ZAG Studios signs new SVOD and broadcast deals for Power Players

The independent animation studio ZAG has signed multiple deals to bring the first two seasons of its 3D CGI animated-meets-live-action hybrid TV series, Power Players to SVOD and broadcast partners around the world.

ZAG has signed a non-exclusive global SVOD deal with Netflix that saw the series launch on the platform on March 5, 2020, while broadcast deals with Channel 9 in Australia, family/kids’ channel PlusPlus in Ukraine, Karusel in Russia, and Teletoon in Canada.

The new partners join a line-up of broadcast, cable and satellite TV partners including Cartoon Network US, EMEA, and Asia Pacific, France’s France Télévisions, Germany’s WDR, Brazil’s Gloob, and Discovery Latin America.

Power Players follows the adventures of Axel, a boy who transforms into a living action figure, and his unlikely team of toy heroes as they embark on the biggest “small” adventures a kid could ever imagine. Together with his team of toys brought to life, the Power Players fight the destructive fun of villainous robot Madcap and his followers.

Power Players was created by Jeremy Zag and developed in collaboration with ON Kids & Family (Mediawan Group) and Man of Action Entertainment.

“We are extremely proud of this new original creation that we developed alongside Man of Action, Cartoon Network, FTV, and Playmates Toys. It will be launching in 2020, worldwide, with the best international partners. So, now, Play on,”commented ZAG’s CEO, Jeremy Zag.

The 2020 Power Players toy collection includes an assortment of highly detailed and articulated five-inch action figures based on the TV show, as well as nine-inch deluxe action figures that are packed with electronics and sound effects.

The line also features a variety of vehicles, allowing kids to send their favourite Power Players on heroic adventures, as well as role play gear which allows kids to transform into Axel, the leader of the Power Players.

Bulldog Licensing eyes cross-category licensing partnerships for Zag Studios’ new Power Players

Discussions are underway between Bulldog Licensing and a range of potential partners for Zag Studios’ newest animated property, Power Players, as the agency works to build a licensing programme for the series across the UK and Ireland.

Power Players will launch in the UK on Cartoon Network this month. Bulldog Licensing is already eyeing partners across apparel, home, gifting, publishing and more.

The toy range from Playmates, distributed in the UK by Flair, is readying for release in Q4, along with other core merchandise, and will feature action figures, vehicles and role play items at launch. Retail reactions to the new line at the recent toy shows has been phenomenal and the range will be supported by a heavyweight marketing programme.

The TV debut will consist of 78 episodes following the adventures of a cast of super-powered characters disguised as toys, led by Axel, a human boy, who joins the smart toy world he is partly responsible for creating.

Rob Corney, MD, Bulldog Licensing, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Power Players into the Bulldog family. The fun, fast-paced series is a real showcase of the huge talent at Zag, and the strong characters and storylines have made for a colourful and creative style guide which will inspire leading licensees across categories.

“Our initial discussions with potential partners have been overwhelmingly positive, and we are looking forward to announcing new deals and rolling out the consumer products soon.”

Ian Lambur named EVP production and distribution at ZAG

The global independent animation studio ZAG has promoted Ian Lambur to the post of executive vice president, production, distribution and co-production, reporting to CEO and founder Jeremy Zag.

Lambur joined ZAG in November 2018, serving as SVP, global distribution and co-productions. He will now oversee the company’s TV productions, including several series under the Zag Heroez brand, including Ghostforce, Power Players, and Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir.

Alongside this, Lambur will continue to lead global distribution and co-production strategy of content to all platforms, including television, home entertainment, and digital media.

“Over the past eight-months, Ian has made a substantial contribution to the growth of ZAG, building on his network of extensive relationships and keen understanding of current and future media distribution platforms,” said Jeremy Zag.

“Adding oversight of production is a natural progression given Ian’s oversight of co-productions to date.”

Lambur said: “2020 is a pivotal year for ZAG with three series on air around the globe and two new series that we anticipate being greenlit in the coming months.

“We have tremendous co-production partners on board for each of our properties with a collective commitment to prioritise creativity and deliver series that we believe in, all featuring theatrical level animation that we are known for.”

Lambur joined ZAG from The Jim Henson Company, where he served as SVP of global distribution.  Previously, he held positions based in London UK at Disney Channels EMEA, serving as acquisitions manager and as director of sales at Guru Studios.