Video Interview: Rainbow's Iginio Straffi

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Video Interview: Rainbow's Iginio Straffi
Oct 19, 2010

In this video interview, Iginio Straffi, the CEO of Rainbow S.p.A., discusses the latest developments at the Italy-based firm, and outlines what’s ahead for the company.

In 2011, the Rainbow Magicland theme park opens in Rome, featuring rides and other attractions based on Rainbow S.p.A.’s portfolio of kids’ characters, including the fairies of the international hit Winx Club. Already a hit worldwide with girls aged 4 to 12, and a tremendously successful licensing property, Winx Club reached a new milestone this year with its landmark deal with Nickelodeon in the U.S. The channel has acquired all of the existing episodes, and has come on board to co-produce seasons five and six. Announcing the agreement last month, Cyma Zarghami, president of Nickelodeon and the MTVN Kids and Family Group, noted that the show presents an opportunity to “fill a gap for girls in the 6- to 8-year-olds range.”

The Nick deal comes as the Loreto, Italy-based firm celebrates its 15th anniversary. Founded by CEO Iginio Straffi, the company is today among the largest animation studios in Europe, with a broad range of properties, from the girl-skewing Winx Club to the boys’ action-adventure hit Huntik: Secrets & Seekers to the comedy Monster Allergy. Rainbow is also taking a leading position in the 3D arena, led by the stereoscopic theatrical feature Winx Club 3D Magical Adventure, and has set up a dedicated division to develop games and other online content. On the traditional TV front, meanwhile, the company continues to develop properties in-house, such as the new offering PopPixie, and has boosted its co-production slate with Mia & Me, with m4e, and Gon, with Daewon Media.

Huntik ws is a Fan Website for the famous 'HUNTIK: Secrets & Seekers' children's TV Show. Artwork on Huntik ws website, including Huntik logo and all other Huntik images are protected by copyright and are the property of their respective owners. Artwork on this website can be used for personal intention only. Usage of any Huntik pictures other than personal use is strongly prohibited. For more information on licensing Huntik products based on the Huntik animated TV series, please contact Huntik licensing department at Upper Deck Company, or Rainbow S.p.A.

Huntik is an Italian animated TV series created by Iginio Straffi of Rainbow S.p.A., as a co-production with Big Bocca Productions (an Irish entertainment production and licensing company owned by Richard McWilliam, CEO and owner of The Upper Deck Company, LLC and Rainbow S.p.A.).

Huntik made its debut at the MIPCOM show in Cannes, and premiered January 3, 2009 in the U.S. on The CW4Kids. Created and directed by legendary Italian animator Iginio Straffi (who also created The Winx Club and Monster Allergies), Huntik was awarded as best cartoon for entertainment and business opportunities at MIPJunior, a leading international exhibition dedicated to children's tv programmes.

Huntik TV series was broadcast in Italy on Rai 2 and in foreign channels including the The CW4Kids (United States), Disney XD -previously Jetix- (UK & Ireland), MTV3 (Finland), Rede Record (Brazil), Jetix / Disney XD (Netherlands), Childern Channel (Israel), RTL II (Germany), ZAZ (Mexico), Network Ten (Australia), TV Tokyo (Japan), South Africa, Singapore, Greece, Austria, Portugal and the Philippines.

Huntik trading card game, produced by Upper Deck Entertainment, was released in 2009 in Starter decks and booster packs. A line of Huntik action figures has also been released by Upper Deck.