Bandai celebrates 40 years in business

With its 40th anniversary coming up on 29 April, Bandai UK is celebrating four decades of bringing some of the world’s most iconic brands to the UK market.

Having successfully set up as a UK arm in 1982 for its Japanese parent company, Bandai UK launched trading with its foundations steeped firmly in the boys’ action figure market, gaining significant success with the likes of big-name properties such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers.  Over recent years, however, the business has undertaken a period of realignment to establish itself as a top multi-category player within the toy industry.

Forty years on and Bandai UK possesses an enviable portfolio of leading brands and ranges within its key divisions – Toy, Collector, Own IP, and Third-Party Distribution – all equally fundamental to the company’s early and ongoing success. Primary IPs include the best-selling Tamagotchi, Pac-Man and hit anime series Dragon Ball, while distribution lines such as CoComelon, Miraculous, McFarlane, and National Geographic are proving to be hugely successful inclusively within their associated categories and the overall toy market.

“It’s a massively exciting time to be at Bandai UK,” says Nic Aldridge, Bandai UK’s Managing Director. “Our approach is to continually challenge and evolve to remain relevant, and innovative, especially as the market becomes increasingly competitive. We are now well-established as a multi-category toy company and our recent positioning as the No.15 toy company (February 2022 NPD) assures us that this is the right approach for growth and driving forward the business. We’re looking forward to celebrating with our partners, retailers, and consumers, and planning ahead to thrive for years to come.”

 

Bandai celebrates 40 years in business

With its 40th anniversary coming up on 29 April, Bandai UK is celebrating four decades of bringing some of the world’s most iconic brands to the UK market.

Having successfully set up as a UK arm in 1982 for its Japanese parent company, Bandai UK launched trading with its foundations steeped firmly in the boys’ action figure market, gaining significant success with the likes of big-name properties such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers.  Over recent years, however, the business has undertaken a period of realignment to establish itself as a top multi-category player within the toy industry.

Forty years on and Bandai UK possesses an enviable portfolio of leading brands and ranges within its key divisions – Toy, Collector, Own IP, and Third-Party Distribution – all equally fundamental to the company’s early and ongoing success. Primary IPs include the best-selling Tamagotchi, Pac-Man and hit anime series Dragon Ball, while distribution lines such as CoComelon, Miraculous, McFarlane, and National Geographic are proving to be hugely successful inclusively within their associated categories and the overall toy market.

“It’s a massively exciting time to be at Bandai UK,” says Nic Aldridge, Bandai UK’s Managing Director. “Our approach is to continually challenge and evolve to remain relevant, and innovative, especially as the market becomes increasingly competitive. We are now well-established as a multi-category toy company and our recent positioning as the No.15 toy company (February 2022 NPD) assures us that this is the right approach for growth and driving forward the business. We’re looking forward to celebrating with our partners, retailers, and consumers, and planning ahead to thrive for years to come.”

 

ZAG grows its global team ahead of the launch of Miraculous movie and Ghostforce TV series

ZAG is growing its global licensing operations this year in the build up to the release of the Miraculous movie and the launch of its action-comedy series, Ghostforce, with the appointment of Hyde Schram as its first vice president of global promotions, and Betsabe Luna as its retail and licensing director for Mexico and Central America.

A ViacomCBS and Walt Disney Company alumn, Schram will report directly to Julian Zag, executive vice president, global operations, while Luna will report to the recently appointed VP consumer products, Latin America, Angela Cortez.

Based in the US, Schram will helm the strategic planning, development and execution of partnerships for global and regional promotions and sponsorships for ZAG’s portfolio of brands. She will be tasked with expanding current partnerships and leveraging key initiatives to create synergistic opportunities across partner promotional campaigns.

Schram will work closely alongside Kirk Bloomgarden, ZAG’s SVP of Global Licensing, and his rapidly growing team of licensing and retail executives.

Meanwhile, Luna will be based in Mexico City, overseeing retail across Mexico and Central America territories.  She will work in partnership with local agents to develop and implement a retail strategy that will increase market share visibility and shelf space for the company’s brands and establish cross-campaigns with all partners in the region.

In Mexico, the new toy line from Playmates and ZAG Labs, distributed by Bandai Mexico, launched in fall 2020.  In 2021, product sales have increased 266 per cent compared with 2020 numbers.

