SEÑAL NEWS KIDS 240 | MIPJR 2025

ANIME

29%

JAPAN HAS BECOME THE LEADING NONUS FRANCHISE CONTRIBUTOR TO NETFLIX’S NORTH AMERICAN CATALOG, ACCORDING TO NEW DATA FROM AMPERE ANALYSIS.

1

NETFLIX REPORTED OVER 1 BILLION VIEWS FOR ANIME CONTENT IN 2024 ALONE.

39% OF NORTH AMERICAN VIEWERS AGED 18–34 ENJOY ANIME, A KEY FOR NETFLIX’S AD-TIER.

The surge in Japanese content consumption is part of a broader strategic pivot by Netflix, which now invests over 50% of its total content spend outside North America. This shift highlights the growing influence of Japanese content, particularly anime and dramas.

LION FORGE ENTERTAINMENT PLACES “IYANU” IN AUSTRALIA

Lion Forge Entertainment sealed a multi-season distribution deal with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to bring the animated series “Iyanu” to Australian audiences. ABC has acquired exclusive free-to-air television rights, free streaming rights, and premiere rights. Season one debuted on ABC iview on September 26, while it is also broadcast on ABC Entertains, on weekdays from September 29, with second season planned for 2026. •

NEW BRAND ORGANIZATION FOR MATTEL

Mattel announced a new brand organization leadership team to enhance global brand management strategy and accelerate the growth of its entertainment business. Roberto Stanichi has been promoted to the newly created position of Executive Vice President and Chief Global Brand Officer to lead Mattel’s global brand organization. Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, departed the company following a period of transition. •

BBC STUDIOS EXPANDS “BLUEY” FOOTPRINT IN AFRICA WITH LOCAL VERSIONS

BBC Studios announced the localization of its globally acclaimed animated children’s series “Bluey” into four major African languages; Zulu, Afrikaans, Swahili, and Nigerian Pidgin. Revealed during FAME Week Africa, the move marks a major strategic step to expand the series’ reach and cultural resonance across the continent. The new dubs of “Bluey” aim to connect more deeply with African audiences by reflecting their linguistic diversity. Produced by Ludo Studio and created by Joe Brumm, “Bluey” is already available in over 140 countries. •

ÁNIMA KITCHENT AND MOCCA STUDIO CLOSED DEAL IN CHINA FOR “TIPPI T-REX”

Ánima Kitchent and Indonesian animation studio Mocca Studio expand the global footprint of the preschool animated series “Tippi T-Rex,” with a major distribution deal for the Chinese market. The series gathered strong interest in China, acquired by 24 Bridges, in a deal brokered by GoldBee. Through a four-year collaboration that will enhance the IP’s reach in Asia, the deal with 24 Bridges includes 52x5’ exclusive episodes of the 2D series, together with 4 songs and 14 short episodes of approximately 3.5 minutes each. •

MEDIATOON DISTRIBUTION EXPANDS ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH ANKAMA ANIMATIONS

Mediatoon Distribution announced an expansion of its partnership with Ankama Animations by acquiring international sales rights for the upcoming animated series “Montclair & The Mechanical Mysteries.” The deal marks a strategic move for both companies as they deepen ties to strengthen their respective global distribution footprints. Currently in production and slated for delivery in spring 2026, “Montclair & The Mechanical Mysteries” will have 26 episodes of 22 minutes and targets kids aged 6 to 9. It was commissioned by France Télévisions and secured a presale with TV5Monde. •

XILAM ANIMATION CLOSED NEW BROADCAST DEALS FOR “PIGGY BUILDERS”

French animation studio Xilam Animation secured a raft of broadcast pre-sales for its CG preschool proprietary series, “Piggy Builders”. Originally commissioned by BBC (UK), France Télévisions (France) and ZDF (Germany), the 52x11’ series was acquired by VRT Ketnet (Flemish Belgium), Téléquebec (French Canada), YLE (Finland), Warner Bros. Discovery (Italy), RTS (Switzerland) and SVT (Sweden). In addition, France TV Distribution has been appointed as the licensing agent for “Piggy Builders” in France, Belgium and Switzerland. •

