Category Archives: Entertainment

Marion Claret to lead Dandelooo’s animation studio Ooolala

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Emmy Award-winning French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo has appointed Marion Claret to head its animation studio Ooolala in La Cartoucherie, Valence, France.

A partner at Dandelooo, Marion Claret also helped launch the Ooolala studio three years ago, founded by Jean Baptiste Wéry and Emmanuèle Pétry. Marion will spearhead a development slate of original productions, drive its expanding studio, and help supervise the pre-production teams for both original and client service work.

A graduate of Gobelins, Ecole de l’image, Paris, Marion joined Dandelooo in 2016 to produce the 2-D and live-action Emmy Award-winning series The Treehouse Stories for Canal+, now in its fourth season. She previously worked at French production companies Stromboli Films and Medialab Technology.

Ooolala is currently producing Billy the Cowboy Hamster, a 2-D series for preschoolers commissioned by France Televisions, and has recently completed the heart-warming Special Mum is pouring rain, co-produced with French/German production company Laïdak Films and commissioned by Canal+, as well as Stinky Dog, a slapstick comedy series co-produced with Folivari (France), Panique! (Belgium) and Pikkukala (Spain), commissioned by France Televisions.

Emmanuèle Pétry, Co-Founder, Dandelooo, says: “We are thrilled to have Marion head up Ooolala.  She brings great passion and energy to the role, and we believe she has all the necessary talents to make the studio blossom and help our projects become international successes.”

 

 

Bluey enjoys successful launch in Italy

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Maurizio Distefano Licensing, agent for Bluey since September 2021, has welcomed the series’ recent excellent ratings in Italy.

The loveable Australian dog has gained many Italian fans since her first appearance on Rai Yoyo, the public broadcast service’s preschool channel, in December 2021, and the show has established itself as number 1 among kids’ channels according to the latest (30 January 2022) Auditel ratings for reach – with more than 19,000 watching hours in just one week.

Bluey is also expanding its global presence with an Italian language channel (joining existing French, Spanish, Danish and English channels who share more than 1.2 million subscribers).

Bluey follows the adventures of Bluey, a six-year-old Blue Heeler dog, defined by her inexhaustible vitality, imagination and constant curiosity about the world, all of which are the driving force behind each episode.

Bluey lives in Brisbane, in the Australian region of Queensland, along with her father Bandit, mother Chilli and younger sister Bingo. The Heeler family are joined by family, friends and community (each belonging to different dog breeds) who are drawn into their games and adventures.

Bluey recently hit headlines around the world for an innovative collaboration with Airbnb, which saw the Heeler home faithfully reconstructed in a real-life version in a suburb of Brisbane. The home is available for one lucky family for a weekend stay and will also host online experiences for fans from around the globe.

Airbnb offering one family the chance to live like Bluey for the weekend

Epic Rights to develop licensing programme for Aerosmith

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In advance of multiple 50th anniversary celebrations and live appearances, Aerosmith, the best-selling American hard-rock band of all time, has tapped Universal Music Group’s Epic Rights as the band’s global brand management agency to develop an all-new multi-category worldwide retail programme, with a roster of new licensing partners signed to create branded merchandise.

Aerosmith continue to solidify their position as one of the most groundbreaking groups in history as the band prepares to celebrate multiple milestones in 2022, including the 40th anniversary of their Rock in a Hard Place album; 35th anniversary of Permanent Vacation, and 25th anniversary of Nine Lives, along with a historic anniversary celebration concert at Boston’s Fenway Park on 8 September, with more announcements to come.

In 2023, the band will honour the 50th anniversary of their iconic self-titled album; the 45th anniversary of Draw the Line, and 30th anniversary of Get a Grip.

With increasing demand from Aerosmith fans to engage with the iconic band, Epic Rights has signed agreements with new licensing partners across multiple territories and categories.

Global deals have been signed with Funko for vinyl figures (global for eCommerce, and U.S. and Canada for bricks and mortar); Knucklebonz for statues and 3D vinyl collectibles; Replay for a t-shirt and sweatshirt capsule collection; Madeworn for high-end apparel; and Collectionzz for hand-screened fine art prints.

