Tag Archives: Children’s TV

Coolabi Group’s Scream Street rises up on CBBC for second season

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The spook-tastic stop animation TV series Scream Street is wending its way back onto CBBC this autumn, as season two of the popular children’s show prepares to land in time for Halloween. The deal was brokered by the series’ independent international rights holder, Coolabi Group.

Based on the hit book series of the same name written by Tommy Donbavand, the all new, 26 x 11’ series features a whole host of new characters and rib-tickling adventures.

The Scream Street gang includes Luke the teenage werewolf, Resus the Vampire, savvy 4,000 year-old Mummy, Cleo, Luella the trainee witch, surf-dude zombie Doug and Frankenstein-style creation Six. This season they go on their most outrageous adventures yet, featuring thrills, chills and a lot of laughs.

Six is a new character for series two, who is the same age as most of the gang, but born yesterday, and along with Luella and Cleo, forms part of Scream Street’s brand-new girl squad. She moves to Scream Street with her creator, Dr F, and eccentric scientist and the latest antagonist to the Scream Street crew.

The new episodes see the gang come up against a whole host of silly spooks as they battle to save Scream Street, usually from one of evil Otto’s dastardly tricks, or one of their own sticky situations.

Luke is voiced once more by Tyger Drew-Honey, with John Thomson, Debra Stephenson, Claire Skinner, Rasmus Hardiker, Tala Gouveia, and Jim Howick returning to voice the remaining residents of Scream Street.

Jeremy Banks, chief executive of Coolabi, said: “In a world where audiences of all ages are falling in love with strange and spooky stories, Scream Street is a fun-filled, weird and extremely wonderful show for younger audiences, brimming with tricks, treats and laugh-out-loud humour for all the family.”

The hit show, produced by Coolabi Group, is being brought back to life by showrunner Giles Pilbrow (Spitting Image and Horrible Histories) and is co-produced and animated by award-winning animation studio Factory (Clangers, Strange Hill High) in Altrincham.

Coolabi will be working with ZDF Enterprises to bring the hit animated comedy series to kids across the world.

Acamar Films signs slate of new UK partners for its hit pre-school series Bing

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Acamar Films has signed up a slate of new UK partners for its hit pre-school show, Bing, including the likes of Beautiful Game and Kennedy Publishing, as well as further line extensions with Moonpig and a renewed partnership with CBeebies Land at Alton Towers Resort.

Beautiful Game launched Bing wall stickers in late August this year, which are now available direct to customers from its web shop (www.beautifulgame.co.uk) and on Amazon Prime. Founded in 2014, the platform is recognised as a leading official and exclusive home of sports and entertainment wall art.

Sebastian Mather, managing director of Beautiful Game, said: “We are delighted to partner with Acamar for these brand-new wall stickers. Bing is a visual treat, colourful and fun, and will make wonderful wall art for nurseries or play areas. We are sure that Bingsters will love the chance to be surrounded by their favourite character and his friends.”

Meanwhile, Kennedy Publishing launched its Box of … Bing! on 13 August. The deal is for an innovative branded carry box containing a 16-page craft magazine, a 16-page colouring magazine, two fold-out sticker sheets, a fold-out poster, giant sticker story and lots of creative gifts, from paint pots and crayons to cookie cutters and craft supplies.

Priced at £3.99, the newly themed box will go on sale across news-stands every six weeks. Bing will also feature in Kennedy Publishing’s compilation titles, Busy Time and Get Busy.

Moonpig launched first with personalised Bing cards in January 2020 and then expanded the collection to the addition of e-cards from April 2020. The Bing launch has been a great success and Acamar Films is developing more product with Moonpig.

Bing has been resident in CBeebies Land at Alton Towers Resort since 2017 and due to the ongoing popularity of the brand the partnership is confirmed to continue into 2021 with 2 mini shows and Bing and Flop meet and greets. The popularity of Bing is also reflected in merchandise sales with Bing continuing to be the top-selling brand in the retail stores within the CBeebies Land and CBeebies Land Hotel.

Louise Simmonds, head of UK licensing and merchandising at Acamar Films, said: “We are thrilled to announce we are teaming up with these respected partners to offer Bing fans a selection of wonderful new quality products. We are excited to be expanding our Bing licensing programme thanks to our dedicated focus and carefully considered strategy, which has seen strong growth over the past year.”

These deals follow hot on the heels of new toy partnerships with 8th Wonder and MV Sports, with recent NPD data listing Bing among the top 10 fastest growing toy licenses from January to June 2020 in the UK. Acamar Films will be exhibiting at the Festival of Licensing 6-8 October.

