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

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.

 

 

 

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

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.

 

 

 

Talking Tom & Friends goes global as it lands new CGI series and a raft of interactive product deals

Things are hotting up for the award-winning family entertainment brand, Talking Tom & Friends thanks to a slew of new licensing deals across the US and a brand new 3D CGI animated series for global distribution.

Denoting a step up in its plans for global expansion, the popular Talking Tom IP will be the focus of a new series titled Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super headed for distribution on the world stage. The series will see the brand’s popular characters transform into superheroes, each of whom must unlock their superpower potential to save the day.

This is the latest development for Outfit7 and its North American global licensing partner, Epic Story Media, who have also secured a suite of new licensing deals that will take Talking Tom further into the interactive product space.

“Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super is an exciting new development for Outfit7’s groundbreaking entertainment brand, which already has 79 billion global views of its video content,” said Ken Faier, El Presidente and founder of Epic Story Media. “We’re thrilled to be able to work with Outfit7 and take a brand with such incredible global reach to new heights.”

The series is just one of three deals set to deliver more Talking Tom & Friends to its fans worldwide. Epic Story Media and Outfit7 have partnered with Lukis Global Corp, a multi-industry conglomerate and private label manufacturer, to launch a range of new Talking Tom & Friends products at US retailers in the food, apparel, jewellery, and health and beauty categories.

Meanwhile, this autumn will see the launch of the GameBud Talking Tom – a first-of-its-kind, game-connected, interactive product. The Talking Tom GameBud, which will be released for presale in Q4 this year, is the first product to launch from direct-to-fan premium play company, HUGE! Play.

Kevin Mowrer and Adrian Roche, Co-CEOs of HUGE! Play, said: “We’re incredibly excited to introduce the world to GameBud, an innovative 3D interactive character that will live-connect to your favorite Talking Tom games, while also acting as your very own in-home streamer. It’s an honor to partner with Outfit7 and Epic Story Media on this exciting new milestone and industry first.”

Epic Story “in discussions” for global toy and broadcast partners for Piper’s Pony Tales as Breyer leads US roll-out

Breyer Horses has been named the master toy partner for North America and LATAM for a new short form kids’ series called Piper’s Pony Tales, an equestrian-themed series developed by Epic Story Media and the production company Milkcow Media.

The content creation company has confirmed that further discussions are currently taken place with other global partners for toy and broadcast placement.

Targeting pre-schoolers, Piper’s Pony Tales takes a look at the life of ponies through the lens of children’s imagination using articulated puppets. The series will launch this month on a dedicated YouTube channel with Epic Story Media handling all licensing, merchandising, and global content distribution.

Breyer has been named the North American and LATAM master toy partner, drawing on its recognition as a premium maker of authentic, collectable model horses in the US since 1950.

Piper’s Pony Tales follows the adventures of Piper who daydreams about having her own pony. Making do with her toy horse, Spark and her stable play-set, Piper turns her playroom into a setting for Pony Tales as she uses her toy ponies to act out adventures alongside her friends Casey and Paloma.

The series taps into themes of fantasy, freedom, and adventure, as well as the universal magic that every child possesses through their imagination. The series makes use of the dolls as puppets and uses visual effects to animate their faces and bring their stories to life.

The show also features DIY, craft-like sets, empowering kids to create their own stories at home. The series has received financial suport from the Shaw Rocket Fund and the Canada Media Fund through the CMF-SRF Kids Digital Animated Series Programme.

Ken Faier, president and founder of Epic Story Media, said: “We are so proud of Piper’s Pony Tales – from its premise of unlocking kids’ imagination so that they can create magic in their own homes, to the diverse leading cast and the unique style we’re pioneering to bring them to life.

“We are excited to have a strong partner in Breyer, whose expertise has helped us to make sure we remain true to the equestrian way and provided valuable consultation in the development of Piper’s core brand values. We know that this show will connect with all kids who love horses and will inspire a future generation of horse fans as they are encouraged to translate their viewing experience to one of imaginative play with family and friends.”

Tony Fleischmann, president of Breyer, added: “As part of the leading equestrian lifestyle brand of toys, gifts, collectibles and experiences, it is exciting to be part of introducing preschoolers to the enchanting world of horses. Piper’s Pony Tales will create long lasting memories of horse play and a love of horses.”

Epic Story Media named US and Canadian licensing agent for Outfit7’s Talking Tom and Friends

Epic Story Media, the independent content creation, distribution, and licensing company, has been named the US and Canadian licensing agent for Outfit 7’s flagship family entertainment brand, Talking Tom and Friends.

Under the partnership, Epic Story Media will assemble a consumer products programme with key categories, including toys, plush, publishing, party/novelty, experiential/events, and promotions.

To date, Outfit7 has developed and launched over 22 Talking Tom and Friends mobile games, which have received over 10 billion downloads globally. In 2019, its innovative virtual pet game My Talking Tom 2 ranked as the sixth most-played mobile game in the world.

The Talking Tom and Friends brand is also one of the top 20 favourite game brands in the US and has amassed over 325 million local views across its YouTube content.

Its YouTube channel was the seventh most-viewed in 2018, and overall the brand has received over 23 billion views worldwide. Its popular, original content is a global sensation, with over 40 billion total views to date.

Ken Faier, El Presidente and founder of Epic Story Media, said: “We’re extremely excited to join forces with Outfit7 Limited and work on one of the world’s strongest gaming and video brands.”

Epic’s head of licensing and merchandising, David Sztoser, added: “We will leverage Talking Tom and Friends’ success and build an innovative and robust licensing program in the US and Canada.”