Category Archives: Entertainment

Animaccord takes Masha and the Bear and new offering Fairy-teens to MIPCOM

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Animaccord will be presenting both its popular animated series Masha and the Bear and its latest offering, Fairy-teens, at this year’s MIPCOM.

Fairy-teens, a new rapidly expanding 3D CGI fantasy and adventure series created by Dmitry Loveiko, co-producer of Masha and the Bear, follows the story of five little fairies who train to control their magical powers, cope with the dangers of the world around them, and interact with each other. Gradually, the little sorceresses learn that they are destined for an unusual and very responsible role, and the fate of the whole fairy world may depend on their actions. The show targets girls aged 6–8 and includes two Seasons of 26 X 11 min episodes.

Among the project’s strong brand identity and unique attributes are the multi-tiered horizontal story (fantasy plus sitcom), insightful and ‘edutainment’ storylines, multicultural context and musical involvement – one of the more important aspects of the series. The orchestral themes are designed specifically for each fairy and episode, while the music is available on major music platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music and Deezer.

The show is widely broadcast on TV and VOD platforms in CIS, as well as rapidly growing on two branded YouTube channels, cumulating in over 54M views. The new episodes are uploaded to the Fairy-teens YouTube site once a month while FairyteensPlay features Let’s play videos with Fairy-teens toys.

Moreover, the project is acting on tech-driven content including the Fay.net digital eco-system that emulates the Fairy-teens universe, allowing for interaction with the target audience, as well as a 3D Fairy Colouring app, 3D Fairy Colouring, both of which are available on AppStore and Google Play.

 

WarnerMedia Kids & Family acquires animated series Dodo from CAKE for HBO Max and Cartoon Network

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Leading kids’ and family entertainment specialist CAKE has announced a deal with WarnerMedia Kids & Family for Wildseed Studios’ animated kids’ comedy series Dodo. Based on the multi-award-winning short film and YouTube hit Not the End of the World by British creator and series director Jack Bennett, Dodo (20 x 11 minutes) perfectly depicts the drama every child experiences during middle school through the character of 11-year-old Joe Connolly and his friends Frisbo, Pete and Lily. The series will air on HBO Max and Cartoon Network in 2022.

Ed Galton, CEO at CAKE says, “We are delighted to bring Joe’s dramas to audiences in the US. His hilarious adventures will resonate with and delight children, who can identify with his experiences as well as parents, who will remember their school days with fond nostalgia.”

“Whether our middle-school memories were fraught with tears or laughter we all went through them, and they are perfectly captured in this intensely profound comedy,” says Adina Pitt, Vice President, Partnerships, Acquisitions and Co-Productions for the Americas, WarnerMedia Kids and Family. “CAKE has delivered yet again a hilariously palpable story that kids can identify and laugh along with.”

Dodo is produced by Helen Stern (Gumball), directed by creator Jack Bennett, with the support of Ben Ward (Horrible Histories) on scripting and with executive guidance provided by Wildseed’s Head of Kids and Animation Sarah Mattingley. Produced by BAFTA-winning Wildseed Studios (The Last Bus for Netflix, Counterfeit) in association with Birkdale Film and Television, Toonz Media Group in India and Telegael in Ireland, Dodo is a Sky Original.

CAKE is a leading independent entertainment company specialising in the production, distribution, development, financing and brand development of kids’ and family properties. CAKE Productions Ltd supports CAKE’s development and production activities on shared and originated projects. With over 13 properties in development, productions include Angry Birds: Summer Madness for Netflix; Mama K’s Team 4 with Triggerfish Animation for Netflix; Angelo Rules with TeamTO for France Télévisions, Canal+ and Super RTL, Space Chickens in Space with Anima Estudios for Disney EMEA; Pablo with Paper Owl for CBeebies and Mush-Mush & The Mushables with La Cabane and Thuristar currently premiering internationally on Boomerang.

 

Digital Dimension Entertainment Group’s Saturday Animation Studio developing ‘Aiko and the Masters of Time’

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Saturday Animation Studio, a subsidiary of Montreal-based Digital Dimension Entertainment Group (DDEG), has just announced the development of its second original children’s UHD-CGI animated series, Aiko and the Masters of Time.