Raydar Media teases new partners for pre-school hit Buddi as season two lands on Netflix

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Raydar Media, the rights holder and licensing management business for the early pre-school property, Buddi, is poised to reveal a slate of new consumer product partners throughout this year’s Festival of Licensing, as the series prepares to return to Netflix for season two this month.

Season two of Buddi sees PAW Patrol creator, Keith Chapman return to the early pre-school scene and join forces with Unanico Studios and series creator, Jason Jameson, as the trio continue to develop the series and its focus on emotional intelligence in younger years children. As well as exploring feelings throughout each episode, the second season will also feature special night-time episodes, as well as explore new lands.

Buddi is a non-dialogue show in which the characters express themselves with giggles and coos, giving the show universal appeal, and allowing its pre-school audience to apply their own versions of the character’s conversations to the show by using their imaginations.

It’s billed as an inclusive show with diverse character shapes and vibrant colours that uses teamwork and positivity to help the Buddis overcome problems as they interact with one another. Season two of the show will launch worldwide on Netflix from September 11th, bringing eight new episodes to Buddi fans.

The look and style of Buddi takes inspiration from the landscapes and nature of Scandinavia, taken from creator Jason Jameson’s own time spent in Finland. As a result, the Buddis all have secret Finnish names.

Raydar Media is currently managing the rights to Buddi in collaboration with Unanico, Keith Chapman, GCI Film, FroG-Land Productions, Shanghai Motion Magic, and Spider Eye Studios. Raydar has stated that it is Buddi’s ownership of its early pre-school credentials, ‘combined with its stunning and unique visual style,’ that has triggered the strong reaction from broadcasters and consumer products partners.

Raydar is now preparing to announce a sweep of partnerships for the pre-school property in the follow up to MIP Junior and this year’s Festival of Licensing.

Mondo TV to make new waves in the US with Genius Brands’ Kartoon Channel

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The European animated content distributor, Mondo TV is preparing to make new waves in the US when it launches its children’s animated comedy series, Invention Story, to the AVOD/SVOD market via Genius Brands International’s own Kartoon Channel.

The series will land on the channel this autumn. Kartoon Channel is distributed across major cable and satellite providers, as well as OTT platforms across the US. The channel is available 24/7 on a variety of platforms in the region, including Apple TV devices, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku Devices, and more with further platforms rolling out in the coming months.

Kartoon Channel prides itself on a roster of content that is ‘smart and safe’ for children. It boasts that all ‘programmes are carefully curates to not only be entertaining and enriching, but also to ensure there is no violence, negative stereotypes or inappropriate language.’ It also promises content that receives no ‘excessive commercialisation.’

Meanwhile, Invention Story follows the tale of Kit, an intelligent, thoughtful and creative fox who – in each episode – comes up with a new invention. The series has already launched in Italy, Russia, Hungary and China. It is also on Kidoodle.TV, a hybrid AVOD / SVOD channel, which has launched in all countries worldwide except China.

In the US, Hispanic pay TV leader Vme Media is distributing the show on English-language network Primo TV later this year. 

Luana Perrero, Mondo TV’s head of content sales, said: “The launch of Invention Story on an innovative new free digital service that can reach just about every family in the whole US, is a cause for celebration. The arrival of Invention Story on Kartoon Channel! is an important strategic step for one of Mondo TV’s fastest-growing properties and we’re delighted to be working with Genius Brands on bringing this funny, smart and highly original new show to the vast US audience.”

Jazwares met with ‘incredible demand’ for CoComelon debut toy line

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Jazwares has been met with ‘incredible demand’ for its CoComelon toy line, range of plush, vehicles, figurines, and role play toys that made its debut at retail this year and marks the first toy launch for the popular pre-school 3D animated series. The toy firm has stated that it is already working with retailers to replenish stock.

Developed in partnership with Moonbug, the debut toy line features characters and items from the CoComelon series. Now available on Netflix and YouTube, CoComelon is the number one most watched channel on YouTube with over 3.5 billion monthly views.

The debut toy range from Jazwares includes the Musical Yellow School Bus, the Musical Bedtime JJ Doll, the Musical doctor Checkup Set, the Family & Friends Six Packs, and an array of Mini Vehicles.

“CoComelon has captivated millions of families around the world with its relatable, entertaining and educational programming. We’re excited to bring families new ways to play and learn together with their favorite characters this holiday season,” said Andy Yeatman, head of the Americas, Moonbug.

In addition to helping pre-schoolers learn letters, numbers, animal sounds, colors, and more, the upbeat videos gently impart positive, prosocial life lessons, providing parents with an opportunity to teach and play with their children as they watch together.

