SEÑAL NEWS KIDS 235 | CARTOONS ON THE BAY & ANNECY MIFA 2025
DANDELOOO FOCUSES ON RESONANT CONTENT
HARI SHAPES A NEW EXPANSION STRATEGY
CARTOONS ON THE BAY & ANNECY MIFA 2025
1
SOUTH KOREA ANNOUNCED A $1 BILLION INVESTMENT TO ACCELERATE THE GROWTH OF ITS ANIMATION INDUSTRY, POSITIONING THE COUNTRY AS A GLOBAL CONTENT POWERHOUSE.
5 YEARS
UP
THE KOREAN ANIMATION INDUSTRY HAS SEEN STEADY GROWTH IN RECENT YEARS.
GLOBAL
THIS INVESTMENT AIMS TO BOOST DOMESTIC PRODUCTION AND ATTRACT FOREIGN DEALS.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism unveiled the initiative as part of a broader strategy to expand Korea’s influence in global media by supporting high-quality animation, webtoons, and TV-first formats. This substantial commitment will be deployed over the next five years.
FOLIVARI CONFIRMS “NINO DINO” PRODUCTION
Folivari confirmed the production of “Nino Dino”, an original preschool CGanimated series co-produced with Belgian Academy
Award- Winner studio Take Five (Flow). This milestone follows the confirmation of France Télévisions as the series' commissioning broadcaster and VRT as coproducing broadcaster. Aimed at children aged 3 to 6, “Nino Dino” is based on the successful children’s book series of the same name, originally published in France by Les Éditions Milan. •
WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY TO REBRAND MAX
At the Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront presentation in New York, it was announced that Max, the company’s streaming platform, will be rebranded as HBO Max this summer. WBD’s streaming business has incredible momentum, turning around its profitability by almost $3 billion in just two years and scaling globally with 22 million subscribers added over the past year, with a clear path to over 150 million by the end of 2026. •
SERIOUS KIDS CLOSED A DEAL WITH GERMANY’S ZDF FOR “TEAM NUGGETS”
Serious Kids has finalized a broadcast deal with ZDF in Germany for “Team Nuggets” first season. Targeted at 5–8-year-olds, the gender-neutral comedy series will air on Kika this year. The company also recently announced a deal with RTVE in Spain, where the series will air this spring, and it is currently airing on DR, Canal+ France, Czech TV, RTV Slovenia, RTBF, and RTS. Commissioned by DR from Sparre Production and coproduced with Godo Films for Canal+ France, the 52 x 7’ animated series “Team Nuggets” completed production in 2023 and went on to win the Pulcinella Award for Best Animation for Upper Pre-School audiences. •
GAUMONT UNVEILS VOICE
CAST FOR “HIGH IN THE CLOUDS”
Gaumont has unveiled the all-star voice cast for “High in the Clouds,” a 3D animated film inspired by the children’s adventure book by Paul McCartney, Geoff Dunbar, and Philip Ardagh. Himesh Patel leads the cast as the main character, Wirral, joined by Céline Dion as Sugartail, Hannah Waddingham as Gretsch, and Paul McCartney himself as McKenzie. Idris Elba voices Barrel, Lionel Richie plays Gladstone, and Ringo Starr appears as Roy. The ensemble also features Jimmy Fallon as Froggo, Clémence Poésy as Doris, Pom Klementieff as Mina, and Alain Chabat as Bigsby. •
STUDIO 100’S “HEIDI – RESCUE OF THE LYNX” SECURES WIDE INTERNATIONAL
SALES
Studio 100 Film has secured multiple international deals for “Heidi – Rescue of the Lynx.” The new CGI-animated feature has been sold to France (Apollo Films), The Baltics (ACME Film), Poland (Kino Świat), Portugal (NOS Lusomundo Audiovisuais), Italy (Adler Entertainment),
UK (Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment), Hungary, Moldova, and Romania (ADS Service), former Yugoslavia (Blitz), Czech Republic and Slovakia (Bohemia Motion Pictures), Ukraine (Green Light Films), Turkey (Beşiktaş Kültür Merkezi), Greece (Zinos Panagiotidis), Israel (FilmHouse), and Iceland (Myndfor). •
MOONBUG’S BLIPPI AND DISNEY JOIN FORCES IN AN FIRST-EVER COLLABORATION
