MeteoHeroes grows its international presence with RTVE broadcast deal

MeteoHeroes, the environmentally-themed animated children’s series, is growing its global broadcasting presence, having landed a new slot with the Spanish broadcaster, RTVE.

Under its new partnership with Mondo TV Group, RTVE will air series one of the animated show, the only children’s series to be co-produced by Mondo and the Italian weather forecasting centre, Meteo Operations Italia. RTVE will air the series across a number of its markets, starting with previews in the spring.

The contract covers not only Spain, but also Latin America on Clan Internacional – an international coverage that will play an important role in supporting the licensing and merchandising programme that is currently underway in those areas.

The timing of the agreement will allow Mondo to repeat the successful consumer product strategy adopted in the Italian market in 2020. With Panini Spain already on board for a wide range of products – including sticker lines, sticker albums, magazines and flowpacks – Mondo TV will soon be expanding its licensing programme into many other categories.

A key partner in this expansion will be the toy distributor, which will be announced soon. The arrival of the first MeteoHeroes toys in the market is scheduled for autumn 2021. Play Around, the master toy licensee, has developed a toy line that includes 3D figures, role play items and a playset. The toy line will help kids to identify with the superhero stars in their fight against climate change and pollution.

The first series of MeteoHeroes has already been sold or confirmed into over 120 countries and was among the biggest hit shows on Cartoonito in Italy last autumn.

It is recognised as the only cartoon in the world dedicated entirely to climate and environmental issues. Each episode focuses on issues related to ecology and respect for nature through the adventures of six super-powered kids who can control weather phenomena. Working alongside scientists and meteorologists at their futuristic HQ based in Gran Sasso Mountain National Park in Italy, the MeteoHeroes are trained to control their powers and fulfil their mission: to save the Earth.

Matteo Corradi, CEO of Mondo TV, said: “In a very short time MeteoHeroes has established itself as one of the leading series in our portfolio; in fact a second series is already being planned.

“This agreement with RTVE, a major partner in Spanish-speaking markets worldwide, is a very important development, not only bringing the show to millions of potential viewers in a large number of new markets but also boosting the reach of the ongoing licensing and merchandising campaign.”

Mondo TV Iberoamerica lands its first US broadcast deals for Sissi the Young Empress and Invention Story

Mondo TV Iberoamerica – part of Mondo TV Group – has secured its first US sales of all three series of its popular animated hit Sissi the Young Empress, as well as the first series of its new action comedy Invention Story, via the English-language network, Primo TV.

Mondo TV Iberoamerica distributes Mondo TV’s animated catalogue in Spain, Portugal and both Latin America and the Spanish-speaking Americas. Its major new deal with the US Hispanic pay TV leader Vme Media grants Mondo TV Iberoamerica distribution of its series through Primo TV.

Sissi the Young Empress and Invention Story will be available for a two and-a-half-year period starting this year.The territories covered will include the United States, Puerto Rico and all US territories and possessions.

Primo TV is the first English-language network targeting US bicultural Hispanic Gen Z viewers (aged six to 16) and their families with inspirational and educational programming.

The star of Sissi the Young Empress is based on a real historical figure – a charming young empress who captured the public imagination well beyond her Austrian homeland. This animated version of her story offers its audience adventure, romance, mystery, intrigue and magic when Sissi discovers a magic bracelet, which leads to exciting and unusual adventures as she seeks to help her many animal friends.

The first two series of Sissi the Young Empress have been a big success with its target audience of young girls, and an established rating hit in over 40 countries. The third season launched this year with a new 3D 26 x 11’ format and new content, bringing more magic and adventure.

Meanwhile, Kit – an intelligent, thoughtful, footloose and creative fox – is the star of Invention Story. In each episode of this 3D CGI comedy he comes up with a new invention that impresses most of the rabbit residents of his adopted home Carrot Town – but inspires jealousy in a few.

This major pay-TV deal for the Americas will bring Invention Story to the US markets for the first time. Invention Story is also about to debut on free-to-air TV starting from April 2020 on Frisbee in Italy, Karusel in Russia and TV2 Kiwi in Hungary.

Maria Bonaria Fois, CEO of Mondo TV Iberoamerica, said: “The sale of Sissi, one of our most popular animated shows, and Invention Story, a brand-new series that is enjoying a very strong response, to Vme is a major breakthrough for Mondo TV in one of the world’s most important markets.

“Vme is recognised as a leading player in the Hispanic pay-TV market with a strong reach. We are thrilled to be able to announce this news and certain that both Sissi and Invention Story will be enormously popular with Vme’s vast audience.”