Banijay Kids & Family has acquired French production company Procidis, creator of the edutaining saga Once Upon a Time… and its umbrella brand, Hello Maestro.
Banijay Kids & Family is part of the super-indie group Banijay and is behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series. The Procidis acquisition marks the first time an edutainment focused producer has joined the group.
Procidis was established in 1962 by the late Albert Barillé, and since 2009 has been led by Hélène Barillé as President, who will remain as Managing Director of Procidis following the acquisition. Banijay Kids & Family, led by Benoît Di Sabatino, takes on the role of President of Procidis.
Procidis’ Hello Maestro incorporates all seasons of its multi-series saga, Once Upon a Time…, which has been translated into 80 languages, and broadcast in more than 100 countries. A new 78 x 7’ season, Once Upon a Time… The Objects, launched this year, co- produced by Procidis and Samka, in association with France Télévisions and HOT, with the participation of RTS and TV5Monde. Procidis also operates a substantial licensing programme for Hello Maestro, across multiple categories including games, audio, experiential, promotion and publishing, selling in more than 200m books.
Banijay Kids & Family’s portfolio of seven production labels spans France, Italy and the UK, and houses Banijay Kids & Family Distribution, alongside its marketing, digital and licensing divisions.
Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO of Banijay Kids & Family, said: “Procidis has been a leader in the educational entertainment market for more than 40 years, and as a huge fan of its work, it’s an honour to welcome the team to the group. Procidis and Hello Maestro have unique identities which perfectly complement our existing labels and brands.”
Channel 5 rebrands linear and streaming platforms
The UK’s Channel 5 and My5 have relaunched as 5, uniting the broadcaster’s linear and streaming platforms under one brand.
BBC leads nominations for RTS Programme Awards 2025
The Royal Television Society (RTS) has revealed the nominations for its Programme Awards 2025, which take place on March 25 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Comcast agrees $3bn Olympics rights and technology deal
Comcast NBC Universal has agreed a $3bn deal that will keep its NBC network and streaming platform Peacock as the US homes of the Olympic Games through 2036.
BBC secures TV rights for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland international football
The BBC has agreed an exclusive deal to broadcast Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland men’s international football matches in the run-up to the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
Shadowbox Studios hires Mike Mosallam as Chief Operating Officer
Global studio operator Shadowbox Studios, the owner of Atlanta’s Shadowbox Studios in the US and Shinfield Studios in the UK, has appointed Mike Mosallam as its first Chief Operating Officer.
