Animation Café and WildBrain Spark team up for Sunny Bunnies sing-along series

Media I.M. Incorporated, a London-based content distribution company specialising in premium animation and family entertainment, has announced that Sunny Bunnies Sing-Along, a new spin-off from the hugely popular Sunny Bunnies preschool series, will go into production this month, with the first episode due to be released in August.

The new series of 26 x 2.5-min episodes is a co-production between kids’ and family AVOD network WildBrain Spark, and Poland’s Animation Café, which took over the production and rights to the preschool phenomenon in March this year. The partnership will see Warsaw-based Animation Café ramp up production of the new Sunny Bunnies music sub-brand, which is being developed off the back of the global success of the Sunny Bunnies series, now in its sixth season. Sunny Bunnies has amassed more than 3.8 billion views and 2.6 million subscribers since it launched on YouTube in 2015.

Animation Café aims to produce two new episodes for Sunny Bunnies Sing-Along per month from mid-August. Launching initially on the official Sunny Bunnies YouTube channel, each episode of the new series will feature a popular nursery rhyme, which will be ‘Bunnified’ with funny new lyrics, musical arrangements and the brand’s signature animation. US-based children’s animation veteran Michael Mennies (The Fixies; Kit ‘n’ Kate; Take My Muffin) has been named as the music producer on the new series. Sunny Bunnies Sing-Along is already poised to become a YouTube hit, following the release of a Sing-Along pilot series of 6 x 2.5 mins in July 2021, which has since generated 32 million views.

Media I.M., which manages global distribution rights for Sunny Bunnies and Sunny Bunnies Sing-Along, has also extended its agreement for WildBrain Spark to continue managing the official Sunny Bunnies YouTube channel, as well as distributing both shows via its global network of hub channels for the next five years. WildBrain Spark has been the driving force behind the success of Sunny Bunnies on YouTube since 2016.

Andrei Ledzianeu, Director of Animation Café, says: “While developing a new Sunny Bunnies spinoff, we wanted to add a musical aspect to the franchise. One obvious complexity is that none of the characters in the series can sing; however, we came up with a solution which fits perfectly with the overall feel of the show. We are really excited to have our little fans enjoy this new musical content – the Sunny Bunnies Sing Along.’’

Matt Rennie, VP Content & Operations at WildBrain Spark, adds: “The global success of Sunny Bunnies is testament to the strength of our YouTube network to drive the growth of a kids’ brand – especially one with such captivating and engaging stories and characters. Exploring the development of a sing-along series was a natural extension for the brand, and we’re excited to be working with Animation Café and Media I.M. on the creative execution of new original content as we continue to build the Sunny Bunnies brand on YouTube and beyond.”

Maria Ufland, co-founder of Media I.M. Incorporated, says: “WildBrain Spark has been a very supportive partner to us since we started to manage Sunny Bunnies and has helped us grow the brand into a truly global phenomenon. WildBrain Spark’s endorsement not only speaks to Sunny Bunnies’ creative excellence but also confirms that the brand is highly valuable and highly investable IP – and we have five strong years of YouTube data to prove it.”

Launched in 2015 on YouTube, Sunny Bunnies was picked up in 2016 by Disney Channel, Disney Junior and DisneyNOW in the US. A wave of high-profile sales across Europe and Asia-Pacific followed, as the preschool animation’s popularity built around the world. It now airs in more than 160 countries and is supported by a comprehensive L&M strategy encompassing toys, publishing and apparel.

Sunny Bunnies are five beaming balls that can appear anywhere there is a source of light, from sunshine to moonlight. In each episode, the cheeky creatures bring their fun and games to a different location – a circus, a sports stadium, a park – embarking on mischievous adventures and spreading laughter and happiness. And at the end of every episode, the fun continues with a collection of bloopers.

 

 

 

 

 

WildBrain serves up more Strawberry Shortcake deals

WildBrain has signed a further wave of licensees for both the new and classic Strawberry Shortcake brand, brokered by its consumer products licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG. Additionally, the new Strawberry Shortcake series, Berry in the Big City (80 x 4’), plus four brand-new CG-animated seasonal specials (4 x 44’), produced by WildBrain’s Vancouver animation studio, will be available on Netflix worldwide, with the series launching Spring 2022 and specials to follow in 2023. Other streaming and linear television partners across the globe are expected to be announced in the coming months.