For the first time ever, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Blippi are collaborating to bring viewers an exciting 45-minute special, plus a new collection of episodes on YouTube. Blippi and Meekah are setting off on an unforgettable journey at Walt Disney World. They’ll meet up with friends like Mickey Mouse and ride incredible attractions, look for clues, complete challenge quests, and even set sail aboard the Disney Wish. Over the past year, the teams worked closely together to ensure an organic feel as Blippi and Meekah immerse themselves in the unique Disney stories across the four parks at Walt Disney World and aboard Disney Cruise Line. •
AMAZON KIDS+ TO LAUNCH BOAT ROCKER´S “DINO RANCH: ISLAND EXPLORERS”
Boat Rocker confirmed that Amazon Kids+ will stream “Dino Ranch: Island Explorers,” a spin-off of the hit preschool animated series “Dino Ranch.” The series will release on Amazon Kids+ in the U.S., UK, Canada, Japan, and Germany in 2026. With CBC/Radio-Canada and Warner Bros. Discovery already on board as broadcast partners, the series will also air on CBC, CBC Gem, CBC Kids YouTube, ICI TÉLÉ, ICI TOU.TV, Radio-Canada.ca in Canada, Warner Bros. Discovery’s Cartoonito across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in 2026. •
"DANDELOOO'S
VISION CENTRES ON ARTISTICALLY DISTINCTIVE AND EMOTIONALLY RESONANT CONTENT"
HYEO JIN MOON, INTERNATIONAL SALES & ACQUISITIONS MANAGER AT DANDELOOO, EXPLAINS THE GLOBAL APPEAL OF "JASMINE & JAMBO" AND DESCRIBES THE NEW IP "UNDER THE SOFA."
Known for its visually rich, emotionally intelligent, and thoughtfully curated children's programming, Dandelooo continues strengthening its position as a leading player in the international animation landscape. Hyeo Jin Moon, International Sales & Acquisitions Manager at Dandelooo, shares insights into the ongoing success of "Jasmine & Jambo," introduces the world of "Under the Sofa," and reveals what's next for "Billy the Cowboy Hamster" and "Pompon Little Bear."
"Jasmine & Jambo" has been nominated for the third time at the Quirino Awards and has already won twice. What do you think has contributed to the continued success and recognition of the series?
"'Jasmine & Jambo' stands out thanks to its unique blend of music education, humor, and heart. The series introduces children to the world of musical instruments and sounds in an engaging and visually playful way. Its success at the Quirino Awards reflects its artistic and educational value and the incredible talent of Teidees' creative team behind it. The show resonates with kids and adults, and we're proud that its originality and charm continue to be recognized by international juries."
Dandelooo is now distributing "Under the Sofa". What is the concept and creative team behind this new title?
"'Under the Sofa' is a wildly imaginative and hilarious comedy series produced by the brilliant Teidees' team, the same creative minds behind 'Jasmine & Jambo.' The humor is sharp, quirky, and full of unexpected twists, perfect for a slightly older audience that appreciates offbeat, character-driven comedy. Visually, the series stands out for its unique blend of 2D and 3D animation, combining the charm and texture of hand-drawn design
with the dynamism and depth of 3D. It's a visually rich and rhythmically fast-paced show."
Another project is the second season of "Billy the Cowboy Hamster." How is the new season expanding Billy and his friends' universe?
"This season builds on the adventurous spirit and core values that made the first season so beloved: kindness, courage, and friendship. We're introducing a variety of fresh environments and exciting new characters, adding greater depth to Billy's world. These additions allow us to explore more complex emotional journeys while delivering fun, accessible stories of gentle humor. The animation continues to be a highlight, with beautifully crafted visuals that immerse young audiences. Additionally, we released 'Billy the Cowboy Hamster: The Movie' in French theaters last September, and it was a major success. The film enjoyed an impressive seven-month run, setting a record for its category. Beyond the box office success, the movie played a key role in solidifying 'Billy the Cowboy Hamster' as a beloved brand, building a passionate fandom of children and families who have connected deeply with its humor, heart, and universal values."