New North American apparel partners include Just Some Thoughts, Philcos, Recycled Karma, Ripple Junction, and Angry Minnow for a collection of men’s, juniors and kid’s t-shirts, fashion tops, cut and sew fleece, sweaters, jackets, joggers, sweatpants/tops and more.

Rounding out the roster are Springs Creative for fabric, no-sew fleece kits and bandanas (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand); Watson Apparel for apparel and accessories (USA, Canada, Dubai); Brands Club for apparel and accessories (Chile, Peru, Argentina, Colombia), and Bloomerry for men’s, women’s, kids’ and babies’ apparel and accessories (Europe).

“We are thrilled to have Aerosmith, one of the all-time greatest rock icons, on the Epic Rights’ roster,” says Lisa Streff, Epic Rights’ Senior Vice President of Global Licensing. “In anticipation of the upcoming 50th anniversary activities, we’re excited to be developing a global licensing programme that will celebrate and illustrate the band’s career at retail.”

Epic Rights represents a diverse roster of iconic music artists and brands, including AC/DC, KISS, Aerosmith, David Bowie, John Lennon, Def Leppard, Britney Spears and *NSYNC. The company offers a broad range of services, including retail licensing, tour merchandising, D2C e-commerce, VIP/fan experiences, merch bundles, and fan engagement opportunities.

 

 

MGM and Play.Works debut The Pink Panther’s Secret Slots game

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Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) and Play.Works, a leading connected TV influencer video and games network, have announced that The Pink Panther’s Secret Slots game is now available through connected television devices.

The game is available to play through the Play.Works Network, which reaches over 200 million homes and has the largest connected TV games catalogue in the world. It is the second of three titles being developed around MGM’s iconic character, with Pink Panther Time Traveler having launched in 2021.

The Pink Panther’s Secret Slots game allows players to experience the much-loved character in a playful social game containing a 3X5 slot component with 30 lines of fun. The game includes four Pink Panther Jackpots: Minor Pink, Lucky Pink, Major Pink and Super Pink.

Play.Works developed and built The Pink Panther’s Secret Slots game from the ground-up for TV, and it will be available on leading platforms such as Roku and FireTV. Connected TV streaming devices remain the most-used way for viewers to watch online videos and Play.Works is leveraging this growing trend by creating games for these devices to give players the optimum viewing experience through a suite of easy-to play and highly engaging games.

Robert Marick, Executive Vice President, MGM Global Consumer Products & Experiences, says: “We are thrilled to continue to grow our relationship with our friends at Play.Works through the launch of The Pink Panther’s Secret Slots, and look forward to engaging Pink Panther fans both old and new with this exciting collaboration.”

 

 

ViacomCBS becomes Paramount Global

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ViacomCBS has announced that the global media company will become Paramount Global, effective from today (February 16), bringing together its portfolio of entertainment properties under a new parent company name.

“Paramount is an idea: a promise to be the best,” said Shari Redstone, Non-Executive Chair of the company’s Board of Directors, at the company’s investor event. “That promise has always been at the centre of what we aspired to build as the steward of more than a century of cinematic excellence, and with businesses and brands that have defined and redefined entertainment for generation after generation. We have made enormous progress, and I have never been more excited about the future of this company.”

“Paramount’s iconic peak represents a rich history for our company as pioneers in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Today, as we embrace the Paramount name, we are pioneers of an exciting new future,” added Bob Bakish, President and Chief Executive Officer.

In addition to the name change, the company has detailed plans to accelerate the global momentum behind Paramount+, unveiling new content, enhanced product offerings and continued international expansion.

“We see a huge global opportunity in streaming, a much larger potential market than can be captured by linear TV and film alone,” continued Bakish. “We’re excited about our ability to not just compete, but thrive, creating significant value for both consumers and shareholders. How? Because we’re broader in four key areas: our diverse content, streaming model, mix of platforms and global reach. As we look forward, the size of the opportunity we see is matched only by our ambition to seize it.”

