Tag Archives: netflix

Silvergate Media celebrates triple Annie Award win for animated hit Hilda

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Silvergate Media is celebrating a trio of award wins at this year’s Annie Awards for the second season of its Netflix animated adventure TV series, Hilda, including Best Animated TV Production for Children and Best Character Animation – TV and Media.

The 48th annual Annie Awards were presented virtually on April 16th to honour achievements in animation. Hilda was also crowned winner of the Best Editorial – TV and Media category, having collected awards in every nominated category.

Kurt Mueller, EVP creative content, Silvergate Media and executive producer, Hilda,said: “The second season of Hilda expanded the mythical universe of Trolberg, bringing layers of complexity to the cast of characters and offering viewers a closer look at the unique and fascinating world inspired by Luke Pearson and his original comic book series.

“On behalf of the entire team and our partners at Netflix, we are thrilled to receive these awards for Season 2 and look forward to delivering more blue-haired adventures in the very near future.”

Waheed Alli, chief executive, Silvergate Media, added: “To have won awards in every nominated category is testament to the creative vision of Mercury Films.  We’re proud to have created a show unlike anything else you’ll see on children’s TV today.”

The show’s recent awards triumph follows its previous success at the 2019 Annie Awards when the first season of Hilda was also awarded three of the top TV prizes. It then went on to achieve further critical acclaim by winning BAFTA, International Emmy and Kidscreen awards that same year.

Co-produced by Silvergate Media and Mercury Films, Hilda first debuted on Netflix to great acclaim in September 2018. Season two was released on December 14th 2020, delivering fresh adventures for the fearless blue-haired heroine as she delves deeper into the vast magical wilderness of Trolberg.

Season one and two of Hilda are now available in 130 countries on Netflix’s global platform and Silvergate has an extended special in the pipeline. It has a consumer products program in place that spans toys, games, publishing, accessories, apparel and homewares.

Merchantwise Licensing heads up Australian and New Zealand licensing programme for Schitt’s Creek

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ITV Studios has tapped Merchantwise Licensing to represent the hit comedy series, Schitt’s Creek for licensing opportunities across Australia and New Zealand. Work has already got underway on a licensing programme, with local partner Caprice Australia engaged for apparel, footwear, headwear, bags and more.

Also on board is Merch Mother who will develop products across the homewares, gifts and apparel categories.

Licensing opportunities will also be sought by Merchantwise Licensing across other categories including consumer electronics, food and beverage, gardening and outdoor, room décor, personal care, puzzles and games as well as consumer promotions and stationery and paper goods.

“We are pleased to commence this licensing partnership with ITV Studios – Schitt’s Creek enjoys great broadcast success in Australia and New Zealand across Netflix, ABC Comedy and Foxtel. With its historic nine Emmy awards last year, two Golden Globes wins and two Critics’ Awards in 2021 Schitt’s Creek combines great comedic storytelling with fabulous characters and an impressive cast line-up which will ensure its Australian and New Zealand retail licensing success,” said Merchantwise Licensing’s general manager, Kerryn McCormack.

When filthy-rich video store magnate Johnny Rose, his soap star wife Moira, and their two kids – uber-hipster son David and socialite daughter Alexis – suddenly find themselves broke, they are forced to live in a small, depressing town they once bought as a joke. With their pampered lives now abandoned, they must confront their newfound poverty and discover what it means to be a family, all within the rural city limits of Schitt’s Creek, their new home.

Viewed in English speaking countries on Netflix, Schitt’s Creek also enjoys broadcast across multiple platforms around the world including Now in Germany, TV4 in the Nordics and Canal+ in France. Internationally, the brand has many partners signed across a number of retail categories including collectibles, apparel, gifts, toiletries, puzzles and games and mobile games.

Aurora World and Macmillan Children’s Books lead licensing roster for Aardman’s festive animation Robin Robin

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Aurora World has been tapped as the master toy partner for Aardman’s new animated musical special, Robin Robin in a deal that will see the company develop the plush version of the titular character.

The new plush Robin Robin will be launched alongside the publishing and film premiere of the special as it arrives in the UK this Autumn. Leading the publishing roll out for the feature will be Macmillan Children’s Books.

Robin Robin is a 30 minute festive holiday special created in stop-motion by its directors Dan Ojari and Mikey Please. The special is currently in production at the Aardman studios in Bristol and is scheduled to launch on Netflix in November this year.

Robin Robin will feature the voices of Gillian Anderson, Richard E. Grant, Adeel Akhtar, and Bronte Carmichael.