You also have "Pompon Little Bear" third season coming up. What can global buyers expect?
"'Pompon Little Bear' has always been a fan favorite, beloved for its warm storytelling and relatable themes. This season celebrates curiosity and emotional intelligence in a way that's both accessible and deeply enjoyable for young audiences."
How do these titles reflect Dandelooo’s editorial line and commitment to high-quality children’s content?
"At Dandelooo, our editorial vision centers on producing and distributing artistically distinctive, emotionally resonant, and developmentally meaningful content. Each series reflects our commitment to storytelling that nurtures imagination, empathy, and creativity. We take great pride in collaborating with passionate creators who share our belief that children's content should be both beautiful and meaningful."
By Romina Rodriguez
Hyeo Jin Moon
"SHOOTING STARS": A PERFECT MIX OF SPORTS WITH HILARIOUS, HIGH-ENERGY SCI-FI
ANIMOTION MEDIA GROUP WILL GLOBALLY PREMIERE ITS GIRL-FIRST ANIMATED ADVENTURE COMEDY "SHOOTING STARS" AT MIFA, AIMING TO ENCOURAGE GIRLS AGED 6-10.
Animotion Media Group is heading to the Annecy Animation Festival with a great new IP, "Shooting Stars." This girl-first animated adventure comedy fuses sports action with hilarious, high-energy sci-fi and promises to stand out, delivering explosive fun, rich characters, and timely messages for girls aged 6-10. "'Shooting Stars' is about more than superpowers and soccer goals, it's about strength, resilience, and identity," says Julia Nikolaeva, award-winning producer and General Manager at Animotion. "We wanted to make a real show for today's Gen Alpha, a world where girls can be everything: athletes, dreamers, leaders, heroes. With 'Shooting Stars', we're holding a mirror up to girls and saying: 'You can be powerful just as you are.'"
The series follows five high school girls (Netty, Cath, Eva, Mia, and Naomi) united by their passion for football. Unstoppable
on the pitch, off it, they struggle to navigate teen life. Everything changes when a weird meteor crashes on the field, imbuing them with extraordinary powers. The girls are launched into a new reality where battling monsters becomes part of practice. Their love for the game transforms into a thrilling quest to protect their world and identities as young athletes. Balancing school, friendship, and a hidden heroic life, the girls confront insecurity, prejudice, school pressure, and selfdiscovery with heart and humor.
GLOBAL REACH AND TRANSMEDIA POTENTIAL
The series has global reach and transmedia potential. Stressing humor, action and inclusion, "Shooting Stars" combines fastpaced storytelling with dazzling match sequences, stunning transformations, and relatable characters. Each girl's superpower is tied to her personality, allowing for rich character arcs. From Eva's unshakable strength and Cath's intuitive agility, to Netty's quick wit, the team's diversity shows audiences that teamwork is stronger when everyone's different.
At its heart, "Shooting Stars" is about breaking barriers in sports, media, and culture. It challenges norms and smashes stereotypes with every goal and battle. "It's not just about kicking a ball, it's about kicking down doors", said Nikolaeva. As with Animotion's acclaimed titles "The Fixies," "Tina & Tony," "BabyRiki," and "Finnick," "Shooting Stars" delivers high quality, social relevance, and global appeal. Julia Nikolaeva's creative team pushes the boundaries of kids' entertainment.
Emmy-winning, New York-based writing team Baboon Animation has signed on as co-writing partners. "This is a show kids, particularly girls, need right now. It's a show for my daughter and yours, and I'm proud we've been asked to be part of it," CEO Mike de Seve added.
The official teaser trailer and first materials will be presented at MIFA Annecy 2025. As buyers, broadcasters, and creatives from across the globe attend to Annecy, "Shooting Stars" will take center stage as one of the year's most dynamic and progressive new projects. "'Shooting Stars' is more than a show, it's a movement," concluded Nikolaeva.