“Strawberry Shortcake’s evergreen status as a cherished brand continues to attract major partners across the entertainment and licensing industry,” says Michael Riley, Chief Brands Officer at WildBrain. “We look forward to building on these strong foundations as we continue to roll out the new Strawberry Shortcake for fans to enjoy on and off screen.”

The new 44-minute CG-animated specials are part of the global rollout of WildBrain’s new Strawberry Shortcake brand across animated content, gaming, music, toys, food, apparel, events and other licensing partnerships. Berry in the Big City made its digital-first debut this September on WildBrain’s premium kids’ and family AVOD network, WildBrain Spark. A new Roblox game, Bake with Strawberry Shortcake, is also launching this fall.

Jasen Wright, VP of North America at WildBrain CPLG, says: “Strawberry Shortcake has always had enduring popularity, and the relaunch has seen excitement around this property really ramp up. We’ve seen strong interest from licensees in WildBrain’s new version of the brand, and that halo is fueling a simultaneous renaissance around the classic brand from the 1980s, all of which is testament to the strength of Strawberry Shortcake’s appeal across generations.”

Newly signed promotional partners for WildBrain’s new Strawberry Shortcake include I’m the Chef Too! (culinary educational) and Bahama Buck’s (ice cream). These add to the list of previously announced licensees, including Moose Toys (Master Toy) and Penguin Random House (publishing), plus promotional partners Naturipe (strawberries and blueberries), Sunkist Growers (oranges, lemons and limes), Envy Apples (apples), Zolli Candy (dentist-approved lollipops), Dippin’ Dots (ice cream), Snip-Its (kids’ hair salons) and Challenge Butter (butter).

Classic Strawberry Shortcake is also enjoying a surge in interest from licensees with multiple new deals signed, highlighting the evergreen appeal of the brand amongst girls and their mothers. The vintage brand is partnering with boutique specialty retailers in North America and Canada in unique capsule collections, as well as ranges that feature classic artwork from the original brand. Dolls Kill and Unique Vintage are planning Strawberry Shortcake apparel with the Dolls Kill capsule collection including apparel, outerwear, swimwear, loungewear, intimates, accessories, footwear and home for ladies and junior in the US (stores) and worldwide (online), while Unique Vintage will launch apparel, accessories and home ranges, available worldwide.

Additionally, designer Samii Ryan will be releasing a Strawberry Shortcake apparel and accessories collaboration for early 2022; PacSun will be launching ladies and junior holiday collections by The Forecast Agency in the US and Canada, following the success of its summer line launch, which will feature apparel, underwear, socks, tote bags and headwear; and Glamlite is set to launch a cosmetics line in Spring 2022.

 

WildBrain’s Teletubbies get ready to rave with new music album ‘Ready, Steady, Go!’

WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, is launching brand-new original Teletubbies music content this autumn consisting of 10 digital-first music videos and a full-length album titled Ready, Steady, Go!. Targeted at preschool audiences, the album is the first music release from the Teletubbies in over 20 years and is part of a multi-tiered franchise relaunch from WildBrain leading into the Teletubbies’ 25th anniversary in 2022. The new videos and music tracks were created and produced by WildBrain Spark, the company’s kids’ and family AVOD network and digital studios.

The first four videos – “Ready, Steady, Go!”, “Peek-A-Boo”, “Silly Things” and “Explorer” – premiered in September on the official WildBrain Teletubbies Channel on YouTube. An additional video drops each Saturday until November 20.

With global distribution by Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, the full Ready, Steady, Go! album drops on digital music streaming platforms worldwide on October 15 and will also be available on CD. Created for kids and parents to enjoy together, Ready, Steady, Go! is filled with fun songs influenced by contemporary pop and dance music – all with a playful Teletubbies twist.

