Moonbug launches CoComelon spinoff, It’s Cody Time

Moonbug Entertainment is launching It’s Cody Time, CoComelon’s first-ever spinoff channel featuring Cody Green and his family. The musical preschool series debuts on YouTube with two special episodes, “Cody’s Spy Song” and “I’m going to be a Big Brother”.  

Since his debut on CoComelon back in 2019, Cody has grown from being JJ’s classmate, to next-door neighbor, to best friend, and now he’s ready for his own channel. Similar to CoComelon’s common themes of childhood fun and celebrating big moments for little kids, It’s Cody Time will include nursery rhymes as well as original songs. The initial story arc will focus on pregnancy, becoming a big brother and the joys of family, and will aim to help children learn through relatable situations and to prepare them for big-sibling responsibilities and expectations. 

“Cody’s been a fan favourite to our global audience for years. We’re excited to launch It’s Cody Time and give fans a chance to get to know Cody and his family a bit better,” says Patrick Reese, General Manager, CoComelon at Moonbug Entertainment. “Representation matters and we want to bring more content with diverse lead characters, inclusive storytelling and aspirational role modeling to children around the world.” 

Cody’s parents feature prominently in the show and play an important part in plot themes. The family, also known as ‘The Greens’, come from diverse backgrounds. Cody’s father, Kwame, is a chef and comes from Jamaican and Ghanian descent. His mum, Toni, is African American and works full-time as a pediatrician.  

CoComelon is the #1 most-watched kids brand on YouTube globally, generating over 3.3 billion average monthly views and boasting over 135 million YouTube subscribers. In 2021, videos centred on Cody garnered over 91 million watch hours. The brand has become a perennial leader on major streaming platforms like Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Roku and Netflix, where it set the record for 120 consecutive days in the Top 10 ‘Most Watched TV Shows.’ 

With 29 intellectual properties and content available in 32 languages, Moonbug Entertainment averages over 6.1 billion monthly views on YouTube and has an estimated 340 million subscribers to its channels. 

Click here to watch It’s Cody Time, now available for free on YouTube.  

Moonbug launches CoComelon spinoff, It’s Cody Time

Moonbug Entertainment is launching It’s Cody Time, CoComelon’s first-ever spinoff channel featuring Cody Green and his family. The musical preschool series debuts on YouTube with two special episodes, “Cody’s Spy Song” and “I’m going to be a Big Brother”.  

Since his debut on CoComelon back in 2019, Cody has grown from being JJ’s classmate, to next-door neighbor, to best friend, and now he’s ready for his own channel. Similar to CoComelon’s common themes of childhood fun and celebrating big moments for little kids, It’s Cody Time will include nursery rhymes as well as original songs. The initial story arc will focus on pregnancy, becoming a big brother and the joys of family, and will aim to help children learn through relatable situations and to prepare them for big-sibling responsibilities and expectations. 

“Cody’s been a fan favourite to our global audience for years. We’re excited to launch It’s Cody Time and give fans a chance to get to know Cody and his family a bit better,” says Patrick Reese, General Manager, CoComelon at Moonbug Entertainment. “Representation matters and we want to bring more content with diverse lead characters, inclusive storytelling and aspirational role modeling to children around the world.” 

Cody’s parents feature prominently in the show and play an important part in plot themes. The family, also known as ‘The Greens’, come from diverse backgrounds. Cody’s father, Kwame, is a chef and comes from Jamaican and Ghanian descent. His mum, Toni, is African American and works full-time as a pediatrician.  

CoComelon is the #1 most-watched kids brand on YouTube globally, generating over 3.3 billion average monthly views and boasting over 135 million YouTube subscribers. In 2021, videos centred on Cody garnered over 91 million watch hours. The brand has become a perennial leader on major streaming platforms like Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Roku and Netflix, where it set the record for 120 consecutive days in the Top 10 ‘Most Watched TV Shows.’ 

With 29 intellectual properties and content available in 32 languages, Moonbug Entertainment averages over 6.1 billion monthly views on YouTube and has an estimated 340 million subscribers to its channels. 

Click here to watch It’s Cody Time, now available for free on YouTube.  