By Romina Rodríguez
Julia Nikolaeva
"Shooting Stars"
Sophie Kido Prigent
RECENTLY APPOINTED AS HARI’S DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & FINANCING, SOPHIE KIDO PRIGENT OUTLINES HER VISION FOR THE ROLE AND UNVEILS THE STUDIO’S LATEST PROJECTS.
As the French animation studio Hari embarks on a new growth phase, Sophie Kido Prigent steps into the newly created role of Director of Strategic Partnerships & Financing. She shares her vision for the company's future, introduces new titles, and discusses how Hari approaches artificial intelligence, always with a strong commitment to creativity and emotional storytelling.
You have recently been appointed Director of Strategic Partnerships & Financing at Hari. What new challenges will this role bring to you? "This new role reflects a key moment for Hari. After years of strong growth, both creatively and commercially, we're entering a new chapter where we're shaping the next stage of our story: expanding our reach, building lasting connections with audiences, and developing the full potential of our IPs beyond the screen. We've seen that with 'Grizzy & the Lemmings', where we've launched our licensing program and appointed Retail Monster as our partner for North America and the UK, with more agent announcements to follow. We've expanded our team too, welcoming Toby Jones as Head of Sales. My role is to align all these
SHAPING THE NEXT STAGE OF HARI’S STORY
areas: licensing, merchandising, and digital platforms like YouTube and FAST, while continuing to lead pre-financing and international distribution conversations. It's a broader scope that now includes financing new formats and content extensions that support the growth of our franchises. These efforts are developed closely with the leadership team and are part of a long-term strategy to increase our IPs' visibility and commercial value. What's exciting now is ensuring that every new opportunity we pursue, whether a product, a platform, or a new format, continues to amplify what makes Hari's shows so special to kids: original stories full of laughter, heart, and visual flair. It's about deepening that connection with audiences worldwide, and growing in ways that stay true to what they already love us for."
Are there plans to expand the Hari content portfolio with new IPs?
"Yes, we continue developing new content, but always with a carefully curated editorial vision. We're currently working on 'Grizzy & the Lemmings – Time Travel', which marks a brand-new direction for the series. This new season will see the characters travel through time, landing in entirely new environments, while staying true to the show's signature slapstick and global appeal. We're also developing season 2 of 'Mystery Lane.' The show has been a huge hit with our partners, with high ratings and strong replay value. On OKOO, the Christmas special was the most-watched program of the season. We've already received
strong interest from initial partners for season 2. 'Baby Lemmings', our preschool spin-off of 'Grizzy & the Lemmings', is set to deliver in 2026. The series also stands out for its unique visual identity: soft, poetic, and carefully crafted to resonate with younger audiences. We're also developing a brand-new IP, which we'll be able to share more about later this year. For us, it's never about launching a new show just for the sake of it. We're building a coherent Hari universe, where stories, characters, and tones complement each other and contribute to a bigger editorial vision. It's about creating longterm value and deepening the relationship between our content and the audience. Ultimately, we want kids to instantly recognize a Hari show, not just by its visual identity, but by the humor, the energy, and the emotional tone that connects all our series."
Animation is one of the industries that has embraced AI to lower costs and reduce production times. What is your opinion on this trend? "AI is part of the conversation; like with any tool, it's all about how you use it. At Hari, we see AI as something that can enhance workflows or automate repetitive tasks. Its real value lies in how it's integrated into our tools and software; that's where it makes the most sense for our teams. We're not reinventing our pipeline around it, but we're curious about how it can support creativity, not replace it. Technology is exciting for us, but the talent behind the screen still drives the storytelling and makes a show truly connect with audiences."
