Iginio Straffi (born May 30, 1965) is an Italian animator and former comic book author. He is the founder and president of Rainbow SpA , which he co-owned alongside the American media company Paramount Global from 2011 until 2023. Straffi is the creator of the studio's animated series Winx Club and Huntik: Secrets & Seekers , as well as the co-creator of its comic book series Maya Fox .
56-465: Game One is a French television channel owned by Paramount Networks EMEAA . The channel shows several programs based on video gaming. It also airs Japanese anime on a regular basis. In Germany between 2006 and 2014, a television show about videos games with the same name aired on MTV Germany . After the show was cancelled, the guys from Game One launched an online TV channel with the name Rocket Beans TV on Twitch and YouTube . Since 2016, they moderate
112-508: A 30% ownership stake in the Rainbow S.p.A. animation studio until it sold the stake in 2023. It currently operates in 31 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Paramount Networks Northern Europe (formerly ViacomCBS Networks Northern Europe and Viacom International Media Networks UK, Northern and Eastern Europe ) is a regional division of Paramount Networks EMEAA which serves
168-502: A cartoon, and he could not find an animation job in his home country. In 1992, Straffi left Sergio Bonelli Editore and moved to France for a storyboarding job at the Telcima animation studio. He was "bewildered" when he was offered the position, but in Straffi's words, it was "the turning point [he] was waiting for." Straffi worked on designs for the pilot episode of Valérian as well as
224-408: A live-action series ( Fate: The Winx Saga ) geared towards the show's older fans, while the animated series would be completely redesigned for a much younger audience. As of 2019, Straffi serves as executive producer for Fate and as a producer for Nickelodeon's Club 57 . The same year, Straffi commented on his near-decade of continued work with Nickelodeon, saying that "the know-how of Rainbow and
280-456: A localized version of MTV Base in South Africa. MTV South-Africa is an opt-out feed of the same channel with selected unique programming targeting South Africa. On 5 July 2013 VIMN announced it has purchased 51% of MTV Italy the channel was previously a joint-venture largely owned by Telecom Italia Media and VIMN. The ownership conditions have changed which means VIMN holds a larger share of
336-528: A microenvironment for many species including the protected snail species Helix pomatia and occasional migratory birds. Following a successful launch in the Baltic region MTV (see MTV Baltic ) ceased trading in the region in 2009 due to the economic downturn across Europe and the wider world. On 4 November 2010 MTV Networks International offices in Berlin & Amsterdam confirmed that from 1 January 2011 that TMF in
392-408: A new strategy, MTV Networks Europe became part of Viacom Media International Networks in the winter of 2011. In the fall of 2013, Viacom International Media Networks announced it would relaunch its MTV channels globally with a new on-air identity. This came into effect on 1 October 2013. On 25 June 2015, MTV International channels were rebranded with a new initiative to get more viewers involved with
448-442: A planned film adaptation of Roman de Renart . After becoming experienced with each stage of the animation production process, Straffi returned to Italy. With the financial assistance of Lamberto Pigini and Giuseppe Casali, Straffi founded Rainbow SpA in 1995 with 10,000 euros. The money was mainly used to purchase computers and software for digital design. Rainbow initially provided creative services for larger companies. Among
504-399: A revised version of the traditional MTV logo. It was decided that MTV Networks International channels would adopt this logo at a later date. On 1 July 2011, MTV Networks Europe rebranded its network across Germany, Europe and globally. MTV replaced its old logo with the then-current MTV US logo. On 30 June 2011 MTV's localized websites throughout Europe began to use the new branding. As part of
560-450: A trip to Lee's native Singapore , and they married several years later. Straffi and Lee have a daughter named Isotta. Straffi entered the professional comic book industry with a story in the 1985 issue of Tilt . He later collaborated on comic stories for the magazine Lanciostory and the Italian version of Skorpio . In 1989, Straffi was talent-scouted by Claudio Nizzi , creator of
616-563: A turndown in advertising and competition from MAD TV, the channel was replaced by MTV Europe. VIMN Europe confirmed its closure on 6 January 2016. This does not affect the Greek Nickelodeon service. In the fall of 2017, VIMN closed plans to close VIVA from German channels in Hungary, Poland, Ireland and the UK. VIMN Germany, Austria and Switzerland confirmed it would reduce the broadcasting hours of
SECTION 10
#1732856106005672-412: A young age, and by age seven, he started drawing his own comic stories. When he was eight years old, Straffi moved to the nearby city of Macerata . In high school, he often drew comic stories in his classmates' notebooks and participated in art competitions, such as one held by the comic magazine Totem . While he continued to develop his art skills, Straffi studied Modern Languages and Literatures at
