Category Archives: Entertainment

ZAG to unveil Melody, a new animated musical starring Katy Perry, at Licensing Expo

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Award-winning independent animation studio ZAG has partnered with Cross Creek Pictures to produce Melody, an animated musical feature created and directed by Jeremy Zag, and starring singer, songwriter and actress Katy Perry in the title role.  The announcement was made today by Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO of ZAG, and Katy Perry.

Melody will be directed by Jeremy Zag, while Katy Perry will co-write and perform the songs for the film. The feature will be produced by Jeremy Zag, Cross Creek’s Tyler Thompson, Katy Perry, and Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), who also served as executive producer on the upcoming $US100 million+ animated film Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie, produced by ZAG.

Jeremy Zag is best known as the creator, director and producer of the global phenomenon Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. ZAG will debut Melody to potential licensing partners at the upcoming Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.

In this musical adventure, kind-hearted, insecure yet prodigious singer Melody must overcome the evil plans of Rose Stellar, a jealous wicked pop queen who has vowed to destroy her. Set against the backdrop of New York City, Melody will take audiences on an adventure of song, laughter and heroic quest. With Melody are her “Seven Dwarves”-like musical notes that help guide her moral compass in more ways than one.

Packed with magic, love and wonder, Melody is an uplifting and inspiring story of self-discovery that celebrates the importance of fulfilling one’s dreams by believing in oneself and, above all, that to love is stronger than to be loved.

“I’ve dreamed of making Melody for years with a vision to convey messages of empowerment in a wondrous world full of music and adventure,” commented Zag.  “As a popstar, Melody is adored by her fans, but as a young artist, she struggles with insecurity.  On this journey of self-discovery, she comes to realise that the key to fulfilment of her life dreams is that she must learn to love herself first. Katy Perry’s journey to stardom is personified in Melody and, given her passion throughout her career to be an inspiration to her fans, she is the perfect collaborator for our animated extravaganza.”

Katy Perry is one of the best-selling artists of all time, having sold over 143 million records worldwide. All her studio albums released under Capitol have individually surpassed one billion streams on Spotify. She has nine U.S. number one singles, three U.S. number one albums, and has received numerous accolades including four Guinness World Records, five Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards, a Brit Award, and a Juno Award.  Her critically acclaimed Super Bowl halftime show performance is the most watched in history. She is also the most followed woman on Twitter with over 100 million followers.

CAA Media Finance represents the worldwide distribution rights to Melody, with Rocket Science co-representing foreign sales.

Acamar appoints Spotlight Licensing to drive growth for Bing in North America

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Acamar Films has appointed Spotlight Licensing as licensing and merchandising agent for North America for its award-winning preschool series Bing.

The multi-year licensing and merchandising agreement covers the USA and Canada. Spotlight will drive strategic Bing licensing and retail programmes as the show’s footprint continues to grow in the region.

A bespoke American version of Bing made its US debut on Cartoonito on Cartoon Network in September 2021, to great success. The show then launched on Cartoonito on HBO Max in February this year. Cartoonito is highlighting Bing as a series that helps young viewers understand how to manage emotions, understand others’ perspective and develop social skills. In Canada, the series is available on TVO Kids, TFO and Amazon Prime Video. Bing is also available on YouTube and in the app stores in both the USA and Canada.

Spotlight Licensing is an award-winning and well-established boutique licensing and IP management company with considerable expertise and experience in the preschool sector. The agency has a reputation for innovation and successfully extending licensing programmes by tailoring strategy to reflect the unique DNA of an individual property. The Spotlight Licensing team will be exhibiting at this year’s Licensing Expo in Las Vegas and are looking forward to spreading the word about Bing and exploring exciting opportunities with attendees.

Sandra Vauthier-Cellier, Chief Commercial Officer, Acamar Films, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with the award-winning Licensing & Merchandising team at Spotlight Licensing. Their outstanding expertise of preschool properties and their strategic and innovative approach, coupled with their wholehearted passion for Bing, promises exciting results. Bing already enjoys a hugely successful licensing programme in Europe, with consumer products across a wide variety of categories, live shows and other immersive experiential offerings. Now we’re looking forward to launching and building Bing’s licensing programme in the USA and Canada to provide our audience with equally delightful products and experiences to connect them even more closely with Bing.”

