Tag Archives: Cartoonito

WarnerMedia to broadcast Brave Bunnies in 20 new territories

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Glowberry, the Ukrainian creator of popular kids’ series Brave Bunnies, has announced a licensing agreement with WarnerMedia to broadcast the series in 20 territories across Southeast Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

The deal was secured for Glowberry by its exclusive content distribution partner, Aardman, who have been leading the charge for Brave Bunnies with tier-one broadcasters around the world.

The series will premiere on the Cartoonito pre-school programming block available daily on Cartoon Network, which launched on March 28 in Southeast Asia, and will debut in Australia and New Zealand in July.

The series will also be available to stream in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong on HBO GO. This latest deal strengthens the relationship with WarnerMedia as Brave Bunnies was also acquired by HBO Max for LATAM. The series will premiere mid-2022.

Olga Cherepanova, author and creative producer of Brave Bunnies, says: “We are delighted that a show we have been working on so passionately has been expanding so fast. I’m happy that alongside WarnerMedia we will reach a new audience in APAC. Our partner Aardman continues to do a great job signing up the best broadcast partners for our bunnies.”

Robin Gladman, Head of Acquisitions at Aardman, comments: “It’s a great pleasure to be working with our friends at Glowberry, to help bring Brave Bunnies to the world. The team from Ukraine are constantly in our thoughts in their current plight. Friendship and diversity sit at the core of this fabulous show, these messages are more important now than ever, and we are thrilled Warner have decided to come on board across so many territories.”

WarnerMedia’s preschool brand Cartoonito makes Asian debut

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Cartoonito, WarnerMedia’s preschool brand, has made its Asian debut. The brand launched as a dedicated morning programming block on Cartoon Network in Japan on March 1 and in Southeast Asia and Korea today (March 28). It offers a modern approach to preschool programming, built to support each child’s unique potential with its educational framework called “Humancentric Learning”.

Tentpole shows in Southeast Asia and Korea include Lucas the Spider, Dino Ranch, Monchhichi and Esme & Roy. These sit alongside a growing slate of new and library series in a line-up that celebrates individuality and originality, while championing creativity, compassion and inclusion. These shows will also sit in a dedicated Cartoonito programming rail on the regional streaming service HBO GO in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. A launch event is scheduled in Singapore in April.

In Japan, the line-up includes Thomas and Friends, Pingu, and Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. Celebrity singer Kaela Kimura sings the theme song during the daily block. Cartoonito will launch in Australia and New Zealand in early July, and in South Asia later in the year.

Leslie Lee, Head of Kids for WarnerMedia in Asia Pacific, says: “When we introduced Cartoon Network’s new brand promise ‘Redraw Your World’ earlier this year, the channel shifted to become more inclusive to boys and girls. Now with Cartoonito, our demos are even wider – creating a safe environment for even younger children to enjoy every morning with their parents and caregivers. While the content and on-air packaging are extremely appealing to youngsters, it is how the block is carefully curated and programmed which makes it stand out.”

All Cartoonito shows follow a curriculum designed by early childhood education expert Dr Laura Brown to support the four pillars of Humancentric Learning: Creativity, Caring, Curiosity and Courage. The brand aims to inspire kids to use their imagination, to learn from their mistakes and to treat others with empathy and respect.

For example, in CGI-animated, Lucas the Spider (Fresh TV in association with WexWorks Media with CAKE) curious jumping spider, Lucas, frequently demonstrates characteristics of all four pillars in his many adventures.

This follows the launch of Cartoonito in the US in September 2021 on Cartoon Network and HBO Max, and in EMEA in February 2022.

 

WarnerMedia’s preschool brand Cartoonito makes Asian debut

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Cartoonito, WarnerMedia’s preschool brand, has made its Asian debut. The brand launched as a dedicated morning programming block on Cartoon Network in Japan on March 1 and in Southeast Asia and Korea today (March 28). It offers a modern approach to preschool programming, built to support each child’s unique potential with its educational framework called “Humancentric Learning”.

