Banijay Kids & Family confirmed it has acquired Italian production company and animation-focused creative hub, Movimenti Production, as well as U.K. live-action drama specialists Kindle Entertainment. Banijay Kids & Family’s growing international division is now home to six production labels across France, the U.K. and Italy, alongside its distribution, marketing and licencing arm, Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution.
Established in 2004 with bases in Milan, Florence and Rome, Movimenti Production has created and produced 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. In 2019, the business teamed up with 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 preschool and kids’ animation partner, with high-quality standards, in both the Italian and international markets.
“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,” said Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO, Banijay Kids & Family. “I look forward to working with such passionate and creative producers as Melanie [Stokes], Anne [Brogan], Giorgio, Davide and their incredibly talented teams, as we embark on the next phase of our journey. From preschoolers 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 commented, “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.”
Led by 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 U.K., Monello Productions, Tiger Aspect Kids & Family and, now, Movimenti Production and Kindle Entertainment, notable credits include Lilybuds, Little Princess, Lolirock, Horrid Henry, Max and Maestro, Marblegen, Mr Bean, Mumfie, Totally Spies! and Yellow Yeti.
“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,” said Movimenti’s Scorza and Rosio. “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.”