Carole Postal, President, Spotlight Licensing, adds: “The whole team here at Spotlight has been moved and delighted by Bing and we’re excited to be working with Acamar Films on developing a dynamic and robust programme to accelerate its growth in the region. With its strong, unique and timeless values, the series is so relatable for toddlers and their families, and we want to help deepen their engagement and ensure its longevity.”

Bing is a celebration of the joyful, messy reality of preschool life. Set in a delightful community “round the corner, not far away”, its authentic, timeless stories follow the everyday ups and downs of Bing, Flop (Bing’s own “carer”) and their friends. Bing provides an honest depiction of the highs and lows of preschool life from a preschooler’s perspective – a unique viewpoint for a children’s property.

Acamar Films has established a successful licensing programme for Bing in European markets, with over 100 licensees on board across key categories, from toys and apparel to kids’ audio storytelling and games, and experiential activities. The show is currently distributed to over 130 territories and engages digital audiences on a daily basis via 20 language-specific YouTube channels, social media channels and a suite of digital apps, and is firmly on-track to become a global evergreen property, cherished by families and young children worldwide.

 

Genius Brands signs 20-year deal with Marvel for Stan Lee

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Stan Lee Universe LLC, Genius Brands International’s Genius Brands-controlled venture with POW! Entertainment, has signed a 20-year deal to license the name and likeness of Stan Lee to Marvel Studios for future feature films and television productions, as well as use in Disney theme parks and experiences worldwide.

 “We are proud to be the stewards of the incredibly valuable rights to Stan Lee’s name, likeness, merchandise, and intellectual property brand,” says Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Genius Brands. “And there is no better place than Marvel and Disney, where Stan should be, for his movies and theme park experiences. As we enter the centennial year of Stan’s birthday, December 28, 2022, we are thrilled to see his memory and legacy will continue to delight fans through this new long-term agreement with Marvel.”

Under the terms of the deal, Marvel Studios has acquired rights to use Stan Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in movies and television projects, as well as use images, existing footage and existing audio recordings featuring Stan. Exclusive rights to use Stan Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in theme parks, water parks, cruise lines and in-park merchandise were included for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products as part of the deal.

“As Stan’s longtime business partner and friend, I’m looking forward to commemorating his work in this new way,” says Gill Champion, President of POW! Entertainment. “Building a connection with his fans is important to us and it’s a privilege to get to do that on his behalf.”

Stan is one of the most prolific and legendary comic creators of all time. As Marvel’s editor-in-chief, Stan “The Man” Lee helped build a universe of interlocking continuity, one where fans felt as if they could turn a street corner and run into a super hero, from Spider-Man to the Fantastic Four, Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and more. Stan went on to become Marvel’s editorial director and publisher in 1972, and was eventually named chairman emeritus.

Stan also appeared in some of the most popular films of all time. His well-known cameos in Marvel films began in the 1989 telefilm The Trial of the Incredible Hulk. After the release of X-Men in 2000, he appeared in nearly every Marvel film and television project until his passing in 2018.

Among Stan’s many awards is the National Medal of Arts, awarded by President Bush in 2008, and the Disney Legends Award, received in 2017. He was also inducted into the comic industry’s Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame and Jack Kirby Hall of Fame.

BBC Studios expands Bluey global licensing programme

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Bluey, the Emmy Award-winning sensation that has been winning over preschoolers and families worldwide, is expanding its licensing programme with new partners. The new agreements include:

  • Ten new partners and renewal US & Canada licensing deals
  • New Latin America licensing agents appointed for Brazil, South and Central America
  • Five new UK licensing deals announced
  • Licensing agents appointed for Israel as 13 new EMEA licensing deals unveiled, including Ravensburger (France, Italy and Nordics) and a pan-European deal with HTI Toys (inc. UK)

These licensing agreements follow closely on the heels of the announcement of BBC Studios’ new global partnership with Hasbro for co-branded Monopoly Jr. and Trouble games along with Play-Doh. VTech has also announced details of its Bluey products which are set to go on sale this year in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK, with New Zealand and France to follow.