“Hyde and Betsabe are joining ZAG at a significant time of growth at the company,” said Zag. “Both of these executives bring a wealth of industry experience and skills that will be invaluable as we prepare for the upcoming release of our theatrical US$100MM movie, Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir ‘The Awakening’ premiering starting holiday 2021, season four of the series just starting to roll out around the world, and the upcoming launch of Ghostforce.”

During her eight-year tenure at ViacomCBS, serving most recently as Vice President of Worldwide Promotions, Sponsorships and Licensing, Schram secured multi-million-dollar promotional programs and built relationships with global brands such as Ferrero, Burger King, Kellogg’s, Danone, Zaini Confections, CPW, and Unilever.

She joined ViacomCBS following a career at The Walt Disney Company, where she served as Executive Director of Global Promotions and Sponsorships, securing promotional opportunities with Fortune 500 companies for  Disney, Pixar and Touchstone theatrical/DVD releases and premiere events.  Schram currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Generation Genius Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring kids in STEM.

Prior to joining ZAG, Luna spent five years with MTV Networks, Viacom. In her most recent role with the company, she served as Franchise Manager for Mexico and Latin America, Consumer Products, responsible for the planning, development, and execution of all marketing strategies related to VIACOM franchises.

She also served a four-year term with the company as the Retail Manager for Mexico, responsible for establishing a strategy to increase Nickelodeon consumer products footprint at point of sale. Prior, Luna worked for Spin Master Mexico as Brand Manager Categories: Boys and Girls.

ZAG Games extends CrazyLabs partnership for new Miraculous mobile game and appoints new creative director

ZAG Games has extended its partnership with the game developer and publisher, Crazy Labs, to create a second mobile game for its hit Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir franchise.

The new Miraculous Ladybug Puzzle RPG will be the second project to move forward at ZAG Games since the division was established in October 2020, led by the industry expert Elinor Schops, who currently serves as vice president. The first project is an adventure quest game for the Roblox platform, scheduled for release this May.

Slated to coincide with the holiday 2021 premiere of the Miraculous theatrical movie this year, the Miraculous Ladybug Puzzle RPG is a new take on bubble shooter puzzle games, combining RPG elements that feature challenging fighting levels designed for a new generation of players.

The game will see users form their own superhero team starring the show’s characters as they face different villains in each level and fight them by solving bubble shooter puzzles. Aiming, shooting and popping bubbles will charge the heroes’ special skills and powers. Winning levels will allow the heroes to level up, evolve, and unlock new heroes.

“We are delighted that our first official game has been so widely embraced by our fans, and we’re happy to be partnering once again with CrazyLabs for our second official game,” said Julian Zag.

“Since Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir launched across streaming platforms, we have seen extraordinary demand for Miraculous content, consumer products and games from older audiences. This new game is being designed and will be marketed to Gen Z as the primary audience, while also making sure that the gameplay and onboarding are accessible for everyone to enjoy.”

Schops added: “This older fan base is a group which has been giving Ladybug such love over the past few years. You’ll be amazed by the extent these teen fans go to show their appreciation to the brand and we felt they deserve a game that will be designed for them as a primary demo.”

The first Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir mobile game launched three years ago and is an all-ages casual runner, available in iOS, Google Play, Amazon, and Amazon Kids+.  According to App Annie, the game is ranked in the Top 10 globally on both Google Play and iOS for downloads versus other runner games.

“We’re excited to see the phenomenal success of the official mobile game Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir and are happy to extend our fruitful cooperation with ZAG Games,” said  Sagi Schliesser, CEO and founder of CrazyLabs.

“The new Miraculous Ladybug Puzzle RPG is the result of an ongoing relationship and a deep understanding of the beloved brand. We look forward to offering life-long fans of Marinette and Adrien a whole new gaming experience, tailored per their gaming preferences.”

Meanwhile, the news of the new mobile game coincides with the appointment of Eran Holzman as Creative Director at ZAG Games, who will be working closely with CrazyLabs on the development of the game.

Holzman joins ZAG from Matific where he served as Senior Game Designer and Producer developing games to make math learning enjoyable for children, overseeing all aspects of the game’s features, rules, story, mechanics and goals.  Prior, he was Product Manager and Game Designer at Jelly Button Games, where he was responsible for innovating and driving the implementation of features and functions to make games more fun, profitable and viral.

Previous roles include Game Producer and Project Manager at Scientific Games Interactive, and Senior Game Producer and Project Manager at TabTale (now CrazyLabs).

