Banijay Kids & Family

Banijay Kids & Family (formerly known as Marathon Media, Marathon Animation, Marathon Productions, Marathon Media Group, Zodiak Kids, Zodiak Kids Studios and Zodiak Kids & Family) is a French television production company based in Neuilly-sur-Seine. The company was originally founded as Marathon Productions, by Olivier Brémond and Pascal Breton in February 1990, and Vincent Chalvon-Demersay joined the team in 1999 to develop Marathon's animation programming, along with David Michel.^[1] The company is best known for the animated series Totally Spies! and LoliRock.

Banijay Kids & Family

Logo used since 2024
Formerly	Marathon Productions (1990–2001) Marathon Media (2001–2015) Zodiak Kids Studios (2016–2024)
Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Television production
Founded	February 1990; 34 years ago (1990-02)
Founders	Olivier Bremond Pascal Breton Vincent Chalvon-Demersay David Michel
Headquarters	Neuilly-sur-Seine, Île-de-France , France
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Jean-Philippe Randisi, CEO
Parent	Zodiak Media (2008–2016) Banijay (2016–present)
Website	www.banijaykidsandfamilydistribution.com

Former logo as Marathon Media (2006–2012)

Another former logo as Zodiak Kids (2020-2021)

History

On September 20 2005, Marathon Media announced that they made a merger deal with the French division of the European private firm Bridgepoint Capital who owns Tele Images to create a major production and distribution group in France.^[2]

The merger was completed a year later in 2006

In July 2007, It was announced that Italian-based holding company De Agostini they had acquired the TV production and distribution company Marathon Group from Bridgepoint Capital thrusr turning De Agostini from a multimedia company into a major European content production company.

In February 2008, Marathon Group announced that they acquired French independent production company KM Production combining KM's operations with Marathon's.^[3]

Marathon was acquired by Zodiak Media in 2008. In February 2016, Zodiak Media merged with the Banijay Group,^[4] and Marathon was folded within the process.

Animation

These are the animated series produced by Banijay Kids & Family:

• The Mozart Band (1995) (Co-production with BRB International and Wang Film Productions)
• Kassai and Leuk (1996)
• The Secret World of Santa Claus (1997)
• Mythic Warriors: Guardians of the Legend (1998–2000)
• Marsupilami (2000–2012)
• Totally Spies! (2001–2008, 2013, 2024) (Co-production with Image Entertainment Corporation)^[5]
• Mission Odyssey (2002–2003)
• Martin Mystery (2003–2006) (Co-production with Image Entertainment Corporation and Rai Fiction)
• Atomic Betty (2004–2008) (Season 3 only)
• Street Football (2005–2010, 2022–ongoing) (Co-production with France 3, Okoo and Rai 2)
• Team Galaxy (2006–2007)
• Shaun The Sheep (2007–ongoing) (French dub only)
• Famous 5: On the Case (2008)
• Monster Buster Club (2007–2009) (Co-production with Image Entertainment Corporation, Jetix Europe, TF1 and YTV)^[6]
• Gormiti (2008–2011)
• The Amazing Spiez! (2009–2012) (Co-production with Image Entertainment Corporation, TF1, Teletoon, Telefilm Canada and Canal J)
• Sally Bollywood (2009–2013) (Co-production with France 3, Seven Network and 7Two)
• Rekkit Rabbit (2011–2013)
• Baskup - Tony Parker (2011)
• Redakai: Conquer the Kairu (2011–2013)
• Le Ranch (2012–2016) (co-production with TF1)
• Extreme Football (2014–2015) (co-production with France 3, Gulli, Rai 2 and Canal J)
• LoliRock (2014–2017, 2025)^[7][8]
• Zack & Quack (2014) (co-production with Nick Jr.)
• Get Blake! (2015) (co-production with Nickelodeon)
• Floogals (2016–2020)
• Magiki (2017)
• Lilybuds (2018–2019)
• The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti (2022–ongoing) (co-production with Gigglebug Entertainment)
• Mumfie
• The Selfish (co-production with France 3)
• Undercover Spirit (co-production with Studio 71)
• Next Level: Odyssey (co-production with TeamTO, M6, Teletoon+, Akkord Film and Thuristar, distribution by APC Kids)
• Enigma (co-production with La Chouette Compagnie, Buf Compagnie, Canal J and TF1)

Live action

• The Intrepids (1992–1995)
• Extreme Limite (1993–1999)
• Teen's Confessions (1996)
• My Best Holidays (1996–1997)
• Sous le soleil (1996–2008)
• Léa Parker (2004–2006)
• 15/Love (2004–2006)
• LazyTown (2004–2014) (French dub only)
• Dolmen (2005)
• Logo Story (2006)
• Mister Maker (2007–2009, 2016)
• Sous le soleil de Saint-Tropez (2013–2014)
• Millie Inbetween (2014–2018)
• The Lodge (2016–2017)
• Flatmates (2019–2021)
• Sisterhood
• Summer crush
• The intrepids
• Secrets every woman is a suspected
• Dock 13
• 72 hours
• The challengers

Documentary

• Born Wild
• Born World

References

1. Co-founder Steps Down http://www.c21media.net/marathon-co-founder-steps-down/
2. Baisley, Sarah (September 20, 2005). "Bridgepoint to Merge with Marathon". Animation World Network. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
3. Leffler, Rebecca (February 28, 2008). "Marathon takes major stake in KM Prod'n". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
4. Zodiak Media Press Release http://www.zodiakmedia.com/press_detail.php?id=736
5. Dickson, Jeremy (21 January 2022). "Gulli, Discovery Kids Revive Totally Spies!". Kidscreen.
6. Burnico Communications LTD. (October 2006). Kidscreen Magazine - Kidscreen's Digital Edition October 2006.
7. Zodiak to Launch 'LoliRock' at MIPTV
8. "Announcement for the third season of the series".