By Romina Rodriguez
"Baby Lemmings"
A STRONG COMMITMENT TO QUALITY, IMAGINATION, AND EMOTIONAL RESONANCE
Adeep respect for storytelling and a commitment to quality, imagination, and emotional
THE MAGIC LIGHT PICTURES TEAM REVEALS THE SOURCES OF INSPIRATION BEHIND THEIR HIT ANIMATED SPECIALS, ANTICIPATES UPCOMING LAUNCHES, AND UNVEILS THEIR MOST EFFECTIVE DISTRIBUTION STRATEGIES.
resonance drive Magic Light Pictures' approach to selecting stories or books to adapt. The production and distribution company has been adapting Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's books with great success and plans to continue doing so. "We look for source material with strong narrative integrity, richly drawn characters, and themes that speak to both children and families," explained Marc Ollington,
Co-Managing Director at the company. "Our creative vision is to bring timeless, visually distinctive stories to life in a way that feels authentic to the
original work while translating beautifully to the screen. We're particularly drawn to books that offer warmth, humor, and a sense of wonder, qualities central to our adaptations of works like The Gruffalo, Tiddler, and Zog," he added, stating that collaboration is also key. "We work closely with the authors, illustrators, and our creative teams to ensure every adaptation remains faithful to the spirit of the original, while taking advantage of the unique storytelling opportunities that animation offers. Ultimately, our editorial direction is guided by a passion for stories that inspire, entertain, and endure."
"We're always clear on why we want to tell it," asserted producer Barney Goodland. "The challenge is to balance the creative technique with the budget, but putting the
time into the story helps with that, and gives us the best chance to appeal to a wide audience," he said.
Another key priority is sustainability and ethical production, both in developing and building brands and in their film and television production. "We have an internal green group that meets bi-monthly to discuss sustainability initiatives across the company and provide a forum to share ideas and new thinking," underlined
Associate Producer Stefano Dunne. "More broadly, we as an industry need to take more drastic steps to find innovative solutions to reduce our carbon footprint, particularly in data rendering," he added.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
Magic Light constantly explores new ideas to develop its existing IPs and connect with young audiences across linear and digital platforms, always emphasizing quality over quantity. "We are currently in production on 'Zog', a series of 52x11' animated episodes for 4–6-yearolds, commissioned by BBC and ZDF. The series derives from the two half-hour specials we previously made, based on the wonderful books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler," commented Michael Rose, Joint CEO of the company. "We also have a new Christmas special in production, set to premiere on BBC One, with others in development," he added.
Having achieved international success, global distribution is pivotal in Magic Light Pictures' ongoing growth strategy. "From the beginning, we've focused on creating high-quality animated specials and series that resonate with audiences worldwide," noted Muriel Thomas, Distribution Director. "Our stories have a timeless, universal appeal that transcends language and cultural barriers, making them ideal for global distribution," she added. Over the years, Magic Light has built a carefully curated catalog of award-winning specials, including 'The Gruffalo,' 'Zog,' 'The Snail and the Whale,' 'Tiddler,' and 'Pip and Posy.' "These films continue to perform exceptionally well internationally across traditional broadcast, on-demand platforms, and even in cinemas," Thomas said. "Buyers consistently respond to the high production values, distinctive storytelling, and depth of the characters. There is a strong ongoing appetite for content that parents and children can enjoy together, and our slate speaks directly to that need," she noted.
As the market evolves, Magic Light is exploring all relevant distribution options, partnering with platforms recognizing the enduring value of quality family content. "This flexible, audiencefirst approach allows us to tailor our strategy to each territory while continuing to expand our international footprint," she concluded.
By Romina Rodriguez
Marc Ollington
Stefano Dunne
Barney Goodland
Michael Rose
Muriel Thomas
BRINGING INDIAN ANIMATION INDUSTRY TO THE GLOBAL STAGE
PRAYAN ANIMATION
CELEBRATES 13 YEARS OF GROWTH AND CREATIVITY IN 2025. CEO VINAYAN V AND MANAGING DIRECTOR REMESH RAM SHARE THE KEY LESSONS LEARNED OVER THE PAST DECADE AND WHAT IT TAKES TO STAND OUT IN TODAY'S COMPETITIVE ANIMATION LANDSCAPE.
As it celebrates its 13th anniversary in 2025, Prayan Animation reflects on more than a decade of innovation, growth, and global collaboration. Based in India, the studio has become a trusted partner for international clients, offering end-to-end animation services across various genres and platforms. Señal News spoke with Vinayan V, CEO, and Remesh Ram, Managing Director, to discuss the key lessons they've learned, how they've contributed to the Indian animation community, and what makes Prayan stand out in a competitive global market.