“Eran is passionate about creating memorable experiences through fun interactive and engaging products that enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy, and with his extensive expertise across game design and production, we are delighted that he is joining our ever-growing ZAG team,” said Schops.

Miraculous lands slate of new consumer products partners and Disney Channel US broadcast

ZAG is seeing demand for Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir continuing to grow across the US as the studio details its latest raft of licensing partners, as well as a new broadcast deal with Disney Channel US for seasons four and five of the series.

Newly signed partners for the hit IP include Crayola who has joined for branded colour and activity books, Fast Forward for kids backpacks and lunch bags, Kids Designs for youth electronics such as headphones and microphones, Komar Kids for sleepwear, and Peachtree Playthings for crafts and activities.

This roster is joined by further US partners including Galerie for seasonal and everyday chocolate and confectionery, Inkology for stationary and activity products, Trends International for posters and stickers, and Card.com for branded debit and credit cards.

Additional partners for online retail sales are Mighty Mojo Toys for party goods and supplies and All About Vibe for sublimated pillows.

Meanwhile, Disney Channel US has confirmed that it will pick up the latest two seasons, joining Disney Channels in multiple territories around the world as previously announced.  The US broadcaster will be debuting season four in summer 2021.  

Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir is also available globally on Netflix (excluding Asia and Brazil), with Netflix US streaming seasons one through three. According to Parrot Analytics, Miraculous is the number one in demand show for kids on Netflix in the US for the period January 1 to February 28.

“We’re thankful to all of our partners, including our trusted broadcasters and streamers who make Miraculous easily accessible to our passionate fans, and our consumer products licensees and retailers who provide multiple ways for fans to engage with the brand,” said Jeremy Zag, founder, ZAG.

“The new Miraculous toy line from Playmates Toys and ZAG Labs that launched on March 21 sold out within hours at Target.com, Walmart.com, and Kohls.com, and we have many new initiatives in the works that we’ll be announcing in the coming weeks and months and cannot wait to be able to share the news.”

 The new agreements coincide with the March 21 Miraculous toy launch from Playmates Toys and ZAG Labs at Walmart.com, Target.com, Kohls.com, with Amazon.com launching on April 15.

Other products hitting retail shelves this year include leveled readers and chapter books from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR), a division of the Hachette Book Group; costumes and accessories for wholesale retailers fromInSpirit Designs,a division of lifestyle retailer Spencer Spirit Holdings that owns and operates Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween (Miraculous is the company’s number one girls costume at their owned and operated retail locations); bedding and décor from Jay Franco; underwear from Handcraft Manufacturing; and Bentex Apparel Group for sportswear, tees and sleepwear.

Also coming up in 2021 is the theatrical $100M+ movie, Miraculous Ladybug And Cat Noir ‘The Awakening,’ which begins to roll out holiday 2021 and spring 2022.

ZAG names former MGA director Sarah Boyer is new VP or retail for North America

The award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG has named the former MGA Entertainment director, Sarah Boyer, its new vice president, retail, North America. The announcement was made today by Julian Zag, executive vice president, global operations.

“We are entering the next phase of tremendous growth for ZAG and especially our flagship global brand phenom, Miraculous! Given the roster of new licensees coming on board, it is the ideal time to welcome an executive of Sarah’s caliber in the retail space to our robust consumer products’ team,” commented Zag.

“We have a wide range of new products slated to hit retail shelves in 2021 and 2022, culminating with the $100M theatrical release of Miraculous Ladybug And Cat Noir The Awakening and the launch of seasons four and five of the series. Miraculous continues to build across all touch points – television, retail, digital, theatrical – and we couldn’t be more thrilled with how our brand continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.”

Reporting directly to Kirk Bloomgarden, the ZAG’s SVP, global licensing, Boyer will manage strategic relationships across all tiers of retail for all of the properties under the ZAG Heroez label – an umbrella brand franchise that brings together the superheroes from ZAG’s animated properties.

She will continue our work in building best-in-class licensed programs, supporting licensees with product placement and promotion, working alongside our growing team of recent appointments, including Rebekah Belzer, VP, new business and retail development, Lisa Foster, VP, licensing, North America, and Elinor Schops, VP of games and interactive experiences.

“It is such an exciting time at ZAG with the global growth of the Miraculous brand, in particular, and I am excited to work with Julian, Kirk and the ZAG team to develop even stronger retail relationships to bring a wide range of products across all of the  ZAG Heroez™ brands to market in the coming years,” said Boyer.

