Panini launches TV distribution division at MIPTV

Trading cards and collectibles specialist the Panini Group is launching a TV distribution division, Panini Media, at MIPTV and has unveiled its inaugural launch slate.

Panini Media will be part of The Licensing Machine, the Panini Group’s own licensing agency. The company will be headquartered in Modena, Italy. Bruno Zarka will be head of sales and acquisitions, Mikkel Egelund running sales in the UK, US, Lat-Am, Asia. Goetz Grube will oversee sales in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The distributor’s launch slate includes US$9 million sci-fi series Metal Hurlant Chronicles, which has already been picked up by broadcasters including SPT’s AXN. There is also US$13 million astrology-based scripted series Signs and US$12 million Swedish set crime show Jorsdkott.

The documentary line-up includes Inside N.Y.C. Firefighters Training Centre about the training of New York firemen and The History Secrets, a factual series that reveals the intimate secrets of Marie Antoinette, Henry VIII and other well-known historical figures.

Bruno Zarka said: “Panini Media aims to become a globally recognised quality family entertainment provider and is very proud to be revealing our extremely exciting portfolio of titles at MIP TV 2012 under our new Panini Media banner.”