Video Interview: Rainbow’s Iginio Straffi

NEW YORK: 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.