The company will exclusively manage all rights for the heritage children’s cartoon brand.
Banijay Kids and Family announces it has been appointed as the worldwide distributor across audio-visual, digital, publishing, licensing and merchandising for the iconic children’s brand Topo Gigio.
Originally created by Italian puppet artist Maria Perego in 1959, Topo Gigio has recently been reimagined as a pre-school cartoon comedy series co-produced by Movimenti Production (a Banijay Kids & Family company) and Topo Gigio S.r.l. Currently airing a second season on Rai Yoyo and RaiPlay, the 2D animated adventure follows the daily adventures of Topo Gigio, the first mouse to ever live amongst humans, as he strives to solve any problems in the city of Townville, alongside his human and animal friends.
Banijay Kids & Family will work with existing master toy licensee Giochi Preziosi and has also appointed Ladybug Entertainment’s Elena Picco as a consultant to nurture the commercial expansion of the brand in Italy.
Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family CEO says: “Topo Gigio is an iconic brand that has huge commercial potential. Accompanied by the fantastic series from the talented Movimenti Production team and Topo Gigio S.r.l., we have an ambitious growth strategy for the brand in place for next year and into 2024.”
Alessandro Rossi, Owner, CEO Topo Gigio S.r.l. says: “I am very proud to be part of the Banijay Family. I look forward to a sincere creative and productive relationship. I wanted also to personally express my gratitude to Mr. Benoit Di Sabatino for his professionalism, warm exchange of ideas and dedication shown since the beginning of our collaboration.”
Giorgio Scorza, CEO, Movimenti Production adds: “I’m so excited, this is what I was expecting when we started such a great adventure and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next. Especially now that Topo Gigio Season 2 first episodes are available in Italy, bringing to the little audience the heart, the adventure and the great values we all love in such a legendary Italian icon.”
Originally premiering in October 2020 on Rai Yoyo, the first series of Topo Gigio delivered strong ratings, up 60% on the channel average, climbing quickly as one of the most watched shows of the network.
