The iconic British animation studio, Aardman has just struck up a new deal with Tencent Video in a new move to grow the audience for its hit Shaun the Sheep property in China.
Tencent Video is the leading online video streaming platform in China. Under the new deal, it will become the home of Shaun the Sheep’s library of 170 episodes, including series six which launched earlier this year. The placement with Tencent Video complements Aardman’s worldwide deal with Netflix for the entire Shaun the Sheep catalogue.
Robin Gladman, senior distribution and acquisitions manager, said: “Our new deal with Tencent Video is a truly exciting next step for our business in China and a great moment for the studio.
“Tencent Video will become a fabulous new home for our biggest global brand ‘Shaun the Sheep’ and help us reach millions of families across the territory.”
The studio continues to build its Chinese licensing programme for the brand alongside its agents UYoung, securing prestigious partnership and building a strong and loyal fan base. Most recently Shaun the Sheep has collaborated in a creative promotional partnership in China with a line of children’s clothing with Italian high fashion sportswear brand FILA.
The Shaun the Sheep x FILA Kids ‘Shake it with Shaun’ themed campaign was announced with a vibrant teaser video on Children’s Day (China), which achieved an impressive 11M views in just 24 hours. The new product range consists of a complete range of apparel, footwear and accessories for children and the launch will be supported by in-store activities featuring Shaun the Sheep character costumes and interactive dance machines for shoppers to enjoy, as well as a Tik Tok online Dancing Challenge followed the Shake it with Shaun video expected to attract millions of fans to participate.
With its increasing global appeal for families, the team at Aardman continues to develop its portfolio of Shaun the Sheep attractions and live experiences in the territory, including the national touring stage show Shaun the Sheep – The Alien Visitor in partnership with Hand in Hand Theatre Company and Shaun the Sheep Go To Sanya, launching at the Mangrove Tree Resort World, Hainan in summer 2020.