Boyer’s immediate remit is to work with retailers for ZAG’s Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noirfor which over 150M products have been sold during the past three years.

The new toyline from ZAG Labs and Playmates will debut in 2021 in North America.  Additional new products to rollout include books from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR), a division of the Hachette Book Group; costumes and accessories for wholesale retailers from InSpirit Designs,a division of lifestyle retailer Spencer Spirit Holdings that owns and operates Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween.

Other new products soon to be available include bedding and home décor from Jay Franco, Bentex and Bioworld for apparel, Komar Brands for sleepwear, underwear from Handcraft Manufacturing, Hot Topic for DTR apparel program, PPE Foundation for face masks, Peachtree Playthings for craft and activity, Inkology for stationery, AXNY for smart watches, and Taste Beauty for beauty products.

Boyer will also work with ZAG Lab and Playmates across its portfolio of brands, including Power Players and Ghostforce, the company’s newest property, currently in production for Disney Channel EMEA, TF1, and Discovery Kids Latin America.

ZAG launches new Games and Interactive Experiences division with gaming’s Elinor Schops in VP role

The award-winning independent animation studio, ZAG has launched a new Games and Interactive Experiences division in a move to develop new gaming experiences and interactive opportunities across mobile, PC, online, console games, VR and AR, video and mobile apps. The division will develop new concepts for all properties under the ZAG Heroez label.

Leading the new operation will be Elinor Schops who takes on the role of vice president in order to lead an all star team of creatives from her base in Israel. Schops will report directly to Julian Zag, executive vice president, global operations art ZAG.

ZAG’s first official global mobile game for Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir was released in April 2018 and ranked the number one game in 39 countries with 100 million downloads to date.

“Following the huge success of the first Miraculous game, as well as the phenomenal presence of the brand online with over 20 billion views on YouTube, establishing the ZAG Games & Interactive Experiences division has been an important strategic goal for us, especially in managing the requests from gaming companies worldwide,” said Julian Zag.

“We are thrilled to have found the ideal executive in Elinor to lead this new division and the talented team we are building, while bringing her extensive expertise across entertainment, music, media and mobile fields to this new important role. With a renowned reputation as a ‘Startup Nation’ and a major global player in the gaming industry cross platforms, Israel is a perfect location to launch this new endeavor to manage game development for our phenomenal award-winning stable of brands.”

Schops added: “Gaming has become a tremendous multi-billion-dollar industry globally, and I am thrilled to lead this new division to maximize all of the untapped potential in this arena with ZAG’s amazing catalog of hit properties to develop unforgettable gaming experiences for fans all over the world.”

Schops will drive new opportunities for the company’s key brands under the  ZAG Heroez label, including the flagship brand Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.   

Over 150M products have been sold for the brand during the past three years. Seasons four and five of the number one ranked series are currently in production, as well as two big-budget animated specials to be available globally (except for Brazil and China) on Disney Channel and Disney+, plus a major $70M U.S. theatrical release.

Additionally, season three of the series launches this summer and fall around the world. Seasons one and two currently air in key territories, consistently ranking #1 in the U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Brazil and Mexico, and top-ranked in the U.S. on Disney Channel.

Power Players, which currently airs on Cartoon Network in the U.S. and in key territories across EMEA and Asia Pacific, is available for streaming on Netflix and available on France’s France Télévisions, Germany’s KiKa, Brazil’s Gloob, and Discovery Latin America.

A new toy line from Zag Lab and Playmates Toys for Power Players recently debuted in the US, with an international roll-out commencing this fall. ZAG’s newest property, Ghostforce, is currently in production for Disney Channel EMEA, TF1, and Discovery Kids Latin America.

Before joining ZAG,  Schops served as vice president of business development at CrazyLabs (formerly TabTale), a Top10 mobile casual and hyper casual game developer and publisher. Among other initiatives, she was responsible for establishing the casual IP business for the company, and for the planning and execution of the company’s B2B marketing strategy to expand the company’s reach and recognition, as well as to drive potential partners’ awareness, engagement and satisfaction.

Schops also worked at Israel’s leading sports, media and entertainment company ONE (part of Yedioth Achronoth group) and its subsidiary Mobile1, where she initiated and managed strategic partnerships. As an executive in the gaming industry, Schops initiated the first ever Women In Games event in Israel. She also established an online network and mentoring program for Israeli Women In Games.