Widely lauded by parents and press alike for its heartfelt and funny portrayal of family life and celebration of play, the series follows Bluey, a 6-year-old Blue Heeler dog, who loves to play and turns everyday family life into extraordinary adventures that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family – including younger sister Bingo and parents Bandit and Chilli – as well as friends and community into her world of fun and discovery.

Season three of Bluey debuted on ABC TV in Australia in November 2021 and is set to be released globally on Disney platforms later this year.

U.S. and Canada

BBC Studios has shared new details on deals with Ball Bounce & Sport inc. dba Hedstrom, Berkshire Fashions, Centric Beauty, Daytime Enterprises, Disguise, Fathead, Heys International, Horizon Group, Mad Engine and Party City Holdings inc. for a range of new products spanning multiple key categories. From apparel and arts and crafts to party supplies, and more, the Bluey introductions will begin rolling out to major retailers across the US and Canada this spring.

Suzy Raia, SVP Consumer Products and Business Development, BBC Studios Americas, says: “Love for Bluey continues to soar all across the globe, and we’re excited to be teaming up with each of these category-leading companies to provide many new ways for preschoolers and their families to experience the fun and imaginative adventures that make the series such a standout.

“Consumer demand for Bluey products is very strong and we look forward to working with these partners to develop offerings that will enhance fans’ connection to the brand every day.”

New Bluey partners to introduce product this year include:

  • Ball, Bounce & Sport inc. dba Hedstrom – playballs, hoppers, sport ball, over the door hoop and bowling sets (US)
  • Berkshire Fashions – headwear, cold weather and rain accessories etc. (US)
  • Centric Beauty – bath and cosmetics (US)
  • Daytime Enterprises ­– costume character appearances to be led by Nelvana (Canada)
  • Disguise – new costumes and accessories following multi-year renewal agreement (US)
  • Fathead – wall graphics, standees, peel & stick wallpaper and decals etc. (US)
  • Heys International – bags & luggage, backpacks and lunch bags etc. (Canada)
  • Horizon Group – arts & crafts (US)
  • Mad Engine – apparel and accessories (US); apparel, sleepwear, underwear, hosiery and winter accessories, via Nelvana (Canada)
  • Party City Holdings inc. – party goods, balloons, Halloween costumes and accessories (US & Canada – via Nelvana in Canada)

In the US, Bluey has been a runaway hit since its 2019 debut. The standout series was Disney Junior’s #1 ratings driver with kids 2-5 in 2021. It also ranked as the #1 most-watched TV series in 2Q21 and a top 3 show every quarter in 2021. In addition, Bluey owned two of the top 10 cable telecasts of 2021 with kids 2-5.

In Canada, Bluey continues to rank #1 on Disney Junior with children 2-11 and kids 2-5 on La Chaine’s Disney Junior (Canadian French language channel). Bluey was also the #2 programme with children 2-5 on Disney Junior and kids 2-5 on Disney Channel’s Junior block.

Latin America

To further extend the footprint of the global hit through the region, BBC Studios appointed as its licensing agents Panaderia for Mexico, Lotus Global for Brazil and Tycoon for South and Central America (excluding Mexico and Brazil).

In Mexico, the Bluey licensing programme keeps expanding into other categories following Bandai’s very successful toy launch last year. Starting this June and extending into the autumn, new licensed assortments ranging from party goods to apparel and publishing will launch in Mexico, with the following partners: Granmark, Ruz, Stor, Union Kids, Novelty Corp and Penguin Random House.

The Bluey toys produced by global master toy licensee Moose Toys are distributed locally by Candide in Brazil and are expected to launch in Q3 2022. Apparel, accessories, publishing and party items will follow to market in time for Christmas. Later this year, even more fun and engaging Bluey products will be distributed locally by Imexporta in Chile and Peru; Caffaro in Argentina and Boing Toys in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Central America and the Caribbean islands.