728-486: Is an ongoing trend for MTV globally. It was reported in the fall of 2012 that MTV US and its other channels had seen a fall in revenue and audience figures. There is competition from on-demand music websites, and MTV's transformation from music oriented television to youth oriented reality and scripted reality shows has failed to ignite the brand. On 31 May 2013 MTV Ukraine ceased broadcasting due to falling ratings. On 3 July 2013 Viacom International Media Networks launched
784-567: Is fully owned by Paramount Global . The unit's headquarters are in Madrid, with additional offices in Berlin, Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam, Milan, Dubai, Johannesburg, Lagos, Budapest, Warsaw, Singapore, Stockholm, Tokyo, Beijing, Manila, Copenhagen, Prague, Helsinki, and Hong Kong. The company was originally founded under the name MTV Networks Europe in 1987. In 2011, the division was renamed Viacom International Media Networks Europe . Also in 2011, Viacom created an Italian subdivision in order to purchase
840-449: Is to be relocated to VIMN in London. VIMN's Sydney advertising department and Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand will not be affected by this move. From January 2014, MTV Czech Republic & Slovakia will came under full ownership of VIMN Europe. Following a decision by the current operator CME to hand back the licence to VIMN. The channel was replaced by MTV Europe January 2014, with
896-576: The Nick Raider comic book series. Nizzi brought him to work for the comic book's publishing house, Sergio Bonelli Editore . Straffi became the lead creative artist for Nick Raider , beginning with the October 1990 issue "Missione nel Bronx". His work was also occasionally featured in the Métal hurlant and Comic Art magazines. While he enjoyed illustration, Straffi's "dream job" was to turn his drawings into
952-513: The University of Macerata . During his university years, he dated a foreign girl named Antonella who was raised in Italy by adoptive parents. Antonella told Straffi of her desire to meet her biological parents, which inspired Straffi to create a character with a similar backstory ( Bloom from Winx Club ). Bloom's personality was based on that of Straffi's wife, Joanne Lee. Straffi met Lee in 1997, during
1008-529: The Winx Club plot to last no more than 78 episodes (three seasons). He decided to extend the series for an additional season in 2008, citing the show's increasing popularity. Around this time, Winx Club ' s international success attracted the attention of the American media company Viacom , owner of Nickelodeon and Paramount Pictures . In February 2011, Viacom became a co-owner of Rainbow, purchasing 30% of
1064-442: The 1990s. From 1997, MTV's regionalization throughout Europe brought about specialized on-air identity which reflected the tastes and influences from each region. As part of a global rebranding strategy, MTV Networks International decided to produce a new on-air identity that would air on all MTV channels around the world (except MTV US, MTV Canada, MTV Germany and MTV Brazil). On 1 July 2009 all 64 MTV channels globally began to share
1120-1080: The Czech Republic. Channels for the Benelux region, the Nordic region, France, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal are regulated by authorities in the Netherlands and the remaining channels will be regulated by authorities in the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and/or under a local arrangement with a relevant regulator. PIN Europe, Middle East, and Africa have multiple offices across these regions including Berlin , London , Stockholm , Copenhagen , Amsterdam , Rome , Lisbon , Paris , Madrid , Warsaw , Prague , Johannesburg , Moscow , and Sydney . PIN's European headquarters are at PIN Europe London HQ . The building at 17–29 Hawley Crescent, Camden Town, London NW1 8TT, UK, notably sports an exterior living wall. The wall spans over 300m² and hosts approximately 18,000 plants on two aspects: South and West. The wall provides
1176-584: The French versions of MTV Base , MTV Pulse and MTV Idol are closed and a French versions of MTV Hits and BET are launched. The European version of MTV Hits ceased broadcasting in France, Belgium and Switzerland and MTV Rocks ceased broadcasting in Switzerland and CanalSat . On Numericable , VH1 and VH1 Classic returns and MTV Dance is launched. On 10 January 2016 VIMN shutdown its Greek MTV channel due to
SECTION 20
#17328561060051232-706: The German-speaking VIVA replacing it with an extended version of Comedy Central Germany. By the spring of 2018, VIMN Germany confirmed it would close VIVA in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in January 2019, replacing it with a 24-hour Comedy Central Germany. meanwhile in the UK Nickelodeon, Nick Jr Too and Nicktoons will go 24/7 on 1 January 2019 the same day as the closure of VIVA. MTV Romania shut down in late February 2019, replaced by MTV Europe. The current EMEAA division