Moonbug appoints Francesca Romana Gianesin as Head of Consumer Products EMEA ANZ

Moonbug Entertainment Ltd. has announced the appointment of Francesca Romana Gianesin as Head of Consumer Products EMEA ANZ.

In this newly created role, Gianesin is responsible for driving the consumer products business across EMEA and ANZ. Her remit covers all Moonbug properties, including hit brands such as Blippi, CoComelon and Little Baby Bum.

Gianesin is an experienced international business executive with vast experience in the consumer products business. Prior to joining Moonbug she spent 20 years at The Walt Disney Company, where she held a variety of leadership roles across different business segments, countries and regions. Most recently she was Senior Vice President and Board Member of Disneyland Paris, where she oversaw all the Resort’s experiences and products. Prior to this, she was based in London, at the Disney EMEA headquarters, serving as Vice President Consumer Products for EMEA.

Gianesin started her career at Disney working as Vice President Consumer Products Italy and Vice President Retail, where she was responsible for driving commercial strategy, expanding businesses and seeking out new distribution opportunities across the business.

Prior to joining Disney, Gianesin worked in commercial roles for Johnson Wax, Unichips Group and Playtex.

“I am thrilled to be joining Moonbug at such an exciting time for the licensing and merchandise business. Our company is experiencing continuous growth as our brands are becoming firm favourites amongst EMEA audiences,” says Gianesin. “I am looking forward to working with the team in order to create high-quality, innovative and relevant products that will allow children across the region to interact with their favourite characters and expand their imagination.”

Simon Philips, Managing Director Global Consumer Products at Moonbug Entertainment, says: “Francesca has a wealth of relevant experience and expertise that I am confident will be invaluable for the growth of Moonbug’s Consumer Products business. Her role will play a key part in our continued rapid expansion. I am very much looking forward to her coming on board at such an exciting and important time in the Moonbug journey.”

Born in Italy, Gianesin graduated from La Sapienza University of Rome in Economics with a Master’s degree in Business Management. She lived in different countries in Europe and is fluent in Italian, English, French and Spanish. Gianesin is a champion for Diversity & Inclusion and has been ranked in the top Best Women Managers by Business People magazine Italy since 2008. She was also one of the first female leaders to sit at the Executive Committee of Centromarca, the Italian Consumer Brands Association, part of AIM.

Gianesin will be based in the Moonbug head offices in the UK working closely with the Moonbug licensing and merchandising team in the USA.

 

 

 

Moonbug appoints Francesca Romana Gianesin as Head of Consumer Products EMEA ANZ

Moonbug Entertainment Ltd. has announced the appointment of Francesca Romana Gianesin as Head of Consumer Products EMEA ANZ.

In this newly created role, Gianesin is responsible for driving the consumer products business across EMEA and ANZ. Her remit covers all Moonbug properties, including hit brands such as Blippi, CoComelon and Little Baby Bum.

Gianesin is an experienced international business executive with vast experience in the consumer products business. Prior to joining Moonbug she spent 20 years at The Walt Disney Company, where she held a variety of leadership roles across different business segments, countries and regions. Most recently she was Senior Vice President and Board Member of Disneyland Paris, where she oversaw all the Resort’s experiences and products. Prior to this, she was based in London, at the Disney EMEA headquarters, serving as Vice President Consumer Products for EMEA.

Gianesin started her career at Disney working as Vice President Consumer Products Italy and Vice President Retail, where she was responsible for driving commercial strategy, expanding businesses and seeking out new distribution opportunities across the business.

Prior to joining Disney, Gianesin worked in commercial roles for Johnson Wax, Unichips Group and Playtex.

“I am thrilled to be joining Moonbug at such an exciting time for the licensing and merchandise business. Our company is experiencing continuous growth as our brands are becoming firm favourites amongst EMEA audiences,” says Gianesin. “I am looking forward to working with the team in order to create high-quality, innovative and relevant products that will allow children across the region to interact with their favourite characters and expand their imagination.”