Macmillan Children’s Books has acquired worldwide rights in all languages for an exciting range of children’s books associated with the new film. The publishing range, which will launch in autumn 2021, will include a classic picture book, film tie-in picture book and range of activity and novelty books.

Stephanie Barton, publisher, picture books, brands and classics at Macmillan Children’s Books, said: “To be working with Aardman on Robin Robin is a dream come true; their unique voice, attention to detail and the exuberance and joy with which they approach storytelling is perfect for the printed page, and we are excited to be working in partnership to create what are sure to be classics of the future.”

Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, publisher, Macmillan Children’s Books, added: “We fell in love with Robin Robin at first sight and quickly discovered that the values of Macmillan Children’s Books and those of Aardman were aligned.

“To have the opportunity to publish both a classic illustrated picture book on our Two Hoots list, as well as the animated tie-ins on our Brands and Media list, plays to our strengths across MCB. Robin Robin will be a focus among the other successful high end media brands on our list and is a very exciting acquisition for us.”

The first title, a classic picture book, written by the co-creators of Robin Robin Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, and illustrated by Briony May Smith, will be published by the Two Hoots imprint in October 2021.

A film tie-in picture book featuring stills and lyrics to the songs will be published in November 2021, alongside the Netflix premiere. An audiobook will be available for digital download.

Please said: “We are utterly delighted to be partnering with Macmillan to bring the Robin Robin books to life, and thrilled that we get to actually write one with wondrous pencil-wizard, Briony May Smith. Briony worked with us early on in the development of Robin Robin, so it feels perfect that we get to team up again in creating the classic picture book. And in the hands of the fantastic Macmillan team, we know this picture book and the entire series are going to be things of beauty.”

Alongside the publishing programme, Aardman has appointed Aurora World – a global leader in the character and content industry – as master toy partner, who will be developing the plush version of Robin Robin to be launched alongside the publishing and film premiere in Autumn 2021.

Martin Ringer, sales director, said: “We have built a great relationship working with Aardman to develop Shaun the Sheep plush products over recent years. The opportunity to broaden our relationship and be involved in the development of plush for Robin Robin is incredibly exciting and we look forward to delivering some beautiful product for this wonderful property.”

Robin Robin is the endearing story of a robin who is adopted by a family of burglar mice when her egg fortuitously rolls into a rubbish dump. As she grows up her differences become more apparent. She sets off on the heist to end all heists to prove to her family that she can be a really good mouse, but ends up discovering who she really is.

Manga and anime powerhouse Viz Media appoints new VP of consumer products

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The anime and manga powerhouse, Viz Media, has appointed the former Netflix Consumer Products director, Laura Takaragawa to the role of vice president consumer products, a newly created position for the business as it looks to increase its presence in the licensing and merchandising space.

The new role will see Takaragawa manage licensed merchandise and collaborations, interactive and digital games, location-based engagement, and promotions across all of its properties. She will report into Viz Media’s senior vice president of animation, Brian Ige.

With almost ten years’ experience in licensing and consumer products positions, Takaragawa has previously held roles with Sanrio – where she was vice president of licensing – National Geographic, as vice president of consumer products, and most recently, head of licensing at Netflix Consumer Products.

“Her vast experience in cross-platform licensing and brand storytelling, combined with her content knowledge and passion, make her the ideal leader for this role,” said VIZ Media’s chief marketing officer Brad Woods.

Toikido signs master toy partnership for Netflix’s feature animation Back to the Outback

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Toikido has been named the master toy partner for Netflix’s upcoming feature film, Back to the Outback, an animated adventure following a ragtag group of animals and their daring escape from captivity.

With the film scheduled to make its global debut this autumn, Toikido has secured the rights to manufacture a master toy range including action figures and plush across global markets.

Tired of being locked in a reptile house where humans gawk at them like they’re monsters, Back to the Outback is centered on a group of Australia’s deadliest creatures as they plot their escape back to the Outback, a place where they’ll fit in without being judged for their scales and fangs.

Leading the group is Maddie (Isla Fisher), a poisonous snake with a heart of gold, who bands together with a self-assured Thorny Devil lizard Zoe (Miranda Tapsell), a lovelorn hairy spider Frank (Guy Pearce), and a sensitive scorpion Nigel (Angus Imrie).

When their nemesis – Pretty Boy (Tim Minchin), a cute but obnoxious koala – unexpectedly joins their escape, Maddie and the gang have no choice but to take him with them. So begins a hair-raising and hilarious road trip across Australia, as they are pursued by a zookeeper Chaz (Eric Bana) and his adventure-seeking mini-me (Diesel Cash La Torraca).