The company announced that starting with 2024 film releases, Paramount+ will become the streaming home for all new Paramount Pictures movies in the U.S. following their theatrical runs.

New blockbuster franchise expansions unveiled include:

  • A QUIET PLACE – A Quiet Place Part III from John Krasinski, is confirmed for theatrical debut in 2025. As previously announced, the next installment of A Quiet Place from director Michael Sarnoski, based on an original idea from Krasinski, is set for release on September 22, 2023.
  • SONIC THE HEDGEHOG – the first-ever original live-action Sonic series, featuring the character Knuckles, voiced by Idris Elba, is in development to debut on Paramount+, setting up the third film installment in the flagship franchise.
  • SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS UNIVERSE – a further expansion of the SpongeBob universe is coming exclusively to Paramount+ with three brand-new movies based on the show’s original characters, with the first dropping in 2023. In addition, a fourth SpongeBob release from Nickelodeon Animation is currently in development for theatrical release.
  • STAR TREK – the next theatrical film, with Matt Shakman directing and J.J. Abrams producing, will feature the original cast and new characters.
  • TEEN WOLF – the first-ever original production from MTV Entertainment Studios and MGM’s Orion Television, Paramount+ will reunite the original Teen Wolf cast for an exclusive full-length movie. Tyler Posey, Holland Roden, Shelley Hennig and Crystal Reed are set to reprise their iconic roles alongside Orny Adams, Linden Ashby, JR Bourne, Seth Gilliam, Colton Haynes, Ryan Kelley, Melissa Ponzio and Dylan Sprayberry. Additional names to be announced.
  • TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES – a new era of TMNT-mania takes over in 2023 with a new animated take on the Turtles coming to theaters, produced by Point Grey Pictures’ Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and directed by Jeff Rowe. Nickelodeon Animation will fast follow that film with a series of exclusive movies for Paramount+ beginning in 2023, each centering on one of the property’s storied villains in never-before-told tales.
  • TRANSFORMERS – the next chapter begins with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts in 2023, where director Steven Caple Jr. and star Anthony Ramos, will lead the first of three film installments of the iconic Hasbro property. Additionally, the previously announced Untitled Animated Transformers film, a Paramount/eOne co-production with Josh Cooley attached to direct, will debut in theaters on July 19, 2024.

Other Kids and Family content announcements included updates to animated preschool favourites:

  • Blue’s Big City Adventure – the now-announced animation/live-action hybrid title to this brand-new Blue’s Clues & You! movie from Nickelodeon Animation is set to premiere later this year and follows host Josh and Blue as they head to New York City, with the help of Steve and Joe, to audition for a big Broadway musical.
  • Dora the Explorer – the preschool return of the groundbreaking Latina heroine in an all-new CG-animated series produced by Nickelodeon Animation, and featuring the beloved characters, plus key modernization to the storytelling, debuts in 2023.

Additionally, an update in Kids and Family live-action programming included:

  • Dora the Explorer – in addition to the character’s animated preschool return, now in development from Nickelodeon is the first-ever live-action Dora the Explorer series, inspired by the tone of Paramount Pictures’ 2019 Dora and the Lost City of Gold theatrical release, with this new version for Paramount+ targeting the tween demo.

ViacomCBS becomes Paramount Global

Posted on by

ViacomCBS has announced that the global media company will become Paramount Global, effective from today (February 16), bringing together its portfolio of entertainment properties under a new parent company name.

“Paramount is an idea: a promise to be the best,” said Shari Redstone, Non-Executive Chair of the company’s Board of Directors, at the company’s investor event. “That promise has always been at the centre of what we aspired to build as the steward of more than a century of cinematic excellence, and with businesses and brands that have defined and redefined entertainment for generation after generation. We have made enormous progress, and I have never been more excited about the future of this company.”

“Paramount’s iconic peak represents a rich history for our company as pioneers in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Today, as we embrace the Paramount name, we are pioneers of an exciting new future,” added Bob Bakish, President and Chief Executive Officer.

In addition to the name change, the company has detailed plans to accelerate the global momentum behind Paramount+, unveiling new content, enhanced product offerings and continued international expansion.

