Facing tight budgets and continued uncertainty in the entertainment sector, buyers at this year’s MipJunior are expected to largely stick to tried and true IP, but many still see opportunities for exciting original content.
In addition to presenting the hottest new kids’ shows from around the globe, MipJunior, which runs Oct. 13-15, will examine the latest developments and trends that are redefining the market, such as the state of co-production and financing amid audience fragmentation, consumer use of multi-platform media, the growing role of gaming and the emergence of disruptive technologies like AI.
“Given the current uncertainties in the sector around streamers and broadcasters, we see less appetite for risk and thus more interest in established brands and IP with built-in audiences,” says Bernd Wendeln, COO of Munich-based Your Family Entertainment (Yfe).
A subsidiary of Beverly Hills- based Kartoon Studios, Yfe’s recent hit titles include “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,...
In addition to presenting the hottest new kids’ shows from around the globe, MipJunior, which runs Oct. 13-15, will examine the latest developments and trends that are redefining the market, such as the state of co-production and financing amid audience fragmentation, consumer use of multi-platform media, the growing role of gaming and the emergence of disruptive technologies like AI.
“Given the current uncertainties in the sector around streamers and broadcasters, we see less appetite for risk and thus more interest in established brands and IP with built-in audiences,” says Bernd Wendeln, COO of Munich-based Your Family Entertainment (Yfe).
A subsidiary of Beverly Hills- based Kartoon Studios, Yfe’s recent hit titles include “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Kartoon Studios has hired Brian Parisi as its finance chief.
The Andy Heyward-led company has named Parisi CFO following its rebranding from Genius Brands this year, with current incumbent Bob Denton moving to a new role as Executive Vice President, Finance & Accounting.
Parisi has a three-decade career across entertainment, media and tech, working in finance, accounting, M&a, capital raising, and corporate development. He was most recently CFO of Break the Floor Productions in Hollywood, where he oversaw analysis of mergers and acquisitions, risk management and reduction of risk exposure.
Before that he was CFO at the NFL Hall of Fame Village and served as Senior Vice President of the Festivals Division of Live Nation Entertainment Inc. where he was responsible for developing strategic plans for Edm festivals. He’s also held leadership positions at Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Studios.
Andy Heyward, Chairman and CEO of Kartoon...
The Andy Heyward-led company has named Parisi CFO following its rebranding from Genius Brands this year, with current incumbent Bob Denton moving to a new role as Executive Vice President, Finance & Accounting.
Parisi has a three-decade career across entertainment, media and tech, working in finance, accounting, M&a, capital raising, and corporate development. He was most recently CFO of Break the Floor Productions in Hollywood, where he oversaw analysis of mergers and acquisitions, risk management and reduction of risk exposure.
Before that he was CFO at the NFL Hall of Fame Village and served as Senior Vice President of the Festivals Division of Live Nation Entertainment Inc. where he was responsible for developing strategic plans for Edm festivals. He’s also held leadership positions at Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Studios.
Andy Heyward, Chairman and CEO of Kartoon...
- 9/27/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Arnold Schwarzenegger has just about accomplished it all: three Mr. Universe titles, a two-term stint as governor of California, over $5 billion at the global box office…But Arnold hasn’t done something so many major seasoned actors have, which is appear in a Marvel blockbuster. But that doesn’t mean he has entirely ruled it out…
Speaking with Men’s Health, Arnold Schwarzenegger said he would have no problem joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, under one condition: “If the role is right!” Arnold joining the MCU? Now that would kick some ice!
Of course, Arnold Schwarzenegger does have a brief history with superhero movies. The most infamous was his turn as Mr. Freeze in Batman & Robin, which, despite its reputation, Arnold isn’t ashamed of, once saying, “I don’t regret it at all. I felt that the character was interesting and two movies before that one Joel Schumacher was at his height.
Speaking with Men’s Health, Arnold Schwarzenegger said he would have no problem joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, under one condition: “If the role is right!” Arnold joining the MCU? Now that would kick some ice!
Of course, Arnold Schwarzenegger does have a brief history with superhero movies. The most infamous was his turn as Mr. Freeze in Batman & Robin, which, despite its reputation, Arnold isn’t ashamed of, once saying, “I don’t regret it at all. I felt that the character was interesting and two movies before that one Joel Schumacher was at his height.
- 5/28/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Arnold Schwarzenegger has to get through just one more job before retirement in his upcoming series, Fubar, set to premiere on May 25 on Netflix.