RAI ACQUIRED SERIOUS KIDS’ “RONJA, THE ROBBER’S DAUGHTER”

Italy’s RAI acquired the broadcast rights to “Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter” from UK distributor Serious Kids, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Studio Ghibli. The series will air on RAI Gulp and RAI Play this autumn. The property is based on the 1981 novel “Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter” by Astrid Lindgren. RAI has also acquired two specials: “The Ghastly Ghoul” (Dreamlogic/Lupus Films for Sky Kids and Kika) and “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” (Lupus Films/Walker Books for Channel 4), as well as the two-hour movie edit of “Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter” for its holiday programming. •

MADGIC DISTRIBUTION, INTEGRATING THE CREATIVE AND COMMERCIAL SIDES OF THE BUSINESS

F

LIONEL MARTY, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MADGIC

DISTRIBUTION,

DETAILS

THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, WHICH HAS JOINED FORCES WITH TWO MINUTES PRODUCTION, CREATING THE PERFECT PARTNER FOR BROADCASTERS AND PLATFORMS.

ollowing its rebranding from APC Kids, Madgic Distribution has entered a new phase of growth, leveraging the synergy between production and distribution to offer a 360° service for kids and family entertainment industry. Speaking with Señal News, Lionel Marty, Managing Director, explains that the company's transformation allows it to integrate the creative and commercial sides of the business thoroughly. "We're able to deliver whatever the broadcaster or the platform would need," he stated.

Madgic Distribution combines its distribution expertise with the animation capabilities of Two Minutes Studio, which operates 2D and 3D studios in Angoulême, La Réunion, and China. This integration enables Madgic to provide end-to-end services, from development and production to financing and global distribution, creating a strong competitive edge. The benefits of this synergy are already evident in current productions. "Mogu & Perol", a project introduced at Cartoon Forum two years ago, is set to begin production by the end of

the year thanks to the support of the integrated international studios. Moreover, discussions with international producers have opened the door to co-productions in France, extending the company's creative reach while strengthening its distribution network.

Madgic's diverse slate ensures there is content for every need. Marty emphasizes the company's commitment to variety: "We try to work as a broadcaster. From preschool, there's more educational content, more comedy, more drama, and fiction as well. The goal is to be able to deliver whatever the broadcaster or the platform would need." The catalog includes strong performers such as "Isadora Moon," with proven success across Latin America, North America, Hong Kong, and Europe. A new series, "Emerald," launches alongside the second season of "Isadora

Moon," extending the brand and reinforcing its international recognition.

Other highlights include "Jade Armor" second season, which continues the success of its first season, produced by TeamTO for France Télévisions and Super RTL in Germany, and has been recognized as one of the most broadcasted French animated series in recent months. Live-action offerings are also expanding, with "Show Kids," a sixpart series produced by Deadpan Pictures in Ireland for RTE, and the seasonal favorite "Walter's Christmas," now entering its second season following a strong performance last year. Meanwhile, "HighHoops" has continued to succeed on BBC, TVO (Canada), and ABC (Australia), with new episodes planned for the coming year.

Marty also highlighted Madgic's 360° approach to IPs, including merchandising, mobile games, and publishing. "Our strategy is very traditional but effective: first establish a strong awareness, then launch in the market at the right time," he explained, as he also stated, for kids and preschool content, building a trusted relationship with parents is key, as their support ensures the success of ancillary products.

By Romina Rodriguez

FROM SLAPSTICK HITMAKER TO GLOBAL

STORY-HOUSE

BLENDING CREATIVE VISION WITH FRANCHISE-BUILDING, HARI IS EXPANDING BEYOND INDIVIDUAL SHOWS INTO A STORY-HOUSE MODEL, WHERE BRANDS LIKE "GRIZZY & THE LEMMINGS," "MYSTERY LANE," AND "THE WEASY FAMILY" EVOLVE INTO LONG-LASTING UNIVERSES THAT SPAN GENERATIONS.

From Paris to the world, Hari has built one of today's most distinctive voices in family animation, and it's now evolving into a full storyhouse. Known worldwide for its smash-hit comedy "Grizzy & the Lemmings," the studio creates not just individual series, but long-lasting universes that evolve across platforms, formats, and categories.