To support the music videos and album launch, WildBrain is executing an extensive global marketing, PR and social media campaign that incorporates the playfulness and fun that the Teletubbies are universally known for, as well as some other recognisable faces, including UK celebrity and singer Peter Andre filling the role of the Teletubbies band manager for their return. The Teletubbies have embarked on an international tour to promote the content, with broadcast appearances in the US and UK, and WildBrain will also be partnering with global influencers during the launch period and hosting music-themed events for families in the US and UK into 2022.

As well as recording a new album, the Teletubbies have been busy recently delighting fans with a satirical OK! Magazine break-up exposé, a Pride Month charity fashion collection, a “TubbyCoin” cryptocurrency April Fools prank and a surprise New York Fashion Week take-over by Tinky Winky.

 

 

The Emoji Company and WildBrain launch new 2D series Emojitown in major brand extension

The Emoji Company and WildBrain have forged a far-reaching content and licensing partnership to launch Emojitown, a new, digital first, animated series based on the emoji brand, as well as a new consumer product extension programme around it.

Under the partnership, WildBrain’s AVOD network and digital studio, WildBrain Spark, has teamed with the Emoji Company to co-develop and co-produce Emojitown, a new 2D series targeting teens and young adults.

WildBrain Spark, which holds exclusive global distribution rights to the new series, will premiere Emojitown on YouTube with a dedicated channel launching at the end of May, when viewers will be able to enjoy the first four episodes of the fast-paced, language-agnostic show, followed by additional episodes rolling out weekly.

Meanwhile, WildBrain’s global licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG, will handle worldwide licensing and merchandising rights for Emojitown, building on the agency’s extensive and already successful program for the Emoji brand across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and other territories. WildBrain CPLG will work with Emoji Company and licensees to develop Emojitown products across key categories for teens and young adults.

Marco Huesges, founder and CEO of Emoji Company, said: “This is a significant development for the Emoji brand, bringing our globally recognizable icons into the digital-content space. With their preeminent reputation on digital platforms, including YouTube, and their deep understanding of licensing and brand amplification, WildBrain Spark and WildBrain CPLG are the ideal collaborators for our push into new content creation and consumer products for the teen and young-adult audience. Together we will take this hugely exciting step in the evolution of Emoji.”

Maarten Weck, EVP and MD of WildBrain CPLG, added: “Building on our strong relationship with the emoji company, this expanded partnership combines the strengths of the much-loved emoji brand with our creative and collaborative capabilities across consumer products licensing, digital-content production, and AVOD management.”

Rachel Taylor, commercial director of WildBrain Spark, said: “With its universal appeal, the Emoji brand is ideal for the creation of an animated digital-first content offering, and our creative team has produced a funny, wry and edgy series, underpinned by bespoke data and insights drawn from our premium YouTube network.

“We’re delighted that the emoji company saw us as the right partner to co-develop and launch this extension of its brand for today’s digital-savvy audience of modern teens.”

The Emoji Company and WildBrain launch new 2D series Emojitown in major brand extension

The Emoji Company and WildBrain have forged a new, far-reaching content and licensing partnership to launch Emojitown, a new digital first series and consumer products extension of Emoji.

Under the partnership, WildBrain’s AVOD network and digital studio, WildBrain Spark has teamed up with Emoji to develop and co-produce Emojitown, a new 2D series targeting teens and young adults.

WildBrain Spark holds exclusive global distribution rights to the new series and will premiere Emojitown on YouTube with a dedicated channel launching at the end of May, when viewers will be able to enjoy the first four episodes of the fast-paced, language-agnostic show, followed by additional episodes rolling out weekly.

Tapping into its expertise in brand management on YouTube, WildBrain Spark and the Emoji Company have created the series for AVOD audiences and is supporting the launch with extensive digital-marketing, paid-media campaigns and dedicated social-media strategies.

WildBrain Spark will also exclusively handle branded content opportunities and advertising sales for Emojitown on YouTube.

Meanwhile, WildBrain CPLG will handle the worldwide licensing and merchandising rights for Emojitown, building on the agency’s successful programme for the Emoji brand across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and other territories.