The eight-episode show boasts a classic set-up, with Schwarzenegger starring as a CIA operative who’s so close to finally calling it quits when he uncovers a family secret and is forced back into the field for one last mission. A short teaser doesn’t give anything away in terms of plot, but it does find Schwarzenegger doing the thing where he up-cycles one of his...
The eight-episode show boasts a classic set-up, with Schwarzenegger starring as a CIA operative who’s so close to finally calling it quits when he uncovers a family secret and is forced back into the field for one last mission. A short teaser doesn’t give anything away in terms of plot, but it does find Schwarzenegger doing the thing where he up-cycles one of his...
- 2/27/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Arnold Schwarzenegger is back, baby — per Netflix’s first-look teaser for his new thriller series “Fubar,” which is due on the streamer May 25. The father-daughter CIA-spy adventure show, which will also star Monica Barbaro (“Top Gun: Maverick”), marks the “Terminator” actor’s first headlining TV series.
The previously untitled action-comedy follows a father and daughter who learn that they’ve each secretly been working as CIA operatives for years. Amid realizing their entire relationship has been a lie, they’re forced to team up as partners. According to the series logline, “Fubar” tackles universal family dynamics set against a global backdrop of spies, action and humor.
Also Read:
Jay Baruchel Joins Arnold Schwarzenegger Netflix Spy Thriller Series
Nick Santora (“Reacher”) serves as creator, showrunner and executive producer, alongside fellow EPs Schwarzenegger, Adam Higgs, Scott Sullivan and Holly Dale. Bill Bost also executive produces, as do David Ellison and Dana Goldberg through Skydance Television,...
The previously untitled action-comedy follows a father and daughter who learn that they’ve each secretly been working as CIA operatives for years. Amid realizing their entire relationship has been a lie, they’re forced to team up as partners. According to the series logline, “Fubar” tackles universal family dynamics set against a global backdrop of spies, action and humor.
Also Read:
Jay Baruchel Joins Arnold Schwarzenegger Netflix Spy Thriller Series
Nick Santora (“Reacher”) serves as creator, showrunner and executive producer, alongside fellow EPs Schwarzenegger, Adam Higgs, Scott Sullivan and Holly Dale. Bill Bost also executive produces, as do David Ellison and Dana Goldberg through Skydance Television,...
- 2/27/2023
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Genius Brands has tapped Disney and Goldman Sachs veteran Zrinka Dekic as its new CFO and head of strategy and mergers and acquisitions.
The hire comes at the end of a year when the company has pulled off some significant deals, acquiring Wow! Unlimited Media and taking a majority stake in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment.
At Disney, Dekic was hired by Kevin Mayer, the company’s former head of strategic planning and later streaming. At Disney, Dekic held posts in the corporate strategy, business development and strategic planning groups, where she was involved in a number of high-profile projects and strategic initiatives.
Before Disney, Dekic served as a VP in the investment management division at Goldman Sachs in New York, on the U.S. Fundamental Equity Portfolio Management team. The team oversaw nearly $30 billion of assets under management. Most recently, she served as VP of Houlihan Lokey’s investment banking technology,...
The hire comes at the end of a year when the company has pulled off some significant deals, acquiring Wow! Unlimited Media and taking a majority stake in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment.
At Disney, Dekic was hired by Kevin Mayer, the company’s former head of strategic planning and later streaming. At Disney, Dekic held posts in the corporate strategy, business development and strategic planning groups, where she was involved in a number of high-profile projects and strategic initiatives.
Before Disney, Dekic served as a VP in the investment management division at Goldman Sachs in New York, on the U.S. Fundamental Equity Portfolio Management team. The team oversaw nearly $30 billion of assets under management. Most recently, she served as VP of Houlihan Lokey’s investment banking technology,...
- 12/13/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Genius Brands International has agreed to buy Canadian animation production house Wow! Unlimited Media for roughly $53 million in cash and stock.
Beverly Hill-based Genius and Vancouver-based Wow are publicly traded on, respectively, the Nasdaq and Toronto exchanges and shares of both were trending higher Wednesday morning.
Genius Brands CEO Andy Heyward said the merger will substantially accelerate financial growth and expansion in the global children’s entertainment market. The deal provides it access to various Canadian federal and provincial tax credits, which will allow Genius Brands to transfer its current animation production from China at great savings, he said.
Wow productions includes Adventure Time, FairlyOdd Parents, Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Castlevania (Frederator Studios) and Madagascar – a Little Wild, Barbie Dreamhouse (Mainframe Studios). Its CEO Michael Hirsh’s track record includes the first Star Wars animated programs, Magic School Bus, Care Bears, Babar, Johnny Test, and Beetlejuice, among others.
