Banijay Kids & Family

Last updated
Banijay Kids & Family
FormerlyZodiak Kids (2011–2021)
Company type Subsidiary
Industry Television production
Predecessors Tele Images Productions
FoundedFebruary 2011;13 years ago (2011-02)
Headquarters,
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Benoît Di Sabatino (CEO)
  • Ludovic Taron (Chief Operating Officer)
  • Delphine Dumont (Chief Commercial Officer, Distribution)
  • Jeremie Becamel (Chief Financial Officer)
Parent
Divisions
  • Banijay Kids & Family Distribution
  • Kindle Entertainment
  • Monello Productions
  • Movimenti Production
  • Procidis
  • Tiger Aspect Kids & Family
  • Zodiak Kids & Family France
  • Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK
Website www.banijaykidsandfamily.com

Banijay Kids & Family (formerly known as Zodiak Kids, Zodiak Kids Studios and ZodiakKids & Family) is a French television production company owned by Banijay Entertainment based in Neuilly-sur-Seine. The company was originally founded in February 2011 by Zodiak Media bringing together its children's production companies under one roof. Benoît Di Sabatino currently serves as CEO.

Contents

History

Marathon Media logo (2006-2012) Marathon Media logo.png
Marathon Media logo (2006–2012)

In September 2005, Marathon Media announced that they made a merger deal with the French division of the British-based European private firm Bridgepoint Capital who owns French Tele Images, to create the biggest major production and distribution group in France with Tele Images's subsidiaries GTV Productions and Adventure Line Productions producer of Fort Boyard being part of the new group along with Vincent Chalvon-Demersay and David Michel continuing to hold their stakes in Marathon's animation division. [1] [2] The merger was completed in January 2006, with the combined entity subsequently named Marathon Group.

In July 2007, it was announced that Italian-based holding company De Agostini they had acquired the TV production and distribution company Marathon Group from Bridgepoint Capital, thus turning De Agostini from a multimedia company into a major European content production company. [3] [4]

In February 2008, Marathon Group announced that they acquired a majority stake in French independent production company of entertainment programs and documentaries KM Production merging KM's operations with Marathon's own operations, thrust reuniting KM Production with Marathon Group's subsidiary Adventure Line Productions (which were part of Studio Expand until 2004) with the founder of KM Production Renaud Le Van Kim continued to operate the company. [5]

In May 2008, Marathon Group's owner De Agostini announced that they've made a deal to acquire Swedish-based Scandinavian production and distribution company Zodiak Television AB with De Agostini's own television divisions Marathon Group and Magnolia being merged with Zodiak Television AB into one global production and distribution company turning Zodiak from a European production empire to a single entertainment powerhouse. [6] [7] The acquisition was completed in November the same year, with Zodiak Television AB rebranded into Zodiak Entertainment with Marathon Media and Tele Images becoming subsidiaries of the rebranded company. [8]

In February 2011, Zodiak Media Group announced the establishment of a children's television division named Zodiak Kids with Marathon Media being placed into the new division. [9]

In February 2016, Zodiak Media merged with the Banijay Group, [10] and Marathon was folded within the process. The Zodiak Kids name was retained until 2022 when the company adopted the Banijay name.

In 2018, MoonScoop Group co-founder and co-chairman Benoît Di Sabatino was named as CEO of the company, succeeding Jean-Philippe Randisi. [11]

Zodiak Kids logo (2020-2021) Zodiak Kids.png
Zodiak Kids logo (2020–2021)

In April 2021, Banijay announced that they've acquired Paris-based French independent animation studio Monello Productions which was founded in 2013 by former Tele Images SVP Giorgio Welter from ITV Studios-owned Tetra Media Group and had placed the acquired animation studio under Zodiak Kids and will continued to be independent along with their founder continuing to serve as the company's president. [12]

In November 2021, Banijay announced that they've bringing their three children's production companies Zodiak Kids & Family, Tiger Aspect Kids & Family and Monello Productions into one group by launching a new division named Banijay Kids and Family with the three children's companies became part of the new division as their labels. [13] [14]

In September 2022, Banijay Kids & Family announced that they've acquired two children's production companies which was the London-based British live action production studio Kindle Entertainment and the Italian animation production studio Movinenti Production in which the latter was brought from its previous parent company ForFun Media. [15]

In January 2024, Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution was renamed as Banijay Kids & Family Distribution. [16]

In September 2024, Banijay Entertainment acquired a majority stake in French animation studio Procidis, placing it under the Banijay Kids & Family unit, with Benoît Di Sabatino becoming president and Hélène Barillé remaining as managing director. [17]

Divisions

Banijay Kids & Family Distribution

Banijay Kids & Family Distribution is the distribution arm of Banijay Kids & Family, led by Delphine Dumont as chief commercial officer.