Marco Huesges, founder and CEO of emoji company, said: “This is a significant development for the Emoji brand, bringing our globally recognizable icons into the digital-content space. With their preeminent reputation on digital platforms, including YouTube, and their deep understanding of licensing and brand amplification, WildBrain Spark and WildBrain CPLG are the ideal collaborators for our push into new content creation and consumer products for the teen and young-adult audience. Together we will take this hugely exciting step in the evolution of Emoji.”

Maarten Weck, EVP and MD of WildBrain CPLG, said: “Building on our strong relationship with the emoji company, this expanded partnership combines the strengths of the much-loved emoji brand with our creative and collaborative capabilities across consumer products licensing, digital-content production, and AVOD management.”

Rachel Taylor, commercial director of WildBrain Spark, added: “With its universal appeal, the Emoji brand is ideal for the creation of an animated digital-first content offering, and our creative team has produced a funny, wry and edgy series, underpinned by bespoke data and insights drawn from our premium YouTube network.

“We’re delighted that the emoji company saw us as the right partner to co-develop and launch this extension of its brand for today’s digital-savvy audience of modern teens.”

In Emojitown we see daily struggles and nightmares ranging from the mundane to the absurd. The perils of dating apps, the instant regret of a DIY haircut, the cringe of a poolside bikini fail and more, are all played out in 2D-animated color. The story will focus on Jo, a girl in her late teens who, despite trying to “live her best life” with a cheery, optimistic outlook, simply cannot stop encountering the everyday “horrors” of modern life. Throughout it all, Jo is the relatable underdog, as she, along with her emojitown pals, navigate the pitfalls of life.

Joining Jo in Emojitown are Jaya, Jon, Jess, Jay, Julia and Joanie, plus the bizarre duo of Poophead and Unicorn Man. The cast has been develop to represent not just characters to sympathise with, but for viewers to actively see themselves or someone they know in. They have been developed to represent “real people” – the kind encountered every day, reflecting attitudes, style, ethnicity, gender, ability and sexuality as diverse and representative as real life.

WildBrain Spark: How kids’ viewing habits changed in 2020 (and how to prepare for 2021)

As we quickly approach the end of a year heavily affected by Covid-19, and look optimistically toward a post-coronavirus horizon, toy companies and brands have a lot to think about in terms of their 2021 strategies, especially when it comes to advertising in kids’ entertainment. 

WildBrain Spark’s Executive VP and MD, Jon Gisby explores how this year has changed kids’ viewing habits and how to prepare for 2021. 

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As one of the largest premium kids’ and family-content publishers on AVOD platforms, the thing we get asked the most from advertisers is: Where can we make the biggest impact based on Covid viewing trends in the digital kids’ space?

Some of our latest discoveries provide telling answers. Key findings and trends from an analysis of all our WildBrain Spark content, reveal shifts that brands and advertisers would do well to note in kids’ and family viewing habits from before Covid (December 2019 – February 2020) compared to after its arrival (April – September 2020).

CTV viewing overtook mobile and tablet for the first time

One of the first trends we discovered after analysing consumption data and patterns for WildBrain Spark content since April 2020 was that connected TVs quickly outpaced all other types of devices as the primary way to watch video content for children.

Smart TVs became the viewing device of choice for families starting in April and continue to be so, with 46 per cent of WildBrain Spark content watched on these devices even in October 2020. Connected TVs were already growing in popularity before Covid, but the pandemic has pushed families in the direction of co-viewership on larger screens.

Our recent report “Making Screen Time Family Time” in partnership with nScreenMedia, an independent digital TV analyst company, confirms this trend. Of the 3,000 US families we asked, 62 per cent of parents say the smart TV is the most popular platform for co-viewing, with 48 per cent using a connected TV device.

In the kids’ entertainment space, co-viewership on connected and smart TVs is likely to continue well into 2021 and beyond. Two-thirds of parents said they expect time spent with their kids watching TV/movies to remain the same or increase once the pandemic is over.

When preparing strategies, toy companies and brands should be sure to prepare spots optimised for larger screens, and partner with media companies that have a solid presence in the CTV market.

Viewing sessions increased on long-form content

In addition to the shift to co-viewing, we also discovered that viewing sessions on kids’ content have increased by 23 per cent since Covid began, particularly on long-form content of 10 minutes or greater in length. In fact, 57 per cent of all views since Covid began were on long-form content.

