Tag Archives: WarnerMedia

WarnerMedia to broadcast Brave Bunnies in 20 new territories

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Glowberry, the Ukrainian creator of popular kids’ series Brave Bunnies, has announced a licensing agreement with WarnerMedia to broadcast the series in 20 territories across Southeast Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

The deal was secured for Glowberry by its exclusive content distribution partner, Aardman, who have been leading the charge for Brave Bunnies with tier-one broadcasters around the world.

The series will premiere on the Cartoonito pre-school programming block available daily on Cartoon Network, which launched on March 28 in Southeast Asia, and will debut in Australia and New Zealand in July.

The series will also be available to stream in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong on HBO GO. This latest deal strengthens the relationship with WarnerMedia as Brave Bunnies was also acquired by HBO Max for LATAM. The series will premiere mid-2022.

Olga Cherepanova, author and creative producer of Brave Bunnies, says: “We are delighted that a show we have been working on so passionately has been expanding so fast. I’m happy that alongside WarnerMedia we will reach a new audience in APAC. Our partner Aardman continues to do a great job signing up the best broadcast partners for our bunnies.”

Robin Gladman, Head of Acquisitions at Aardman, comments: “It’s a great pleasure to be working with our friends at Glowberry, to help bring Brave Bunnies to the world. The team from Ukraine are constantly in our thoughts in their current plight. Friendship and diversity sit at the core of this fabulous show, these messages are more important now than ever, and we are thrilled Warner have decided to come on board across so many territories.”

WarnerMedia’s preschool brand Cartoonito makes Asian debut

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Cartoonito, WarnerMedia’s preschool brand, has made its Asian debut. The brand launched as a dedicated morning programming block on Cartoon Network in Japan on March 1 and in Southeast Asia and Korea today (March 28). It offers a modern approach to preschool programming, built to support each child’s unique potential with its educational framework called “Humancentric Learning”.

Tentpole shows in Southeast Asia and Korea include Lucas the Spider, Dino Ranch, Monchhichi and Esme & Roy. These sit alongside a growing slate of new and library series in a line-up that celebrates individuality and originality, while championing creativity, compassion and inclusion. These shows will also sit in a dedicated Cartoonito programming rail on the regional streaming service HBO GO in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. A launch event is scheduled in Singapore in April.

In Japan, the line-up includes Thomas and Friends, Pingu, and Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. Celebrity singer Kaela Kimura sings the theme song during the daily block. Cartoonito will launch in Australia and New Zealand in early July, and in South Asia later in the year.

Leslie Lee, Head of Kids for WarnerMedia in Asia Pacific, says: “When we introduced Cartoon Network’s new brand promise ‘Redraw Your World’ earlier this year, the channel shifted to become more inclusive to boys and girls. Now with Cartoonito, our demos are even wider – creating a safe environment for even younger children to enjoy every morning with their parents and caregivers. While the content and on-air packaging are extremely appealing to youngsters, it is how the block is carefully curated and programmed which makes it stand out.”

All Cartoonito shows follow a curriculum designed by early childhood education expert Dr Laura Brown to support the four pillars of Humancentric Learning: Creativity, Caring, Curiosity and Courage. The brand aims to inspire kids to use their imagination, to learn from their mistakes and to treat others with empathy and respect.

For example, in CGI-animated, Lucas the Spider (Fresh TV in association with WexWorks Media with CAKE) curious jumping spider, Lucas, frequently demonstrates characteristics of all four pillars in his many adventures.

This follows the launch of Cartoonito in the US in September 2021 on Cartoon Network and HBO Max, and in EMEA in February 2022.

 

WarnerMedia’s preschool brand Cartoonito makes Asian debut

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Cartoonito, WarnerMedia’s preschool brand, has made its Asian debut. The brand launched as a dedicated morning programming block on Cartoon Network in Japan on March 1 and in Southeast Asia and Korea today (March 28). It offers a modern approach to preschool programming, built to support each child’s unique potential with its educational framework called “Humancentric Learning”.

Tentpole shows in Southeast Asia and Korea include Lucas the Spider, Dino Ranch, Monchhichi and Esme & Roy. These sit alongside a growing slate of new and library series in a line-up that celebrates individuality and originality, while championing creativity, compassion and inclusion. These shows will also sit in a dedicated Cartoonito programming rail on the regional streaming service HBO GO in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. A launch event is scheduled in Singapore in April.