Simon Philips, Managing Director Global Consumer Products at Moonbug Entertainment, says: “Francesca has a wealth of relevant experience and expertise that I am confident will be invaluable for the growth of Moonbug’s Consumer Products business. Her role will play a key part in our continued rapid expansion. I am very much looking forward to her coming on board at such an exciting and important time in the Moonbug journey.”

Born in Italy, Gianesin graduated from La Sapienza University of Rome in Economics with a Master’s degree in Business Management. She lived in different countries in Europe and is fluent in Italian, English, French and Spanish. Gianesin is a champion for Diversity & Inclusion and has been ranked in the top Best Women Managers by Business People magazine Italy since 2008. She was also one of the first female leaders to sit at the Executive Committee of Centromarca, the Italian Consumer Brands Association, part of AIM.

Gianesin will be based in the Moonbug head offices in the UK working closely with the Moonbug licensing and merchandising team in the USA.

 

 

 

Moonbug Entertainment names Danny Spronz as Head of Global Loyalty & Promotions and EMEA Retail Development

Moonbug Entertainment has announced the appointment of Danny Spronz as Head of Global Loyalty & Promotions and EMEA Retail Development. In this role Spronz will be responsible for driving the Loyalty & Promotions programmes at Moonbug as well as developing the EMEA retail strategy across Moonbug’s portfolio of properties, including Blippi, CoComelon and Little Baby Bum.

Spronz’s newly created role will include setting the strategy for Moonbug’s loyalty, rewards, QSR (quick service restaurants) and third-party promotional programmes. Within the role Spronz will be building global programmes with key international partners to both expand brand awareness and affinity with the Moonbug target audiences. For the retail element of the role, he will be overseeing all EMEA retail activity. Spronz is based in the UK head offices, working closely with the Moonbug team in the USA.

Prior to Moonbug, Spronz was Managing Director EMEA at PocketWatch, where he was responsible for all business operations, advertising sales, consumer products licensing and content sales across EMEA. Before this, he was Vice President Digital Partnerships & Influencer Marketing EMEA at The Walt Disney Company, where he managed overall talent strategy, partnerships and management for the company’s on-screen and digital influencer talent. Spronz joined Disney from Maker Studios, where he developed the strategic partnerships and network business across EMEA, LATAM and SEA.

Spronz says: “I couldn’t be happier to be joining such a thriving and growing business as Moonbug, which has paved its way in the digital IP space. Our brands are currently experiencing fast-paced growth and I am looking forward to speaking to agencies or companies about how our IP can help generate affinity for their brands and develop customer loyalty.”

“Danny’s appointment reflects our expanding consumer product business at Moonbug,” says Ryan Gorman, Head of Global Retail & Consumer Product Marketing at Moonbug Entertainment. “Danny’s extensive experience combined with our rapid growth provides a perfect time for this new role and the opportunities it will bring for our brands. We’re excited to have Danny on board.”

For more information on Moonbug, visit www.moonbug.com.

Moonbug appoints Marisela Escobedo as Senior Territory Manager LATAM

Moonbug Entertainment has announced the appointment of Marisela Escobedo as Senior Territory Manager LATAM.

In this newly created role, Escobedo will be managing the licensing business across all Moonbug properties, including Blippi, CoComelon and Little Baby Bum in the Latin American region. Escobedo started her new role on 23 March and is based in Los Angeles.

Prior to working at Moonbug, Escobedo was Senior Manager Consumer Products and Regional FMCG Latin America at NBCUniversal. In her nine years at the company, she helped grow the consumer products group and went from working globally to specialising in territories including Asia Pacific and Latin America.

Escobedo says: “I am beyond excited to continue my career growth with Moonbug Entertainment. I am proud to represent an organisation that values at its core compassion, empathy and resilience. I am looking forward to breaking barriers, innovating and contributing positive changes to the way we work in the licensing industry in Latin America, with a company that is truly changing the game in children’s content and entertainment.”

Adam Steel, Director, Global Agency, Consumer Products at Moonbug Entertainment, adds: “Our business across Latin America continues to grow at a phenomenal rate and we are pleased to add a dedicated Country Manager into the Global Agent Management Team.