With over 1.6 billion YouTube views annually, a Top 5 ranking among kids' shows on Netflix (ages 6+), and consistent topthree ratings across Europe's major broadcasters, "Grizzy & the Lemmings" has cemented its place as one of the most successful global kids' properties today. The brand is accelerating into full 360° franchise mode, and Hari recently appointed new licensing agents —Active Merchandising (Germany), License Connection (Benelux), El Ocho (Spain & Portugal), and LIT Licensing (Nordics) — who join Retail Monster (USA, UK, Canada) to form a best-in-class international network. Together, they're tasked with carrying the brand's signature humor and energy into homes

worldwide, spanning publishing, toys, apparel, food, and beyond. Momentum is already strong, with partners such as KFC (QSR), Hachette (publishing), Fashion UK (Primark apparel), Hatier (extracurricular books), Coraya (food), Ludistri, and Savana/ Blackrock Games (board games). The program was recently recognized with the Special Jury Award at the 2025 Licensing Awards for its inventive UHU collaboration.

On screen, "Grizzy & the Lemmings" amplifies the chaos while staying true to the show's trademark humor. The fourth season is currently airing worldwide and will make its Netflix debut in early 2026. Looking ahead, a fifth season, "Grizzy & the Lemmings: Time Travel," is already greenlit, transporting the slapstick comedy into brandnew environments, including the Jurassic era of the dinosaurs. At the same time, the universe is expanding for younger audiences with "Baby Lemmings," a preschool spin-off premiering in 2026 across more than 150 countries. The series reinvents slapstick comedy for younger viewers with a gentle twist, welcoming children into the Grizzy universe from the very start of their viewing journey.

EXPANDING STORY-HOUSE

While Grizzy leads the charge, Hari's broader portfolio is also gaining traction. "Mystery Lane," a detective adventure comedy à la Scooby-Doo meets Sherlock Holmes set in London, is now in production on its second season following a breakout European debut. Dubbed in 18 languages, it already has publishing deals in place and new conversations underway in key territories.

At the same time, "The Weasy Family" is being rolled out across major European broadcasters, including France Télévisions, BBC, and Super RTL. Positioned as the first "slapstick with heart," the show brings to life a wonderfully chaotic yet deeply loving family, pairing Hari's trademark visual comedy with a warm, character-driven core. Highly relatable in its portrayal of family dynamics, while also laughout-loud funny, the result reflects the studio's evolving editorial DNA. "For us, every extension, whether it's a new format, a platform, or a licensing product, is another way for our stories to grow and connect with families beyond the screen. It's about nurturing that bond and building long-lasting connections with families worldwide, as our universe continues to thrive across generations," explained Sophie Prigent, Hari's Director of Strategic Partnerships & Financing. That vision is driving Hari's growth across both content and consumer touchpoints. Alongside its strong TV presence, the studio is building momentum in licensing, accelerating on YouTube and FAST channels, and advancing in film, games, and digital spaces.

By Romina Rodríguez

DAN EXPANDING PIPELINE, WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON PRESCHOOL PROJECTS

GENNARINO ROMANO, INTERNATIONAL SALES & HEAD OF ACQUISITIONS AT DANDELOOO, DISCUSSES THE COMPANY'S LATEST PRODUCTIONS, ITS STRATEGY OF ADAPTING BOOK-BASED IPS, AND NEW GROWTH PROSPECTS IN EMERGING MARKETS.

andelooo is bringing three animated projects to the international market: the brand-new production "Max and Bunny," the second season of "Billy the Cowboy Hamster," and the new preschool project "Hold on Gaston!". "This is our current production pipeline, so we are putting much focus on it," said Gennarino Romano, International Sales & Head of Acquisitions, in conversation with Señal News. Currently in production, "Max and Bunny" is a preschool series directed by Clément Céard. It focuses on self-discovery, understanding emotions, and the value of friendship. "We are very proud of it," Romano said.