“We see a huge global opportunity in streaming, a much larger potential market than can be captured by linear TV and film alone,” continued Bakish. “We’re excited about our ability to not just compete, but thrive, creating significant value for both consumers and shareholders. How? Because we’re broader in four key areas: our diverse content, streaming model, mix of platforms and global reach. As we look forward, the size of the opportunity we see is matched only by our ambition to seize it.”

The company announced that starting with 2024 film releases, Paramount+ will become the streaming home for all new Paramount Pictures movies in the U.S. following their theatrical runs.

New blockbuster franchise expansions unveiled include:

  • A QUIET PLACE – A Quiet Place Part III from John Krasinski, is confirmed for theatrical debut in 2025. As previously announced, the next installment of A Quiet Place from director Michael Sarnoski, based on an original idea from Krasinski, is set for release on September 22, 2023.
  • SONIC THE HEDGEHOG – the first-ever original live-action Sonic series, featuring the character Knuckles, voiced by Idris Elba, is in development to debut on Paramount+, setting up the third film installment in the flagship franchise.
  • SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS UNIVERSE – a further expansion of the SpongeBob universe is coming exclusively to Paramount+ with three brand-new movies based on the show’s original characters, with the first dropping in 2023. In addition, a fourth SpongeBob release from Nickelodeon Animation is currently in development for theatrical release.
  • STAR TREK – the next theatrical film, with Matt Shakman directing and J.J. Abrams producing, will feature the original cast and new characters.
  • TEEN WOLF – the first-ever original production from MTV Entertainment Studios and MGM’s Orion Television, Paramount+ will reunite the original Teen Wolf cast for an exclusive full-length movie. Tyler Posey, Holland Roden, Shelley Hennig and Crystal Reed are set to reprise their iconic roles alongside Orny Adams, Linden Ashby, JR Bourne, Seth Gilliam, Colton Haynes, Ryan Kelley, Melissa Ponzio and Dylan Sprayberry. Additional names to be announced.
  • TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES – a new era of TMNT-mania takes over in 2023 with a new animated take on the Turtles coming to theaters, produced by Point Grey Pictures’ Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and directed by Jeff Rowe. Nickelodeon Animation will fast follow that film with a series of exclusive movies for Paramount+ beginning in 2023, each centering on one of the property’s storied villains in never-before-told tales.
  • TRANSFORMERS – the next chapter begins with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts in 2023, where director Steven Caple Jr. and star Anthony Ramos, will lead the first of three film installments of the iconic Hasbro property. Additionally, the previously announced Untitled Animated Transformers film, a Paramount/eOne co-production with Josh Cooley attached to direct, will debut in theaters on July 19, 2024.

Other Kids and Family content announcements included updates to animated preschool favourites:

  • Blue’s Big City Adventure – the now-announced animation/live-action hybrid title to this brand-new Blue’s Clues & You! movie from Nickelodeon Animation is set to premiere later this year and follows host Josh and Blue as they head to New York City, with the help of Steve and Joe, to audition for a big Broadway musical.
  • Dora the Explorer – the preschool return of the groundbreaking Latina heroine in an all-new CG-animated series produced by Nickelodeon Animation, and featuring the beloved characters, plus key modernization to the storytelling, debuts in 2023.

Additionally, an update in Kids and Family live-action programming included:

  • Dora the Explorer – in addition to the character’s animated preschool return, now in development from Nickelodeon is the first-ever live-action Dora the Explorer series, inspired by the tone of Paramount Pictures’ 2019 Dora and the Lost City of Gold theatrical release, with this new version for Paramount+ targeting the tween demo.

ZAG extends South American licensing programme with new office in Buenos Aires

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Animation studio ZAG has established its first office in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to directly spearhead merchandising and licensing activities in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay for the company’s portfolio of  “ZAG Heroez” brands, which includes the worldwide hit Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir and Ghostforce. 

The new Buenos Aires office is headed by Melisa Fuhr, Director of Licensing and Retail for South America, who is also in charge of the direct operation in Chile and Peru. Fuhr reports to Angela Cortez, ZAG’s VP of Licensing and Consumer Products for Latin America.

