Silvergate Media teams up with Tencent Video in a new landmark partnership

Silvergate Media is joining forces with Tencent Video to bring its new animated series The Creature Cases to China.

Silvergate will also partner with Tencent Video on a full consumer products roll-out in China from 2023, to be led by toys and publishing.

The Creature Cases is an action, comedy and detective series animated by TeamTo that follows the adventures of a unique detective duo who specialise in solving animal mysteries. The first series, launched on Netflix on 12 April 2022, is soon to be released on Tencent Video, which will significantly expand the broadcast reach to families across China.

The Creature Cases storylines have a vibrant, universal appeal and we’re excited that this new partnership with Tencent Video will bring the show to viewers in China,” says Ron Allen, EVP Commercial. “Tencent Video shares our passion for bringing audiences innovative children’s content and we look forward to showcasing the series on China’s leading VOD platform and building a broad consumer products programme.”

Selina She, Director of Kids’ IP Development and Programming Centre at Tencent Video, says: “We are delighted to get our paws on The Creature Cases and thrilled to be partnering with Silvergate Media on this dynamic new series. We deduce that its exotic mix of real-life fascinating facts from the amazing animal kingdom along with side-splitting, super-sleuthing detective antics will have broad appeal in China. We are excited to be launching the series in the territory shortly, followed by the start of our consumer products programme which will be full of animal wonder!”

In The Creature Cases, Sam Snow and Kit Casey are the lead agents of CLADE: the Covert League of Animal Detective Experts, who solve animal mysteries by exploring the habitats and behaviours of fascinating, sometimes bizarre creatures. Armed with top-secret intel from their miniature contacts, the Mice Squad, these brilliant animal sleuths travel a world populated exclusively by animals, solving mind-boggling animal mysteries that mix real zoological facts with wild detective action.

 

Silvergate Media announces new episodes of Octonauts: Above & Beyond

Silvergate Media has confirmed that a second season of Octonauts: Above & Beyond will make its global debut on Netflix on 2 May 2022. The new episodes follow the debut of this Octonauts spin-off last September where the intrepid crew proved themselves as heroes on land as well as underwater.  

In the new episodes, the Octonauts will continue to explore dynamic landscapes, experience new climates, rescue animals and protect the land they live on. Highlights include a 22-minute special, Rainforest Rescue, which sees the Octonauts embark on an adventure through the Amazon rainforest canopy to rescue a baby eaglet. Fans will also be thrilled by the introduction of three new Terra Gups to the Octonaut’s land-based vehicle fleet, based on a Giraffe Weevil, Turtle and Centipede. 

The launch of Octonauts: Above & Beyond Series 2 is perfectly timed to support the roll-out of the highly anticipated new toy range from global master toy licensee Moose Toys. Set to launch this summer, the new collection will bring the show to life with figures, vehicles, playsets, plush and more. Octonauts: Above & Beyond will feature alongside classic Octonauts lines adding depth to the growing consumer products programme.

“The expansion of the Octonauts and the broadening of the much-loved universe onto land creates a wealth of exciting new opportunities for our consumer products programme,” says Ron Allen, EVP Commercial at Silvergate Media. “We’re delighted to be continuing partnering with Netflix and are wholly committed to working with our partners, including Moose Toys, to entertain and educate young children about the wonders of the natural world.”

Moose Toys partners with Silvergate Media for new Octonauts toy line

Octonauts activity trail set to make waves at SEA LIFE centres

Silvergate Media and Merlin Entertainments have announced their new activity trail, Octonauts: The Great Gup Rescue, which has just been unveiled at SEA LIFE at Mall of America before beginning its voyage to SEA LIFE centres around the world.

Expanding on its successful global partnership with Merlin, Silvergate’s new interactive activity-based Octonauts trail will allow visitors to embark on a journey with their favourite characters by completing missions and saving the sea creatures. The Great Gup Rescue starts with an underwater storm that has caused major electrical problems leading to all the Gups (the Octonauts’ aquatic vehicles) to break down. Alongside Captain Barnacles and Dashi, preschoolers and their families will experience an activity trail throughout the site where they can help save the day and become a hero in the rescue. 