In Japan, the line-up includes Thomas and Friends, Pingu, and Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. Celebrity singer Kaela Kimura sings the theme song during the daily block. Cartoonito will launch in Australia and New Zealand in early July, and in South Asia later in the year.

Leslie Lee, Head of Kids for WarnerMedia in Asia Pacific, says: “When we introduced Cartoon Network’s new brand promise ‘Redraw Your World’ earlier this year, the channel shifted to become more inclusive to boys and girls. Now with Cartoonito, our demos are even wider – creating a safe environment for even younger children to enjoy every morning with their parents and caregivers. While the content and on-air packaging are extremely appealing to youngsters, it is how the block is carefully curated and programmed which makes it stand out.”

All Cartoonito shows follow a curriculum designed by early childhood education expert Dr Laura Brown to support the four pillars of Humancentric Learning: Creativity, Caring, Curiosity and Courage. The brand aims to inspire kids to use their imagination, to learn from their mistakes and to treat others with empathy and respect.

For example, in CGI-animated, Lucas the Spider (Fresh TV in association with WexWorks Media with CAKE) curious jumping spider, Lucas, frequently demonstrates characteristics of all four pillars in his many adventures.

This follows the launch of Cartoonito in the US in September 2021 on Cartoon Network and HBO Max, and in EMEA in February 2022.

 

Pop-up The Batman experience swoops into Singapore

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WarnerMedia has unveiled a unique pop-up experience, The Batman “Unmask The Truth”, in the heart of Singapore’s famous shopping district on Orchard Road.

The interactive event, which was made possible with the support of Singapore Tourism Board and local partners XM Studios, Secretlab and Shopee, as well as global partners LEGO, Spinmaster and McFarlane, will be open daily from February 25 to March 13, and is timed to run alongside the theatrical launch of The Batman in cinemas.

The Batman “Unmask The Truth” pop-up event, at Level 1 of Shaw House, Orchard Road, offers the perfect selfie location with a life-sized Muckle figure of The Batman, a replica Bat Signal and a thematic photo booth. Attendees have the perfect chance to recreate their own movie poster with the movie’s distinctive red-and-blue lighting.

On site, there will be displays of limited-edition merch from local Singaporean brands. XM Studios has released a collectible showcase – The Batman’s Greatest Battles – while Secretlab will unveil the latest addition of the all-new The Batman Movie Edition chair with a magnetically detachable Bat Emblem – the first for any gaming chair.

Fans looking to purchase movie-themed memorabilla can also visit Shopee from February 27 to March 13 and look out for attractive deals and giveaway prizes to be won. Via the e-commerce platform, other DC products from LEGO, Spinmaster and McFarlane will also be on show.

Passersby and shoppers who are around in the evening can look across the street to ION Orchard and catch the Bat Signal for the ultimate photo opp. Every night from 7-10pm, the iconic distress call will shine out from the mall’s enormous ambient screen.

 

DC fans can also participate in The Riddler’s Challenge, an interactive online riddle-based game sending players on a journey down Orchard Road as they test their knowledge about Singapore’s famous shopping stretch. The first 2,000 participants who register for the challenge on the event microsite will redeem an exclusive “The Riddler’s Pack” containing The Batman-themed merchandise. Superfans who complete all of the riddles and share why they are the biggest fan of The Batman stand a chance to win the grand prize worth S$400.

For more details of the event, visit DCTheBatmanExp.com.  

The Batman premieres in cinemas internationally, including Korea on March 1, Indonesia and Philippines on March 2, and in Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia on March 3. The movie opens in India and the US on March 4.

WarnerMedia’s streaming service HBO GO will feature 35 Batman-related titles during the campaign month.

 

WarnerMedia Kids & Family greenlights Cartoon Saloon’s 
Silly Sundays for Cartoonito 

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WarnerMedia Kids & Family has greenlit Silly Sundays from Cartoon Saloon for its new Cartoonito preschool block on HBO Max and Cartooon Network. Created by Oscar-nominated producer Nuria González Blanco (Late Afternoon), the animated series follows cousins Sonia, Hugo and Mel on fun, unexpected adventures at their family get-togethers. Silly Sundays will debut in 2023 before making its international debut in LATAM and EMEA.