“Having worked with Marisela for many years, I immediately knew that she would be a perfect fit to lead our business and I’m delighted to be working with such a talented and experienced professional. Marisela’s experience in the region will help us continue to grow our brands while providing great service for our retailers, licensees and partners.”

Moonbug specialises in creating and acquiring IP and turning it into global entertainment franchises, by rapidly scaling the brand using data to increase and enhance the content, distribute broadly across Moonbug’s vast global distribution network, and creating new avenues for interaction through licensing and merchandising, original productions, and brand partnerships.

For more information on Moonbug, visit www.moonbug.com.

CoComelon to expand into new territories through WarnerMedia Cartoonito deal

Moonbug Entertainment has announced an expanded partnership with WarnerMedia, bringing its leading IP, CoComelon, to preschool brand Cartoonito in over 115 countries across EMEA. CoComelon will go live on Cartoonito as the brand continues its rollout throughout 2022.

This marks Moonbug’s first ever multi-territory linear deal, bolstering the beloved kids’ brand’s global accessibility and building on the existing partnership in the UK, where CoComelon launched on Cartoonito in April 2021. The extended partnership will feature the rollout of 170 CoComelon episodes on Cartoonito across the EMEA region, in multiple languages including German, French and Italian.

“This is yet another milestone for Moonbug and CoComelon as we expand not only our reach but our existing partnership with WarnerMedia based on the proven success and demand of the show,” says Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director EMEA and APAC, Moonbug Entertainment. “This expansion signals a further vote of confidence in digital-first content, underscoring its high quality and the trust that Moonbug has built with its globally loved IPs.”

Zia Bales, Lead Acquisitions, Partnerships and Coproductions, Kids EMEA, WarnerMedia adds: “Preschool is such an important focus for us and this deal with Moonbug reaffirms our commitment to building our library of trusted brands for this audience.”

CoComelon is a household name globally, expanding from the digital world to being available on linear channels and platforms in multiple languages. CoComelon models positivity and good behaviour and supports preschoolers’ learning through music. The main characters JJ and his friends and family share their fun everyday adventures exploring and learning through relatable situations and toe-tapping songs.

For more information on Moonbug, visit www.moonbug.com.

Moonbug Entertainment appoints Susan Vargo as Head of Live Events

Moonbug Entertainment Ltd. has appointed Susan Vargo as Head of Live Events. She will be work across all the Moonbug properties, including Blippi, CoComelon and Little Baby Bum.

In the newly created role, Vargo will lead, oversee, manage and drive all of Moonbug’s brand and franchise specific live shows, branded areas, character events and experiences in locations such as theme parks, water parks, attractions and more. Vargo will be based in the UK head offices, working closely with the Moonbug team in the USA.

Vargo is the Tony Award nominated and Drama Desk Award winning executive producer of The SpongeBob Musical on stage and for television. Before joining Moonbug, she oversaw global creative development for Nickelodeon live entertainment, including stage adaptations, theme park programmes and resort entertainment.

During her time at Nickelodeon Vargo was also responsible for the strategic expansion of the live theatrical business from one domestic US touring theatrical to multiple simultaneous domestic and international tours, including preschool megahit adaptations of Paw Patrol Live! and Dora The Explorer Live!

Previously, Vargo managed licensing of stage adaptations for Paramount Pictures, including Ghost the MusicalThe First Wives ClubMad Hot BallroomLeap of Faith, and Clueless.

Earlier in her career, Vargo worked on Broadway general management for shows including Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam, Beauty and the BeastChicago and more. She has also advised theatrical producers Fiery Angel Productions, Limelight Productions and Cinema Gypsy Productions on creative development, global licensing expansion and property acquisition and continues to develop independent projects for the stage.

“I am thrilled to be joining Moonbug at such an exciting time of the company’s growth,” Vargo says. “There are so many opportunities to bring the joy of our brands to parents and preschoolers across the globe via events and attractions. I can’t wait to get started.”

Simon Philips, Managing Director Global Consumer Products at Moonbug Entertainment, comments: “In just three years we have become an award-winning global entertainment company with a portfolio of leading children’s brands. Susan’s Vargo’s recent appointment is a key role in our continued growth and reflects our commitment to bringing the best quality content both online and offline to parents and preschoolers across the globe. Susan has a wealth of experience and expertise, and we are excited for her to join us on the next stage of the Moonbug journey.”