Prayan Animation is turning 13 this year. What have been the main challenges and the biggest lessons learned throughout more than a decade of trajectory?
Vinayan V: "Navigating the rapidly evolving technological landscape
has been a significant and ongoing challenge.
new software, hardware, and pipelines
Vinayan V
Keeping pace with requires continuous learning and adaptation. Another key challenge has been talent retention in a dynamic industry; nurturing and
fostering a creative environment where individuals feel valued and can grow has been paramount."
Remesh Ram: "One of the biggest lessons we have learned is the critical importance of building strong and collaborative relationships, internally with
our team and externally with clients and partners. Clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared
vision are fundamental
to overcoming obstacles and achieving success. We have also learned the value of resilience and adaptability. The animation industry can be unpredictable, and our ability to pivot and embrace change has been crucial to our longevity."
How has Prayan Animation contributed to the animation community in India?
RR: "Beyond talent development, we've strived to promote a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing within the community. By participating in industry events, seminars, and discussions, we aim to contribute to the collective growth and elevation of the Indian animation sector on a global stage. We've also championed adopting best practices and high-quality standards in our work, which we hope serves as a benchmark."
What makes Prayan Animation stand out in the animation landscape?
VV: "What differentiates Prayan
is our holistic approach. We offer complete animation services under one roof, from pre-production to final delivery. Our diverse team brings a blend of artistic innovation and technical precision, which allows us to adapt to different visual styles and storytelling demands. Our timely, quality-driven work record has earned partners' trust worldwide."
RR: "Our consistent focus on building a strong and passionate team is a key differentiator. Our artists' and technicians' dedication and creativity are the foundation of our success. Furthermore, our adaptability across various animation styles and willingness to embrace innovative techniques allow us to cater to diverse global needs."
What are the highlight titles you are currently offering to global buyers?
VV: "While we have several exciting projects in development, we are especially focused on building strong original IPs with crosscultural appeal. Our current portfolio includes a range of children's entertainment, edutainment, and 2D/3D animated content created in collaboration with clients across Europe, North America, and Asia. We seek investors and co-production opportunities to bring these stories to global audiences."
What are the main goals for this year?
VV & RR: "Our main goals for this year include expanding our international co-production partnerships, further developing our original IPs for global distribution, and continuing to invest in innovative animation techniques and talent development. We also aim to strengthen our presence in key international markets and explore new avenues for content delivery."
By Romina Rodríguez
Remesh Ram
DIVERSIFICATION AT ITS CORE: EL REINO INFANTIL EXPANDS ACROSS NEW FRONTIERS
In 2025, marked by consolidation and strategic expansion,
El Reino Infantil, the multiplatform brand created by Roberto "Kuky" Pumar, continues strengthening its position as one of the leading names in children's entertainment across the Spanishspeaking world. With over 260 million subscribers on YouTube, it stands as the number one Spanish-language kids' channel, leading an ambitious 360-degree strategy that includes connected TV, consumer products, live shows, video games, and international partnerships.
Thanks to its massive audience, the company has expanded its intellectual properties across multiple verticals, generating new business opportunities and direct engagement with families. One of the cornerstones of this expansion has been the launch of FAST channels across Iberoamerica, aimed at providing broader access to content beyond YouTube, within safe and family-friendly environments.
El Reino Infantil has intensified its efforts to deliver experiences beyond the screen in consumer products and licensing. It also launched a new version of its app, featuring an updated interface focused on edutainment. The app features interactive activities led by beloved characters like "Bartolito," all within a child-safe digital environment.
WITH OVER 260 MILLION YOUTUBE SUBSCRIBERS, THE SPANISH-LANGUAGE KIDS' GIANT CREATED BY ROBERTO "KUKY" PUMAR HAS EXPANDED INTO APPS, LIVE SHOWS, LICENSED PRODUCTS, AND MULTI-PLATFORM CONTENT ADAPTATIONS.