For example, the average watch time on long-form WildBrain Spark content between December 2019 and February 2020 was 3.7 times the amount of time spent on short-form content. Since April 2020, this ratio jumped 17 per cent, taking it to 4.3 times the amount of time spent on short-form videos.

This is a major shift in family viewership habits resulting from the rise of viewing on CTV during the pandemic. These trends show that kids and families are officially watching longer videos instead of shorter ones on larger screens for a more premium entertainment experience.

Toy companies and brands should keep this in mind when looking to partner with publishers: Aim to advertise against and sponsor longer-form content to help you reach a more receptive, family-friendly audience.

Media companies caught up to kids’ influencers and creators

While creators and influencers in the kids’ space often pull in billions of views a month, we saw a different viewing habit among children and families during the peak of the first lockdowns and stay-at-home measures in April 2020.

Essentially, premium content from media companies and publishers outperformed creator content, seeing a +22 per cent average view increase versus just a +3 per cent view increase for creators and influencers.

Some genres in particular saw a substantial increase in viewership. Kids’ music jumped 41 per cent from April to June 2020 compared to views garnered between December 2019 and February 2020. Kids’ animation saw a 32 per cent bump in views across these same months, while children’s TV properties came in a close third, at 30 per cent.

This increase of premium content views appears to be here to stay. The rise of premium content shows it’s important to expand advertising strategies to partner with media companies who have known favourites and premium shows that kids and families have turned to this year. This will diversify reach and improve the chances of getting in front of new audiences.

As 2021 draws near, make sure you’re ready to address this new kids’ entertainment market head on. In short, toy companies and brands should prepare their advertising strategy so it’s easily viewed on connected TVs, appears against longer-form content, and can be found alongside premium content from top media companies.

Franchise Building: How WildBrain Spark is building the digital world of Mattel’s Cave Club

WildBrain Spark is an expert in navigating the YouTube scape and developing emerging IP in the children’s entertainment space into world-conquering franchises. This month, WildBrain Spark’s commercial director, Rachel Taylor illuminates the industry on the firm’s current partnership with Mattel and its new kids’ property Cave Club.

YouTube has changed how the toy world works, how kids play, and how they identify which products will be at the top of their wish-list. Indeed, analytics show that kids are more likely to encounter brands on YouTube than ever before.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, YouTube viewing of kids’ content in WildBrain’s network climbed 36 per cent in Europe and 57 per cent in North America during the subsequent two months, in comparison to the prior two months, and the average monthly watch time rose 1.2 billion minutes and 1.6 billion minutes, respectively. 

There’s no avoiding that the life cycle of toys is now tied to their popularity on YouTube, so taking an innovative marketing approach is essential. Toy companies are increasingly looking to YouTube to launch and sustain the popularity of their brands rather than heading down the traditional linear TV route. While it can initially be a little daunting for companies to take the plunge with a digital-first launch strategy, the data and insights speak for themselves with toys ranking as one of the largest genres on YouTube

In this article, we’ll look at a bold, forward-thinking strategy we are pioneering with Mattel – the development and execution of a digital-first launch strategy for their new franchise, Cave Club. We’ll explore how we are working with Mattel to roll-out the Cave Club brand in EMEA on YouTube before it launches at retail, and the benefits of taking a digital-first approach with new brand and toy launches.

Digital-First Strategy

When we were approached by Mattel to co-create an international YouTube-first strategy for their new Cave Club franchise in EMEA, it was clear they already recognised the value of strong digital content in driving new audiences, raising awareness and creating demand for product. Since the beginning of 2020, we’ve been working closely with Mattel to create an engaging YouTube strategy, spanning channel management, content curation and paid media, which would serve as the primary driver for its Cave Club launch. This digital-first strategy would be designed to introduce audiences to this exciting new IP, build excitement ahead of the retail launch, and also to create a solid fandom to sustain and grow the brand’s popularity for the long-term.   

In a study for WildBrain Spark, research shows that YouTube drives buying decisions – with 80% of parents in the US saying they would consider buying a toy, game or apparel based on their child’s favourite YouTube character. Creating strong visibility for your brand on YouTube ahead of product hitting shelves is key. 