Dandelooo is also producing the second season of "Billy the Cowboy Hamster" with France Télévisions, following the massive success of the first season, which was sold to numerous broadcasters across Europe. "It will be completed by

2027," Romano noted. Finally, "Hold on Gaston!" is a preschool show about Gaston, a unicorn whose hair transforms according to his emotions. "It's the first time we are co-producing with TFOU," Romano highlighted.

The new lineup was showcased at Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Le Havre and will also be part of Mip Junior, where "Max and Bunny" will premiere its first episode. "We're looking for broadcasters and trying to get as many channels on board as possible. The same goes for the second season of Billy, where we are actively seeking both presales and sales," Romano explained.

Dandeloo is also featuring three new acquisitions, produced in Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Rio: "Under the Sofa," "Pol the Pirate Mouse," and "Tuiga." To expand its global lineup, the company has recently appointed Andrea Parra as International Sales Executive for Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. "I'm thrilled to join the Dandelooo team and excited to contribute to our international Distribution," Parra said.

Looking ahead, Dandelooo is also developing "A Day with the Dogs," an upper-preschool comedy series about nine dogs living together in a big house, who must learn how to understand one another. "We are looking for co-production and financing partners for that project," Romano confirmed.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Many of Dandelooo's IPs are based on books, such as "Max and Bunny," "Hold on Gaston!," and "Pompon Little Bear". "It helps a lot to have an IP with a strong background already, as well as all the merchandising around it," Romano explained. The more you build around the IP, the better it is for the property itself and for sales," he added.

According to the latest CNC and Unifrance exports report, animation revenues declined again in 2024, totaling €46.1 million, a -9.9% compared to 2023. The genre has suffered from buyers' reluctance to take risks on new projects and from a rationalization of investments. A significant drop in sales to North America primarily drove this downturn. "It's a situation we definitely feel within the distribution team, we're closing fewer sales than a few years ago," Romano admitted. "On the other hand, demand in Central and Eastern Europe is increasing, and channels there are still actively looking for content. There's enormous potential in those territories, and it represents a major opportunity for us," he concluded.

By Romina Rodriguez

ESSENTIAL BRANDS FOR GLOBAL YOUNG FAMILIES

NICOLAS EGLAU, MANAGING DIRECTOR EMEA,

APAC & GLOBAL

DISTRIBUTION AT MOONBUG, HIGHLIGHTS HOW BRANDS LIKE "COCOMELON" AND "BLIPPI" ARE EXPANDING GLOBALLY WITH SAFE, JOYFUL CONTENT, AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS.

With trusted brands like "CoComelon" and "Blippi," Moonbug is building safe, joyful, and globally resonant content that fits seamlessly into family life, from 24/7 channels and brand campaigns to new formats and global partnerships. In kids and family entertainment, the objective measure of success is whether stories and characters enrich everyday life. Moonbug's brands continue to do that, keeping families engaged in thoughtful and entertaining ways that spark joy and support development. "With nearly 100 countries now carrying our 24/7 channels, and fresh brand extensions that speak directly to parents, 'CoComelon,' 'Blippi,' and our wider IP slate are delivering what families and platforms value most: safe, enriching content that fits seamlessly into daily routines," said Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director EMEA, APAC & Global Distribution at Moonbug.

The company's linear channels are growing rapidly across APAC, LATAM, and EMEA, enabling its partners to connect with young families. "Recent launches on Fetch in Australia and Total Play in Mexico highlight our accelerating expansion. Both the Moonbug Channel and Blippi & Friends Channel showcase our most successful IPs, including 'CoComelon,' 'Blippi,' 'Little Angel,' and 'Oddbods,' which are programmed around daily routines

such as mealtimes, playtime, and bedtime. For parents, this creates a trusted destination. For buyers, it means reliable, sticky viewership across markets where family loyalty drives platform relevance," Eglau explained.

This year marked CoComelon's first brand campaign, "CoComelon Can Help," which spotlighted how the franchise supports parents in real-life moments, such as brushing teeth, eating vegetables, or winding down for bed. "The message is clear: 'CoComelon' is more than entertainment; it is a parenting ally. That same spirit extended to the 'Gotta Go Tour,' which turned potty training into a shared, celebratory milestone for families. These initiatives show how 'CoComelon' continues to resonate beyond the screen, embedding itself in everyday family life," Eglau said.