Kindle Entertainment

Kindle Entertainment is a British television production company founded in 2007 by Anne Brogan and Melanie Strokes and is led by Strokes as managing director and Emma Stuart as creative director.

Monello Productions

Monello Productions
Company type Subsidiary
Industry Animation
FoundedSeptember 2013;11 years ago (2013-09)
FoundersGiorgio Welter
Cécile Sady
Headquarters
34 rue de Neuilly, 92110 Clichy
,
Key people
Giorgio Welter (president)
Cécile Sady (CEO)
Parent
Website www.monello.fr

Monello Productions is a French animation studio founded in September 2013 by Giorgio Welter and Cécile Sady, who lead the company as president and CCO respectively. [18]

Movimenti Production

Movimenti Production
Company type Subsidiary
Industry Animation
Television production
Founded2004;20 years ago (2004)
FoundersGiorgio Scorza
Davide Rosio
Headquarters
Key people
Giorgio Scorza (CEO)
Davide Rosio (CCO)
Parent
  • ForFun Media (2019–2022)
  • Banijay Kids & Family (2022–present)
Website www.banijaykidsandfamily.com

Movimenti Production is an Italian animation studio founded in 2004 by Giorgio Scorza and Davide Rosio, who both lead as CEOs.

Procidis

Procidis is a French animation studio founded in 1962 by Albert Barillé and led by Banijay Kids & Family CEO Benoît Di Sabatino as president and Hélène Barillé as managing director.

Tiger Aspect Kids & Family

Tiger Aspect Kids & Family
Company type Subsidiary
Industry Television production
Founded2002;22 years ago (2002)
Headquarters,
Key people
Tom Beattie (managing director)
Parent
  • Tiger Aspect (2002–2021)
  • Banijay Kids & Family (2021–present)
Website www.banijaykidsandfamily.com

Tiger Aspect Kids & Family is a British television production company founded in 2002 as the animation division of Tiger Aspect. [19] It is currently led by Tom Beattie as Managing Director. [20]

Zodiak Kids & Family France

Zodiak Kids & Family France
Formerly
  • Marathon Productions (1990–2001)
  • Marathon Animation (2001–2007)
  • Marathon Media (2007–2016)
Company type Subsidiary
Industry Animation
Television production
FoundedFebruary 1990;34 years ago (1990-02)
Founders Pascal Breton
Olivier Bremond
Vincent Chalvon-Demersay
David Michel
Headquarters
Key people
Benoît Di Sabatino (CEO)
Parent
  • Marathon Group (2006–2008)
  • Zodiak Media (2008–2011)
  • Banijay Kids & Family (2011–present)
Website www.banijaykidsandfamily.com

Zodiak Kids & Family France (formerly Marathon Productions, Marathon Animation and Marathon Media) is a French animation studio founded in 1990 by Pascal Breton and Olivier Bremond. Vincent Chalvon-Demersay joined the team in 1999 to develop Marathon's animation programming, along with David Michel. [21] It is currently led by Benoît Di Sabatino as CEO. [22]

Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK

Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK
FormerlyThe Foundation (1994–2016)
Company type Subsidiary
Industry Television production
Founded1994;30 years ago (1994)
Headquarters,
Key people
Gwen Hughes (CEO)
Parent
Website www.banijaykidsandfamily.com

Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK (formerly The Foundation) is a British television production company founded in 1994. It is led by Gwen Hughes as CEO. [23]

In August 2006, The Foundation was acquired by RDF Media Group. [24]

Filmography

Related Research Articles

<i>Totally Spies!</i> French teen television series

Totally Spies! is a French anime-influenced animated spy-fi series created by Vincent Chalvon-Demersay and David Michel mainly produced by French company Zodiak Kids & Family France, with seasons three to five being co-produced with Canadian company Image Entertainment Corporation. It focuses on three teenage girls from Beverly Hills, California, who work as undercover agents for the World Organization of Human Protection (WOOHP).