“CoComelon has quickly become one of the most parent / child co-viewed brands in the world, and joyful preschoolers will be thrilled to celebrate this beloved content in toy form,” said Jeremy Padawer, EVP at Jazwares. “As a result of this significant viewership, combined with quality, musical content focused on little JJ, his family and friends, we are already seeing incredible demand for CoComelon.”

Acamar Films launches its Bing: Watch, Play, Learn app to Italy and Poland

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Acamar Films has now successfully launched its all-in-one freemium app, Bing: Watch, Play, Learn to the Italian and Polish markets. It follows the initial launch of the app to the UK last year and highlights the growing might of the IP across the European region.

The app offers child-friendly on-demand viewing of Bing episodes alongside a suite of learning games and activities all designed to help Bingsters develop their creativity, imagination and motor skills. Bing: Watch, Play, Learn has – to date – been downloaded over 400,000 times in the UK.

At its launch in September 2019, the UK app exclusively premiered the latest Bing series, ahead of its BBC broadcast – helping to drive over 100,000 downloads in the first eight weeks alone. Every single episode of Bing (104 in total) is now available to paid subscribers of the app – with a handful of episodes and games offered to free users.

In Italy, Bing: Guarda, Gioca, Impara launched on June 24, while Bing: Oglądaj, baw się i ucz’s official reveal is today. Ad-free, safe and secure for little ones, these localised apps each feature a free version including the top episodes chosen by fans in their country via Bing Facebook, plus complimentary learning games.

Over 80 videos including full episodes and 20 games are available for an annual fee (€4.99 pa / PL21.99 pa), with more content set to be added post-launch. Both free-to-download apps are available from Apple and Google Play app stores, plus the Amazon app store for Italy.

Claire Brossard, Acamar’s director of digital product, said: “We have been thrilled with the exceptional response to Bing: Watch, Play, Learn since it launched in the UK, and are delighted to kick-start our international roll-out with launches in Italy and Poland.

“These territories are incredibly successful for us, with strong broadcast ratings, high levels of affinity for Bing, rapidly growing social and digital communities, and hugely popular YouTube channels. Now, with the app – which sits at the centre of our multi-platform approach to building audiences – Bingsters and their families can take Bing with them wherever they go.”

Studio 100 to handle licensing, merchandising, and global distribution for new CGI comedy FriendZSpace

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Studio 100 Group is the handle the licensing and merchandising programme, as well as the worldwide distribution of a new CGI animated series called FriendZSpace, a comedy adventure series about three human children who are dedicated to making friends with young aliens from across the universe.

The project is the work of a collaboration between Studio 100 and T&B Media Global in partnership with Flying Bark Productions. The trio will be presenting the series at this year’s MIPCOM Rendezvous Cannes.

Created by Dan Clark (“Team Smithereen”, Disney and “Yo Gabba Gabba”, Nick Jr.) and Oscar Covar (“Team Smithereen”, Disney and “Tasty Tales of The Food Truckers”, T&B) – the first season is set for delivery in 2021.

Jwanwat “Dr. Tan” Ahriyavraromp, founder and CEO at T&B Media Global, said: “Every new friend is a new window into a world totally unknown to us. It is my hope that FriendZSpace will show our young viewers how to connect with the wonderful tapestry of humanity that we share this planet with.”

Dan Clark, executive producer and co-creator of FriendZSpace, added: “FriendZSpace is about three human kids traveling from planet to planet for the sole purpose of befriending dozens of funny and cool alien kids. The production itself is based across Thailand, Australia, Germany, Mexico, and the US, mirroring the series itself. Many cultures, much creativity, all working remotely (Covid-style), sharing a positive vision and, most importantly, making new friends.”

Martin Krieger, CEO at Studio 100 Media, concluded: “Many shows circle around ‘having’ friends. With FriendZSpace the core of the show is how to find friends. It’s very easy to make friends with others who are just like you, but it’s so rewarding to make friends with completely unique people – even if they are aliens in all shapes and sizes.

“Making friends as the essence of the show means being open, showing kids that they should have fun exploring diverse perspectives on life, cultures, ideas and people. This is what enthused us about FriendZSpace, right from the very beginning. With such ingenious creators like Dan Clark and Oscar Covar, together with T&B Media Global and Flying Bark Productions, we are excited about FriendZSpace – a brand-new show that is literally reaching for the stars.”

Hasbro extends Disguise Inc dress-up partnership to European and global market

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The North American fancy dress specialist, Disguise Inc, has renewed its licensing agreement with Hasbro to design and market Halloween costumes for the US and an expanded deal into Europe, for an additional three years. Commencing in 2021, the deal will span the likes of Transformers, Power Rangers, My Little Pony, and Hasbro Gaming.

