Cyber Group Studios partners with Peacock for animated adventure series Press Start!

Best known for its award-winning preschool show Gigantosaurus, Cyber Group Studios has partnered with OTT video streaming service Peacock for new CG animated comedy adventure series Press Start!

Aimed at children aged 5-7, Press Start! is based on the bestselling and award-winning book series of the same name from Scholastic. Emmy-winning writer and showrunner Scott Kraft (PAW Patrol) is executive producer. The series is in production now and expected to begin streaming on Peacock in Q4 2023.

Press Start! (52 x 11) follows the adventures of Sunny and Rue Zaki, a dynamic brother and sister duo whose mysterious game controller gives them the ability to enter the world of their favorite fast-paced videogame, “24 KARAT QUEST”. Inside the fantastical game world, they team up with their videogame idol, Super Rabbit Boy, and help him save the world one eight-bit villain at a time.

Cyber Group Studios will support Press Start! at retail with a comprehensive merchandising programme. Last year, the company appointed Retail Monster to develop a strategic licensing programme in the U.S. based on the show.

The Press Start! graphic novel-style early-chapter books by author/illustrator Thomas Flintham have sold more than 2 million copies in the U.S. since their 2017 debut. Currently, 11 titles are available with four more in the pipeline. The books are published in 11 international territories.

Karen K. Miller, President & CEO, Cyber Group Studios USA, says:  “Press Start! is an internationally acclaimed book series that has thoroughly captivated readers by immersing them in the dynamic, fast-paced videogaming world led by a brother and sister team who together apply real-life skills to help save the day. This series takes inspiration from the books and will keep new and existing fans on the edge of their seats.”

Kristofer Updike, Vice President, Kids Development Entertainment Scripted & Unscripted Content NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, adds: “As Peacock doubles our original animated preschool content, we are thrilled to be working with such talented partners at Cyber Group Studios on the new, diverse series Press Start!, based on the award-winning Scholastic book series by Thomas Flintham. Our commitment to building a platform of trust, innovation, diversity and a place to call home for preschoolers, parents and caregivers is ever present in everything we create.”

 

Cyber Group Studios names Retail Monster US licensing agent for The McFire Family and Press Start!

Cyber Group Studios, the international producer/distributor of animated series best known for its award-winning preschool show, Gigantosaurus, has appointed licensing agency Retail Monster to develop strategic licensing programsme in the U.S. for two of its new CG animated kids’ adventure series: The McFire Family, an original production, and Press Start!, based on the best-selling book series from Scholastic.

“Retail Monster has a proven track record of success in developing meter-moving consumer products programmes, and we look forward to partnering with them to help establish and broaden the opportunities for these two new standout brands,” says Karen K. Miller, President & CEO, Cyber Group Studios USA.

The McFire Family and Press Start! are very engaging new series and we’re excited to be working with Cyber Group Studios to build best-in-class licensing programmes that will resonate with kids and their families across the U.S.,” says Michael Connolly, Founder and CEO, Retail Monster. “We expect to make partnership announcements very soon.”

The McFire Family (52 x 11) centres on a family of firefighters whose ancestors were the very first firefighters in history. The legacy continues with three siblings, 12-year-old Tom, 10-year-old Sparkle, and 6-year-old Jax, the next generation of “super-firefighters”, who join their parents and grandpa on exciting rescue adventures. Together, they use cool vehicles and high-tech gear to save the day. The series, for viewers ages 6-9, is created by Sissmann.

Press Start! (52 x 11), picks up where the popular Scholastic book series of the same name leaves off. The show follows the adventures of Sunny and Rue Zaki, a dynamic brother and sister duo who discover a mysterious game controller that gives them the ability to enter the world of their favourite videogame. Inside the game world, they team up with their videogame idol, Super Rabbit Boy, and help him save the world one eight-bit villain at a time. The show, for kids ages 4-7, is developed and executive produced by Emmy-winning writer and showrunner Scott Kraft (PAW Patrol).