1288-551: The Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden), Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, North Macedonia, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Georgia, and CIS countries. Its main headquarters are in Berlin , London and Warsaw , while its regional offices are located in Amsterdam and Stockholm . Paramount Networks Northern Europe also operates content for MTV's global community (excluding
1344-496: The Germany, United Kingdom and Poland to license and secure broadcasting agreements across Europe, whilst maintaining EU regulation. In the past, the majority of MTV's channels were regulated by authorities based in the Germany & UK ( Ofcom ) and Germany & Poland (The National Broadcasting Council). However, due to the UK's impending exit from the European Union the company has relocated many of its broadcasting licenses from
1400-618: The MTV brand is no-longer relevant in the territory and will be replaced by a more youth orientated general entertainment brand called 'Friday' on 1 June 2013. MTV Russia is one of the most widely distributed channels in the Russian Federation and was previously rated the most watched channel in the territory. Today, the channel has been relegated to the Top 20 channels in Russia. VIMN stated its commitment to
1456-645: The Netherlands TMF Live and TMF NL also ceased broadcasting. TMF Flanders in Belgium currently broadcasts as the only TMF channel. On 16 September 2011 it was confirmed by Viacom International Media Networks its operations in the Nordic countries, Benelux region and Germany would operate under Viacom International Media Networks Northern Europe . VIMN Northern Europe operates from its central offices in Amsterdam , Stockholm and Berlin . Resulting in job losses at its offices from MTV Networks Benelux in Belgium and
1512-478: The Netherlands broadcasting hours would be reduced until 15:00 each day. From 4 April 2011 TMF was gradually replaced by Kindernet and where the channel was only available online from the former TMF.nl website. On 1 September 2011 TMF in the Netherlands ceased broadcasting. TMF Nederland was the original channel before launching local channels in Germany, Belgium, UK and Australia. These local channels have been replaced with different channels. TMF's digital channels in
1568-613: The Netherlands. The re-alignment will see all music programming come from its operations in Stockholm. Its Swedish offices operate local channels such as MTV and VH1 within VIMN Northern European's portfolio of music channels. All kids and family programming operates from Berlin these include localized versions of Nickelodeon , Nick Jr. Channel and Kindernet . Whilst all the localized Comedy Central channels will be operated from Amsterdam . VIMN North European's portfolio includes
1624-485: The UK to regulators based in the Czech Republic (RRTV) and the Netherlands. Following Brexit , all channels operating in the UK will remain under OFCOM, whilst all other channels operated by Paramount International Networks for the rest of Europe will be regulated from Germany, Poland, Czech Republic and/or the Netherlands. Channels for Ireland, Hungary, Czech Republic and pan-European channels are regulated by RRTV in
1680-677: The United States), as well as an array of MTV-branded channels including MTV Music (in Germany, UK & Europe), MTV Hits (in Germany, UK & Europe), MTV Base (in Germany, UK & Europe) and MTV Brand New (in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands). In 2011, VIMN UK, Northern and Eastern Europe realigned its local production operations with music content being produced in Berlin, London, Warsaw, and Stockholm; kids and family programming in London, Berlin, and Warsaw; and comedy content in Berlin, Amsterdam, London, and Warsaw. Amsterdam acts as
1736-421: The assistance of Lamberto Pigini and Giuseppe Casali. The studio began with a capital of 10,000 euros, which was mostly used to purchase computers and software for digital design. Rainbow initially provided creative services for other companies until securing funds for original projects. In 2004, Iginio Straffi's creation Winx Club premiered in Italy. The series became internationally successful and attracted
Game One - Misplaced Pages Continue
1792-549: The attention of the American media company Viacom , owner of Nickelodeon and Paramount Pictures . After a "long courtship," in February 2011 Viacom became a co-owner of Rainbow, purchasing 30% of the studio and leaving the remaining 70% to Straffi. The purchase was called "Straffi's most important agreement" by L'espresso , as it led to the worldwide distribution of Rainbow's shows by Paramount and Nickelodeon, as well as various co-productions. Straffi later took full ownership of
1848-707: The box office, earning about $ 10 million worldwide, which Straffi assumed was a result of Rainbow's lack of experience with cinema. Straffi also produced The Dark Side of the Sun , an animated documentary that premiered at the Rome International Film Festival in December 2011. In 2019, Straffi stated that he intended to shift his focus to live action over animation; he felt "the move into live action completes [his] experience professionally." This followed Straffi's announcement that Winx Club would be adapted into