ZAG appoints MGA’s Lisa K Foster to vice president of licensing, North America

The global independent animation studio, ZAG has bolstered its senior executive once more, with the appointment of Lisa K. Foster to the role of vice president, licensing, North America. The announcement was made by Julian Zag, EVP, of global operations at the firm.

In her new role, Foster will report directly to Kirk Bloomgarden, the company’s SVP of global licensing, and will work alongside Rebekah Belzer in her own new position as VP, new business and retail development. Both Foster and Belzer will work to develop and execute the US consumer prodiucts strategy for the properties under the ZAG Heroez label.

“We are at unprecedented time of growth at ZAG, with seasons four and five of Miraculous currently in production, as well as two big-budget animated specials to be available globally (except for Brazil and China) this fall and next Spring on Disney Channel and Disney+, and a major US$70m theatrical release,” said Zag.

“Our new brand, Power Players, is airing around the globe, and Ghostforce, is currently in production for Disney Channel EMEA, TF1, and Discovery Kids Latin America.

“Our new content, together with the commitment of our global broadcasters, has made a significant impact on our licensing business around the world, and this is the perfect time to bolster our team. Lisa brings over 25 years of licensing and brand management experience in the toy and entertainment industries to her new role, and we are confident that she will be a great addition to our team.”

ZAG’s flagship brand, Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noirsold over 150M products during the past three years. Seasons four and five are currently in production, as well as two big-budget animated specials to be available globally (except for Brazil and China) on Disney Channel and Disney+, and a major US$70m theatrical release.

Additionally, season three of the series launches this summer and fall around the world.  Seasons one and two currently air in key territories, consistently ranking number one in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Brazil and Mexico, and top-ranked in the U.S. on Disney Channel.

Meanwhile, a new toy line from Zag Lab and Playmates Toys for Power Players recently debuted in the US. Power Players currently airs on Cartoon Network US and in key territories across EMEA and Asia Pacific, is available for streaming on Netflix, and available on France’s France Télévisions, Germany’s KiKa, Brazil’s Gloob, and Discovery Latin America.

The company’s newest property, Ghostforce, is currently in production for Disney Channel EMEA, TF1, and Discovery Kids Latin America.

Before joining ZAG, Foster oversaw the licensed hardlines and publishing categories at MGA Entertainment. She was instrumental in launching the licensing program for L.O.L. Surprise!, and spearheaded licensing initiatives for Little Tikes together with several other brands in her five years with the company.

Prior, Foster was vice president of client services at boutique marketing and creative agency The Equinox Group. She joined Equinox in 2014 following a nine-year stint at Random House Children’s Books, serving as Director of Brand Management, and handling their portfolio of entertainment brands for top studios.

Foster began her career at Mattel in 1993, where over the course of her seven-year tenure she was responsible for leading the management of licensed categories and developing long-term strategic marketing plans for Barbie.

 

ZAG details slate of licensing partnerships and renewals for Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir

ZAG has detailed a slate of new key licensing partnerships and renewals across key categories including publishing, apparel, food, and home decor as the company continues to ‘set new milestones’ for its flagship brand, Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.

The latest update follows the recent appointment of leading veteran consumer products executives at ZAG, brought on board to help propel the success of the Miraculous brand as it continues to build on its global network of major licensing partners.

New to the Miraculous licensing programme is Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, a division of the Hachette Book Group, and InSpirit Designs, a division of the lifestyle retailer Spencer Spirit Holdiongs that owns and operates Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween. The multi-year deal with LBYR includes picture books, leveled readers, storybooks, chapter books, middle grade novels, guide books, and sticker books.

Meanwhile, InSpirit Designs will create costumes and accessories for wholesale retailers. Other new licensees for the North American region include Jay Franco for bedding and home decor, Handcraft Manufacturing for underwear, and Customized Personal Solutions for print on demand merchandise for kids.

In Europe, multi-territory licensees Panini and Ferrero – Miraculous partners since the brand’s launch – are continuing their relationship with ZAG. Panini has renewed its multi-product deal that includes its signature sticker album, monthly magazine, and traditional books in Germany. Ferrero has now launched Miraculous Kinder Surprise Eggs and other seasonal products in more than 50 countries.

In France, ZAG is extending is partnership with McDonald’s that saw a May/June 2020 promotion launch featuring Miraculous themed arts and crafts kits with collectable cards, while a new license has been signed with La Plume Doree for a range of back to school Miraculous products.