Australia and NZ

In the series’ homeland, Australia, the well-established Bluey brand is booming, and continues to add to an impressive portfolio of partners across ANZ. 2022 kicked off with an incredible ‘Only On Airbnb’ partner experience which saw the iconic Heeler home recreated ‘for real life’ in Brisbane (generating 60 million+ social impressions), and was followed up with announcements that Bluey is the first ever Australian brand to partner with Colgate, won Preschool License of the Year at the Australian Toy Awards for the third year running, and that the Aussie-made stage show would be touring the U.S. following a wildly successful Australian run – with more major announcements to come soon in the FMCG space.

In Australia, Bluey remains the number one kids show on broadcast television and is the most-watched series ever on ABC iview. With season three already airing in Australia, the show has performed 2.3 times above timeslot average audience (total audience) and the new episodes achieved 14 of the top 20 broadcasts on free-to-air TV in 2021. Just this week, it was announced that 11 more Series 3 episodes will air in Australia from mid-June.

“Australia is the home of Bluey and fans here are absolutely buzzing about the new June episodes,” says Kate O’Connor, Head of Licensing and Brands, BBC Studios ANZ. “The second half of 2022 will bring more exciting Bluey news that we can’t wait to surprise our fans with!”

UK

Bluey is hugely popular with audiences in the UK. It was the most-watched programme on CBeebies for Q1 2022 with toys from both Moose Toys and Ravensburger making Bluey one of the hottest brands since its launch in shops last year and gaining the title of number-one new preschool toy brand in 2021 according to NPD data. Earlier this year Crayola released products in the UK, with sales already exceeding expectations. Building on this success, BBC Studios are announcing new deals with 8th Wonder (wooden toys), Spin Master (wooden puzzles – extending their US range into the UK), Moonpig (cards and gifting), Drew Pearson (accessories) and an expanded deal with Ravensburger (details below in EMEA section).

“8th Wonder is delighted to be working with BBC Studios on such a prestigious property,” says Louise Tyrer, Managing Director, 8th Wonder. “The Bluey wooden toy range will be fun, educational and produced using FSC certified wood. All product and packaging will be designed with sustainability in mind. With over 25 years’ experience creating distinctive, innovative wooden toys, we look forward to delivering an award-winning range through this fantastic brand.”

In addition, BBC Studios has just signed a new pan-European deal (inc. UK) with HTI Toys for large role play, cases, bubbles and outdoor toys.

Alison Downie, Global Licensing and Brand Director for HTI Group, says: “We are thrilled to be partnering with BBC Studios once again on another hugely popular preschool show. Bluey will be made very welcome here at HTI Toys and we are excited to develop a range of toys that complement Bluey’s love of play.”

Partners launching products in the UK this year include:

  • Character Options – Weebles and arts & crafts
  • Danilo – calendars, cards and gift stationery
  • H&A – health & beauty
  • MV Sports – wheeled toys
  • Stor – lunchboxes, bottles and tableware
  • William Lamb – footwear and bags

EMEA

Bluey continues to grow its licensing programme in EMEA and existing licensee Ravensburger has signed a new agreement with BBC Studios to cover France, Italy and Nordics and to expand its range of products in the UK including the introduction of proprietary games including Memory and Labyrinth.

 “We are delighted to extend our UK and Ireland contract for Bluey to France, Italy and the Nordic markets and to extend our very long standing and excellent partnership with BBC Studios,” says Tim Hall, Managing Director, Ravensburger. “We launched Bluey in the UK last autumn/winter and our puzzles were immediately best sellers in all the accounts where they are listed and that success continues to build. Bluey is a special property that young children and their parents adore. We look forward to further growth in the UK and Ireland and establishing the property in the new territories.”

BBC Studios has also newly appointed Mediogen as licensing agents for Israel; joining CLM (South Africa), France tv distribution (France), Maurizio Distefano Licensing (Italy), Partner Plus (Greece) and Plus Licens (Nordics, Baltics and CEE).