1904-425: The channel after Telecom Italia Media sold its 51% share. At the same time Viacom launched on the platform of Sky, the new channel MTV Next. Viacom continues to broadcast in Italy through DTT the free-channel MTV Music (Italia) and remains active with Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. through the platform of Sky Italia. MTV Classic Italia and MTV Hits Italia have been closed down on 1 August. On 17 November 2015
1960-406: The channel titled 'Gravity'. Since January 2010, MTV Networks Europe has started to rebrand its localized websites featuring a standard website for each region. The website design is similar for each region but has information, news and entertainment specific to each region. MTV Germany, MTV Belgium, MTV Netherlands, MTV Switzerland, MTV Portugal, MTV Sweden and MTV Denmark were the first to receive
2016-477: The channel. MTV launched MTVBump.com where viewers could upload short video clips which will air on MTV channels worldwide (excluding MTV US and MTV Canada). MTV also launched MTV Art Breaks where creative viewers can create special MTV idents. MTV would also launch MTV Creative, another initiative to coincide with MTV Bump. However, MTV's rebrand still saw falling ratings. In early 2018, MTV Global began to roll out 'MTV Mood' identity on-air and online. The new look
2072-674: The channel. On 12 September 2013 VIMN Europe announced it has gained 100% ownership of MTV Italia and associated channels from Telecom Italia. Following the merger of MTV Networks New Zealand and MTV Networks Australia operations into one network based in Sydney in 2010, MTV (Australia & New Zealand) and its sister brand Comedy Central (New Zealand only) were placed under VIMN's – Viacom International Media Networks UK, Ireland, Australia, Central Eastern Europe and International Content Distribution. On 11 October 2013, VIMN's Sydney operations announced it would downsize. From year end all broadcasting
2128-539: The company and leaving the remaining 70% to Straffi. Viacom's entry into the company followed a "long courtship," and the terms of the US$ 83 million purchase were decided earlier in 2010. Viacom provides Straffi access to financial and studio resources that, according to L'espresso , "ensure the future of the Winx fairies, and of Straffi himself." L'espresso called the transaction "Straffi's most important agreement," as it led to
2184-534: The country or region. In February 2011, Viacom set up Viacom International Media Networks Italia to purchase a 30% ownership stake of the Rainbow S.p.A. animation studio for 62 million euros (US$ 83 million). The purchase was called "the most significant transaction [in Italian entertainment]" of the year by the Fondazione Ente dello Spettacolo . Viacom originally sought to buy out the entire studio, but eventually decided to keep its founder Iginio Straffi at
2240-408: The following territories: Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. MTV's Berlin and Amsterdam offices will remain open and will act as the technical play-out hub for the channels. In December 2012, both Viacom International Media Networks and ProfMedia announced the closure of MTV Russia . Prof Media who purchased MTV Russia from VIMN in 2007, claimed
2296-493: The helm and left him 70% of the studio. As a result of the purchase, Viacom's Nickelodeon networks broadcast Rainbow's shows worldwide. Viacom Italia has also coordinated co-productions between Nickelodeon's American studios and Rainbow, including Winx Club since 2010 and Club 57 in 2019. On 1 August 1987, Viacom formed a joint venture with BT and Robert Maxwell , and created the first MTV channel in Europe . The channel
Game One - Misplaced Pages Continue
2352-429: The horror comic book series Maya Fox (first published in 2008) and the animated television series Huntik: Secrets & Seekers (which premiered in 2009). In 2012, Straffi's first original animated film, Gladiators of Rome , opened in Italy. The movie was one of the most expensive Italian films made at the time, costing around $ 80 million (70 million euros) including marketing costs. The film performed poorly at
2408-471: The new look website layout and design. A new design and layout were released in late 2017 before rolling out across MTV globally in 2018. A new global design was launched in October 2019. A new global design was introduced in February 2021, with some minor changes to coincide with MTV's global rebrand in September 2021. Paramount International Networks has utilized the broadcasting laws and regulation from both
2464-520: The possibility of the channel relaunching. Similarly, MTV Hungary ceased broadcasting on 31 December 2013. In early 2014, Czech TV regular (RRTV is the licence holder for MTV channels in Eastern Europe) issued MTV Hungary a new licence but this was handed back on 8 January 2014. On 1 August 2015 in Italy MTV Italia (DTT-free to air station) was sold to Sky Italia. In 2013 Viacom took full control of
2520-479: The region stating its other MTV channels and brands such as VH1, Nickelodeon and the newly localized Comedy Central will continue to broadcast across Russia on cable and digital television providers. It has also been stated in some reports that MTV as a brand is in crisis in other Eastern European territories with falling ratings for MTV Poland and other local MTV channels in Central Eastern Europe . This