StudioCanal S.A.S., from 2001 until 2011 known as STUDIOCANAL, today from 2011 to present stylized as STUDIOCANAL and also known as StudioCanal International, is a French film production and distribution company. The company is a subsidiary of the Canal+ Group, owned by Vivendi. As of May 2024 the company has 14 production companies in Europe and the US, and holds around 9,000 titles in its extensive film library.

Fremantle Limited, formerly FremantleMedia, is a British multinational television production and distribution company based in London. The company was founded as Pearson Television in 1993 when publishing and education company Pearson acquired the former British ITV franchisee Thames Television. Fremantle takes its name from Fremantle International, which was acquired by predecessor company All American Television in 1994. Pearson Television and Bertelsmann's CLT-UFA merged in 2000 to form the RTL Group, with Pearson Television itself being renamed FremantleMedia on 20 August of the following year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tele Images Productions</span> French animation studio

Tele Images Productions was a French television production company established in 1985 by Simone Harari that produces children's television programs in animation and live-action, with Philippe Alessandri joining in 1998 to spearhead animation production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MoonScoop</span> French animated media company (2003–2014)

The MoonScoop Group was a French television production company and animation company that created and published animated television series. Its corporate headquarters were located in Paris, France, along with offices in the United Kingdom and the United States. It was established in 2003. It is most famously known for Code Lyoko and its open-ended sequel series, Code Lyoko: Evolution.

Nigel Pickard is a British television executive who oversaw the creation and launch of, amongst others, the BBC's children's channels, CBBC and CBeebies and as director of programmes at ITV, was responsible for commissioning some of the UK's most popular shows. He also worked for Zodiak Media, one of the largest independent producers in the world and is currently a Director of Nevision.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Banijay UK Productions</span> TV production company

Banijay UK Productions Limited, trading as Banijay UK, is a British production company. Since 2020, the company has been a subsidiary of Banijay Entertainment. Banijay UK incorporates a number of production brands, including Artists Studio, Darlow Smithson Productions, House of Tomorrow, Initial, Remarkable Entertainment, Tiger Aspect, Tigress Productions, Zeppotron, and their digital divisions: Endemol Games and Endemol Digital Studio.

Procidis is a French animation studio, founded in 1962 by Albert Barillé, which among other things produced the educational series Once Upon a Time.... Its programs are sold in more than 100 countries. The last series launched that was translated into English was "Les Zooriginaux", which was released in 2001 in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The Music (Spanish) and Planet Earth (French) series have not yet been translated into English. In 2024, Banijay Entertainment acquired a majority stake in the studio, integrating it into the Banijay Kids & Family unit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Carrington (television executive)</span> Australian television executive (born 1961)

Michael Andrew Carrington, is an Australian broadcast media executive who is currently Director, Entertainment and Specialist at the ABC based in Sydney, New South Wales. He oversees all national radio, television, and digital services including ABC TV (ABC1), ABC TV Plus (ABC2), ABC Me, ABC Kids plus ABC iview, ABC Listen, ABC Kids Listen, ABC Classic FM, ABC Jazz, ABC Country, and Radio National.

WildBrain Ltd. is a Canadian media, animation studio, production, and brand licensing company, mostly associated as an entertainment company. The company is known for owning the largest independent library of children's television programming, including the assets of acquisitions such as Cookie Jar Group, Epitome Pictures, and Wildbrain Entertainment among others, distribution rights to the Jay Ward Productions and Ragdoll Productions libraries, and a stake in the Peanuts franchise.

Adventure Line Productions, part of Banijay Entertainment, is a French television production company which specialises in creating adventure gameshows and adapting international formats for French television channels such as Survivor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Endemol Shine Group</span> Dutch television production company

Endemol Shine Group B.V. was a Dutch production and distribution company of scripted and non-scripted content, responsible for programmes such as Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, The Money Drop, Fear Factor, MasterChef, Your Face Sounds Familiar, Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror, Humans, Grantchester and Tin Star.

Banijay Entertainment S.A. is a French multinational television production and distribution company which is the world's largest international content producer and distributor with over 130 production companies across 23 territories, and a multi-genre catalogue containing over 185,000 hours of original programming. Headquartered in Paris, the company was founded in January 2008 by Stéphane Courbit, former president of Endemol France, and has risen since its inception, to become a €3.2bn turnover business. It is a subsidiary of Banijay Group N.V., based in Amsterdam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zodiak Media</span> Former French production company

Zodiak Media was a Swedish and later French global independent television group with up to 45 companies covering fiction, entertainment, and animation, spread across 15 countries, including France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, Spain, the Nordic countries, and Russia.

