Tag Archives: Cyber Group Studios

Cyber Group Studios inks multiple deals with Gulli

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Cyber Group Studios, a leading producer and distributor of animated series for children and families worldwide, has announced the signature of several series agreements with Gulli (M6 Group), France’s leading children’s channel.

The deal includes the development of two original Cyber Group Studios properties, The McFire Family and George Moby and Co., as well as the pre-acquisition of the recently developed third season of the French hit animated series Taffy. All three shows are slated to begin production this year.

“We are extremely excited about this partnership,” says Pierre Sissmann, Chairman and CEO of Cyber Group Studios and co-creator of the three projects. “We have very much enjoyed working with the Gulli team on these series, which have both French and international appeal and are already generating strong interest worldwide.”

The McFire Family, created by Pierre Sissmann and co-written with Cyber Group Studios Vice President of Development Ira Singerman (Press Start!) and Head Writer Jacqueline Moody (Gigantosaurus), is a 52 x 11’ CG series aimed at kids ages 5-8. The series follows a family of superhero firefighters and rescuers whose powers stem from the inventive lifesaving technology they have developed.

George Moby and Co. is a 78 x 7’ 2D animated comedy series for kids and families. An original concept from Cyber Group Studio’s Ahmed Guerrouache (Director of Taffy), the show follows the adventures of George, a timid vegetarian lion, and Moby, a vociferous and determined little mouse. George is looking to make his mark on society and gives Moby a home inside his mouth, hoping that his new “inner voice” doesn’t do all the talking.

The 2D cartoon comedy series Taffy returns for a third season, centring on the non-stop, slapstick misadventures of a loyal hound dog named Bentley after his billionaire old lady owner, Mrs. Muchmore, takes in a racoon imposter posing as a wide-eyed, fluffy Angora cat. In each episode, Bentley tries to reveal Taffy for the varmint that he is – while super-clever Taffy handily (and comically) turns the tables on the dog.

Raphaelle Mathieu promoted to EVP, Cyber Group Studios

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Cyber Group Studios has announced that Raphaelle Mathieu, formerly Senior Vice President Sales, Digital and Acquisitions, has been promoted to the newly created position of Executive Vice President.

Already a member of the management board, Mathieu, in her new capacity, will oversee all commercial activities of the company worldwide and work with Chairman and CEO Pierre Sissmann and COO Dominique Bourse on defining the overall strategic areas of growth for Cyber Group Studios, including sales, digital, and licensing. 

“As the company is now developing into an international group comprised of many talented companies and executives worldwide, I am very pleased to have Raphaelle take more responsibilities in coordinating our overall commercial activities and finding synergies worldwide to grow our overall business,” says Pierre Sissmann, Chairman and CEO of Cyber Group Studios.

 

Cyber Group Studios bolsters core team with industry veterans

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Cyber Group Studios (CGS), producer and distributor of animated series for children and families worldwide, has named three industry veterans to lead its production, development and R&D. The new hires are in response to the company’s strong business growth which is now at a historical high, with 10 series in production and 10 more in development this year. 

The newly named executives are Laurence Barret, appointed Vice President Studio Operations (Paris); Stéphanie Legraverant, promoted to Managing Director of CGS’ Roubaix studio (Hauts-de-France); and Andreas J Carlen, elevated to Chief Technology Officer for the entire group. All three will report to Dominique Bourse, COO and Co-founder of Cyber Group Studios.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with such a talented team of executives at an exciting moment of growth for our company, where new opportunities are constantly arising in this very fast-evolving industry worldwide,” said Bourse.

Laurence Barret, in her new role as Vice President Studio Operations, will be in charge of managing the Paris studio. She will also supervise all production budgets and the allocation of resources for all the company studios. In addition, Barret will determine and allocate production resources to new projects in development for the company. Barret was previously Head of Production & Studio Director at Ellipse Studio and Head of Production at TeamTO.

Stéphanie Legraverant, previously Production Director at Cyber Group Studios’ Roubaix (Hauts-de-France), has been promoted to Managing Director, Roubaix Studio, in charge of developing the company’s facilities and resources. During her tenure, the Roubaix studio developed a unique 2D production expertise and forged ahead into real-time production with the development of an Unreal native pipe, inaugurated with the studio’s first digital program, Giganto Club (26×11’). Produced in 2021/2022, the digital series exclusively for AVOD platforms and social networks, launched worldwide in partnership with YouTube, on February 3, 2022.