Fuhr is tasked with further developing the company’s brands, working directly with new licensing and promotional partners to implement a strategy that will increase visibility and market share, as well bolstering relationships with retailers to enhance the brand’s visibility at retail.

“We are confident that our strategy to directly handle consumer activities in key regions is the optimal approach to building our brands,” says Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products. “2022 is a milestone year for us with the much anticipated launch of our US$100 million Miraculous animated feature release later in the year alongside a global QSR promotion, the release of a new mobile game and our first console game, amongst other initiatives. Plus, we are also receiving increasing and positive activity across our social media for Ghostforce since its debut in December 2021 on Discovery Kids, and this is the ideal time to work together with licensees across the region to build additional ways for fans to interact with the series.”

Angela Cortez adds: “We want to thank Caffaro Hnos and his team at IMC for their oversight of Miraculous over the past few years. Together with ZAG, Caffaro Hnos has paved the way for the success of this phenomenal brand in Argentina.”

“We see numerous opportunities to continue to build on the success of Miraculous across Argentina,  Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay and build strong and lasting partnerships with the best companies and retailers in the region for both Miraculous and Ghostforce,” says Melisa Fuhr. “The new toy line for Miraculous from ZAG Labs is already performing well at retail and we are eager for the Zag Lab and Playmates toy line for Ghostforce to hit retail in 2023.”

Before joining ZAG, Fuhr spent 15 years with Arcor SAIC, the largest confectionery manufacturer in Latin America. She went from her role as Events and Promotions Manager to become the company’s Director of Licensing. Fuhr oversaw licensing, partnership and promotional activities for all product categories, from candy to ice cream, cookies and chocolates. She also developed and negotiated promotions and campaigns with partners such as Disney, Universal, Nickelodeon and Fox. She was also Director of Licensing for South Latin America for El Reino Infantil, the number one Spanish-language Youtube channel for children worldwide.

 

ZAG extends South American licensing programme with new office in Buenos Aires

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Animation studio ZAG has established its first office in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to directly spearhead merchandising and licensing activities in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay for the company’s portfolio of  “ZAG Heroez” brands, which includes the worldwide hit Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir and Ghostforce. 

The new Buenos Aires office is headed by Melisa Fuhr, Director of Licensing and Retail for South America, who is also in charge of the direct operation in Chile and Peru. Fuhr reports to Angela Cortez, ZAG’s VP of Licensing and Consumer Products for Latin America.

Fuhr is tasked with further developing the company’s brands, working directly with new licensing and promotional partners to implement a strategy that will increase visibility and market share, as well bolstering relationships with retailers to enhance the brand’s visibility at retail.

“We are confident that our strategy to directly handle consumer activities in key regions is the optimal approach to building our brands,” says Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products. “2022 is a milestone year for us with the much anticipated launch of our US$100 million Miraculous animated feature release later in the year alongside a global QSR promotion, the release of a new mobile game and our first console game, amongst other initiatives. Plus, we are also receiving increasing and positive activity across our social media for Ghostforce since its debut in December 2021 on Discovery Kids, and this is the ideal time to work together with licensees across the region to build additional ways for fans to interact with the series.”

Angela Cortez adds: “We want to thank Caffaro Hnos and his team at IMC for their oversight of Miraculous over the past few years. Together with ZAG, Caffaro Hnos has paved the way for the success of this phenomenal brand in Argentina.”

“We see numerous opportunities to continue to build on the success of Miraculous across Argentina,  Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay and build strong and lasting partnerships with the best companies and retailers in the region for both Miraculous and Ghostforce,” says Melisa Fuhr. “The new toy line for Miraculous from ZAG Labs is already performing well at retail and we are eager for the Zag Lab and Playmates toy line for Ghostforce to hit retail in 2023.”