“I would like to thank WarnerMedia Kids & Family for choosing to partner with us on Silly Sundays!,” says Paul Young, Cartoon Saloon co-founder and producer. We are so delighted to be reunited with their talented team again for this new show that is going to be very funny and sunny, just like it’s creator Nuria Blanco.”

Adina Pitt, Vice President, Partnerships, Acquisitions and Co-Productions for the Americas, WarnerMedia Kids and Family adds: “Cartoon Saloon is an esteemed studio that masterfully approaches storytelling with love and humanity, and Silly Sundays is another great example of how the beloved studio perfectly captures the essence of family bonding.”

Nuria will direct alongside Fabian Erlinghäuser (Dorg Van Dango, Wolfwalkers, The Breadwinner). The show is developed and produced with assistance from Fís Éirean/Screen Ireland and Creative Europe.

Cartoon Saloon Brand Development will handle ancillary and merchandising and once again Cartoon Saloon will partner with Superights (Puffin Rock) for sales outside the WarnerMedia regions.

The series is currently in production at Cartoon Saloon’ studio in Kilkenny, Ireland. In addition to airing on Cartoonito across U.S., LATAM and EMEA, RTE will also broadcast Silly Sundays in Ireland.

Wonder Woman comes to the catwalk with Nivedita Saboo’s latest collection

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Warner Bros Consumer Products and Indian fashion designer Nivedita Saboo have announced a new collection inspired by Wonder Woman, the iconic DC Super Hero. In celebration of Wonder Woman’s 80th anniversary, Nivedita launched her range on October 15 at the St Regis, Mumbai, as a part of The Bombay Times Fashion Week.

The collection draws inspiration from the architecture, history and the spirit of the Amazonian warriors in Themyscira who support and uplift each other.

Vikram Sharma, Head of Consumer Products, Advertising & Partnerships, WarnerMedia India, Southeast Asia & Korea says: “This month marks the 80th Anniversary of Wonder Woman. She has a lasting legacy as a pop culture icon and even today is an inspiration to fans. Nivedita has captured this spirit in her stunning new collection.”

Nivedita added: “This collaboration with Warner Bros to design their prêt and couture collections truly resonates with my signature style. The custom-created digital prints, sharp seams, precision cuts and intricate techniques of detailing infuse the qualities and ethos of Wonder Woman in the womenswear and menswear ensembles. This couture collection is specially created to celebrate our Indian culture, weddings and festivals. Wonder Woman as a superhero is very close to my heart since she resonates with me, my team of wonder women and all the lives that we touch every single day while we create new products and collections. I am looking forward to launching this collection in India.”

Nivedita is an award-winning designer who has showcased her collections at fashion weeks in London, Paris, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Colombo and all major cities in India. The collection will be available at her stores in Pune and Mumbai and on her online store at www.NiveditaSaboo.com

One Animation adds new global deals for ‘Oddbods’ and ‘Insectibles’

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Award-winning content creation, distribution and licensing studio One Animation has secured new deals with global VOD platforms and digital partners across the short-form, long-form and seasonal specials of its hit CG-animated series Oddbods, and comedy adventure series Insectibles (52 x 11’).

In the US, Peacock has recently debuted 20 half-hour compilations of the short-form version of Oddbods and season one of Insectibles on its platform. Ketchup TV has acquired VOD rights to season one of Oddbods’ long-form series and themed compilations for the US, UK and Australia. Also for the UK, Discovery has picked up season two of Oddbods’ short-form series and renewed its deal for short-form season one for Discovery’s VOD services.

For Latin America, WarnerMedia has taken SVOD rights for HBOMax for season three of Oddbods’ long-form series and seasonal special ‘The Festive Menace’ (1 x 22’), with both titles also available on Cartoon Network and Boomerang. The long-form version of Oddbods seasons one and two, as well as themed compilations, are also now available on Amazon Prime in new territories, including France, Japan and Latin America.

In a further deal, the Indonesian digital content distributor Migo has taken Oddbods’ short-form compilations (81 x 5’) for its SVOD content delivery network via Migo Download Stations hosted at local retail locations. Additionally, to create a unique experience in-store, customers who purchase Migo’s entertainment pass will receive Oddbods character face masks to help in the fight against COVID-19.