The type and quality of content created to support a brand is also pivotal. Our data tells us that for girls watching YouTube, animation and toy play content rank as the #1 and #2 content formats, respectively. To tap into this demand, WildBrain Spark built a marketing strategy for Cave Club around the launch of two original series from Mattel. 

Firstly, Cave Tales is a CGI doll play and motion comic hybrid which introduces the dolls and their adventures. The series, which is being produced by Peacock Kids and Relish Interactive as the studio providing the animation, has been designed to bring the characters to life through animation, creating fan affinity to the brand.

Alongside this is a world-class 2D animated series called Cave Club, which is being produced by Academy Award® winning studio Six Point Harness. This series brings core themes of the brand to life with dynamic colours and humour. With each episode containing a stand-alone story, this type of content allows the WildBrain Spark team to create YouTube compilations which are highly effective for extending brand engagement. We also match key words and descriptions on each video to popular relevant searches on YouTube, and thematic playlists in the YouTube Kids App. 

Since the Cave Club channel launched in July, it has already received 60M global views and the response to the advertising campaign has been 110% above industry benchmarks. 

In today’s multi-platform and multi-screen world, toy companies and brand owners need to make sure they are playing where their audience is. By taking a bold approach and launching a brand with a YouTube-first strategy, Mattel and WildBrain Spark are trailblazing a smarter way of getting on the radar of an increasingly digitally native generation and their families. 

WildBrain Spark teams with Park Star Media to develop Super Binks digital series based on the popular Korean toy line

WildBrain Spark has secured a deal with the US-Korean production company Park Star Media to co-produce and launch a new digital superhero series, Super Binks. Originally created as a toy figurine range in Asia, Super Binks will now feature as a short-form 2D animated series.

WildBrain Spark will also handle the YouTube management across the new Super Binks global channel, where a new episode will be posted weekly. The firm will also release the series on Amazon Video Direct this month.

The Super Binks characters began life on lollipops when Park Star Media’s toy company in Seoul partnered with Perfetti Van Melle’s Chupa Chups brands across Asia to launch blind box figurines featuring the superheroes between 2017-2019. The toy products were sold online, at toy exhibitions across Asia, and at boutique stores in Korea.

Jon Gisby, EVP and managing director at WildBrain Spark, said: “The outstanding success Park Star Media had with its Super Binks figurines made the property ripe for being transformed into a digital-first series. This is also a perfect example of how we can use our production capabilities to support brands as they make the jump from the toy shelf to the small screen, through the creation of engaging digital-first content. With its wacky humour and dynamic stories, we know the Super Binks series will be a huge hit with kids all around the world.”

Young Park, co-founder and executive producer at Park Star Media, said: “We’re excited to partner with WildBrain Spark to transform our existing toy figurines into a digital animated series. To meet the surge in demand for animated content aimed at kids and families, our collaboration with a premier partner like WildBrain Spark feels natural because of their expertise in building premium digital brands and connecting them to viewers worldwide.

“We look forward to our partnership as we leverage the strength and resources of both companies to build Super Binks into a quality IP for a global audience.”

The Super Binks are seven cute superhero babies, whose enchanted pacifiers (or binkies) hold the key to their superpowers. Each baby comes from a different part of the world and possesses unique qualities and superpowers. Together they form a strong, diverse and dynamic super-team.

  In each episode, the Super Binks battle against mischief and mayhem in order to protect their beloved Park – a vast and magical world that spans limitless terrains. On their wacky adventures, the Super Binks confront giant monsters, save creatures in need or simply have fun playing pranks on one another. When they’re not out on missions, the Super Binks hang out at the ‘Super Binks HQ’. Cleverly disguised as a (pretty epic) jungle gym, the Super Binks HQ is the perfect location for top-secret world-saving meetings and even more top-secret playdates.

WildBrain Spark teams with Funrise Toys to develop online content for its collectable doll brand BFF Bright Fairy Friends

WildBrain Spark has inked a deal with Funrise Toys to support the launch of its collectable doll brand BFF Bright Fairy Friends with a digital-first content strategy. UNder the partnership, WildBrain Spark will produce over 100 minutes of short-form animated and live action digital content for the brand on YouTube.