 

 

 

 

Moonbug acquires Little Angel and Little World

Moonbug Entertainment has announced the acquisition of Little Angel, one of the fastest-growing kids’ channels on YouTube. The Little Angel Network, which houses Little Angel and Little World, boasts more than 88 million subscribers on YouTube globally.
Since 2019, the brand has seen its global viewership double. Moonbug plans to grow Little Angel exponentially by investing in content, expanding distribution to its global network and creating more ways for audiences to engage with the brand.
Little Angel is loved by families across the globe. Its irreverent humour and relatable world make it a strong addition to our IP portfolio,” says Renè Rechtman, Moonbug Entertainment Co-Founder and CEO. “There continues to be a tremendous demand for great value-based kids’ content that connects with a global audience, and this acquisition represents an important opportunity for us to build another global entertainment franchise.”
Little Angel is committed to offering fun and relatable content for young children, making it a natural fit for Moonbug’s portfolio. The show offers premium 3D content and has a library of over 400 original songs and over 500 animated episodes. All content is centered around valuable preschool lessons like learning letters, numbers, good manners and healthy habits in an age-appropriate and entertaining way.
Little Angel is Moonbug’s first acquisition since becoming part of Candle Media, an independent, creator-friendly home for cutting-edge, category-defining brands and franchises.
Moonbug specialises in creating and acquiring IP and turning it into global entertainment franchises, by rapidly scaling the brand using data to increase and enhance the content, distributing broadly across Moonbug’s vast global distribution network, and creating new avenues for interaction through licensing and merchandising, original productions and brand partnerships.
For more information on Moonbug, visit www.moonbug.com.

Moonbug Entertainment brands to arrive front-of-store in Asda this Christmas

Just weeks after The Point.1888 announced a record-breaking 66 new licensees across EMEA for Moonbug Entertainment’s leading IP CoComelon, the superbrand has secured a prime spot in Asda stores nationwide, for a dual-branded activation focusing on children’s brands Blippi and CoComelon.

Since coming on board as Master Licensing Agency for Moonbug’s portfolio of brands in EMEA* last summer, the brand licensing specialist has sought to leverage CoComelon and Blippi’s popularity with children by bringing the brands closer to their audience across a broad range of categories, including clothing, puzzles, arts and crafts, games, and outdoor, to name just a few.

As part of a special activation arranged by The Point.1888, George at Asda has been given an exclusive style guide to create market-leading products for CoComelon and Blippi. The products include branded daywear and nightwear clothing, accessories, bags and footwear, and will be on sale across 453 Asda stores. In addition to the activation, there will also be a TOY FSDU included.

The full branded cross-category activation commences today in storefront mobile event units. Having seen huge success with CoComelon and Blippi earlier this year at Easter, this new activation is welcomed by for Asda and George. The retailer will be supporting this new and exclusive promotion with POS activity and marketing.

“When it comes to the launch of soft lines across Blippi and CoComelon, the George and Asda buying teams have been excellent supporters of the Moonbug brands,” says Hannah Stevens, Head of Retail at The Point.1888. “It had a strong apparel launch in Q2 and has carried lines throughout the year so it seems fitting that it should end the year with a bang. George at Asda will have a fantastic range of products and designs available for their customers in the lead-up to Christmas.”

Jenna Perry, Buying Expert at George at Asda commented: “We’re really excited to partner with The Point and Moonbug to bring this collaboration to the market across George and Asda. Blippi and CoComelon resonate well with our preschool customer and this launch will be great to showcase the licenses just in time for Christmas.”

“At Moonbug Entertainment we pride ourselves on developing world-class partnerships with retailers that share our vision in creating amazing products that bring joy to kids and families,” adds Ryan Gorman, Global Head of Retail Development and Marketing. “The partnership with George at Asda is a prime example of best-in-class collaboration. We are elated to work together with the entire team at Asda to bring joy to all families this holiday season.”

*With the exception of CoComelon in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, which are represented by Super RTL.