Directed by Clare Knight and Harry Cripps, Back to the Outback also featuring the voices of Rachel House, Keith Urban, Celeste Barber, Wayne Knight, Lachlan Ross Power, and Jacki Weaver.

Lead by the toy and licensing industry expert, Darran Garnham, Toikido is a London-based entertainment company boasting a global reach and ecosystem across licensing, gaming, music, and entertainment.

Netflix inks deal with Penguin Random House for Brian Jacques’ Redwall book series

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Netflix and Penguin Random House Children’s UK have signed a new partnership for Brian Jacques’ Redwall books, as the streaming giant details new plans to develop an animated feature based on the first book in the series.

Netflix has tapped writer Patrick McHale – known for his work on Over the Garden Wall and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, to pen the first animated feature. Netflix is also planning an event series based on the character of Martin the Warrior.

This will be the first feature based on Jacques’ book series, which chronicles the adventures of heroic animals that inhabit the forest haven of Redwall Abbey. The titles have sold roughly 30 million copies and been translated into more than 20 languages.

“We couldn’t be more delighted to announce this deal,” said Ben Horslen, fiction publisher, Penguin Random House Children’s. “These perennially popular stories have been etched onto the hearts of millions of readers, and we are thrilled to partner with Netflix to bring those beloved characters on screen for families worldwide to enjoy.”

Alan Ingram, representative of The Redwall Abbey Company, owner of the Jacques intellectual property, added: “Brian often travelled the globe to tell his Redwall stories to young audiences, more often than not at their schools.

“Brian would have been very happy to see that Netflix shares his joy and desire to bring his stories to life as a new universe of films, series and potentially much more for audiences of all ages to enjoy. We are very excited to embark on this new endeavour with Netflix and Penguin Random House UK.”

Sonic the Hedgehog will charge onto Netflix in new animated series in 2022

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A new animated series of Sonic the Hedgehog called Sonic Prime will be tearing onto Netflix with a worldwide premiere scheduled for 2022.

The 24-episode animated adventure is the product of a triple-threat deal between Netflix, SEGA of America, and WildBrain. Aimed at kids, families, and long-time fans of the franchise, Sonic Prime promises to draw upon the keystones of the brand as it follows Sonic on a new adventure in both a race to save the universe and find redemption.

The series will be animated at WildBrain’s Vancouver studio, and SEGA and WildBrain will jointly participate across production, distribution and licensing. Man of Action Entertainment, creators of Ben 10 and the characters and team in the Academy Award-winning feature Big Hero 6, have been brought on as showrunners and executive producers for the series.

Dominique Bazay, director of original animation, Netflix, said: “Sonic is a beloved character and holds a special place in everyone’s heart including my own. I spent many hours with the blue blur as a kid and it’s a privilege to be able to bring this character everyone knows and loves on a brand new adventure with Netflix – one that a generation of loyal fans and brand new fans around the world can enjoy.”

Ivo Gerscovich, chief brand officer at SEGA, added: “Sonic the Hedgehog is a global entertainment icon that has captivated audiences since its video game debut in 1991. With over 1.14 billion game units sold and downloaded to date, an exciting feature film, a robust licensing program and more, SEGA’s iconic hedgehog continues to surprise and delight audiences worldwide.

“We’re thrilled to partner with WildBrain, Man of Action Entertainment and Netflix to speed into this new, animated chapter in the Sonic franchise.”

Josh Scherba, President, WildBrain, said:”With generations of devoted fans around the world, Sonic the Hedgehog is more popular today than ever before, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Netflix, SEGA and Man of Action to deliver all new Sonic adventures for audiences worldwide.

“This premium franchise is ideally suited to WildBrain’s capabilities and it’s already inspiring great things from our talented creative teams. We’ve witnessed first-hand the enduring popularity of this brand from the strong and steady global demand for our library of legacy Sonic series. We look forward now to bringing fresh and exciting Sonic content to fans both new and old.”

Building on the momentum generated for Sonic in 2020 – and as the brand celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2021 – Sonic Prime aims to captivate the imaginations of audiences ages six to 11, as well as legacy Sonic fans of all ages, and will match the scale and scope of the epic adventures synonymous with the Sonic franchise.

In 2020, the theatrical feature Sonic the Hedgehog, took the number one spot worldwide on opening weekend and remained on top globally for weeks while breaking domestic box office records. Producers SEGA Sammy and Paramount Pictures have announced a sequel to the feature is in development.