New Bluey licensees in EMEA include:

  • Diramix – stickers, sticker albums and cards (Italy)
  • Dolfin – seasonal confectionery (Italy)
  • Dulcop – bubbles (Italy)
  • Educa Borras – wooden puzzles and arts & crafts (France)
  • Grabo – balloons (Italy)
  • Graffiti – back to school and stationery (Greece)
  • Halantex – home textiles (Italy)
  • HTI Toys – large role play, cases, bubble toys and outdoor toys (pan-Europe inc. UK)
  • Liniex – scooters and scooter accessories (Nordics)
  • Multiprint – stamps, stationery sets and colouring sets (Italy)
  • Ravensburger – puzzles and games inc. Memory and Labyrinth (France, Italy and Nordics)
  • Showagent – meet & greet (Nordics)
  • Skybrands – apparel and home (Nordics)

Golden Goose appointed to help The Rocky Horror show celebrate a licensing timewarp

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Global stage and film phenomenon The Rocky Horror Show has appointed Golden Goose to develop an international licensing programme in time to help celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary.

Since its debut at the Royal Court Theatre in London back in 1973, The Rocky Horror Show has been ever-present on stage and in cinemas, spanning the globe with its infectious concoction of sexual liberation, b-movie pastiche and rock’n’roll.

Andy Leighton, the show’s music publisher, says: “The original production’s rallying cry of ‘Don’t dream it, be it’ helped to build a community of people otherwise excluded from mainstream culture. With continuous revivals of the show across the globe, the movie (the longest-running screened production in history) and the 50th anniversary coming up, multiple generations are ready to rediscover the wonderfully liberating effect of The Rocky Horror Show. We are very excited to see where Golden Goose takes us on our licensing journey and can’t wait to get started.”

Lisa Shapiro, lead consultant for Golden Goose, says: “The Rocky Horror Show is known around the world for its exuberance, boldness and a storyline that was light-years ahead of its time. A licensing programme that creates fantastic products featuring these iconic characters, lyrics and graphics for the massive fanbase is well overdue.”

Adam Bass, Director of Golden Goose, adds: “With the show’s message of liberation now effectively having been delivered, The Rocky Horror Show is set to stand out on-shelf as a fun, socially relevant, multigenerational brand, that also features transexual aliens.”

Interested potential licensees and international sub-agents should contact Golden Goose for more information.

Universal Brand Development taps Moose Toys for Trolls collectibles

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Moose Toys has entered a multi-year global partnership with Universal Brand Development for DreamWorks Animation’s blockbuster Trolls franchise. Under the agreement, the toymaker will develop a range of collectible figures to arrive at retail in autumn 2023, to support the highly anticipated release of the newest Trolls movie in cinemas on 17 November 2023.

In addition to creating the official Trolls collectibles for the movie, the agreement allows for cross-collaboration with original brands from Moose.

“Universal Brand Development tapping us to create collectibles for the Trolls franchise is an extraordinary opportunity,” says Menal McGrath, vice president global licensing, Moose Toys. “We cannot wait to infuse our Moose magic into movie collectibles and to bring the vibrant, colourful, diverse and inclusive Trolls into several of our key original brands.”

Moose has built a reputation for its hyper-creative collectibles and for delivering a depth within each of its brands that keeps the narrative fresh and ever-expanding. As the popularity grew for its original brands, licensing became the next logical step for the toymaker. The licensing agreement with Universal Brand Development will include an expansive line of Trolls collectible figures highlighting new characters introduced in the new film, plus evergreen movie favorites like Poppy and Branch. The line will feature a deep variety of colours, finishes and hair and range of products that will be supported by a robust marketing campaign.

“Moose is an incredible partner with a keen understanding of what makes the Trolls franchise so beloved by fans,” says Joe Lawandus, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Global Toys, Hardlines and Publishing, Universal Brand Development. “Throughout the process, they demonstrated a clear and creative vision for not only our movie-inspired collectibles, but some truly innovative thinking about how to infuse Trolls into their popular brands. Extending the Trolls narrative beyond the film and collaborating with Moose is a tremendous value-add. We could not be more delighted about this new partnership.”

The addition of DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls expands Moose’s licensed portfolio, which already includes Bluey, Octonauts and Strawberry Shortcake.