Andreas J Carlen, a veteran software engineering wizard and a Technical Director with more than 25 years of experience in the animation production and videogame industries, has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer of the group. Together, Andreas and his team will be responsible for furthering the real-time production pipe initiated in 2021 to create the Giganto Club; as well as industrializing the production process while keeping it creative-driven for the entire group 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.”

 

Cyber Group Studios acquires majority stake in Graphilm Entertainment

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Cyber Group Studios, a leading producer and distributor of animated series, has acquired a majority stake in award-winning Italian animation studio Graphilm Entertainment. The acquisition will increase Cyber Group Studios’ creative and production capabilities to meet content demands in the European region and globally.

The strategic partnership will also provide Graphilm Entertainment with major development opportunities for its own productions and original creations, thanks to the resources of Cyber Group Studios’ development and production facilities, and worldwide distribution network. In addition, Cyber Group Studios will benefit from access to Graphilm Entertainment’s catalogue of kids and family content.

Founded in Rome in 1988 by Maurizio Forestieri, the company’s CEO, Graphilm Entertainment is a leading animation production company that has received numerous awards, among them three prestigious Pulcinella, including the Best Italian studio Award.

Graphilm’s latest feature animation movie, The Case, has received eight awards. These include Best Animated Film at the NYIFA – New York International Film Awards, Best Director at the New York Animation Film Awards in December 2021 and Best Animation at the Tokyo Film Awards this year. Originally commissioned by RAI (Italy), The Case was the most watched Italian feature animation movie on RAI’s channels in 2021.

Cyber Group Studios and Graphilm Entertainment already have a history of working together. The companies are behind the animated series Nefertine on The Nile, produced in partnership with RAI (Italy). The series received a Pulcinella Award for Best Pilot at Cartoons on the Bay.

In 2022, the companies will coproduce Alex Player (26 x 22’ CGI), an original Cyber Group Studios and Bee Prod creation (France). Commissioned by France Télévisions (France) and RAI (Italy), this new action-comedy series will be the very first kids’ animated program about E-Sports mixing 2D, CG and real-time animation technology. The companies will also work on an original Graphilm Entertainment creation entitled In the middle.

Cyber Group Studios, based in France, the US, UK and Singapore, recently announced acquisition of a majority stake in A Productions, one of the leading multi award-winning UK studios. In 2022, Cyber Group Studios has a roster of 10 series in production and over 10 more in development for linear broadcasters and platforms across all age groups from preschool to young adults.

Maurizio Forestieri, Founder and CEO of Graphilm Entertainment, says: “I created our company 34 years ago and this association with Cyber Group Studios holds many promising projects and new original creations with partners we already know well and respect.”

 

Cyber Group Studios names Retail Monster US licensing agent for The McFire Family and Press Start!

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Cyber Group Studios, the international producer/distributor of animated series best known for its award-winning preschool show, Gigantosaurus, has appointed licensing agency Retail Monster to develop strategic licensing programsme in the U.S. for two of its new CG animated kids’ adventure series: The McFire Family, an original production, and Press Start!, based on the best-selling book series from Scholastic.

“Retail Monster has a proven track record of success in developing meter-moving consumer products programmes, and we look forward to partnering with them to help establish and broaden the opportunities for these two new standout brands,” says Karen K. Miller, President & CEO, Cyber Group Studios USA.

“The McFire Family and Press Start! are very engaging new series and we’re excited to be working with Cyber Group Studios to build best-in-class licensing programmes that will resonate with kids and their families across the U.S.,” says Michael Connolly, Founder and CEO, Retail Monster. “We expect to make partnership announcements very soon.”

The McFire Family (52 x 11) centres on a family of firefighters whose ancestors were the very first firefighters in history. The legacy continues with three siblings, 12-year-old Tom, 10-year-old Sparkle, and 6-year-old Jax, the next generation of “super-firefighters”, who join their parents and grandpa on exciting rescue adventures. Together, they use cool vehicles and high-tech gear to save the day. The series, for viewers ages 6-9, is created by Sissmann.