Tentpole shows in Southeast Asia and Korea include Lucas the Spider, Dino Ranch, Monchhichi and Esme & Roy. These sit alongside a growing slate of new and library series in a line-up that celebrates individuality and originality, while championing creativity, compassion and inclusion. These shows will also sit in a dedicated Cartoonito programming rail on the regional streaming service HBO GO in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. A launch event is scheduled in Singapore in April.

In Japan, the line-up includes Thomas and Friends, Pingu, and Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. Celebrity singer Kaela Kimura sings the theme song during the daily block. Cartoonito will launch in Australia and New Zealand in early July, and in South Asia later in the year.

Leslie Lee, Head of Kids for WarnerMedia in Asia Pacific, says: “When we introduced Cartoon Network’s new brand promise ‘Redraw Your World’ earlier this year, the channel shifted to become more inclusive to boys and girls. Now with Cartoonito, our demos are even wider – creating a safe environment for even younger children to enjoy every morning with their parents and caregivers. While the content and on-air packaging are extremely appealing to youngsters, it is how the block is carefully curated and programmed which makes it stand out.”

All Cartoonito shows follow a curriculum designed by early childhood education expert Dr Laura Brown to support the four pillars of Humancentric Learning: Creativity, Caring, Curiosity and Courage. The brand aims to inspire kids to use their imagination, to learn from their mistakes and to treat others with empathy and respect.

For example, in CGI-animated, Lucas the Spider (Fresh TV in association with WexWorks Media with CAKE) curious jumping spider, Lucas, frequently demonstrates characteristics of all four pillars in his many adventures.

This follows the launch of Cartoonito in the US in September 2021 on Cartoon Network and HBO Max, and in EMEA in February 2022.

 

Sesame Workshop expands animation slate with Charlotte’s web

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Sesame Workshop is to expand its animation slate with book-based properties, starting with  E.B. White’s classic Charlotte’s Web. Partnering with WarnerMedia Kids & Family, Sesame Workshop will begin production in April on the recently greenlit family miniseries, which will be available on HBO Max and Cartoon Network in 2024.

“For over 50 years, Sesame Workshop has been weaving stories that centre memorable characters and diverse, compelling voices,” says Kay Wilson Stallings, EVP, Creative and Production, Sesame Workshop. “Stories can forge powerful connections with kids and families – where better to start than with a faithful retelling of one of the most beloved children’s novels of all time?”

Academy Award-winning director Luke Matheny will serve as executive producer and head writer for Charlotte’s Web. Matheny directs Sesame Workshop’s Daytime Emmy Award-winning Ghostwriter on Apple TV+, which draws inspiration from classic literary works like Alice in Wonderland, Frankenstein, and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

Wilson Stallings has brought on Heather Alexander as book and literary scout to identify and analyse children’s books and other content for potential development.

As part of a broader development strategy, Sesame Workshop is also building out its animation slate with new series and specials set on Sesame Street and beyond, launching on WarnerMedia Kids & Family’s newest preschool block Cartoonito on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

“Animation has always been a part of our DNA, and we’re continuing that proud tradition with engaging new content that supports our mission: helping kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder,” Wilson Stallings said. “Not only are we building on our flagship brand with projects like Elmo Gets a Puppy and Sesame Street Mecha Builders, we’re also investing in new properties like Bea’s Block and exciting collaborations like this one to captivate the next generation of kids and families.”

 

CoComelon to expand into new territories through WarnerMedia Cartoonito deal

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Moonbug Entertainment has announced an expanded partnership with WarnerMedia, bringing its leading IP, CoComelon, to preschool brand Cartoonito in over 115 countries across EMEA. CoComelon will go live on Cartoonito as the brand continues its rollout throughout 2022.

This marks Moonbug’s first ever multi-territory linear deal, bolstering the beloved kids’ brand’s global accessibility and building on the existing partnership in the UK, where CoComelon launched on Cartoonito in April 2021. The extended partnership will feature the rollout of 170 CoComelon episodes on Cartoonito across the EMEA region, in multiple languages including German, French and Italian.