Rekkit Rabbit is a French animated television series created by Vincent Chalvon-Demersay and David Michel. It was produced by Marathon Media in co-production with Disney XD for the first season and Zodiak Kids for the second, in association with TF1. It premiered on March 11, 2011 in France.

Stéphane Courbit is a French businessman in the sector of media and television.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Frank (media executive)</span> British media executive (1958–2021)

David Frank was the CEO of Dial Square 86 and the chairman of The RightsXchange, which is an online marketplace for TV rights. He was the founder of RDF Media and the onetime CEO of Zodiak Media SA. He was also Chairman of Mint Digital, a digital product development studio in London and New York, and Objekt Films, a London-based film and video content creation company.

Leonine Holding GmbH, also known as LEONINE Studios and formerly known Tele München Group, LLC, is a German media production and distribution company that is based in Munich.

Mediawan S.A. is a French media conglomerate and audiovisual international production and distribution group. It was founded on December 15, 2015, by Xavier Niel, Matthieu Pigasse and Pierre-Antoine Capton under the legal form of a special-purpose acquisition company ("SPAC") with the purpose to acquire assets and operations in the media production and distribution business in Europe. Their ambition for the company was to become "one of the largest platforms for European content".

<i>The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti</i> Animated series from Finland and France

The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti is an animated television series created by Anttu Harlin and Joonas Utti that aired on Disney Channel in France from 14 May to 18 December 2022, and released in Finland on Yle Areena from 1 July 2022 to 6 January 2023. The series is a co-production between Gigglebug Entertainment and Zodiak Kids Studio France, with the participation of Disney Channel and YLE for Walt Disney EMEA Productions Limited.

References

  1. James, Alison (September 18, 2005). "Gaul merger is 'Totally' cool". Variety. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  2. Baisley, Sarah (20 September 2005). "Bridgepoint to Merge with Marathon". Animation World Network. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  3. Vivarelli, Nick (23 July 2007). "Italy's De Agostini wins Marathon". Variety .
  4. "De Agostini To Acquire Marathon". Worldscreen. July 24, 2007. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  5. Leffler, Rebecca (28 February 2008). "Marathon takes major stake in KM Prod'n". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  6. Day, Michael (May 26, 2008). "De Agostini sees more in Zodiak". Variety. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  7. Daswasi, Mansha (May 27, 2008). "Italy's De Agostini Makes Offer for Zodiak Television". Worldscreen. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  8. Barraclough, Leo (November 26, 2008). "De Agostini unrevils new look Zodiak". Variety. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  9. Laughlin, Andrew (14 February 2011). "Zodiak Media Group launches Zodiak Kids". DigitalSpy. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  10. Dickson, Jeremy (23 February 2016). "Zodiak and Banijay finalize merger" . Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  11. Whyte, Alexandra (12 September 2018). "The scoop on Zodiak's new CEO". Kidscreen.
  12. Whittingham, Clive (20 April 2021). "Banijay acquires animation outfit Monello". C21 Media.
  13. "Banijay Brands Strengthens Portfolio with Banijay Kids and Family". Banijay. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  14. "Banijay Brands Strengthens Portfolio with Banijay Kids and Family". License Global. 17 November 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  15. Bharanidharan, Sadhana (8 September 2022). "Banijay buys two European kids prodcos". Kidscreen.
  16. "ABC and Télé-Québec Pick Up Shasha & Milo". Banijay Kids & Family. 31 January 2024.
  17. "Banijay Kids & Family Expands Portfolio with Procidis Acquisition". Banijay. 9 September 2024. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  18. "Monello - Home". Monello Productions.
  19. Waller, Ed (24 January 2002). "New toon division for Tiger Aspect". C21 Media.
  20. "Tiger Aspect Kids & Family". Banijay Kids & Family.
  21. Webdale, Jonathan (6 February 2014). "Co-founder Steps Down". C21 Media.
  22. "Zodiak Kids & Family France". Banijay Kids & Family.
  23. "Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK". Banijay Kids & Family.
  24. "RDF buys TV producer Foundation". Variety. August 3, 2006. Retrieved May 30, 2024.