INTERNATIONALIZATION AS A STRATEGY
El Reino Infantil currently operates in 11 languages and recently launched its Turkish-language version. This was made possible through strategic collaborations with local partners who ensure cultural and linguistic sensitivity in each market.
On the content development front, the company collaborates with established digital creators looking to scale their IPs globally and independent producers aiming to develop new properties from scratch. Its ecosystem allows audience testing, content adaptation, and organic brand scaling. This hybrid model also supports multiplatform adaptation, facilitating distribution across traditional TV
networks, streaming platforms, and alternative entertainment outlets, such as airlines (Air Europa, LATAM Airlines).
Looking ahead, two key trends stand out: artificial intelligence and the transformation of distribution models. While AI presents certain challenges, particularly due to the rise of auto-generated content, it is also viewed as a powerful tool to enhance creativity and streamline production workflows. In a landscape where buyers increasingly favor established and proven IPs, El Reino Infantil positions itself as a strategic partner capable of scaling projects, building communities, and adapting content across various platforms and audiences.
By Romina Rodriguez
"OUR GOAL IS TO HELP GROW THIS NEW BASE WHILE KEEPING THE CREATIVITY FLOWING."
PRODUCTION COMPANY THE HIVE STUDIO HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED A NEW BRANCH IN GREECE, THE HIVE GREECE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ANIMASYROS PRODUCTIONS. FOUNDER AND CEO AMIT RUSSELL GICELTER EXPLAINS THE MOTIVATIONS BEHIND THIS EXPANSION AND HOW IT FITS INTO THE STUDIO'S BROADER VISION.
With the intention of uniting talent and resources from the South Mediterranean region, The Hive Studio has partnered with AnimaSyros Productions to establish a permanent base in Greece. In conversation with Señal News, Founder and CEO Amit Russell Gicelter discusses the state of the animation industry in Greece, the goals of this new partnership, and how The Hive plans to drive growth and creative excellence in the region.
What encouraged the decision to open a new branch in Greece, and why partner specifically with AnimaSyros Productions?
"My connection with the Greek animation industry began at the Animasyros International Animation Film Festival, when 'Letter to a Pig' was selected to screen there. At the festival, I met many talented animation professionals, and we quickly found common ground that led to a strong creative relationship. Out of that positive experience came our first collaboration: the short film 'P', directed by Stelios Koupetoris and co-produced by The Hive Studio and AnimaSyros Productions. That
was the first co-production of its kind between Greece and Israel. Working with such a skilled and collaborative team naturally sparked conversations about expanding our production arm into Greece to support more projects like this. Of course, Greece's attractive 40% rebate incentive on investment also made the decision to produce there all the more compelling."
How do you envision The Hive Greece strengthening the animation industry in the South Mediterranean region?
"One of the things we hear more and more about in our region is the 'brain drain.' The best talent decided to pack their bags and go where the work takes them. But in the same breath, they also say they're just waiting for a good reason to return and work from here. To answer your question, we believe that by investing in education and job opportunities in the region, the talent will grow and eventually return, helping to strengthen the industry from within.
The Hive Studio gained global recognition with "Letter to a Pig". How will you repeat the same creative excellence?
"The Greek Animation industry has an excellent base to work with. I have met incredibly talented creators with a creative spark and unique style to their work, but it's still very local right now. The Hive prides itself on being a hub of creativity with a strong emphasis on quality workflows. By combining that local talent with a manageable creative system, experienced in independent and commercial
pipelines, our goal is to help grow this new base while keeping the creativity flowing."
What stories are you looking to explore through The Hive Greece?
"As we already do at The Hive, I'm most drawn to stories that are personal yet touch audiences around the world, universally understood stories. Hopefully, these will also carry a Greek touch, a connection to the rich local culture or history, which would be an amazing bonus. We're already developing a project with strong ties to Greek history, though it's still a bit too early to share more details."
Greece offers a 40% rebate on foreign investment. How vital was this incentive in the decision to expand here?