“This is yet another milestone for Moonbug and CoComelon as we expand not only our reach but our existing partnership with WarnerMedia based on the proven success and demand of the show,” says Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director EMEA and APAC, Moonbug Entertainment. “This expansion signals a further vote of confidence in digital-first content, underscoring its high quality and the trust that Moonbug has built with its globally loved IPs.”

Zia Bales, Lead Acquisitions, Partnerships and Coproductions, Kids EMEA, WarnerMedia adds: “Preschool is such an important focus for us and this deal with Moonbug reaffirms our commitment to building our library of trusted brands for this audience.”

CoComelon is a household name globally, expanding from the digital world to being available on linear channels and platforms in multiple languages. CoComelon models positivity and good behaviour and supports preschoolers’ learning through music. The main characters JJ and his friends and family share their fun everyday adventures exploring and learning through relatable situations and toe-tapping songs.

For more information on Moonbug, visit www.moonbug.com.

Tweety’s 80th anniversary celebrations take flight

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WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences (WMGBE) is reminding the world that Tweety is no ordinary canary by launching an 80th anniversary celebration on a global scale.

As one of Looney Tunes’ most beloved characters, Tweety is known for being unflappable and unapologetically authentic. WMGBE has commissioned a diverse group of artists worldwide to design 80 original murals reflecting Tweety’s rich history and dynamic personality.

The “80 Years of Tweety” campaign kicked off in Austin at SXSW 2022 on March 11, where the first group of murals officially debuted. The anniversary honours will continue throughout the year across the Studio with new Tweety content from HBOMax, WarnerMedia Kids & Family, along with new themed experiences and collections from Warner Bros. Consumer Products. The celebration will culminate on Tweety’s birthday on November 21, 2022.

Free for everyone to enjoy, the Tweety-themed works of art will appear in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, United Arab Emirates and more. In the United States, Tweety murals will be seen in more than 30 cities. To track where to find Tweety murals, as well as all things Tweety, visit Tweety’s Anniversary website.

“For eighty years, Tweety has marched to the beat of his own drum, inherently representing what it means to be unapologetically yourself. His endearing personality has made him a pop culture favourite and he’s known for making appearances in the most unexpected ways,” says Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.

“As a key member of the Looney Tunes franchise, we definitely wanted to celebrate Tweety’s 80th in a big way and are excited for the year-long celebration ahead. Keep your eyes out for him to pop up anywhere, from fashion to collectibles and more.”

To complete the murals, WMGBE collaborated with 16 artists, each with a different take on the tiny hero. Tweety’s signature yellow colour runs through the designs, but the artists’ different styles will make each one unique. Artists have been selected through the lens of diversity across different countries, artistic mediums and expressions, ethnicities, genders and sexualities.

In addition to the murals, Tweety’s 80th Anniversary celebration features products, content, experiences and more, including:

  • Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) will announce new offerings and partnerships across all categories (fashion, collectibles, beauty, and more) throughout the year. Available now only on WBCP’s Looney Tunes Shop is the all-new Tweety’s 80th Mural Collection. The collection is set to feature a number of the 80 Tweety-inspired mural designs on a unique selection of merchandise and apparel. The ultimate fan destination to celebrate Tweety, the Looney Tunes Shop will unveil product drops throughout the year, including merchandise with Tweety mural designs yet to be revealed, leading up to Tweety’s birthday on November 21, 2022.
  • Loungefly has produced a Tweety 80th Anniversary Plush Backpack. The front features Tweety’s unmistakable shape, featuring wings on the front zipped compartment that move back and forth ($80.00). Also available is a Tweety and Sylvester 80th Anniversary Zip Around Wallet ($40.00). Available now, both products feature Tweety 80th Anniversary motif on the inside lining, along with vegan leather.
  • Available now, the Ugly Dukling x Tweety Bird Collection is a limited-edition, box collection of luxury 3D magnetic eyelashes featuring a special-dose of Tweety. The curated collection features four classic statement style lashes named “Tweety Pie,” “Tweety Bird,” “Looney Luxury Lashes” and “I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat!” Presented in Tweety-themed keepsake packaging, the collection continues Ugly Dukling Beauty’s tradition of high quality, hand crafted seven-magnet eyelashes.
  • Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment will be joining in on the festivities for Tweety’s birthday with exclusive murals around the world including at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. Movie World in Australia, and Parque Warner Madrid.
  • HBO Max: Tweety continues to star in the hit Looney Tunes Cartoons animated series from Warner Bros. Animation now streaming on HBO Max. New episodes will debut from the Max Original series throughout the year in celebration of the beloved yellow canary.
  • Cartoonito: This summer, Tweety will star alongside fellow Looney Tunes characters in Bugs Bunny Builders, a new preschool animated series produced by Warner Bros. Animation, coming to Cartoonito on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

 

Bing strengthens US presence with launch on Cartoonito on HBO Max

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Acamar Films’ International Emmy Award-winning hit TV show Bing is set to make further inroads in North America with its launch on Cartoonito on HBO Max on Thursday February 24.

The HBO Max launch follows last September’s successful US debut of a new, bespoke American version of Bing on Cartoonito on Cartoon Network – created to make the preschool series as relatable as possible for US audiences.

According to WarnerMedia Kids & Family, Cartoonito, its new preschool block, offers “a modern approach to preschool programming with its proprietary educational framework, Humancentric Learning”. Bing, which celebrates the “joyful, messy reality of preschool life” is highlighted by Cartoonito as a series that helps young viewers understand how to manage emotions, understand others’ perspective and develop social skills.

Since Bing’s US premiere, six episodes have been running each weekday on Cartoonito on Cartoon Network. The show’s availability on HBO Max will further increase its reach in North America, with the popular streaming service having currently reached a US subscriber base of more than 45 million.

Jodie Morris, Chief Content & Audiences Officer, Acamar Films, says: “We are absolutely thrilled with our new American version of Bing, and are delighted that, through its launch on HBO Max, we now have an even greater opportunity to move and delight US audiences with our stories and characters.”

Bing 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.

Growth for Bing softlines as Acamar Films renews deals with apparel partners

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WarnerMedia EMEA commissions preschool series Spookies for Cartoonito and HBO Max EMEA

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WarnerMedia has acquired the broadcast rights for German-produced preschool show Spookies. The series will be broadcast on WarnerMedia’s Cartoonito channel and will also be streamed on HBO Max in EMEA. Serious Kids, UK, is the global distributor of Spookies, which is produced by Wolkenlenker. The 78 x 7 CGI animated series is due to be delivered in 2023/24.

Spookies tells the story of three special little spooks, Lily, Bob, and Freddy, who live in Castle Ravenrock where there is something new to discover around every cobwebbed corner and up every dusty stairwell. In Ravenrock, no door stays locked, no secret stays under lock and key and no opportunity for adventure is wasted.

 Zia Bales, Lead Acquisitions, Partnerships and Coproductions Kids & Family, WarnerMedia EMEA, says:“Spookies immediately stood out as a perfect fit for Cartoonito and for HBO Max EMEA. We are excited to partner with Wolkenlenker to bring this delightful show to preschool audiences.”

Sebastian Wehner, Wolkenlenker, adds: “Childhood today can be anxiety inducing. Our three little ghosts are showing kids, with a lot of humour and understanding, that you can overcome almost everything life throws at you.”

The series concept was created by Daniel Acht and the Head Writer is Jen Upton.

