Industry

Banijay Rights today announces the acquisition of Funwood Media. Incorporating both of the businesses sub-brands, Funwood Media Italia and Funwood Media Ibérica, the deal sees Banijay Group’s leading distribution arm enhance its distribution, production and licensing capabilities across Europe.

Operating primarily across Italy and Spain, Funwood Media works with many of the leading players across both regions (Rai, Sky, Discovery, Paramount, Turner, TVE, Mediaset, A3 Media, MGM, Movistar+), as well as a number of regional outfits. Most recently, the business has also made moves into France with M6.

Acting as distributor, producer and agent, the company represents a host of brands, identifying, buying, distributing and managing content and ancillary Rights for them, as well as creating original IP. Its production credits currently include Monica Chef, a 40x30’ kids TV series in collaboration with Disney Channel Italia (Spain, France, Benelux, Italy, Brazil, Denmark), and La Sala, an 8x60’ cop thriller (Spain, Portugal, Poland & Russia). In addition, it leads a strong licensing and merchandising portfolio which encompasses Daniel Tiger, Atari, Animal Planet, Godzilla and Shaun the Sheep.

As Head of Distribution for Banijay Group, and leader of Banijay Rights, Tim Mutimer will partner with Founder of Funwood Media, Aldo Spagnoli, to capitalise on the company’s expertise across Italy, Spain and France.

Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay Group comments: “Boosting our footprint and expertise across Spain and Italy, Aldo brings a strong track-record and extensive portfolio. We are pleased to have him onboard and feel the business complements Tim’s existing strategy and operations in these regions.”

Tim Mutimer, comments: “Aldo is incredibly well-established across Spain and Italy, and with a growing presence in France, he is perfectly positioned to add value to our activities there, while supplementing our ongoing distribution and licensing efforts.”

Aldo Spagnoli adds: “It’s a real pleasure to have the opportunity to join Banijay. It is a milestone in our company´s history that allows us to keep growing with the best partner and team we could have in this ever-changing market.”