Michele Schofield, SVP Content Distribution at One Animation, says: “It’s fantastic to welcome on board these latest top-tier partners and to make the series even more accessible to new and long-standing fans. Both Oddbods and Insectibles are all about celebrating friendship and teamwork, as well as promoting the power of positivity, so are ideally placed to cross borders and bring joy to families all over the world.”

Oddbods is a three-time Emmy Award-nominated, non-dialogue comedy featuring seven adorable, highly unique pals. Together, despite their differences, they survive the perils of everyday life, unintentionally turning ordinary situations into unexpected, extraordinary, and always humorous events. Quirky but totally charming, Oddbods celebrates individuality in a funny, warm and unexpected way.

Targeting kids aged 6–9 years, Insectibles is a comedy adventure series which follows the adventures of Zak, Gramps and three bio-mechanically enhanced insects as they search for the missing pieces of the ‘Shrinkinator’ – the crazy invention that shrunk Zak and Gramps before it exploded – while evading their enemies.

Singapore-based One Animation is an award-winning animation studio, content producer, digital influencer and distribution company with content that is broadcast in over 180 countries worldwide.  Broadcast partners include Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Cartoon Network and Disney. Oddbods has a staggering 25 billion views across digital platforms, and 26 million subscribers on YouTube. In the last five years, the company has been nominated for more than 20 international awards, including three Emmy nominations for Best Kids’ Animation. The company also has an extensive footprint across retail, gaming and theme parks that include strategic partnerships with Amazon, Walmart, Google, SEGA and China Media Capital.

 

One Animation adds new global deals for ‘Oddbods’ and ‘Insectibles’

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Award-winning content creation, distribution and licensing studio One Animation has secured new deals with global VOD platforms and digital partners across the short-form, long-form and seasonal specials of its hit CG-animated series Oddbods, and comedy adventure series Insectibles (52 x 11’).

In the US, Peacock has recently debuted 20 half-hour compilations of the short-form version of Oddbods and season one of Insectibles on its platform. Ketchup TV has acquired VOD rights to season one of Oddbods’ long-form series and themed compilations for the US, UK and Australia. Also for the UK, Discovery has picked up season two of Oddbods’ short-form series and renewed its deal for short-form season one for Discovery’s VOD services.

For Latin America, WarnerMedia has taken SVOD rights for HBOMax for season three of Oddbods’ long-form series and seasonal special ‘The Festive Menace’ (1 x 22’), with both titles also available on Cartoon Network and Boomerang. The long-form version of Oddbods seasons one and two, as well as themed compilations, are also now available on Amazon Prime in new territories, including France, Japan and Latin America.

In a further deal, the Indonesian digital content distributor Migo has taken Oddbods’ short-form compilations (81 x 5’) for its SVOD content delivery network via Migo Download Stations hosted at local retail locations. Additionally, to create a unique experience in-store, customers who purchase Migo’s entertainment pass will receive Oddbods character face masks to help in the fight against COVID-19.

Michele Schofield, SVP Content Distribution at One Animation, says: “It’s fantastic to welcome on board these latest top-tier partners and to make the series even more accessible to new and long-standing fans. Both Oddbods and Insectibles are all about celebrating friendship and teamwork, as well as promoting the power of positivity, so are ideally placed to cross borders and bring joy to families all over the world.”

Oddbods is a three-time Emmy Award-nominated, non-dialogue comedy featuring seven adorable, highly unique pals. Together, despite their differences, they survive the perils of everyday life, unintentionally turning ordinary situations into unexpected, extraordinary, and always humorous events. Quirky but totally charming, Oddbods celebrates individuality in a funny, warm and unexpected way.

Targeting kids aged 6–9 years, Insectibles is a comedy adventure series which follows the adventures of Zak, Gramps and three bio-mechanically enhanced insects as they search for the missing pieces of the ‘Shrinkinator’ – the crazy invention that shrunk Zak and Gramps before it exploded – while evading their enemies.

Singapore-based One Animation is an award-winning animation studio, content producer, digital influencer and distribution company with content that is broadcast in over 180 countries worldwide.  Broadcast partners include Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Cartoon Network and Disney. Oddbods has a staggering 25 billion views across digital platforms, and 26 million subscribers on YouTube. In the last five years, the company has been nominated for more than 20 international awards, including three Emmy nominations for Best Kids’ Animation. The company also has an extensive footprint across retail, gaming and theme parks that include strategic partnerships with Amazon, Walmart, Google, SEGA and China Media Capital.

