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: Totally Spies

  1. Multiple Licensing Agents Appointed for Totally Spies!

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    Banijay Kids & Family, the global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Mr Bean: The Animated Series and Shasha & Milo, today announces the appointment of three licensing agents for the iconic franchise Totally Spies!.

    The hit series makes its anticipated return to screens later this year, with a seventh season airing on M6/Gulli (France), Discovery Kids LatAm, and across EMEA and the U.S. with Warner Bros. Discovery. License Connection will manage licensing deals across Benelux, Lotus Global Marketing will represent the brand in Brazil, and LIT Licensing Agency will cover the Nordics.

    First launching in the early 00s, Totally Spies! hooked a generation of fans with its iconic aesthetic and powerful female leads. The international licensing programmes will cater to both the existing adult audience and the 6-9-year-old target audience of the new series.

    Roubina Tchoboian, Head of Global Licensing at Banijay Kids & Family, say: “Totally Spies! already has a significant fanbase and there is huge potential for dynamic, original and exciting brand extensions. It has already been generating significant interest from the licensing industry, and with License Connection, Lotus Global Marketing and LIT Licensing Agency in place, we are in a great shape to roll-out our ambitious, long-term licensing programme.”

    The news follows the recent appointment of Bulldog Licensing to represent the Totally Spies! brand in the UK, where it will initially have a strong focus on the adult nostalgia market, across multiple categories, including apparel, fashion accessories, tech products, health & beauty, and stationery.

    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.

  2. Banijay Kids & Family Partners with tonies®

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    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’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.

  3. Banijay Kids & Family to Represent Animated Series Charlie and Lola

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    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.

  4. Family Channel and POP Pounce on Shasha & Milo

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    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 sales for original comedy-action seriesShasha & Milo.

    Through Banijay Kids & Family’s distribution arm, Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution, POP (UK) and WildBrain’s Family Channel (Canada), have acquired the Zodiak Kids & Family France (part of Banijay Kids & Family) and Pingo Entertainment-produced series.

    The 25 x 22’ episodes and 12 x 2’ shorts are centred around two 12-year-olds, Shasha and Milo, as they juggle everyday life, 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: “From its inception, we believed that Shasha & Milo was going to resonate with global audiences, and these latest sales are testament to its universal appeal. With the combined talents of Zodiak Kids & Family France, and Pingo Entertainment, the series incorporates strong storytelling and stunning visuals, for a premium kids show, which evidently, is in high demand.”

    Francesca Newington, Director, POP Channels, says: “The hugely entertaining Shasha & Milo cleverly combines exciting superhero action, feel-good comedy and thrilling storylines. It’s a magic formula which we know our devoted POP viewers are going to love! POP is the UK’s largest commercial children’s channel, where the adventure and laughter never stops, and so we’re thrilled that Shasha & Milo is going to be a brilliant addition to the channel portfolio. We can’t wait to bring this fantastic, fun-filled franchise to UK Free TV screens.”

    Warner Bros. Discovery Latin America, Tencent (China) and EBS (Korea) have previously been confirmed to broadcast the upcoming series.

    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.

    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.

  5. Banijay Kids & Family Unveils New Audiobooks

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    Banijay Kids & Family, the global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, today announces the launch of its first audiobooks following a strategic partnership with the leading digital publishing company, Bookwire GmbH.

    Hit spy-fi animation, Totally Spies!, paranormal detective series, Martin Mystery and pre-school comedy series, Mumfie, are available in French from today via all major listening platforms including Audible, Apple Books, Google, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music.

    Annick Bizet, New Business & Strategic Alliances Director says: “With Banijay Kids & Family’s diverse portfolio, there are endless and exciting opportunities to explore for our brands beyond the screen. Bookwire is a great partner, with extensive expertise, and it is wonderful to see our first range of audiobooks hit the market.”

    Mariana Feged, General Manager at Bookwire states: “Bookwire opened an office in Paris in July 2021. Bookwire offers French publishers and audiovisual producers personalized assistance to launch themselves into the rapidly growing French audiobook market, filled with new opportunities. In addition to our distribution solution, Bookwire’s services include our WAY (“We Audiobook You”) production solution. We are delighted that these series have benefited from it.”

    Banijay Kids & Family and Bookwire worked closely with two studios on these projects: Lyon-based studio Blynd worked on the adaptations of Totally Spies! and Martin Mystery, while Kidsono created the Mumfie audio series.

    Totally Spies! is produced by Banijay Kids & Family label Zodiak Kids & Family France. Originally running from 2001 for six seasons, a new series has been confirmed and will launch from next year around the world with co-producers Gulli (France), and Discovery Kids LatAm. It will also air across EMEA and the U.S. with Warner Bros. Discovery.

    Mumfie is a preschool comedy series, based on Britt Allcroft’s Magic Adventures of Mumfie (creator of Thomas & Friends and the film Thomas & The Magic Railroad). It is produced by Zodiak Kids & Family France and Animoka, alongside France Télévisions and Rai (Italy).

    Martin Mystery, the worldwide smash hit, is based on the bestselling comic book by Alfredo Castelli. A dripping goo-fest of supernatural slime, thrills and comedy, the series as is distributed by Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution (part of Banijay Kids & Family).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  7. Banijay Kids & Family Expands its Commercial Division

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

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

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

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

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

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

  8. Banijay Kids & Family Boosts its Digital Network

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

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

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

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

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

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

  9. Bayard Seizes Totally Spies!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    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.

  12. Totally Spies! Springs into Action for Webtoon Series

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

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

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

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

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

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

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