The digital specialist is also executing a paid media campaign and handling channel management across the global English-language channel, which has already received over 1.4M views and 1.6M minutes of watch time. On top of this, it will utilise its AI tools to inform the Bright Fairy Friends content, distribution, and paid media targeting.

Online unboxing videos of Funrise Toys’ BFF Bright Fairy Friends collectables have already gained early traction on YouTube since launching in early August 2020. BFF Bright Fairy Friends existing videos have been viewed over 1M times.

Jon Gisby, EVP and managing director at WildBrain Spark, said: “We are proud to partner with innovative toy companies as they develop bold digital-first strategies to launch and create demand for their IP, so we’re very excited to be teaming up with Funrise Toys to support their magical new BFF Bright Fairy Friends brand.

“The content we are creating showcases the brand’s strengths as a fun, dynamic and aspirational property, and we’re sure it will capture the imaginations of kids and families internationally.”

Stephanie Simpson Bughi, vice president global brand marketing at Funrise, added: “We are thrilled to bring the magical world of BFF Bright Fairy Friends to life with engaging and inspiring animated content. We know kids and parents are looking for quality content, and the magical BFF fairies will spark imaginations as they teach kids to shine together as friends.”

The new digital-first content includes 2D animated episodes, character introductions and toy play videos which also feature a bespoke theme tune created by WildBrain Spark. The animated series has begun rolling out on the BFF Bright Fairy Friends YouTube channel this month and will be followed by toy play content in Autumn 2020.

The new line of products features 12 stylish characters, each with their own four surprise accessories perfect for trading and collecting. Each come housed in their own fairy home with motion activated twinkle lights as well as light up fairy wings. The BFF dolls are available now in the US online and in stores at Walmart, Target and Amazon.

The range will launch in the United Kingdom and globally with various retail partners beginning this month.

WildBrain Spark tapped to grow global audiences for The Polos and MarcoPolo Learning

WildBrain Spark has been appointed by MarcoPolo Learning to manage the educational media company’s channel and content on YouTube on a worldwide basis. WildBrain Spark will support and bolster the distribution of the content, including its flagship CG animated series, The Polos.

The content will run across the official MarcoPolo channel and on WildBrain Spark’s own hub channels on YouTube.

Jon Gisby, EVP and managing director at WildBrain Spark, said: “MarcoPolo Learning helps kids learn and explore through content every day. We love what they do, and are delighted to welcome this premium learning brand to the WildBrain Spark network.

“Our ‘always-on’ YouTube strategy for The Polos and MarcoPolo Learning’s other educational content will leverage our proprietary insight tools to identify relevant new audiences globally, creating millions more touchpoints for kids and families everywhere.”

Justin Hsu, CEO and co-founder of MarcoPolo Learning, added: “MarcoPolo Learning’s ambition is for all our content, including The Polos, to reach the widest possible global audience who are looking for genuinely educational content, that is also entertaining and fun.

“YouTube is one of the most important parental touchpoints, and so we are very excited to partner with WildBrain Spark and leverage their expertise to grow our channel and introduce families to our content all around the world.”

MarcoPolo Learning’s ecosystem of research-driven, immersive learning products is targeted at early learners aged three to seven. The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) curriculum series The Polos features a mix of 3D animation and live-action footage and follows Marco, Willow, Gorby, Chester, Lily and Nash who travel in their transforming vehicle, the PoloMobile, from their digital world to explore the natural world.

Each adventure teaches children about natural science, inquiry and curiosity through stunning HD footage, highlighting such topics as the dung beetle, comets, dinosaurs, ocean pollution, music and sharks – all while modeling and fostering 21st-century skills.

The Polos is co-produced and distributed globally by leading media company Boat Rocker Studios, a strategic investor in MarcoPolo Learning and its subsidiaries, Jam Filled Entertainment and Radical Sheep Productions. The Polos is currently distributed across Latin America through Discovery Kids and Nat Geo Kids, as well as in China and Korea through Youku and CJ E&M, respectively.