As a continuation of last year’s successful activity trails that were brought to life at 13 SEA LIFE centres and aquariums across the UK and ANZ, this exciting new adventure will educate and inspire guests about important conservation topics while attracting new visitors to SEA LIFE centres. 

The Great Gup Rescue activity trails launched initially at SEA LIFE at Mall of America on 10 March 2022 before launching at SEA LIFE locations around the world. This latest activity trail joins a strong and expanding portfolio of global live event partnerships from Silvergate and continues to build on their long-standing partnership with Merlin, including the world’s biggest Octonauts attraction at Merlin’s Changfeng Ocean World in Shanghai.

“I’m always looking for exciting experiences for our guests at SEA LIFE at Mall of America, so we are thrilled to have The Great Gup Rescue,” says General Manager Trisha Ruf. “This partnership will spark even more imagination, adventure and wonder with guests at SEA LIFE Aquariums here in Minnesota and around the globe.”

“We are thrilled to be introducing a brand-new Octonauts activity trail at SEA LIFE centres this spring. Children will have the opportunity to become truly immersed in their own Octonauts adventure and as restrictions begin to lift, it’s perfectly timed to meet rising consumer demand for live experiences that deliver on fun and education,” says Lisa Macdonald, SVP Content and Consumer Product Sales at Silvergate Media. “This activation marks the start of a busy year ahead for the brand as we build towards the highly anticipated toy line from Moose Toys and we’re delighted that our latest collaboration with Merlin Entertainments will create real life experiences for families to enjoy.”

Silvergate Media announces broadcast launch of The Creature Cases

Silvergate Media, producer of global hit IP Octonauts, has announced plans for the broadcast launch of its new animated series, The Creature Cases, which follows the adventures of a unique detective duo who specialise in solving animal mysteries. The first season will debut on Netflix’s global streaming platform from 12 April, 2022. 

Aimed at children aged 4-7 years, The Creature Cases is an original series created by head writer/producer Gabe Pulliam, with executive producers Adam Idelson and Kurt Mueller, EVP Creative Content, Silvergate Media. The action/comedy/detective series is animated by TeamTO, the award-winning French studio, which has a strong track record of animating hit children’s shows, including PJ Masks.

Sam Snow and Kit Casey are the lead agents of CLADE: the Covert League of Animal Detective Experts, who solve animal mysteries by exploring the habitats and behaviours of fascinating, sometimes bizarre creatures. Armed with top-secret intel from their miniature contacts, the Mice Squad, these brilliant animal sleuths travel a world populated exclusively by animals, solving mind-boggling animal mysteries that mix real zoological facts with wild detective action.

The Creature Cases invites young viewers to train a watchful eye on the many mysteries of the natural world,” says Kurt Mueller. “This show is X-Files for preschoolers, but instead of solving paranormal mysteries, Sam and Kit are solving strange but true animal mysteries. Each episode offers a super serving of odd zoological facts, imaginative gadgetry, and, well, the Mice Squad.  We look forward to introducing the show to audiences around the world this spring.”

“For our first collaboration with Silvergate Media, The Creature Cases was a very ambitious project,” adds Guillaume Hellouin, TeamTO President. “We had to push boundaries, once again, far beyond what we have done before. The diversity generated by the concept of discovering a new animal species in its native environment in each of the 40 episodes was a real challenge. But thanks to our fantastic team, combined with Silvergate’s talent, we managed to deliver an amazing show with a very cool design!”

Moose Toys partners with Silvergate Media for new Octonauts toy line

Moose Toys partners with Silvergate Media for new Octonauts toy line

Moose Toys has partnered with Silvergate Media, the producers of Octonauts, on a new line of toys launching August 2022.

Moose will release a range of vehicles, figures, plush and playsets based on the popular animated TV property and its latest series, Octonauts: Above & Beyond, to preschool toy aisles nationwide.

Moose will continue the Octo-fun with line expansions, including new characters, vehicles and more, in late 2022.

“Anticipation for the new line of Octonauts: Above & Beyond toys has been building since we announced our partnership,” says Belinda Gruebner, chief marketing officer, Moose Toys. “We simply could not contain our enthusiasm and desire to share this first look at the line any longer.