Pinkfong and Baby Shark’s Space Adventure tops Netflix’s Top Ten Charts across 17 countries

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Pinkfong and Baby Shark’s Space Adventure has become the fifth most-watched movie in Netflix’s Today’s Top Ten in the US, only five days after its launch on to the streaming service.

The film also ranked in the Today’s Top Ten Movies across Netflix in 17 countries, including in the UK, Ireland, Canada, and Australia, over five consecutive days, according to the streaming analytics company, FlixPatrol.

Pinkfong and Baby Shark’s Space Adventure follows the characters, Pinkfong and Baby Shark, as they explore outer space and search for missing star pieces to return home. The feature includes children’s favourite songs.

Baby Shark has successfully expanded its underwater world to cinema with the Space Adventure movie and TV screen with the brand-new TV series Baby Shark’s Big Show!, co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio. Baby Shark’s Big Fishmas Special, the holiday episode of Baby Shark’s Big Show!, premiered on Nickelodeon on Dec. 11, 2020, and ranked as the top telecast of the week with K2-5 (excluding sports), citing data by Nielsen Media Research.

Following the US launch in spring 2021, the new TV series will roll out on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels internationally.

Pinkfong and Baby Shark’s Space Adventure is now available for streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Hit action anime series Baki taps Reemsborko for Europe and Australasia licensing

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The popular action anime, Baki is on the path to grow its licensing activity across Europa and Australasia, having appointed the pop culture licensing specialist, Reemsborko to represent the property across all categories.

Baki has been the subject of multiple manga, anime, and video games over the last 30 years and the show is currently confirmed as a top ten Netflix show across 50 countries. The series currently consists of 39 episodes across two seasons, with a third season scheduled to land this year.

Max Arguile of Reemsborko, said: “In the absence of theatrical releases, everyone now gets their entertainment at home, and the only genres showing real growth for merchandise are gaming and animé. Baki has both heritage and current popularity and is on a great platform with more content on the way.

“It has just started venturing into merchandising outside Japan so this is a great opportunity for licensees.”

Cinzia Mariani, Vice President at TMS Paris, added: “Baki brings you all the sweat, tears and blood you could hope for. We’re very excited to team up with Reemsborko to expand in the field of merchandising both in Europe and down under.”

Image: ©Keisuke Itagaki(AKITASHOTEN)/Baki II Film Partners All Rights Reserved.

CoComelon passes 100 million YouTube subscribers, 100 billion views and sees ‘sell-out success’ of Jazwares toy line

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Moonbug Entertainment has hit several record-breaking milestones for its wildly popular CoComelon brand having surpassed 100 million subscribers on YouTube and clocked nearly 100 billion views on the social media platform.

According to Forbes, CoComelon has also just broken records on Netflix where it pre-school series debuted on June 1 this year and, as of December 5th, made 100 consecutive appearances on the Top 10 in the US, outpacing all content categories for both kids’ and adult programming.

The new records have been set all within what has been earmarked by Moonbug Entertainment ‘as an unprecedented year of growth for the brand.’

“The brand ethos of CoComelon is simple: make kids happy and smart through fun and relatable content. That’s been our brand’s mission since creation, which is why CoComelon has not only remained a family favorite but has seen such exponential growth,” said Patrick Reese, general manager at Moonbug, CoComelon.

“Our content speaks to children through relatability and the age-appropriate nature of the show keeps them entertained and parents relieved.”

In addition to on-screen popularity, the CoComelon toy line with consumer products leader Jazwares has reportedly ‘been flying off the shelves.’

Moonbug and Jazwares have been working with retailers including Amazon, Target and Walmart to replenish stock so parents can access the products. The line features characters and items inspired by the show and includes a wide array of categories, such as plush, vehicles, figurines and role play.

“JJ, his friends and family have been a bright light for children since the brand’s inception,” added René Rechtman, co-founder and CEO, Moonbug. “As kids across the globe look to CoComelon for relatable content, we’re continuing to grow the show. This is just the beginning of the brand’s global growth as we work to expand the franchise both on and off the screen.”

CoComelon teaches children how to take on everyday activities and role models positive behavior with a sense of enthusiasm. Kids can easily relate to the universal themes and everyday narratives such as eating your vegetables, learning to tie your shoes and getting ready for bed.

With its bright and bold colors and cheerful nursery rhymes and phrases, CoComelon attracts children aged one to four to sing and dance along with Baby JJ and his siblings as they learn letters, numbers, animal sounds, colors and more.

CoComelon is available on all major platforms including Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Roku and Netflix.