 

 

 

 

 

WarnerMedia Kids & Family greenlights Cartoon Saloon’s 
Silly Sundays for Cartoonito 

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WarnerMedia Kids & Family has greenlit Silly Sundays from Cartoon Saloon for its new Cartoonito preschool block on HBO Max and Cartooon Network. Created by Oscar-nominated producer Nuria González Blanco (Late Afternoon), the animated series follows cousins Sonia, Hugo and Mel on fun, unexpected adventures at their family get-togethers. Silly Sundays will debut in 2023 before making its international debut in LATAM and EMEA.

“I would like to thank WarnerMedia Kids & Family for choosing to partner with us on Silly Sundays!,” says Paul Young, Cartoon Saloon co-founder and producer. We are so delighted to be reunited with their talented team again for this new show that is going to be very funny and sunny, just like it’s creator Nuria Blanco.”

Adina Pitt, Vice President, Partnerships, Acquisitions and Co-Productions for the Americas, WarnerMedia Kids and Family adds: “Cartoon Saloon is an esteemed studio that masterfully approaches storytelling with love and humanity, and Silly Sundays is another great example of how the beloved studio perfectly captures the essence of family bonding.”

Nuria will direct alongside Fabian Erlinghäuser (Dorg Van Dango, Wolfwalkers, The Breadwinner). The show is developed and produced with assistance from Fís Éirean/Screen Ireland and Creative Europe.

Cartoon Saloon Brand Development will handle ancillary and merchandising and once again Cartoon Saloon will partner with Superights (Puffin Rock) for sales outside the WarnerMedia regions.

The series is currently in production at Cartoon Saloon’ studio in Kilkenny, Ireland. In addition to airing on Cartoonito across U.S., LATAM and EMEA, RTE will also broadcast Silly Sundays in Ireland.

Epic Story Media signs deals on slate of zombies, horses and heroes

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Independent content creation, distribution and licensing company Epic Story Media (ESM) has signed deals for both broadcast and licensing partners on a number of key titles across its slate of children’s programming – as well as debuting new MIPCOM launches.

ESM has sold evergreen brand Pocoyo to WarnerMedia Kids & Family US, which launched on 13 September, for its Cartoonito preschool block. Additionally, ESM has also recently signed with Knowledge Network to air the series in Canada.

Owned by Zinkia Entertainment, Pocoyo (209 x 7’) is a fun and educational series about a little boy who discovers the world around him with his inseparable group of friends, now with a brand-new season available. It is co-managed in North America by B&R360 and ESM representing licensing and content distribution.

ESM and Mowrer Meta-Story have partnered with Reesee Entertainment for its brand-new animated series Hailey and the Hero Hearts (26 x 11’), which launched in China this summer on over 40 mainstream linear and digital platforms. Reesee has developed and is also distributing an expansive toy line in China. Hailey and the Hero Hearts (pictured) has a social-emotional curriculum at its core and is primarily aimed at girls aged 4 to 8. ESM handles worldwide sales ex. Asia for the series.

ESM is also launching global sales for Pet Shop Zombies (20 x 5’), a hilarious short-form series created by Aron Dunn (Treason Media) and Simon Watts (Alibi Pivotal Kids), with animation services provided at Loomi Animation and supported with the help of Shaw Rocket Fund.

Ken Faier, El Presidente and Founder of Epic Story Media, said: “ESM has an exciting slate of diverse and inclusive properties for kids of all ages, we’re working with the best creators making and selling projects from around the world that kids will connect with and treasure. We’re proud to have secured fantastic collaborations with partners like Reesee Entertainment, WarnerMedia, and Knowledge Network on this dynamic bunch of shows.”

Other projects on the slate include the adventure/comedy Dex and the Humanimals(6 x 11’), produced by sister company Epic Storyworlds and commissioned by Radio-Canada, which follows Dex as he saves the world from destruction by battling Kaz and her cybernetic henchmen; and Piper’s Pony Tales (30 x 3.5’) – the unique series created by Alexander Bar (Ricky Zoom, Wolf Joe) is supported by Shaw Rocket Fund and CMF. Piper’s Pony Tales launched earlier this summer as a digital-first property and has already secured Breyer as its Master Toy Partner for North America and LATAM.