Banijay Tests New Distribution Model With Digital-First Series ‘Ava & Digger’

Banijay Kids & Family and TheSoul Publishing are expanding their partnership with a new co-production, Ava & Digger, a digital-first animated series that reflects how major studios are increasingly developing and testing IP across multiple platforms.

The project builds upon the partners’ recent collaboration on localized YouTube and FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channels, as well as a Totally Spies! x 5-Minute Crafts crossover.

Ava & Digger follows two animal friends living with their psychologist owner, exploring themes of emotion and friendship beneath the surface of domestic life. The series, set to debut later this year on YouTube and streaming platforms, will be distributed globally by Banijay Kids & Family, one of the world’s most prolific production, distribution, and sales organizations.

In a shift from traditional broadcast models, the Ava & Digger property will evolve online, using real-time audience feedback to shape storylines and character development. The approach enables Banijay to engage directly with viewers and adapt quickly to platform trends, a first for the company, which has previously relied on pre-sold linear commissions for titles such as Totally Spies! and Mr. Bean: The Animated Series.

Ava & Digger’s production pipeline is designed for speed, with new installments turned around in just a week or two. This rapid cycle allows the creative team to incorporate audience reactions almost immediately, refining tone, humor, and themes as the series unfolds.

No word in Banijay’s release about whether or not the company plans to use AI to speed up the pipeline, but it seems a safe bet given the company’s track record wit the new tech. Banijay has been steadily integrating AI across its wide range of operations, from launching an AI Creative Fund to adopting AI-powered tools for video discovery, translation, and script development. Banijay has also teamed up with the World AI Film Festival and reportedly used AI tools to support script development and creative planning at its French arm.

Dan Lewsey, global head of digital at Banijay Kids & Family explained in a release:

A self-funded, digital-first IP is a strategic first for us, and we’re excited by the opportunity to react in real-time to audience feedback, refine the direction of the show, and build a strong brand with a vibrant community around it.

Jonathan Shrank, VP of streaming and content partnerships at TheSoul Publishing, added:

This co-production marks a natural evolution of our successful partnership with Banijay Kids & Family. Together, we bring premium, cost-effective, high-quality production values, quick turnaround capabilities, and a deep understanding of digital platforms and audience behaviors. This foray into adaptive content using viewer insights represents an excellent opportunity to innovate on a large scale, and it’s exciting to be in the middle of a game-changing opportunity, extending our partnership to launch an original new show.

Ava & Digger stands out as another example of how established studios are embracing trans-platform distribution to launch and enhance their favored kids and family properties.