“Moose’s strength and expertise in the preschool aisle shines with these toys designed to capture the hearts and imaginations of young Octo-fans. Widely regarded as one of the top preschool properties, Octonauts is action packed, educational and anchored in learning through problem solving and teamwork, and our toy line continues this outside of the episodes.”

The first wave of the range includes:

Playsets

  • Octoray Transforming Headquarters Playset [pictured above]: The ultimate transforming playset that goes from flying Octoray transporter to Headquarters. The large-scale playset comes with Captain Barnacles, three cute creatures and a collectible mission card for kids to create and play their own adventures and rescue missions. SRP $69.99
  • Octopod Action Playset: The command centre of the Octonauts world that’s featured in every Octonauts episode. The Octopod Action Playset includes Captain Barnacles, three creatures and a collectible mission card. SRP $34.99

Vehicles and Figures

  • Octonauts Deluxe Vehicles: This lineup of vehicles includes new vehicles from the latest Octonauts: Above & Beyond series as well as must-have vehicles from the original hit Octonauts show. Each vehicle comes with an Octonauts crew member, creature, and a collectable mission card. SRP $16.99
    • Gup-A and Captain Barnacles: The most iconic Octonauts Gup, the Gup-A is a submarine that is perfect for all underwater missions and adventures.
    • Gup-B and Kwazii: This shark-inspired vehicle comes complete with a chomping jaw feature.
    • Terra-Gup 1 and Dashi: Based on the new Octonauts: Above & Beyond content, the Terra-Gup 1 and Dashi are ready for land adventures.

Figures

  • Adventure Packs: Collectible packs that include one figure, an environment, a creature and a mission card to take kids on their own Octonauts adventure.  The packs feature four of the most popular Octonauts and their companion creatures, including Panni and Reindeer, Barnacles and Puffin, Kwazii and Tiger and Peso and Salamander. SRP $8.99

Gup Racers

  • Gup Racer Assortment: The debut assortment includes six collectible favorite Octonauts characters and their vehicles. With an assortment of sea and land vehicles, each vehicle comes with rolling wheels and a fixed figure. SRP $4.99

Plush

  • Plush and Talking Plush: Super-soft and cuddly Octonauts plush featuring four of the series’ most popular characters, including a talking Captain Barnacles who delivers some of his signature phrases. SRP $9.99 (plush figures); $24.99 (Captain Barnacles talking plush)

The toys will be available nationwide wherever toys are sold beginning August 2022. The launch of the new Octonauts line will be supported by a 360-marketing campaign including national television, digital media buys, influencer partnerships and in-store point-of-sale features.

There are five seasons and a trio of Netflix Original movie-length specials currently available on Netflix. The series is a ratings hit with leading broadcasters worldwide including CCTV, BBC, ABC and Super RTL. The Octonauts official YouTube channels have delivered more than 2 billion lifetime views, with in the region of 2 million subscribers.

The property’s newest series Octonauts: Above & Beyond takes the much-loved crew of intrepid explorers beyond the sea and onto land with an exciting array of new locations, vehicles and storylines to enjoy.

 

 

Hoppy Days: new Peter Rabbit attraction is coming to Blackpool

Beloved characters from the award-winning PETER RABBIT animated TV series, produced by Silvergate Media, are set to make a new home on Blackpool’s famous seafront next year, in a partnership that marks the first stand-alone Merlin visitor attraction to be based on the series.

Developed by location-based entertainment company Merlin in partnership with Silvergate Media, Penguin Ventures (on behalf of PETER RABBIT™ brand owners Frederick Warne & Co.) and Blackpool Council, the £1 million investment has been 18 months in the making. The attraction is set to open next door to the famous Madame Tussauds Blackpool as part of a new standalone experience. The addition will join Merlin’s six other attractions in Blackpool including The Blackpool Tower and SEA LIFE Blackpool.

The new experience will provide visitors with the opportunity to hop into the world of Peter and his friends to embark on an adventure across five themed zones. Guests will need to think like a rabbit, move like a rabbit and deploy rabbit-like senses with a whole burrow-full of creativity in order to complete the challenges and earn badges – seeing if they have the skills to join the secret treehouse club. Guests will also be able to meet, greet and ‘high-paw’ with Peter himself.