Aiko and the Masters of Time is a serialized sci-fi action adventure for ages 7+ that is produced utilizing DDEG’s proprietary real-time pipeline based on Epic Games’ Unreal Engine. Co-created and co-developed by Guy Harvey, André Lavoie, Aaron Simpson, Fred Faubert, and Louis-Simon Ménard, the series is set in an age after linear time has collapsed, and then been reassembled as one combined era resulting in Samurai, Cowboys, Knights, African Warriors and Stone Age Scavengers now living together in one Mega-City. Two star-crossed teens from different factions, Aiko and Wyatt, are caught in a life and death race with powerful forces who are intent on upending this fragile, blended existence for their own dark purposes.

Cookbook Media, which serves as Saturday Animation Studio’s global franchise management agency, will develop and implement a global distribution strategy for  Aiko and the Masters of Time to include content, consumer products, publishing, and digital activations. The agency will introduce the series to international buyers at this year’s MIPJunior market, along with Saturday Animation Studio’s first announced IP, Chase and Catch.

“Kids around the world will be rooting for our heroes Aiko and Wyatt in this mind-bending, thought-provoking, high-concept series that will deliver on all cylinders—action, adventure, and sci-fi,” says Fred Faubert, DDEG’s CCO and Showrunner.  “Our real-time animation pipeline powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine… will allow us to bring the entire universe and characters to life across multiple dimensions.”

A winner of six Emmy Awards and four Visual Effects Society Awards, Digital Dimension Entertainment Group is headquartered in Montreal. Its studios include Meduzarts Animation, Saturday Animation and KRAKN Animation, each of which is set to release new series in the upcoming months, including several original brands currently in development.

Saturday Animation Studio, launched last year, specializes in 2D and 3D real-time animation of kids’ and family content and has multiple projects currently in various stages of development. The studio benefits from world-leading proprietary technologies such as its real-time pipeline based on Epic Games’ Unreal Engine. Back in 2017, it pioneered the use of this pipeline to produce Zafari for NBCUniversal, the world’s first series ever to be produced with real-time technology. An Epic Games Mega Grant recipient, other series produced by Saturday Animation Studio include The Beachbuds for Disney+ Hotstar, Sadie Sparks for Disney Channel, Helen’s Little School Book for BBC Kids and Discovery Kids, and Mighty Mike, co-owned and co-produced with TeamTO.

 

 

 

 

 

FuturumKids announces 10 new ‘Paddles’ offerings, including plush and apparel, will hit stores in time for Christmas

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Following the successful launch on Cartoonito UK and RTE of state-of-the-art animation series Paddles, its creator, FuturumKids, is looking forward to a busy Christmas for its e-commerce range of Paddles merchandise.

Paddles fans can look forward to ten SKUs including plush and apparel. Manufactured in Shanghai and distributed via fulfilment houses in Northampton, London and Dublin, these will be available through the FuturumKids e-commerce portal well in time for the Christmas market.

Further broadcast expansion is expected over the coming months, with brand management company Monster Entertainment – which is handling global television sales for Paddles in all territories except Korea – expected to announce further territory deals in the coming weeks.

Paddles tells the story of a polar bear cub accidentally delivered by the Stork to a frozen River Shannon in Ireland – and brought up by a pack of Irish wolfhounds. Through the adventures, mistakes and discoveries of its funny and huggable star, and his friends Bracken, Bridie and Fagan, the series shows its young audience that being different is something to be celebrated and enjoyed.

This is the latest stage in the broadcast and merchandising development of Paddles, whose makers include members of the team behind the seven-time Emmy-award-winning children’s series Jakers!

Both Futurum and Monster Entertainment will be sending a strong team to entertainment industry exhibition MIPCOM, with the aim of building more broadcast alliances. Apart from expansion for Paddles, new FuturumKids projects including Ling Ling, the story of a wide-eyed panda newly arrived from Shanghai at Tavistock’s International School for Animals, London’s premier – and most eccentric – preschool. Ling Ling is already in production.

“We’ve been delighted by the response to Paddles in both the UK and Ireland,” says Brendan Kelly, Head of Sales at FuturumKids. “The wonderful characters, witty stories and stunning animation have clearly charmed a large number of four-to-seven-year-old viewers – and their parents. As the show’s reach continues to expand to new territories and new viewers, now is undoubtedly the right time to address growing demand for Paddle merchandise – and we’re ready.”

FuturumKids recently announced the establishment of a global HQ for its growing list of productions. The company is now based in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, where its new HQ will house both the company’s main offices and a full animation studio.

You’ve watched Netflix’s Squid Game – now, thanks to Zavvi, you can wear it too

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Super-fans of the Netflix series Squid Game can now get their hands on official merchandise from the series. Online retailer Zavvi is launching a globally exclusive, limited-edition and fully licensed Squid Game clothing collection, based on the Netflix hit series which is taking the world by storm.

