’s Top Ten, The Secret Life of Boys, Totally Spies! When I Was Your Age, Yellow Yeti, Topo Gigio, Tear Along the Dotted Line, Little Darlings, Hank Zipzer, and Ivy & Bean.

The Mystery Continues with Silverpoint

4th August 2022 4:04 pm Comments Off

Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK, part of Banijay Kids & Family, today announces it will produce a second season of the gripping mystery sci-fi adventure series, Silverpoint. A co-production with CBBC, ZDF and ZDF Studios, the 13 x 22’ sci-fi drama starts filming in Northern Ireland from August and will launch next year.

The returning cast includes Katy Byrne (Meg), Oliver Cunliffe (Louis), Aoife Hughes (Bea), Krish Misra (Glen) and Maiya Silveston (Kaz).

At the end of series one, Louis, Kaz, Meg and Glen discover they’re not so special after all. In fact, they’re only one of four groups of kids, each with their own alien Artefact. What they sensed would be the end of their adventure, becomes the beginning of an even more impossible journey.

Series two of Silverpoint follows these four eclectic groups, some who will become friends and others rivals, as they train for a game set in four alternate realities controlled by a mysterious extra-terrestrial presence. And the prize they’re fighting for? To save the world.

Cheryl Taylor, Creative Director, Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK says: “Silverpoint is a visually powerful drama with compelling characters and a unique and finely crafted storyline that has resonated with audiences globally. We’re fortunate to have many of the most talented creatives in the industry working on Silverpoint alongside a supremely talented cast of young actors. Zodiak Kids & Family is delighted to be bringing more tantalising sci-fi adventures to our audience in this second series”.

Created by Lee Walters and Steven Andrew, the show will be Executive Produced for Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK by Cheryl Taylor and Benoit Di Sabatino. The Series Producer is Trevor Klein, and the Directors are Amy Coop, Aidan Largey and Louise Ní Fhiannachta.

Mumfie Secures a Herd of Sales

15th June 2022 2:08 pm Comments Off

Banijay Kids and Family today announces a raft of sales for the all-new pre-school animated comedy series Mumfie (78×7’). A co-production between Zodiak Kids and Family France and Italian animation studio Animoka, alongside France Télévisions and Rai (Italy), the series has sold to ITV for ITVBe (UK), Warner Bros. Discovery (for its new preschool brand Cartoonito in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and South Korea), AMC Network International’s JimJam (CEE, MENA & Portugal), SVT (Sweden) and kids channel ejunior, from evision, part of e& life from e& (formerly known as Etisalat Group) (UAE).

Earlier this month, Mumfie was awarded Best Pre-School TV Series at the 2022 Cartoons on the Bay Pulcinella Awards. Directed by Daniel Dubuis, the adaptation is based on Britt Allcroft’s Magic Adventures of Mumfie. The series has recently launched in France and Italy, and it was previously announced that Mumfie has also secured a pre-sale from KiKA Germany.

Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay Kids and Family says: “The world of Mumfie is loved and treasured by so many, and it has been joyous to bring the characters to life once more, to delight a whole new generation of children. This raft of international sales is testament to the strength of the brand and the fantastic job the teams at Animoka and Zodiak Kids and Family Francehave done in creating a captivating, warm and uplifting series.”

Mumfie features the optimistic young elephant Mumfie, 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.

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

Britt Allcroft’s Mumfie was a classically animated children’s musical series, first shown in the 1990’s. The series was lauded for its gentle storytelling and earned top ratings.

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