Macmillan Children’s Books swoops in to acquire publishing for Odo

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Macmillan Children’s Books has acquired the publishing rights for Odo. The warm-hearted and funny animated series about a little owl and his forest friends was commissioned by Milkshake (Channel 5) in the UK, who premiered the series in August last year, and KiKA in Germany. The series has also been sold in to more than 150 other territories across the world including  HBOMax in the USA, Canal+ in France, ABC in Australia, SVT in Sweden and NRK in Norway and RTE in Ireland.

The series is a co-production between BAFTA winning Belfast-based Sixteen South and Polish animation studio Letko.

This latest acquisition is a key new property for Macmillan Children’s Books, strengthening its list of preschool licensed brands. It follows a deal with Lego for preschool novelty publishing, which launched in August 2021.

Nicole Pearson, Publishing Director, Brands & Media, Macmillan Children’s Books, bought world rights in all languages for six books, with an option to acquire further formats and titles, from Vicky Miller, Licensing Director at Bulldog Licensing. The first tranche of picture books will launch in the UK in March 2023.

Nicole Pearson says: “We are delighted to be working with Bulldog and Sixteen South on the delightful Odo – we were captivated by the beauty of the animation, how comedic and warm the stories are and, above all, by Odo’s strong central message of self belief and respect for others. With such an impressive array of international broadcast partners already on board, we believe Odo has real global potential and look forward to seeing this little owl spread its wings far beyond its forest home.”

“Finding the right publisher for Odo was incredibly important for us – a partner who recognised and shared the important values and ethos of the show, and with whom we could build a long-term partnership,” says Bulldog’s Vicky Miller. “We are delighted to be partnering with Macmillan Children’s Books as our global master publisher. The team at Macmillan Children’s Books impressed with their plans, creative ideas and passion for Odo. I can’t wait to see our first titles hit shelves next year.”

Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, MD, Macmillan Children’s Books, adds: “We continue to invest in key licensed properties where we know that MCB can bring something unique and exciting to a brand, and publishing innovative and exciting formats that will engage children and families. This is exactly one of these properties and we are very pleased to be working in partnership with Sixteen South Studios on developing Odo’s world through our preschool publishing.”

Sixteen South’s preschool series Odo prepares to take flight in the US and Latin America

WildBrain CPLG starts a new chapter with HarperCollins Productions

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Entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG has further expanded its entertainment portfolio with the signing of worldwide licensing and merchandising (L&M) rights for a trio of HarperCollins Productions’ popular properties: Carmen Sandiego, The Oregon Trail, and Pretzel and the Puppies.

WildBrain CPLG’s L&M rights for Carmen Sandiego include the hit animated action-adventure television series, which is produced by HarperCollins Productions and WildBrain for Netflix and based on the media franchise of the same name. The agency will also represent L&M rights to the Carmen Sandiego Netflix movie, which is currently in development.

The Oregon Trail is a mega-hit video game franchise from the 1980s and ’90s, which has recently launched as a top-ranked game on Apple Arcade. The popular property has also been extended into books and licensing with major media in development, but not yet announced.

Pretzel and the Puppies is a children’s book by Margret and H.A. Rey, the authors of Curious George, originally published in 1946 and recently re-released by Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books. It is now an Apple TV+ animated series, which follows Pretzel, the world’s longest dachshund, and his wife, Greta, as they encourage their pups to get their paws up to solve problems and “make their bark” on the world.

Under the deal secured by WildBrain CPLG’s North America office, the agency will build strategic licensing programmes for each of the properties across multiple new categories, including apparel, footwear, fashion accessories, electronics, toys and games, health and beauty, back-to-school, and homewares. The partnership also includes promotions and location-based entertainment rights.

Jasen Wright, VP North America at WildBrain CPLG, says: “As our North America office continues to expand its entertainment portfolio, it’s fantastic to welcome a company of HarperCollins Productions’ calibre into our roster, a group which is home to some incredibly popular franchises that we know have significant consumer products potential. What’s more, the Carmen Sandiego brand is a perfect example of how WildBrain is positioned to offer 360-degree strategies for IP owners who are looking for integrated content, distribution, and licensing all under one roof.”

Caroline Fraser, Head of HarperCollins Productions, adds: “HarperCollins publishes some of the best children’s titles in the world. When we adapt these titles to screen, kids, families and authors enjoy wider access to our beloved characters and stories. We are excited to work with WildBrain CPLG to bring our properties to an even wider audience through licensing and merchandising.”