Press Start! (52 x 11), picks up where the popular Scholastic book series of the same name leaves off. The show follows the adventures of Sunny and Rue Zaki, a dynamic brother and sister duo who discover a mysterious game controller that gives them the ability to enter the world of their favourite videogame. Inside the 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. The show, for kids ages 4-7, is developed and executive produced by Emmy-winning writer and showrunner Scott Kraft (PAW Patrol).

Cyber Group Studios readies new ‘Precious Moments’ animated comedy series for preschoolers

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Cyber Group Studios, the international producer/distributor of animated series and creator of entertainment brands for children and families, is developing Precious Moments, an animated comedy and adventure series for children ages 4–6 based on the gift industry phenomenon of the same name.

The whimsical 52 x 11-min series is created by Scott and Julie Stewart (Kate & Mim-Mim). The development plan also includes four 30- to 60-minute holiday specials.

Precious Moments follows the adventures of 8-year-old Hope and her adorable pet hamster, Sammy, as they work together to help make the children of Heartspring’s precious moments come true. With an abundance of comedy and heart, thoughtful undertones of mindfulness and plenty of fun, action-packed moments, Precious Moments features diverse characters and strong messages of inclusiveness. The series underscores the Precious Moments brand’s core values of loving, caring, sharing and kindness via stories that emphasise sharing feelings, overcoming fears and anxieties, and more.

The Precious Moments brand, best known for its signature range of collectable porcelain figurines with distinctive teardrop-shaped eyes that help celebrate milestones and special occasions in people’s lives, has been a best-selling range of the gift business for over four decades.

“We are thrilled to be working with Cyber Group Studios and a team of thoughtful writers and artists to bring the Precious Moments brand to a new generation of children,” says Shehnaz Safiuddin, Vice President of Product and Marketing, Precious Moments, Inc. “Our updated art style and entertainment content are sure to captivate young audiences while fostering feelings of nostalgia among parents and grandparents.”

 

 

 

Final Fantasy IX lands animated series adaptation with Cyber Group Studios

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The Paris-based Cyber Group Studios has struck a co-development and co-production deal with the Japanese video game company, Square Enix to adapt its fantasy title Final Fantasy IX for the small screen.

The move will mark the first time that the Final Fantasy franchise’s ninth title will be the subject of an animated series. In addition to producing the series, Cyber Group will also handle worldwide distribution, licensing, and merchandise.

In a report from Kidscreen, Pierre Sissman, CEO of Cyber Group, said that the company is planning to begin pitching to broadcasters in the coming months. The goal, according to the CEO, is to begin production by the end of 2021 or beginning of 2022.

Originally launched in 2000, Final Fantasy IX has sold more than five million copies worldwide and follows the story of a thief who kidnaps a princess but finds himself teaming up with her to save the kingdom from evil forces. It is the ninth installment in a franchise that has sold more than 154 million copies worldwide collectively.

With a history spanning 30 years in the video games space, the franchise has been the focus of a TV adaptation previously, however its Cyber Group Studios deal will mark the first time that the game’s ninth iteration specifically will be adapted as an animated kids’ series.

Poetic Brands brings Gigantosaurus into its baby, children’s wear and accessories fold

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Poetic Brands has added the award-winning children’s IP, Gigantosaurus to its growing baby, children’s wear and accessories division. The move marks a new partnership between bRAND-WARD Services and Cyber Group Studios, brokered by Riverside Brands.

Targeting children aged three to six, Poetic Brands’ Gigantosaurus collection is due to include a range of children’s apparel, outerwear and swimwear, as well as luggage. The collection is inspired by the popular Gigantosaurus, and the case of characters, including Rocky, Bill, Tiny and Mazu.

Written by Jonny Duddle, published by Templar, and sold to 300,000 units in the UK alone, Gigantosaurus follows the adventure of four dinosaur friends who are trying to avoid the Gigantosaurus while playing in the forest. 

In 2018, the story was adapted into an CGI-animated TV series by Paris and Los Angeles-based producer and distributor, Cyber Group Studios. The popular CGI-animated programme, currently airing its first season on Disney Junior worldwide, Tiny POP (UK) and on other major broadcasters, is also available on Netflix and Disney +.

In addition, the series has just been commissioned by The Walt Disney Company and France Télévisions for seasons two and three and by Super RTL (Germany) for season two. 