On top of this, the newly acquired Entertainment One has granted Disguise Inc the rights to Peppa Pig and Ricky Zoom costumes, which will be brought into the company’s 2021 range. It marks the first time Ricky Zoom has entered the dress-up and costumes market.

“We are thrilled to secure such a meaningful partnership with Hasbro with rights to their entire portfolio of brands, and also with our first-ever global expansion with Hasbro,” said Tara Hefter, EVP and GM of Disguise Inc.

“Building on the success of our line of PJ Masks costumes, we will bring fun and innovation to Peppa Pig and the first Ricky Zoom costumes to hit the market. Disguise is proud of our long standing collaboration with Hasbro.

“This also marks us as being the only Power Rangers Halloween Costume licensee since inception. We look forward to our growing relationship with Hasbro and to bring these incredible characters to life year after year.”

Joan Grasso, VP, Hasbro Consumer Products, North America, added: “Disguise excels at bringing our brands to life with their high quality costumes and innovation. We’re excited to expand our partnership to include more regions and more characters from our growing portfolio of brands.”

Disguise’s Hasbro line of Halloween costumes and accessories hits stores in autumn 2021.

Jetpack Distribution secures major content deal with South Africa’s SVOD service Showmax

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The international children’s and family distributor, Jetpack Distribution, is rocketing into South Africa having secured a new deal with the region’s subscription-based VOD service, Showmax for an entire suite of children’s properties.

The deal, finalised last week, will see more than 153 hours of content from Jetpack’s expanding catalogue broadcast across a range of devices in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa.

Shows available through the service in 2020 and 2021, will include the BES comedy animation Kitty is not a Cat, Funrise’s hit animation Rainbow, Butterfly, Unicorn, Kitty, Outfit 7’s Talking Tom and Friends, Pop-Up Workshop’s puppet live action show Pop Up, CBBC’s award winning liver action drama Katy, and more.

Jetpack CEO, Dominic Gardiner, said: “In the last few years, we’ve been increasingly focused on building a rich and diverse catalogue, one that spans beyond our heartland of comedy animation; breaking new ground where possible.

“This deal demonstrates that we can offer a great deal of choice and variation for one network. While consistently delivering high quality and enduringly appealing content.”

Showmax head of content, Candice Fangueiro, added: “Our business has fundamentally changed over the past few months with SVOD usage jumping dramatically, and kids’ content in particular has been extremely popular. The timing for this deal, which adds a wide range of new kids shows, couldn’t be better, and it’s a perfect complement to the total revamp of the kids section that we recently completed, giving parents full control over what their kids can see.”

ADK Emotions NY prepares for 20th anniversary of Beyblade with archived epsiodes drop on its YouTube channel

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The US-based Japanese IP specialist, ADK Emotions NY, has debuted a selection of archived episodes from the global anime and toy franchise Beyblade across its official YouTube channel. The classic Generation  One content is now available to watch on demand, laying the foundations of Beyblade’s 20th anniversary celebrations in 2021.

Focused on exploring the two-decades rich history of Beyblade, ADK Emotions NY is embarking on a nostalgic journey back to the origins of the global phenomena. With weekly classic episode drops in both English and Latin American Spanish, the brand’s YouTube channels – which boast more than 2 million subscribers (excluding Asia) – is connecting with a groundswell of rekindled fandom for the franchise.

All of the episodes are being promoted by a robust social media campaign that serves both Beyblade demographics: the long-time fans, who have responded to the nostalgia of the campaign, and a new generation of fans keen to discover the classic content for the first time. Meanwhile, the Beyblade Geeks, long time Beyblade YouTubers, have also come on board to release a special episode that will give fans past and present alike, a chance to dive into the storylines and concepts of Generation One.

Buoyed by the social media buzz generated by the classic content campaign, ADK Emotions NY will be releasing brand new Beyblade Generation One apparel which will also be available this summer on Amazon.

New content in the form of Beyblade Burst has been championed by international broadcasters and it has enjoyed a profile presence on Netflix and YouTube where we have seeded more than 1,600 videos and achieved 360 million global views.  The addition of classic content is the perfect kick-off to what promises to be a comprehensive and coordinated campaign of fresh content and bold new consumer products that will take Beyblade into its third decade.

ADK Emotions NY will continue to engage Beyblade Burst fans in as many ways as possible in the latter half of the year. In September, a digital EP featuring the series theme songs will be released on all major digital distribution platforms including Spotify, iTunes, and Google Play Music, meeting the fans fervent demand for music.