Under the terms of a new deal, 9 Story Media Group has exclusive first-look rights to acquire audio-visual, merchandising, theatrical and ancillary rights to Knights Of’s book properties. 9 Story has also acquired a minority equity stake in the London-based publishing company.
Created by Aimée Felone and David Stevens, KNIGHTS OF is a multi-award-winning inclusive publisher focused on bringing underrepresented voices to the forefront of commercial children’s publishing. With a team led by women of colour, Knights Of works to engage with gatekeepers across the industry, including booksellers, teachers and librarians, and supports non- traditional community spaces with events, outreach, marketing and partnerships.
The Knights Of roster of bestselling authors includes Elle McNicoll (A Kind of Spark), Kelly Yang (Front Desk, Three Keys), Jason Reynolds (Look Both Ways, The Run Series) and Sharna Jackson (High-Rise Mystery). 9 Story Media Group and its Oscar-nominated studio Brown Bag Films are known for popular children’s shows such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Blue’s Clues & You, Wild Kratts, and Doc McStuffins as well as newcomers Ada Twist, Scientist and Karma’s World.
“Partnering with 9 Story is an absolute joy for us,” says Felone. “Bringing investors on board has always gone beyond financial motives for us, so to bring on board a company who is not only at the forefront of their media sector, but also so closely aligned with our ethos was an incredible opportunity for everyone involved. We’re so excited to see how this partnership will further our mutual growth.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Knights Of, which is changing the face of publishing by putting inclusion at the centre of everything they do,” says Vince Commisso, President & CEO of 9 Story Media Group. “Their mission to make books for every kid closely aligns with 9 Story’s core values and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are excited to collaborate with the Knights Of team and bring new stories from diverse voices to life on screen, so that no child is left behind.”