Inspired by the incredible cinematography in the series, Zavvi has released a complete range of merchandise, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, canvas high-top trainers and a selection of homeware. The range is emblazoned with the distinctive iconography from the series, representing all six childhood-themed games that feature in the show individually and through bright stills. The range also features ‘456’ in its designs, a nod to the 456 participants in the games.

The South Korean thriller, which could become Netflix’s biggest show yet, follows the story of a group of desperate and cash-strapped people competing in a bloodthirsty survival game.

The new and official Squid Game merchandise will be available worldwide, exclusive to Zavvi.com.

Disney Channels U.S. acquires ZAG Heroez’ CGI action-comedy series Ghostforce

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Award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG has licensed its action-comedy series Ghostforce to Disney Channels U.S. Created and produced by Jeremy Zag, the supernatural series for kids aged 6–10 follows three junior-high school students who form a secret team to defend their city from the ghastly ghouls haunting it. Ghostforce premiered on 4 October on Disney XD, with new episodes debuting weekdays until October 15.

Disney Channels has licensed 52 eleven-minute episodes of Ghostforce for North America, Japan and India, adding to the existing deals with Disney Channel EMEA, Russia and the Middle East. Ghostforce had its world premiere in France on TF1 on 28 August this year, and Disney Channel has already debuted the series in Germany and Israel, with additional territories rolling out this autumn.

“Disney is the ideal home for our newest series, Ghostforce, which will be enjoyed by boys and girls alike,” says Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, ZAG. “Ghostforce had a spectacular debut on TF1 in France with an audience share of over 35 per cent, and is already resonating with kids as we are seeing tons of activity increasing across social media channels.”

Ghostforce follows junior-high students  Liv, Andy and Mike, who with each mission transform into Myst, Fury and Krush, superheroes armed with the powers of the ghosts they capture and high-tech gadgets invented by brilliant scientist Ms. Jones. They are the only ones who have the ability to hunt down the ghosts and fight them… before they hurry back to school so they don’t miss the next science class.

Ghostforce is co-produced with De Agostini Editores S.P.A.  A toy line for the series from ZAG Lab and Playmates will be available in 2022.

 

 

KetchupTV to launch ‘StoryZoo’ content on English-speaking platforms in the UK, USA and Australia

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Ketchup TV is adding StoryZoo to its international premium content lineup, accessible via free-to-air broadcast platforms, CTV, Telco partners, mobile and web.

Established in 2013, Ketchup TV operates both video-on-demand (VOD) and free ad-supported streaming (FAST) services, underpinned by its proprietary ad delivery network and monetization system. Ketchup TV will launch the StoryZoo episodes in two series:

‘StoryZoo Adventures – In the Zoo’, in which the three StoryZoo characters visit and learn all about different animals in the zoo.

‘StoryZoo Adventures – In Space’, where traditional animation is mixed with real footage supplied by the ESA (European Space Agency), enabling children to learn about Earth, the Moon and our solar system in a fun and exciting way. “The real-life images literally take these StoryZoo adventures to a higher level,” says Johannes Gropp, founder and CEO of StoryZoo B.V.

Paul Coster, CEO of Ketchup TV, says, “We’ve been looking to expand our preschool educational offering and partnering with StoryZoo provides the perfect opportunity. The stories are fun and interactive, providing children with the opportunity to learn about wildlife here on Earth, and then travel into space to learn about the solar system and Earth from above.”

9 Story Media Group enters into first-look deal with inclusive publisher Knights Of

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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.”

Jetpack acquires worldwide rights for new Paper Owl Films preschool shows

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Global kids’ content distributor Jetpack Distribution has acquired the worldwide rights for three brand-new pre-school animated shows from the award-winning Northern Ireland-based animation outfit, Paper Owl Films.

Comprising 26 two-minute episodes (with series two in development), Ladybird & Bee (pictured) tells the charming stories of the natural world as seen from the perspective of two tiny best friends, with viewers learning things about them and their habitats along the way. Commissioned by Irish public service broadcaster RTÉjr, Ladybird & Bee launched in Irish in March, and will launch in English on 4 October.

With 52 eleven-minute episodes planned and due to go into production late 2023, Mr Dog is based on the best-selling books by Ben Fogle about a globe-trotting pooch who solves other animals’ problems in lovable, funny and often mischievous ways.