Wow also...
Beverly Hill-based Genius and Vancouver-based Wow are publicly traded on, respectively, the Nasdaq and Toronto exchanges and shares of both were trending higher Wednesday morning.
Genius Brands CEO Andy Heyward said the merger will substantially accelerate financial growth and expansion in the global children’s entertainment market. The deal provides it access to various Canadian federal and provincial tax credits, which will allow Genius Brands to transfer its current animation production from China at great savings, he said.
Wow productions includes Adventure Time, FairlyOdd Parents, Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Castlevania (Frederator Studios) and Madagascar – a Little Wild, Barbie Dreamhouse (Mainframe Studios). Its CEO Michael Hirsh’s track record includes the first Star Wars animated programs, Magic School Bus, Care Bears, Babar, Johnny Test, and Beetlejuice, among others.
Wow also...
- 10/27/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
UTA has signed global superstar, Hollywood icon and former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger for representation in all areas.
The blockbuster superstar’s films have grossed more than $4.7 billion worldwide. The news of his signing with UTA comes before the November 1 release of the forthcoming Terminator: Dark Fate where he “will be back” in the titular role. He will also star in the forthcoming Kung Fury 2 and will lend his voice to the late Stan Lee’s animated family series Superhero Kindergarten.
Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Universe title at age 20 which earned him global recognition. He then became a seven-time Mr. Olympia champion. This led to his career in Hollywood. Schwarzenegger’s resume of action pics includes a boatload of films that have shaped the film industry including franchises like The Expendables and Conan as well as True Lies, Last Action Hero, Total Recall, Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Predator and Commando.
The blockbuster superstar’s films have grossed more than $4.7 billion worldwide. The news of his signing with UTA comes before the November 1 release of the forthcoming Terminator: Dark Fate where he “will be back” in the titular role. He will also star in the forthcoming Kung Fury 2 and will lend his voice to the late Stan Lee’s animated family series Superhero Kindergarten.
Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Universe title at age 20 which earned him global recognition. He then became a seven-time Mr. Olympia champion. This led to his career in Hollywood. Schwarzenegger’s resume of action pics includes a boatload of films that have shaped the film industry including franchises like The Expendables and Conan as well as True Lies, Last Action Hero, Total Recall, Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Predator and Commando.
- 10/14/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed with UTA, the company announced on Monday.
The agency will represent the global superstar and two-time Governor of California in all areas.
Schwarzenegger, whose films have grossed more than $4.7 billion worldwide, is reprising his role in the “Terminator” franchise with “Terminator: Dark Fate,” which hits theaters Nov. 1. He will also star in the upcoming “Kung Fury 2” and will lend his voice to the animated family series “Superhero Kindergarten,” created by Stan Lee. Schwarzenegger starred in the tentpole franchises “The Expendables” and “Conan,” as well as the films “True Lies,” “Last Action Hero,” “Total Recall,” “Twins,” “Kindergarten Cop,” “Predator” and “Commando.” Earlier in his career, he won a Golden Globe award for his role in “Stay Hungry.”
Also Read: Franco Columbu, Bodybuilder Who Arnold Schwarzenegger Called 'My Best Friend,' Dies at 78
Schwarzenegger has also authored several books, including his bestselling autobiography, “Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story.
The agency will represent the global superstar and two-time Governor of California in all areas.
Schwarzenegger, whose films have grossed more than $4.7 billion worldwide, is reprising his role in the “Terminator” franchise with “Terminator: Dark Fate,” which hits theaters Nov. 1. He will also star in the upcoming “Kung Fury 2” and will lend his voice to the animated family series “Superhero Kindergarten,” created by Stan Lee. Schwarzenegger starred in the tentpole franchises “The Expendables” and “Conan,” as well as the films “True Lies,” “Last Action Hero,” “Total Recall,” “Twins,” “Kindergarten Cop,” “Predator” and “Commando.” Earlier in his career, he won a Golden Globe award for his role in “Stay Hungry.”
Also Read: Franco Columbu, Bodybuilder Who Arnold Schwarzenegger Called 'My Best Friend,' Dies at 78
Schwarzenegger has also authored several books, including his bestselling autobiography, “Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story.
- 10/14/2019
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Youku, the video streaming platform of Alibaba Group, has signed a deal with Genius Brands International to co-produce “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” an animated series starring and executive produced by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The pact marks significant step in Alibaba/Youku building its footprint in the U.S.
Aimed at preschoolers, the comedy adventure series “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten” will be available to Chinese audiences on the platform.
