Banijay Group is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay Group is present in 16 territories.
Banijay Group is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay Group is present in 16 territories.

Tag Archive: Giorgio Scorza

  1. Movimenti Production Bolsters Senior Leadership Team

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    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.

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

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    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.

  3. Banijay Kids & Family Appointed Worldwide Distributor of Topo Gigio

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    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.

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

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    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.