Finally, Florida – also comprising 52 eleven-minute episodes and set to be produced in late 2023 – highlights the wonders of engineering, and features a girl (the Florida of the title) who has come to live with Aunt G in her GEM (Gadgets of Everyday Marvel) shop, where the ‘gems’ are wonders of human invention and creativity. With imagination and plenty of optimism, Florida and her friends help these unwanted objects find a new purpose in the world.

“These shows from Paper Owl Films make delightful, quirky and unique additions to our preschool catalogue,” says Jetpack’s CEO, Dominic Gardiner. “They are gently introducing young children to concepts such as teamwork, helping others, using creativity, exploring the world around you and looking at everyday objects in new ways. All are set in locations that preschoolers will find fascinating and intriguing. Something that we love to encourage in young audiences.”

Jetpack Distribution was founded in 2014 and it has gone on to become a leading global distributor of kids shows including Master Moley, Clangers, Chuggington, Mighty Little Bheem, Wolf, Talking Tom and Friends, Yoko, Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed and Kitty is Not a Cat. The company distributes an extensive catalogue of award-winning kids’ properties through a wide variety of channels, from traditional broadcasters to digital platforms.

Paper Owl Films’ Creative Director, Gráinne Mc Guinness, says: “We’re honoured that Jetpack is distributing these shows that are very close to our hearts. Paper Owl Films is committed to delivering memorable content that has a positive impact on young preschoolers – whether that’s as simple as a giggle or helping them learn valuable lessons through fun and funny content. This ranges from the beauty of natural biodiversity balance with best ‘beasties’ Ladybird and Bee, madcap animal rescues with Mr Dog, or being inspired by Florida’s confidence and commitment to a better world for everyone she meets.”

Toikido brings toys and NFTs together in world first for Reality Gaming and Herotainment’s Smighties

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The toys and entertainment merchandise specialist, Toikido has secured the global rights to create high quality, officially licensed Smighties toys and merch, bundled with NFT collectables.

The new deal will bring the world of physical toys and NFTs together for the first time.

Having partnered with Reality Gaming and Herotainment, the teams behind the Smighties brand and its NFT activity, the new range will be available via Smighties-Universe.com.

The partnership represents Toikido’s entry into the exciting world of NFTs, with the Smighties toys available globally from April 2022 at major retailers.

Each Smighties toy will come bundled with a QR code directing its owner to the online portal for Smighties-Universe- a blockchain-fueled experience where fans can collect digital versions of their favourite Smighties characters. Owners of Toikido’s Smighties toys will be able to claim a free NFT based on one of the hundreds of adorable and quirky Smighties-Universe characters.

Each Smighty character in the Smighties-Universe is tokenised into a Non-Fungible Token (NFT), which means it is secured and protected on the blockchain, providing documented ownership indefinitely – Smighties are 100 per cent owned by collectors.

Moreover, Smighties-Universe digital collectibles are one-of-a-kind and cannot be copied, which makes them scarce and potentially valuable. There are over 136 unique characters to collect with different attributes, powers and strengths. Each Smighty can also be categorized by their element and by their rarity, including Epic ones. All Smighties NFTs are available to purchase now at https://smighties-universe.com.

Toikido’s initial Smighties product line-up will include, but not limited to, plush, collectables and trading cards. It will then expand into other core categories globally.

Smighties-Universe is developed and published by Reality Gaming Group in partnership with New York-based entertainment company Herotainment.

Darran Garnham, founder and CEO at Toikido, said: “The expansion of digital IP into physical products is a key focus for Toikido. Its something I have been close to throughout my career from Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! through Moshi Monsters and more recently Among Us.

“We have been following the NFT space closely for some time and believe it will shape innovation in gaming, entertainment, sport, trading and collectability and more in the coming years. The teams at Herotainment and Reality Gaming Group have put together a vibrant and very collectible IP which is going to be great fun to bring to life.”

Tony Pearce, co-founder at Reality Gaming Group, added: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Toikido to bring the worlds of toys and NFTs together for the first time. Toikido has made a name for itself as a forward-thinking, innovative player in the toys space and we’re sure fans of Smighties will be excited to own both a plush version of their favourite characters and a rare Smighties Universe digital collectible NFT.”

Wade Teman, co-founder of Herotainment, said: “Smighties fans have been clamoring for toys and we are thrilled to be partnering with Toikido to bring our beloved characters to collectors around the world.

“Combining physical Smighties toys with digital NFTs is a first and unique way for collectors to have permanent ownership of their favourite Smighties.”