Bannister resurfaces, prepping Shanghai Media toon slate

Former PGS Entertainment acquisitions exec Justine Bannister is working with China’s Shanghai Media Group on a slate of new kids’ series, TBI has learned.

Justine BannisterBannister has been working with a range of clients on a consultancy basis since leaving PGS last year including SMG-owned animation producer Toonmax and France’s Panache Animation.

It is understood Toonmax is seeking to grow its international business and has lined up a slate of currently unannounced toon series and feature films that it will launch over the next 18-24 months. The first will launch at MIPCOM in October.

Bannister will oversee sales, press and marketing of the projects, and help Toonmax develop upcoming projects.

She is also working with a range of other producers to get their IP ready for launch on the international market.

Bannister will be in Sheffield next month for the Children’s Media Conference’s International Exchange event, which brings together producers, broadcasters, distributors and digital companies looking for investment opportunities and the chance to meet UK writers and potential coproduction partners.

Key industry figures confirmed for the Exchange include De Agostini’s Massimo Bruno, FremantleMedia Kids Sander Schwarz, Frank Dietz from Super RTL, DHX Media’s Steven DeNure and Sprout’s Andrew Beecham.

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