Sutikki to develop animated and live action series based on the Digital Dream Labs’ hit Cozmo robot

The children’s entertainment company, Sutikki – best known for the popular UK series, Moon & Me – has inked a new partnership with the US-based educational technology company, Digital Dream Labs, to create, develop and distribute an animated series and live action content based on the robot duo Cozmo and Vector.

Under the partnership, Cozmo has taken its first steps from best-selling toy brand to entertainment franchise with the premiere of its first animated featurette, making its debut on the newly launched Cozmo & Friends YouTube channel

The journey from best-selling toy brand to entertainment franchise starts today with the premiere of the first animated featurette which debuts on the newly launched Cozmo & Friends YouTube channel.  The hub will host a steady flow of innovative and creative content that will further explore Digital Dream Labs’ revolutionary robot creations.

Sutikki’s initial focus will be on Cozmo, an expressive little robot with a mind of its own and a one-of-a-kind personality that evolves and learns over time. Cozmo blazed a trail when it launched in 2017 earning the top spot for the best-selling toy on Amazon US two years in a row and the best-selling toy on Amazon in the UK and France in 2017.

Sutikki plans a comprehensive content campaign, initially on its dedicated YouTube channel, leveraging its experience and expertise in building highly engaging brand franchises that speak to the discerning, tech savvy kids of today. The short-form videos will tap into the production company’s ability to engage consumers through compelling storytelling and to showcase IP on a global scale.

Beyond plans for new video content, Sutikki is planning to launch a global consumer products program. Digital Dream Labs’ pre-order for updated versions of both of their popular consumer robots opens on 20th November 2020 ahead of the holiday season with the new robots hitting retail in Spring 2021.

“We’re looking forward to introducing Cozmo and friends to the world,” said Hannah Mungo, CEO, Sutikki. “Cozmo is an extraordinary character who is not only an educational asset and friend for children, but also full of play and exploration. We are extremely excited to tap into the unique characteristics of DDL’s amazing robot line through creative content and bold new consumer products that will form the blueprint for what is certain to be one of entertainment’s most exciting future franchises.”

Digital Dream Labs is a global leader of creating hands-on educational technology for children of all ages. The high-tech firm specializes in creating engaging, language and system-agnostic products that connect with kids of all ages. Its line of robots are more than simple educational tools and have already gained an online following that sets the stage for a successful evolution into the entertainment realm.

“It’s been a real pleasure for our team to watch the animators capture Cozmo’s unique personality,” added co-founder and CEO of Digital Dream Labs, Dr. Jacob Hanchar. “We’re really excited to see this partnership grow and know that families around the world will welcome Cozmo into homes across many different interactive touchpoints.”

Sutikki welcomes Simon Philips to board and announces Hannah Mungo as CEO

Sutikki, the children’s entertainment company and production team behind the popular UK show, Moon & Me, has officially announced the appointment of Hannah Mungo as its CEO and Simon Philips as its newest board member.

Both specialists in the licensing and children’s entertainment industries, the pair join Sutikki with a combined vision to build engaging global brands based on powerful stories, and drive the business’ commercial success through the production of new content and consumer products.

“I’m delighted to take the lead at Sutikki and drive the company forward for what is set to be a very bright future,” said Mungo. “Our vision is to create amazing content, maximise exposure of that content across the globe, and engage consumers with a 360-approach.

“Moon & Me is a great example of the quality, internationally scalable content created at Sutikki and I’m excited for the future opportunities that come with our existing and new IP.”

Mungo steps into the top executive role at Sutikki, a role previously held by Scott Greenberg, bringing with her vast experience across the brand licensing and kids’ entertainment space. The former head of UK licensing at Entertainment One was a key member of the team that built Peppa Pig into a globally recognised brand.

Most recently, Mungo served as the Country Director, UK and Ireland for NBCUniversal’s Brand Development division where she led a team across consumer products, marketing, retail and product development that leveraged entertainment brands like Minions, Trolls, and Jurassic World.

Meanwhile, Philips joins Sutikki’s robust board of directors to provide guidance on the company’s vision and the execution of its global brands. He brings a wealth of experience from his history as EMEA Executive Vice-President & General Manager at Disney, President of Marvel Entertainment International, and Managing Director at 4Kids Entertainment International. His creativity and leadership have resulted in billions of dollars in revenue and unparalleled global brand recognition.

“Building creative ideas into cultural touch points has been my lifelong passion and I see the opportunity to continue this legacy with Sutikki and its team,” said Philips. “I’m thrilled to be joining Frank Patterson, Brett Coker, Jim Garrett and Scott Greenberg on the board. Together, we couldn’t think of a better qualified person to step into Scott’s shoes and lead Sutikki into the future than Hannah.”

Trilith Studios, where films like Avengers: Endgame and Sony’s Passengers were produced, recently made a significant investment in Sutikki as part of its expansion plans into content. Other investors include JSB Toons.