"CoComelon" also launched a new live-action educational series, "The Melon Patch," on YouTube. With engaging new characters and interactive lessons, the show combines the familiarity of 'CoComelon' with a fresh format that enhances learning and fosters long-term engagement. "It marks the next stage of evolution for a brand that has already become a cultural staple for families around the world," Eglau added.

Moreover, Blippi's newest adventure, "Blippi: The Ultimate Road Trip," premiered last summer on YouTube as a celebrity-packed

series that brings his trademark curiosity to life in unexpected places. Designed to showcase how exploration can be fun, surprising, and educational, the series strengthens Blippi's position as a global guide for discovery. In parallel, the "Be Like Blippi" campaign celebrated the same ethos by encouraging kids to see the world with curiosity, supported by live road trip activations in New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville. "Together, these initiatives demonstrate how Blippi continues to evolve, offering fresh content and new touchpoints for families worldwide," commented Eglau.

GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS

"CoComelon" partnership with Sanrio unites beloved characters like Hello Kitty with JJ and friends. Slated for release in 2026, the collaboration blends two powerhouse fandoms, expanding reach and creating exciting new opportunities for buyers to tap into established, multi-demographic appeal. "For broadcasters and platforms, the takeaway is clear. Families want content that is joyful, safe, and enriching. With Moonbug's channels, CoComelon's parent-focused campaigns, Blippi's expanding universe, and global partnerships that create new cultural connections, our brands deliver consistent engagement, proven safety, and global resonance," Eglau affirmed. "The result is a rare combination: trusted IP, built-in fandom, and formats designed to fit the rhythms of family life. That is why, whether you are refreshing your kids' slate or building a family hub, Moonbug's brands are not just reliable choices. They are essential," he concluded.

By Romina Rodriguez

DIVERSITY, EMOTION, AND STRONG BRANDS

WITH THE LAUNCH OF “LOUCA,” “MORTINA,” AND “GIFTED,” STUDIO 100 INTERNATIONAL COMMITS TO STRONG BRANDS AND UNIVERSAL STORYTELLING, OFFERING PARTNERS COMPELLING OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE THE NEXT GENERATION OF VIEWERS.

At this year’s Mipcom, Studio 100 International unveils a line-up that perfectly reflects the company’s DNA: high-quality kids’ and family entertainment with global appeal. With three standout productions, “Louca,” “Mortina,” and the live-action series “Gifted,” the distributor highlights storytelling that blends humor, action, and heartfelt themes to inspire young audiences around the world.

Adapted from Bruno Dequier’s best-selling French comic series, “Louca” is produced by French Media Valley and Belvision from Belgium and transforms a beloved publishing success into a vibrant animated series. It is a comedy that seamlessly blends humor, heart, and the complexities of high school life. While football brings kinetic energy and frames the narrative, the series transcends sport, exploring themes of resilience, friendship, and finding the courage to believe in yourself and push beyond limits. With diverse characters, strong female roles, and values that transcend borders, "Louca" appeals equally to boys and girls, reflecting

the world young audiences live in and connecting with them through relatable characters and compellingly comedic stories, thus offering broadcasters and licensees a fresh, inclusive, and aspirational property. Bruno Dequier, who created the comic book series, has been closely involved with the series adaptation, having developed the graphic bible. That ensures that the storytelling remains faithful to the original comics while appealing to new audiences across different markets.

The series is set to premiere shortly after the 2026 World Cup, providing the perfect launch platform for additional extensions across publishing, licensed products, and more.

Furthermore, based on Barbara Cantini’s internationally successful book series, with over 500,000 copies sold in 30 countries, “Mortina,” produced by Italy’s Cartobaleno and Ireland’s Treehouse Republic, brings quirky charm and spooky fun to screens worldwide. The 2D/ CG series follows Mortina, a notso-typical young zombie, who

solves eccentric mysteries in her crumbling family manor along with her odd crew—the Mystery Squad. Mixing gothic comedy with heartfelt themes of diversity, acceptance, and friendship, Mortina speaks directly to kids while offering cross-generational appeal. Each episode also focuses on the characters’ emotions, providing plenty of relevance to the target audience.