2576-513: The same on-air branding. This branding made use of a standardised logo, idents and promos (except MTV US, MTV Canada, MTV Germany and MTV Brazil). The on-air branding initiative was called Pop X1000 reflecting the changing nature of popular culture with MTV at the heart of these rapid changes. The branding was designed by MTV's design department World Design Studio in Milan and Berlin with additional designs added by other global departments throughout
2632-507: The studio after buying the remaining stake from Paramount Global in January 2023. As of 2019, Straffi continues to work in creative roles at Rainbow, but he has shifted his focus from animation to live action . Among his first live-action works are Nickelodeon's Club 57 and Fate: The Winx Saga , an adaptation of Winx Club . Straffi was born in Gualdo in the Italian region of Marche . He had an interest in illustrating comic books from
2688-607: The studio's first commissions were three minutes of animation in the film How the Toys Saved Christmas and the pilot for Les Armateurs ' cartoon Belphégor . Rainbow eventually secured enough funds to produce its first original project, the Tommy and Oscar series of CD-ROMs and animations. In 2004, Straffi's creation Winx Club premiered on Italy's Rai 2 . It became one of the network's highest-rated programs, with an average audience share of 17%. Straffi originally wrote
2744-635: The technical play-out hub for the majority of Europe, with exception for channels in Germany, Poland and the UK. Paramount Networks Southern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (formerly ViacomCBS Networks Southern Europe, Middle East, and Africa ) is a regional division of Paramount Networks EMEAA. At the moment the unit's main headquarters are in Madrid, with additional offices in Lisbon, Paris, Milan, Dubai, Johannesburg & Lagos, Singapore, Tokyo, Beijing, Manila, Prague, and Hong Kong SAR. The selection of multimedia brands offered by this division varies depending on
2800-453: The web show Game Two with the support of FUNK , an online service of the German television channels Das Erste and ZDF . This article about a French television station is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Paramount Networks EMEAA Paramount Networks Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia ( EMEAA ) is a division of Paramount International Networks which
2856-415: The worldwide distribution of Rainbow's shows through Viacom's network of subsidiaries. Viacom's Nickelodeon studios have co-produced various projects with Rainbow, including additional seasons of Winx Club and Club 57 in 2019. When asked by an interviewer in 2011 if he was "tired of" working on Winx Club , Straffi responded, "Let's just say I've moved onto other projects." His other creations include
SECTION 50
#17328561060052912-643: The year. The branding was overseen by Universal Everything . This branding was adopted by MTV Networks Europe (in Germany), MTV Networks Asia , MTV Networks Africa and MTV Networks Latin America . As part of MTV's rebrand awareness campaign MTV teamed up with Spanish retailer ZARA in December 2009 to provide branded themed T-shirts and hoodies representing the "Pop X 1000%" campaign. On 8 November 2010 MTV launched its third phase of idents. In 2010, MTV US & MTV Germany rebranded its entire network of channels producing
2968-494: Was based in London . From 1997, MTV Networks Europe established its regionalisation strategy launching localised channels across many European countries/regions. This is a list of regional MTV channels still operating in Europe, Middle East, Africa, in order of launch: Upon its launch in Europe in the late 1980s, MTV Europe made use of MTV US's on-air identity. Overtime, MTV Europe gradually produced its own on-air identity throughout
3024-503: Was closed. PIN has many key brands that are available across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Some brands are specific to different territories. Pan-European brands: Specific to regions: Iginio Straffi While at university, Straffi published his first comic story in a 1985 issue of Tilt . He continued to work as a comic book illustrator through the 1990s, eventually drawing an issue of Sergio Bonelli Editore 's Nick Raider series. In 1995, Straffi founded Rainbow with
3080-583: Was first used by local MTV channels across Latin America. MTV Europe began using the new look at the end of 2017 along with MTV Germany, before rolling out across Europe in January/February 2018. On 14 September 2021, MTV launched a new on-air identity; producing a "unified global brand with space for self-expression", for the first time MTV in the US & German shares the same on-air identity as MTV globally. MTV also introduced its first commissioned font, unique to
3136-531: Was formed when the re-merged ViacomCBS split off its UK channels and combined them with operations in Australia. In 2021, MTV closed a number of channels across Europe and on March 31, 2022, MTV Classic and MTV Base closed in the UK. Meanwhile, MTV Hungary was closed in April 2022 and MTV Southeast Asia followed it in September 2022. On 7 January 2024 Paramount Networks closed VH1 Italy and on 31 March 2024 VH1 Denmark
#4995