 

WarnerMedia Kids & Family acquires animated series Dodo from CAKE for HBO Max and Cartoon Network

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Leading kids’ and family entertainment specialist CAKE has announced a deal with WarnerMedia Kids & Family for Wildseed Studios’ animated kids’ comedy series Dodo. Based on the multi-award-winning short film and YouTube hit Not the End of the World by British creator and series director Jack Bennett, Dodo (20 x 11 minutes) perfectly depicts the drama every child experiences during middle school through the character of 11-year-old Joe Connolly and his friends Frisbo, Pete and Lily. The series will air on HBO Max and Cartoon Network in 2022.

Ed Galton, CEO at CAKE says, “We are delighted to bring Joe’s dramas to audiences in the US. His hilarious adventures will resonate with and delight children, who can identify with his experiences as well as parents, who will remember their school days with fond nostalgia.”

“Whether our middle-school memories were fraught with tears or laughter we all went through them, and they are perfectly captured in this intensely profound comedy,” says Adina Pitt, Vice President, Partnerships, Acquisitions and Co-Productions for the Americas, WarnerMedia Kids and Family. “CAKE has delivered yet again a hilariously palpable story that kids can identify and laugh along with.”

Dodo is produced by Helen Stern (Gumball), directed by creator Jack Bennett, with the support of Ben Ward (Horrible Histories) on scripting and with executive guidance provided by Wildseed’s Head of Kids and Animation Sarah Mattingley. Produced by BAFTA-winning Wildseed Studios (The Last Bus for Netflix, Counterfeit) in association with Birkdale Film and Television, Toonz Media Group in India and Telegael in Ireland, Dodo is a Sky Original.

CAKE is a leading independent entertainment company specialising in the production, distribution, development, financing and brand development of kids’ and family properties. CAKE Productions Ltd supports CAKE’s development and production activities on shared and originated projects. With over 13 properties in development, productions include Angry Birds: Summer Madness for Netflix; Mama K’s Team 4 with Triggerfish Animation for Netflix; Angelo Rules with TeamTO for France Télévisions, Canal+ and Super RTL, Space Chickens in Space with Anima Estudios for Disney EMEA; Pablo with Paper Owl for CBeebies and Mush-Mush & The Mushables with La Cabane and Thuristar currently premiering internationally on Boomerang.

 

WarnerMedia to donate more than $400,000 in branded face mask proceeds to UNICEF’s Global Education Fund

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WarnerMedia has announced it will donate more than $400,000 in proceeds generated from sales of branded face masks featuring DC, Wizarding World, Looney Tunes and other iconic WarnerMedia properties, to UNICEF’s Global Education Fund. The donation will support UNICEF education programmes to help ensure every child has equitable access to learning opportunities and could help 86,000 children continue their education during times of emergency through the distribution of 2,000 School-in-a-Box kits.

During 2020, as the world grappled with the pandemic, Warner Bros. Consumer Products EMEA joined forces with its licensees to create face masks featuring logos and characters from the DC Universe, the Wizarding World, Looney Tunes and other iconic WarnerMedia properties. The donation from the proceeds of these mask sales will now help UNICEF address the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19 on learning. Last year, more than 1 billion students were affected by school closures. Vulnerable and hard-to-reach children continue to be in danger of dropping out of the education system altogether because of significant inequities in access to remote learning widening the education gap.

“We thank our partners for joining with us to create face masks that provided a bit of inspiration – and added safety – during a very challenging time,” says Julian Moon, Senior Vice President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products EMEA.  “We are humbled by the response to the masks, and are thrilled to fund a donation to UNICEF’s Global Education Fund that will help children whose learning was impacted.”

As part of UNICEF’s Global Education program, the School-in-a-Box kits have become a part of the standard response in emergencies and used in many back-to-school operations around the world. Containing supplies and materials for a teacher and up to 40 students, the kits help ensure the continuation of children’s education by the first 72 hours of an emergency. WarnerMedia’s donation can also enable UNICEF to collect and transfer online and remote learning resources onto a digital learning platform, which allows out-of-school children to access quality learning opportunities.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, part of WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences, extends the Studio’s portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBCP partners with licensees globally on an award-winning range of toys, fashion, home décor, and publishing inspired by franchises and properties such as DC, Wizarding World, Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, HBO, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. The division’s successful global themed entertainment business includes experiences such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.