Banijay Kids & Family – behind the hit shows “Totally Spies!” and “Mr Bean: The Animated Series” – announced new distribution deals for the latest installment of “Once Upon a Time…”, produced by Procidis.
Season 8, “Once Upon a Time… Objects,” was picked up by Puls Kids from Puls 2 in Poland, Turkuvaz Media Group’s children’s channel Minika GO in Turkey, TFO in Canada and Radio Television Hong Kong.
There is more good news, however, as previous seasons “continue to thrive” with AMC Networks International CNE acquiring seasons 3 and 7 (“Life”, “Planet Earth”) for several Eastern European territories, and SF Studios picking up season 3 (“Life”) for Norway and Sweden.
Described as an “iconic edutainment franchise”, the “Once Upon a Time…” saga was originally created by Albert Barillé in 1978 and has been broadcast continuously in France for almost 50 years.
“Its continued journey beyond borders and into new territories demonstrates its enduring relevance and appeal on a global scale,” noted Cécile Cau, senior vice president of sales, co-productions and acquisitions at Banijay Kids & Family.
“The franchise has a lasting legacy and educational value that stays with viewers for life, sparking curiosity from childhood and continuing to resonate with fans well into adulthood.”
Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO of BANIYE Variety: “At the time of its creation, “Once upon a time…” was revolutionary. Albert Barillé created a unique visual and narrative language that was aimed at children as well as parents.”
Its longevity rests on its ability to “blend storytelling and education in a way that is both engaging and timeless,” he argued, “making knowledge accessible, playful and universal.”
“The franchise has always sparked a curiosity in children that leaves a lasting impression as adults. What keeps it alive is its adaptability, with each new season tackling new themes that resonate with contemporary audiences. Each episode is driven by curiosity, education and genuine kindness towards the audience.”
This, however, is not the end of a story that spans decades.
“The continued success of ‘Once Upon a Time…’ in new territories and platforms shows that there is still a strong appetite for thoughtful educational content. With Hélène Barillé, we have bold plans to grow and evolve the brand for a new generation. We continue to build on its legacy and introduce it to new generations around the world, both through content and beyond, with a growing portfolio of experiences and products. “
While each season has a different theme, “The Objects” takes a fresh look at the everyday objects that shape our world.
“It’s a clever way to teach children about science, history and culture through objects they encounter every day. Buyers have responded enthusiastically because the show is accessible and universal, and they appreciate the content that cleverly combines education and entertainment,” assured Di Sabatino. Arguing that the magic of the franchise lies in its storytelling.
“It doesn’t preach. It entertains. It invites understanding rather than memorization. Humor, poetry and iconic characters bring knowledge to life.”
He added: “It has always respected the intelligence of its audience and is a reliable source of knowledge, which captivates children’s imagination. This balance of emotion, storytelling and scientific precision is what makes it such a timeless model of ‘edutainment’, long before the term even existed.”
‘Once upon a time…’
Courtesy of Banijay Kids & Family