"It was quite important. The international industry is going through turbulent times, with studios shutting down and much of the work staying in North America. This rebate is imperative to convince clients to work with you as a studio. Yes, investors, broadcasters, and big North American studios might seek you out for your talent and storytelling experience. But if a company is going to put their hard-earned cash into working with you, they'll need to be sure it makes financial sense for them. It is great for the industry that the government is willing to support its country's talented and creative people. Look at countries like France, Canada, or South Korea, and how they've invested in their local industries."
By Romina Rodriguez
Amit Russell Gicelter
"WHEN YOU SPEAK TO THE HEART, YOU CONNECT ACROSS GENERATIONS"
CONSTANCE ROBOAM, HEAD OF BRANDS AND COMMUNICATION AT MIAM! BREAKS DOWN THE FRENCH COMPANY'S ANNECY SELECTION, GLOBAL ROLLOUTS, AND BRAND-BUILDING EFFORTS BEHIND HITS LIKE "GOAT GIRL," "THE TINIES," AND "TWEEDY & FLUFF."
Miam! Distribution returns to Annecy with a strong lineup. From a festival-nominated comedy to a viral preschool hit, the company champions creativity and authenticity across age groups. Constance Roboam, Head of Brands and Communication, shares insights on their standout titles and upcoming launches.
"Goat Girl" has received a nomination at the Annecy Festival. What makes this show stand out and resonate with juries?
"We're thrilled that 'Goat Girl' has been selected for the official competition at Annecy. This co-production between Miam! Animation, Daily Madness, and Thuristar follows the wacky journey of Gigi, a teenager raised by goats in the mountains, as she faces the biggest challenge of her life: attending school for the first time. It's a fresh take on the comingof-age genre, with real emotional stakes and strong comedic energy. That balance resonates with juries and broadcasters. The show has already secured major international partners including ITV (UK), WildBrain (Canada), WarnerMedia EMEA, KIKA, and Ketnet, with a global premiere set for early 2026."
"The Tinies" is about to launch in France in October, how are you preparing for its global rollout?
"Produced by Miam! Animation with Panique!, Lunanime, and commissioned by Canal+, Ketnet, and RTBF, 'The Tinies' is a
character-driven sitcom comedy featuring a quirky community of toys living in Attic Town. Ollie and her best friend Titus turn their crafting skills into superpowers to solve everyday challenges in creative and sustainable ways. We're very excited about the upcoming French launch of 'The Tinies' this October on Canal+. We're coordinating closely with our broadcaster partners on linear and digital promotion to support the rollout. It includes a ready-touse package with images, videos, editorial content, and behind-thescenes clips. We will also organize public screenings with DIY craft workshops for kids. Internationally, 'The Tinies' is already generating strong interest with confirmed broadcasters in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Portugal, MENA, the Baltics, and more."
"Edmond and Lucy" has already become a beloved series. With season 2 about to begin production, what new elements or directions can the audience expect from the upcoming season?
"While season 1 of explored the forest and was focused on nature's discovery, season 2 turns the spotlight on our two heroes, diving into their siblings' relationship. Our heroes discover how to grow together while finding their place within the family. Living in a giant chestnut tree, they navigate the forest and their family dynamic, with curiosity and heart."
The latest acquisition of "Tweedy and Fluff" seems to be a breakout hit on social media. What's behind its digital success?
"Created by Second Home Studios and Stitchy Feet for Channel 5's Milkshake!, 'Tweedy & Fluff' tells the story of Tweedy, a little fabric plush made from tweed cloth, who lives in a cozy weaver's cottage with Fluff, a ball of woolly fuzz who becomes his beloved pet. Together, they embark on a tender adventure and invite their audience to nurture, laugh, and connect, offering comfort and curiosity in every frame. The series has gone viral on Instagram, growing from 700 to over 120,000 followers in two months, because the show's gentle storytelling, cozy world, and emotional truth have touched viewers of all ages. The show's success reflects the growing appetite for authentic and feelgood content. It proves that when you speak to the heart, you connect across generations. Recent sales from Miam! Distribution include DR (Denmark), Canal+ Polska (Poland), and Edye (Latam)."