“Working with Merlin on creating this attraction over the past year, pulling together ideas and new themes from the show and seeing them come to life has been such a thrill,” says Thomas Merrington, Creative Director Live & Experiential at Penguin Ventures. “This really will deliver a brand new experience and I am so excited to see how our young fans will engage with the multiple aspects of this highly interactive play attraction.”

 

 

‘Hilda and the Mountain King’ to debut on Netflix this December

Silvergate Media is readying the upcoming release of Hilda and the Mountain King, an 80-minute movie special which will launch exclusively on Netflix’s global streaming platform from 30 December.

Adapted from Luke Pearson’s sixth graphic novel in the Hilda series, Hilda and the Mountain King picks up where the cliff-hanger ending of Hilda Season 2 left off: finding Hilda stranded in troll country with the body of a troll. Her quest to change back into her human form and reunite with her mum and friends brings her deeper into the world of trolls – their customs, their cuisine, and their legends; namely the infamous Mountain King. Meanwhile, as tensions rise between the gathering trolls and the city of Trolberg, Hilda’s mum scours the mountainside desperate to find her daughter before the conflict erupts into a full blown war.

“We’re really excited to bring audiences a new feature length format with the release of Hilda and the Mountain King,” says Ron Allen, EVP Commercial at Silvergate Media. “The epic scope of the storyline gives us the opportunity to explore the full potential of Hilda’s fascinating mythical world and we think fans are going to love getting lost in the hidden depths of Trolberg this holiday season.”

Co-produced by Silvergate Media and Mercury Films, Hilda and the Mountain King marks the end to a year filled with numerous critical accolades. The show’s second season was awarded two Daytime Emmys, including Outstanding Children’s Animated Series, and three Annie Awards, including Best Animated TV Production for Children.

Other award-winning productions from Silvergate include OctonautsPeter Rabbit and Chico Bon Bon: Monkey with a Tool Belt for Netflix, and Sunny Day for Nickelodeon.

 

Silvergate Media appoints its first chief diversity officer in new commitment to ‘amplify diverse voices’

Silvergate Media has appointed its first chief diversity officer in the form of Shelli Rottman who takes on a new dual role with the firm as its EVP of Business and Legal Affairs.

In her position as both chief diversity officer and EVP of business and legal affairs, Rottman will oversee Silvergate’s growing diversity and inclusion programme currently guiding the company’s pledge to create a more equitable and welcoming working environment while, at the same time, amplifying fresh, diverse voices through mentorship and guidance.

Rottman joined Silvergate Media in 2011, and over the past decade has played a major part in heading up the company’s Business and Legal Affairs team, supporting global licensing, content distribution, business development, and production.

Prior to joining Silvergate Media, Rottman served as in-house counsel in the entertainment, fashion and publishing industries, including at Chorion, Liz Claiborne (now Kate Spade) and Condé Nast.

Silvergate recently made a commitment to magnify diverse voices throughout its creative slate with the investment in a new production ¡Vamos!, based upon the award-winning Spanish and English language work of Mexican-American author Raúl (González). Similar projects, with an emphasis on exploring different cultures and traditions, are also under consideration.

“I am thrilled to be able to make a meaningful impact in an area that is important to me,” said Rottman. “The overwhelming support for embracing new and emerging talent from different communities is clearly evident in the company’s philosophy and its substantial investment in new and exciting productions

“This is an amazing opportunity to help promote and guide the next generation of diverse storytellers and their work.”

Waheed Alli, chief executive at Silvergate Media, added: “With her unique outlook and industry expertise, Shelli is the perfect choice to lead our efforts in shaping a more diverse and inclusive company culture and to align those values with our overall business strategy.”

Silvergate Media’s animated TV series Hilda picks up two Daytime Emmy Awards

Silvergate Media has expanded its trophy collection this week, having secured a double win at the 2021 Daytime Emmy Awards for its highly acclaimed Netflix animated TV series, Hilda.