An award-winning production company within HarperCollins Publishers, HarperCollins Productions develops and produces TV, film, and interactive projects adapted from books published by HarperCollins, with projects ranging from preschool to YA to family entertainment, in both live-action and animation.

Omens Studios scores raft of international sales for season two of Leo the Wildlife Ranger

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Award-winning animation company Omens Studios has secured a raft of international sales for season two of its hit CGI animated series Leo the Wildlife Ranger across Latin America, Europe and Asia.

Globo Brazil has taken season two of the adventure preschool series for Brazil, while Czech TV has picked up the show for the Czech Republic. MTVA in Hungary and Good TV in Taiwan are also on board for season two.

Previous sales secured for the new 52 x 11’ Leo the Wildlife Ranger second season include: Tencent for China; TV3 for Catalonia; MBC for MENA; Zoomoo for APAC and Latin America; Celestial Tiger for South Korea and Indonesia, and Amazon for North America.

The series aims to encourage knowledge and appreciation of wildlife and nature and to develop eco-awareness in young children. The show, aimed at 3-6-year-olds, features Junior Rangers Leo and Katie and their loyal canine companion Hero, on their quest to learn more about the beautiful animals and plants that surround us on this planet. The second season sees more exotic wildlife, more adventures and fun for Leo, Katie, Hero and Ranger Rocky, as well as an expanded cast of new Junior Rangers from around the world.

Chi Sim Tang, CEO of Omens Studios, says: “The combination of playful and vibrant adventures as well as important environmental themes throughout Leo the Wildlife Ranger continue to resonate with young audiences providing a fun and engaging way to learn more about our world. We are thrilled to expand the series’ global footprint further and introduce new audiences to the Junior Rangers!”

Season two of the series won Best Preschool Programme (Country) at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2021 and the silver winner for Series-Television at the 2021 Telly Awards, and was also nominated for Best 3D Animated Programme at the Asian Television Awards 2021.

Season one of Leo the Wildlife Ranger has sold to over 50 countries internationally winning Best Preschool Programme and a nomination for Best 3D Animated Programme at the Asian Television Awards in 2016.

Omens Studios scores raft of international sales for season two of Leo the Wildlife Ranger

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Award-winning animation company Omens Studios has secured a raft of international sales for season two of its hit CGI animated series Leo the Wildlife Ranger across Latin America, Europe and Asia.

Globo Brazil has taken season two of the adventure preschool series for Brazil, while Czech TV has picked up the show for the Czech Republic. MTVA in Hungary and Good TV in Taiwan are also on board for season two.

Previous sales secured for the new 52 x 11’ Leo the Wildlife Ranger second season include: Tencent for China; TV3 for Catalonia; MBC for MENA; Zoomoo for APAC and Latin America; Celestial Tiger for South Korea and Indonesia, and Amazon for North America.

The series aims to encourage knowledge and appreciation of wildlife and nature and to develop eco-awareness in young children. The show, aimed at 3-6-year-olds, features Junior Rangers Leo and Katie and their loyal canine companion Hero, on their quest to learn more about the beautiful animals and plants that surround us on this planet. The second season sees more exotic wildlife, more adventures and fun for Leo, Katie, Hero and Ranger Rocky, as well as an expanded cast of new Junior Rangers from around the world.

Chi Sim Tang, CEO of Omens Studios, says: “The combination of playful and vibrant adventures as well as important environmental themes throughout Leo the Wildlife Ranger continue to resonate with young audiences providing a fun and engaging way to learn more about our world. We are thrilled to expand the series’ global footprint further and introduce new audiences to the Junior Rangers!”

Season two of the series won Best Preschool Programme (Country) at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2021 and the silver winner for Series-Television at the 2021 Telly Awards, and was also nominated for Best 3D Animated Programme at the Asian Television Awards 2021.

Season one of Leo the Wildlife Ranger has sold to over 50 countries internationally winning Best Preschool Programme and a nomination for Best 3D Animated Programme at the Asian Television Awards in 2016.