Gigantosaurus has also been adapted into a video game. Developed by Cyber Group Studios and published by Outright Games, Gigantosurus the Game was launched on March 27th, 2020.

In addition, Jakks Pacific Inc introduced a Gigantosaurus toy range in the US in Q4 last year and Templar will have 40 new TV tie-in books published over the next three years in the UK. Many more categories will be announced and are in discussion for launch in 2021.

Anne Bradford, director, Poetic Brands, said: “Gigantosaurus was actually the first licence that we signed for our Baby and Children’s wear division which was a significant moment for us! Although extinct, dinosaurs will never go out of fashion, and this has already been a really fun collection to start creating and sharing at retail.

“With a huge following across boys and girls, we are looking forward to sharing the collections and providing everything for pre-schoolers from tee shirts and joggers, to puddle suits and jackets. We have also just found out that Gigantosaurus will be one of the 12 featured book titles for World Book Day 2021, so now is the perfect time to speak to us and create some amazing product for spring.”

Trudi Hayward, co-founder of bRAND-WARD Services Limited, added: “We are delighted to be partnering Poetic Brands, as they are a great company to work with and Cyber Group Studios has been delighted with their interpretation of Gigantosaurus on their range of clothing products, and will look forward to seeing lots of children wearing their favourite dinosaurs when the product launches early next year.”  

Ash Holman from Riverside Brands, concluded: “Poetic Brands has a best in class retail distribution network, and we are in the midst of some very exciting joint launch plans. Fans of the show will love to wear the product that will be available on shelves early next year.”

Cyber Group Studios appoints MDL as Italian licensing agent for Gigantosaurus

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Cyber Group Studios has named Maurizio Distefano Licensing Agency its exclusive Italian licensing representative as the firm continues to strengthen its multi-award winning children’s property, Gigantosaurus across the region.

Gigantosaurus, the multi-award winning adventure comedy series produced by Cyber Group Studios, is based on Jonny Duddle’s book of the same name, published by Templar. The book has sold more than 500,000 units worldwide.

The first season is streaming on Netflix and Disney+ globally. The first episodes have been available on Rai Play since September 12th and the series will be broadcast on Rai YoYo as of September 21st. 

Soon to air on Rai (Italy), the series is also currently airing on major international networks throughout 2020, such as Disney Junior worldwide, CCTV in China, Tiny Pop in the UK, Super RTL in Germany, SRC in Canada, SVT in Sweden, and many others.

In addition, seasons two and three have been commissioned by The Walt Disney Company and France Télévisions, while Super RTL (Germany) has acquired season two. 

Buoyed by the series’ on-screen ratings success worldwide, a raft of licensing agreements have been signed with prestigious companies such as Clementoni for puzzles (EMEA), Dino Bikes for bicycles, Templar for books, Play Press for activities and colouring books for kiosks and Witor’s for Easter eggs.

All products will be available in Italy between the end of 2020 and next Easter 2021.

In addition, as part of a global launch, the Master Toy licensee Jakks Pacific Inc will sell a toy line this November in Italy. The Master Toy products are already distributed in the USA, Latin America, Germany, Denmark and Belgium. 

Already available globally and distributed by Bandai in Italy, “Gigantosaurus: The Game” has been designed by Outright Games in collaboration with Cyber Group Studios and developed by Wildsphere Studios. 

Maurizio Distefano CEO of Maurizio Distefano Advisory Srl said: “We truly believe in the strong potential of this series in the Italian territory.

Gigantosaurus has already won the hearts of all children and families globally, thanks to its themes and engaging stories. In each episode, preschoolers jump into a new epic adventure with our four dinosaur friends looking for Gigantosaurus. With the licensing products soon available in Italy, children will be able to recreate these scenes at home with their friends and families.”

Bruno Danzel d’Aumont, International Licensing & Marketing Vice President, Cyber Group Studios, added: “Gigantosaurus is a great global and long-term upper preschool property. I am very confident that Gigantosaurus will be successfully launched in Italy under Maurizio’s leadership by working with the major key players and major retailers.

“Maurizio Distefano has impressive experience in the licensing business that goes back many years and is recognized as such in the Italian market. It is a great pleasure to have Maurizio and his team on board and have them as our brand ambassador in Italy.”