Before joining ZAG, Fuhr spent 15 years with Arcor SAIC, the largest confectionery manufacturer in Latin America. She went from her role as Events and Promotions Manager to become the company’s Director of Licensing. Fuhr oversaw licensing, partnership and promotional activities for all product categories, from candy to ice cream, cookies and chocolates. She also developed and negotiated promotions and campaigns with partners such as Disney, Universal, Nickelodeon and Fox. She was also Director of Licensing for South Latin America for El Reino Infantil, the number one Spanish-language Youtube channel for children worldwide.

 

Cyber Group Studios partners with Peacock for animated adventure series Press Start!

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Best known for its award-winning preschool show Gigantosaurus, Cyber Group Studios has partnered with OTT video streaming service Peacock for new CG animated comedy adventure series Press Start!

Aimed at children aged 5-7, Press Start! is based on the bestselling and award-winning book series of the same name from Scholastic. Emmy-winning writer and showrunner Scott Kraft (PAW Patrol) is executive producer. The series is in production now and expected to begin streaming on Peacock in Q4 2023.

Press Start! (52 x 11) follows the adventures of Sunny and Rue Zaki, a dynamic brother and sister duo whose mysterious game controller gives them the ability to enter the world of their favorite fast-paced videogame, “24 KARAT QUEST”. Inside the fantastical game world, they team up with their videogame idol, Super Rabbit Boy, and help him save the world one eight-bit villain at a time.

Cyber Group Studios will support Press Start! at retail with a comprehensive merchandising programme. Last year, the company appointed Retail Monster to develop a strategic licensing programme in the U.S. based on the show.

The Press Start! graphic novel-style early-chapter books by author/illustrator Thomas Flintham have sold more than 2 million copies in the U.S. since their 2017 debut. Currently, 11 titles are available with four more in the pipeline. The books are published in 11 international territories.

Karen K. Miller, President & CEO, Cyber Group Studios USA, says:  “Press Start! is an internationally acclaimed book series that has thoroughly captivated readers by immersing them in the dynamic, fast-paced videogaming world led by a brother and sister team who together apply real-life skills to help save the day. This series takes inspiration from the books and will keep new and existing fans on the edge of their seats.”

Kristofer Updike, Vice President, Kids Development Entertainment Scripted & Unscripted Content NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, adds: “As Peacock doubles our original animated preschool content, we are thrilled to be working with such talented partners at Cyber Group Studios on the new, diverse series Press Start!, based on the award-winning Scholastic book series by Thomas Flintham. Our commitment to building a platform of trust, innovation, diversity and a place to call home for preschoolers, parents and caregivers is ever present in everything we create.”

 

Moonbug acquires Little Angel and Little World

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Moonbug Entertainment has announced the acquisition of Little Angel, one of the fastest-growing kids’ channels on YouTube. The Little Angel Network, which houses Little Angel and Little World, boasts more than 88 million subscribers on YouTube globally.
Since 2019, the brand has seen its global viewership double. Moonbug plans to grow Little Angel exponentially by investing in content, expanding distribution to its global network and creating more ways for audiences to engage with the brand.
“Little Angel is loved by families across the globe. Its irreverent humour and relatable world make it a strong addition to our IP portfolio,” says Renè Rechtman, Moonbug Entertainment Co-Founder and CEO. “There continues to be a tremendous demand for great value-based kids’ content that connects with a global audience, and this acquisition represents an important opportunity for us to build another global entertainment franchise.”
Little Angel is committed to offering fun and relatable content for young children, making it a natural fit for Moonbug’s portfolio. The show offers premium 3D content and has a library of over 400 original songs and over 500 animated episodes. All content is centered around valuable preschool lessons like learning letters, numbers, good manners and healthy habits in an age-appropriate and entertaining way.
Little Angel is Moonbug’s first acquisition since becoming part of Candle Media, an independent, creator-friendly home for cutting-edge, category-defining brands and franchises.
Moonbug specialises in creating and acquiring IP and turning it into global entertainment franchises, by rapidly scaling the brand using data to increase and enhance the content, distributing broadly across Moonbug’s vast global distribution network, and creating new avenues for interaction through licensing and merchandising, original productions and brand partnerships.
For more information on Moonbug, visit www.moonbug.com.