“Youku is one of the most innovative media platforms in the world with an unparalleled ability to integrate entertainment and commerce,” said Andy Heyward, the chairman and CEO of Genius Brands.
“We look forward to collaborating with Youku to create a high-quality program in the preschool space that will resonate with a global audience,” said Heyward, who is also executive producing the series with Schwarzenegger, Paul Wachter, CEO of Main Street Advisors, and Gill Champion, the president of Pow! Entertainment.
Aaron Liao,...
Aimed at preschoolers, the comedy adventure series “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten” will be available to Chinese audiences on the platform.
“Youku is one of the most innovative media platforms in the world with an unparalleled ability to integrate entertainment and commerce,” said Andy Heyward, the chairman and CEO of Genius Brands.
“We look forward to collaborating with Youku to create a high-quality program in the preschool space that will resonate with a global audience,” said Heyward, who is also executive producing the series with Schwarzenegger, Paul Wachter, CEO of Main Street Advisors, and Gill Champion, the president of Pow! Entertainment.
Aaron Liao,...
- 10/14/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Alibaba Group’s Youku has come on board to co-produce kids’ series Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Chinese platform has partnered with Genius Brands to produce the 52-part series, which launched at MipJunior. Genius Brands is currently in talks with U.S. partners.
Created by Stan Lee as one of his final projects, Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, which targets kids ages 4 – 7, is also co-produced by Lee’s Pow! Entertainment, and Schwarzenegger’s Oak Productions. Schwarzenegger, who also serves as executive producer, lends his voice as the lead character in the series. Co-creator of Deadpool, Fabian Nicieza, who has sold over 100M comics worldwide, is scripting the series. Genius Brands’ Chairman and CEO Andy Heyward, Paul Wachter, CEO of Main Street Advisors, and President of Pow! Entertainment Gill Champion also serve as executive producers.
“Youku is one of the most innovative media platforms in the world...
The Chinese platform has partnered with Genius Brands to produce the 52-part series, which launched at MipJunior. Genius Brands is currently in talks with U.S. partners.
Created by Stan Lee as one of his final projects, Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, which targets kids ages 4 – 7, is also co-produced by Lee’s Pow! Entertainment, and Schwarzenegger’s Oak Productions. Schwarzenegger, who also serves as executive producer, lends his voice as the lead character in the series. Co-creator of Deadpool, Fabian Nicieza, who has sold over 100M comics worldwide, is scripting the series. Genius Brands’ Chairman and CEO Andy Heyward, Paul Wachter, CEO of Main Street Advisors, and President of Pow! Entertainment Gill Champion also serve as executive producers.
“Youku is one of the most innovative media platforms in the world...
- 10/14/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten has a new sidekick. China's e-commerce giant Alibaba Group has signed on to co-produce the Arnold Schwarzenegger-starring animated series for its Youku streaming platform.
The series is backed by kids media and licensing company Genius Brands, which world premiered and launched sales of the show at Mipcom's children's programming weekend MIPJr.
“Youku is one of the most innovative media platforms in the world with an unparalleled ability to integrate entertainment and commerce,” said Genius Brands CEO Andy Heyward. “We look forward to collaborating with Youku to create a high-quality program ...
The series is backed by kids media and licensing company Genius Brands, which world premiered and launched sales of the show at Mipcom's children's programming weekend MIPJr.
“Youku is one of the most innovative media platforms in the world with an unparalleled ability to integrate entertainment and commerce,” said Genius Brands CEO Andy Heyward. “We look forward to collaborating with Youku to create a high-quality program ...
- 10/14/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Exclusive: Genius Brands International has tapped veteran content sales and acquisition veteran Caroline Tyre to oversee global content sales as Svp of international distribution. The move comes as the company consolidates the management of its rapidly expanding distribution business. Additionally, Tyre has been named Head of the Genius Brands Network, comprised of the Kid Genius Cartoon Channel and Baby Genius TV. The announcement was made today by Genius Brands’ Chairman and CEO Andy Heyward, to whom she will report.
In her new position, Tyre will be responsible for all aspects of Genius Brands’ global distribution business, including content sales for the company’s library of children’s programming such as Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which will be on offer for the first time at this year’s MIPJr. market; the hit CGI-animated preschool series, Rainbow Rangers, currently airing season one on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. with...
In her new position, Tyre will be responsible for all aspects of Genius Brands’ global distribution business, including content sales for the company’s library of children’s programming such as Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which will be on offer for the first time at this year’s MIPJr. market; the hit CGI-animated preschool series, Rainbow Rangers, currently airing season one on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. with...
- 7/1/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.