Finally, launching on CBBC this fall, “Gifted” expands Studio 100 International’s portfolio into high-end live action. The series is targeted at ages 8–14 and was produced by the UK’s Black Camel Pictures, France’s Media Valley, and Germany’s NDR/ARD. "Gifted" blends supernatural adventure with relatable coming-of-age themes, developed by BAFTAnominated writer Emma Reeves (The Worst Witch) and directed by Matthias Hoene (Theodosia). With over 3,000 kids auditioning, it is one of the BBC’s largest Scottish productions to date and sets a bold benchmark for European live action. The cast includes Dominic McLaughlin, recently announced as the new Harry Potter in the upcoming series, further underscoring the project’s strong international profile. Funny, fast-paced, and thrilling, “Gifted” delivers the kind of smart, cinematic storytelling today’s young audiences expect.

By Diego Alfagemez

ANNECY MIFA 2025

"'THE SCARECROWS' WEDDING' IS A COMPLETELY NEW STORY WITH ORIGINAL CHARACTERS"

MAGIC LIGHT PICTURES IS FEATURING ITS 13 TH CHRISTMAS SPECIAL FOR THE BBC, AND THE FILM'S PRODUCER, BARNEY GOODLAND, HIGHLIGHTS THE CREATIVE JOURNEY BEHIND THE NEW ADAPTATION OF JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER'S BOOK.

Early this year, BBC and Magic Light Pictures announced the production of "The Scarecrows' Wedding." The film is the 13th animated adaptation by Magic Light based on the work of the UK's number one selling picture book creators, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The special will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Christmas 2025, and Barney Goodland, producer of The Magic Light Pictures, shares insights into the making of the special, from the creative choices and innovative animation techniques to the universal themes that resonate with audiences year after year.

Given the successful history of your past adaptations, what new elements or creative approaches are you introducing in "The Scarecrows' Wedding"?

"'The Scarecrows' Wedding' is a completely new story with original characters. At Magic Light, we take a look at every project individually, focusing on storytelling and finding the right techniques to tell that story by giving the crew creative freedom. We want the audience to feel like they're stepping into the book they cherish and leave them

feeling a warm connection with the characters. That's the challenge, and it's one we love!"

The cast features notable talents such as Rob Brydon, Jessie Buckley, Domhnall Gleeson, and Sophie Okonedo. What qualities did each bring to their characters that made them perfect choices for this adaptation?

"Jessie brought great positivity, charm, and a strength of character to Betty that was perfect. Domhnall is great as Harry, playing him as an innocent, honest, and caring individual. Jessie and Domnhall, as Betty and Harry, make a perfect couple for the story to revolve around. Rob's performance as Reginald is incredibly, but he's delved further into the character to make Reg a self-obsessed, unpredictable, and ultimately cowardly villain. Sophie's narration is gorgeous and helps lead and connect us to the story. Her voice has beautiful warmth and reassurance and tells the story wonderfully."

Magic Light is known for its high animation standards. Did you feature any new artistic elements for 'The Scarecrows' Wedding'?

"The whole team has done a brilliant job with this film. In

terms of animation, the way the Scarecrows have been brought to life is incredible. We've worked really hard to make them move and behave as Scarecrows who have come to life, rather than Scarecrows who move like humans. That means they're stiff and creaky when first waking up and unfreezing, and their joints are only in the places an actual Scarecrow has them, which affects their movement. They also interact with the world around them, as we might expect Scarecrows to. Hopefully, this makes watching the film a special experience, and the audience cherishes the moments these charming characters come to life."

Given the recurring themes of loyalty, love, and community in your specials, how does 'The Scarecrows' Wedding' continue or evolve that narrative tradition?

"The theme that stands out to me from our adaptation of 'The Scarecrows' Wedding' is the celebration of the joy of relationships and how good they can make us feel. Children's understanding and relationships to the concept of love differ from those of adults, and we've kept that in mind throughout the making of this film. I hope that when audiences watch the film, they'll recognise aspects of Betty and Harry's relationship, and it'll remind them of how special it is to spend time with the people we care about – especially when watching at such a special time of year for many."

"The

By Romina Rodriguez