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.”
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