Turbulences launched a new Miraculous Lifestyle magazine in June, and Prodhex will launch first aid kits for new adventurers. Elsewhere in Europe, new publishing agreements have been signed for a variety of products, including Eksik Parca Yayincilik Ticaret (Missing Piece Publishing) in Turkey, Ranok Publishing Limited in Ukraine, and Kennedy Publishing (UK).

In Latin America, the newly appointed The Novelty Book Company becomes ZAG’s pan-regional publishing partner, with book programs going into Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru.

Also recently renewed is an agreement with Australia’s Five Mile Press who will continue to publish chapter books, novelizations, guide-books, and book gift sets, together with additional new categories.

“Miraculous continues to be one of the most beloved brands around the globe and bringing aboard so many new best-in-class partners, as well as continuing our long-standing relationships,  is a testament to the tremendous popularity of the brand,” said Julian Zag, EVP global operations.

“We are currently in production on seasons four and five of the series with two new TV movie specials set to debut on Disney Channel and Disney+ at the end of this year and early next ahead of our US$70m theatrical move release. We’ve sold over 150 million products at retail over the past three years, and Miraculous is the number one direct-to-retail license for Spirit Halloween for kids and adults.

“Winning 15 prestigious awards, and with over 100 million downloads of the official app, the future continues to look absolutely Miraculous.”

The new consumer products deals for Miraculous coincide with the retail roll-out of the new toy line from ZAG Lab, ZAG’s toy division, and Playmates Toys.

The first product line from the two companies – since announcing their long-term global alliance earlier this year – is set to debut this fall across key European territories, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Benelux, as well as Mexico, and throughout the rest of the world in 2021.

Additionally, season three of the series launches this summer and fall around the world. Seasons one and two currently air in key territories, consistently ranking number one in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Brazil and Mexico and top-ranked in the U.S. on Disney Channel.

According to Parrot Analytics, Miraculous was the most in-demand children’s show on Netflix when it launched in the U.S. and Russia (2018 and 2019).

Miraculous follows the adventures of two seemingly typical teens with secret identities, Marinette and Adrien, who magically transform into superheroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir. As secret superheroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir are partners in the action. But in the daytime, Marinette is just a normal girl, living a normal life. Cat Noir will do anything to support and impress Ladybug but does not know this is Marinette from his class. Marinette, the regular girl, in turn dreams of Adrien and simply gets little response. When evil threatens, can they beat the unexpected villains?

ZAG to premiere two new Miraculous animated films on Disney Channel and Disney+

Disney Channel and the studio’s own streaming platform Disney+ have acquired the global rights to two new Miraculous animated TV movies, set to air this autumn and spring 2021. The two new feature films will take the cast of Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir on their first overseas adventures, the first to New York City, the second to Shanghai.

The launch is the result of a partnership between the independent animation studio ZAG and the European animation leader ON Kids & Family. The two companies are also currently in production on a $60 million budget animated Miraculous feature to be released globally in autumn 2021 or early 2022.

The two animated TV movies, Miraculous World – New York -United HeroeZ and Miraculous World – Shanghai – Lady Dragon, will be available on Disney Channel and Disney+ who have acquired global rights except for Brazil and China. It will then roll out across France’s TF1 for the second window.

Brazil’s Gloob (Grupo Globo), Canada’s Family Channel & Télé-Québec and UK’s POP have acquired respective territory rights.  Created by ZAG and produced by ZAG and ON kids & family (Mediawan Group), the 3D-CGI-animated TV movies are directed by Thomas Astruc.

“With our two new movies, we’re expanding the world of Miraculous like never before as Ladybug and Cat Noir explore New York and Shanghai, and meet new superheroes as they take on treacherous villains far away from their home city of Paris,” commented Jeremy Zag, founder and CEO of ZAG.

“We thank all of our fans for their continued love for Ladybug and Cat Noir, and our tremendous partners, and we can’t wait to share this whole world of new amazing hero characters with everyone.”

Aton Soumache, president and co-founder of On Kids & Family, added: “We are fortunate to be the producers of an extraordinary franchise, that has grown forcefully over time, with phenomenal success and which crosses frontiers. It is now time to extend “The Miraculous World” and today we are taking our universe to a decisive stage in its evolution. The legend will now expand all over the world.”

Miraculous has garnered over 16 billion views on YouTube (authorized and of user-generated content) and has seen over 150 million products sold during the past three years. Miraculous is the winner of thirteen awards, including the 2018 Teen Choice Award for Choice Animated Series, and airs in over 120 countries across the globe.