FL Entertainment: Banijay Kids & Family Expands Portfolio with Kindle Entertainment and Movimenti Production
Banijay Kids & Family Expands Portfolio with Kindle Entertainment and Movimenti Production
-Drama and animation acquisitions bolster Banijay’s burgeoning
Kids and Family division–
London, 08 September 2022: 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.
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For further information:
Rachel Hassall, Senior PR Manager @Banijay
T: + 44 (0) 7970606803
About Banijay Kids & Family
A global leader in the children's entertainment industry, Banijay Kids & Family is the dedicated production, distribution, and sales division for children’s programming at Banijay. With a catalogue of over 2,200 hours of content, Banijay Kids & Family partners with leading broadcasters and platforms globally and produces a wide range of animation and live action series, digital content, and entertainment formats for kids and families worldwide.
Banijay Kids & Family is 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- combining to nurture and bring expertise to a broad range of upcoming productions and a catalogue of popular, creative, and successful programming.
With offices in Paris and London, Banijay Kids & Family is led by CEO Benoit Di Sabatino.
About Banijay
Banijay stands as the largest international content producer and distributor; home to over 120 production companies across 22 territories, and a multi-genre catalogue boasting over 130,000 hours of original standout programming.
A collective of creative entrepreneurs, the group represents some of the biggest global brands including Survivor, Big Brother, Peaky Blinders, Temptation Island, MasterChef, Wallander, Rogue Heroes, Mr Bean, The Wall, Hunted, Black Mirror, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Deal or No Deal among others. Imagining and delivering high-quality multi-genre IP that was born locally and travels globally, the business offers the best stories told the best way.
Built on independence, creative freedom, entrepreneurialism and commercial acumen, the company, launched in 2008, operates under the direction of Chief Executive Officer, Marco Bassetti.
About FL Entertainment
Founded by Stéphane Courbit, a 30-year entertainment industry pioneer and entrepreneur, FL Entertainment Group is a global leader in multimedia content and gambling, combining the strengths of Banijay, the world’s largest independent producer distributor, with Betclic Everest Group, the fastest-growing online sports betting platform in Europe. In 2021, FL Entertainment recorded through Banijay and Betclic Everest Group, a combined revenue, and Adjusted EBITDA, of €3.5 billion and €609 million respectively. FL Entertainment listed on Euronext Amsterdam in July 2022.
ISIN: NL0015000X07 - Bloomberg: FLE NA - Reuters: FLE.AS
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