During the live streamed ceremony on Friday, Hilda found itself the recipient of the coveted award in the Outstanding Children’s Animated Series category, as well as in the Outstanding Editing in a Daytime Animated Series. The series had picked up Emmy nominations in three other categories.

The show’s latest plaudit establishes what has become a winning streak for Hilda which recently triumphed at the Annie Awards in April where it took home no fewer than three awards.

“It’s been an incredible year so far for Hilda and we’re all enormously proud of these latest Daytime Emmy Award wins,” said Waheed Alli, chief executive at Silvergate Media. “As each new season of Hilda unfolds and we go deeper into the world of Trolberg, its very gratifying to receive critical recognition at such a high level and together with Mercury Filmworks we look forward to bringing audiences more exciting adventures for Hilda in 2022.”

First launched to Netflix in September 2018, Hilda is the result of a collaborative effort between Silvergate, Mercury Filmworks and Hilda creator, Luke Pearson who first debuted the character in a popular graphic novel format.

A second season was released on December 14th 2020, delivering new adventures for the blue-haired heroine as she delves deeper into the magical wilderness of Trolberg. Through her entertaining and inspiring adventures, Hilda learns that not everyone shares her open-minded view of the ‘hidden world’, while her Mum worries that her growing rebelliousness will lead to more trouble than Hilda can handle.

Both season one and two of Hilda are now available in 130 countries on Netflix’s global platform and Silvergate has an extended special in the pipeline. There is a consumer products program in place that spans toys, games, publishing, accessories, apparel and homewares.

Octonauts to ‘make waves’ across UK Sea Life Centres this summer ahead of spin-off series launch

A series of new activity-based Octonauts trails are set to ‘make waves’ across Sea Life centres and aquariums in the UK and ANZ this summer, thanks to an extensions of an established partnership between Silvergate Media and Merlin Entertainments.

The new deal will also see an all year-long experience launch at Chang Feng Ocean World in China ahead of the launch of the new spin-off series, Octonauts: Above and Beyond later this year.

The interactive events will allow preschoolers and their families to ‘Be Captain For A Day’ as part of a themed and immersive experience which puts them centre-stage of their own Octonauts adventure, looking for Captain Barnacles alongside favourite characters from the show such as Kwazii, Peso and Inkling.

Guests to the attractions will also learn about conserving the world’s oceans as they complete tasks, challenges and activities as part of their mission.

Making a big splash from June to July in the UK, Octonauts events will be taking place at 11 UK Sea Life centre locations, including London, Manchester and Brighton, Birmingham, Blackpool, Bray, Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton, Loch Lomond, Scarborough and Weymouth from June to July.

Visitors to Australia’s Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium (August) and Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium in New Zealand (June to July) will also be able to enjoy the fully-themed family experience.

“We are delighted to bring this latest exciting Octonauts adventure to life for fans in the UK, ANZ and China as we build towards the broadcast launch of OctonautsAbove & Beyond,” said Lisa Macdonald, SVP content and consumer product sales at Silvergate Media.

“Merlin Entertainments’ world-class Sea Life centres are the perfect setting for children to fully immerse themselves in the brand and learn all about saving the oceans. Visitors will be able to embark on a real-life adventure with their favourite characters for a family day out that’s both fun and educational.”

 Rita Marcal, global head of brand and products, added: “Octonauts has such a fantastic affinity with Sea Life and our goal of inspiring guests to fall in love with the ocean and its animals through fun and education. We’re thrilled to welcome our guests to experience the event and learn about conservation with the help of the Octonauts.”

The UK and ANZ events follow close behind the recent Octonauts attraction which launched at Changfeng Ocean World in Shanghai in December 2020 and will also be hosting the new Octonauts trail throughout the year. This is the latest in a series of multi-territory partnerships between Silvergate and Sea Life aquariums, with plans to extend the roll out to the US and the rest of Europe in 2022.

The second half of 2021 promises to be an exciting time for the popular pre-school brand, which is poised for a major relaunch as it makes a welcome return to experiential events.

Silvergate is readying the global launch of the new animated spin off series Octonauts: Above & Beyond in autumn 2021 which has inspired a brand new toy line from the global master toy partner, Moose Toys, including figures, vehicles, play-sets, plush, and games set to debut at retail in 2022.