Tag Archives: WildBrain

WildBrain Spark supports Turn on the Subtitles campaign with dedicated YouTube channel for kids’ literacy

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WildBrain Spark has launched a new dedicated channel of subtitled premium content for kids on its YouTube network in support of the Turn on the Subtitles literacy campaign.

The initiative is part of a move to improve children’s literacy by meeting them where they spend their downtime. The TOTS initiative was set up by Oli Barrett MBE and Henry Warren and is now supported by over 30 government, business, charity and academic leaders.

It highlights the substantial benefits of Same Language Subtitling, which allows audiences to hear and read the same language, word for word, in real time. Research from academics in countries the world over has shown that turning on subtitles for children’s content improves their literacy significantly, particularly for kids between the ages of six and ten.

Jon Gisby, EVP and managing director at WildBrain Spark, said: “We knew we wanted to support this valuable initiative from its inception and have now launched a dedicated 100 per cent subtitled WildBrain Literacy for Kids channel. TOTS has a simple message backed by compelling research and the benefits are significant and important, as well as aligning completely with our values. With kids spending so much time at home viewing content, and parents seeking to support home-learning, this initiative is also incredibly timely.”

Oli Barrett MBE, co-founder, TOTS added: “Alongside the support of parents and teachers, we believe that responsible businesses have a potential role to play in improving the literacy of young people around the world. The leadership shown by WildBrain Spark is hugely appreciated and we hope that others will be inspired by their example.”

WildBrain Spark’s Literacy for Kids channel features popular episodes from its library of premium kids’ shows, including Yo Gabba Gabba, In the Night Garden, and Rev & Roll. New episodes will be published weekly and are available globally in English with the channel promoted across the WildBrain Spark network.

Please visit the WildBrain Spark Literacy for Kids channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY7Vk5LSArbJxETGQL6eMbw

WildBrain Spark appoints new vice president and head of US advertising sales

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WildBrain Spark, the digital media division of  the independent kids’ and family entertainment units, WildBrain has named Charles Gabriel its new vice president and head of US advertising sales.

Gabriel brings over 15 years of experience in digital advertising to the role aimed at expanding WildBrain’s digital AVOD sales efforts to its current partners, US media agencies and US brands reaching kids and families.

Over the course of his career he has built and led sales organisations inside major media companies like AOL and Disney and growth-phase startups alike. Gabriel, based in Los Angeles and New York, reports to Jon Gisby, managing director, WildBrain Spark.

“WildBrain has secured its position as a leader in premium content for kids and family audiences across linear broadcasting and SVOD, and WildBrain Spark has become one of the segment’s largest AVOD networks on YouTube,” said Gisby. “Now, we will amplify our AVOD business globally with direct ad sales. Charles’ extensive track record is perfect for WildBrain Spark as it enters this new growth phase.”

WildBrain Spark is the integrated marketing and digital network within WildBrain, the award-winning entertainment company that owns iconic IP like Peanuts, Inspector Gadget, Strawberry Shortcake, Teletubbies, Caillou, and Yo Gabba Gabba!, among others, and produces premium series like Primetime Emmy Award Nominees Carmen Sandiego for Netflix and Snoopy in Space for Apple TV+.

With over 168 million subscribers globally and over 21 million unique monthly viewers in the US, WildBrain Spark has a market-leading position in the kids’ space on YouTube, reaching over 40 per cent of kids under 13 in the territory.

“I’m excited to join WildBrain Spark to lead the growth of US Advertising at the moment when the kids AVOD sector is being shaped, streaming is at its highest, and family connections are more important than ever,” said Gabriel. “In the kids and family category, AVOD is essential for brands to reach consumers and WildBrain Spark is uniquely positioned to deliver.”

WildBrain Spark was established to bring premier entertainment to kids and families worldwide and works with many major studios, IP owners and toy companies, helping brands such as Fireman Sam, Polly Pocket, Woody Woodpecker, Popeye, LOL Surprize!, and Playmobil to connect with viewers.

Steve Manners named VP of business development at WildBrain CPLG and WildBrain Spark

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WildBrain has appointed Steve Manners to drive a new business development initiative designed to help licensors and content creators reach consumer audiences through YouTube.

In the newly created role, Manners will work with clients to build brand management programmes that leverage the blended expertise of WildBrain’s established consumer products licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG, and its WildBrain Spark network and studio.

According to the firm the initiative reflects WildBrain’s position to “offer a full approach to brand management and monetisation through its expertise in consumer products licensing, content creation, and digital distribution.”

Maarten Weck, EVP and managing director at WildBrain CPLG, said: “We have been working closely with our colleagues at WildBrain Spark as the licensing industry becomes increasingly attuned of the potential of YouTube and other digital platforms for launching, supporting or reinvigorating IP.

“Steve is the ideal person to spearhead business initiatives that help inform and support our clients as they look to navigate the digital landscape, and his new role will help maximise the synergies across our businesses.”

Jon Gisby, managing director at WildBrain Spark, added: “WildBrain Spark’s expertise in digital distribution and content creation can help IP owners and their licensees engage audiences across the world, and maximise the return on their marketing investments.

“With approximately four billion views per month on our YouTube network, we have an abundance of insights and data that can drive consumer products strategies and campaigns. In addition, we assist licensors in creating ‘always on’ content delivery on YouTube to further engage consumers and support brand activity, so it’s a natural step to harmonise our offering for IP owners.

“Steve’s experience and relationships in the licensing world will enable us to enhance our services and forge expanded and new partnerships.”

As VP, business development WildBrain CPLG and WildBrain Spark, Manners will report to Weck and Gisby. He boasts nearly 30 years’ experience in consumer products. Since 2010, he has been a key member of the management team that has seen WildBrain CPLG become one of the world’s top consumer products licensing agencies.

Manners has played an integral role at the agency in overseeing the successful programmes of key licensors and also securing new representation. Prior to CPLG, he held senior positions at 20th Century Fox, Universal and Beanstalk.

Manners added: “There is a huge opportunity for IP owners in harnessing the expertise, tools and reach of both WildBrain CPLG and WildBrain Spark – it’s a very exciting time to be at the forefront of this bold new world.

“We are uniquely positioned to offer combined expertise and services that benefit those coming from the AVOD-first space to consumer products, as well as those licensors looking to leverage YouTube as a tool.”