28-29 Guru Studios LSB 2021_GF.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 31/07/2021 15:21 Page 28
THE BIG INTERVIEW: GURU STUDIOS
Inset: True and the Rainbow Kingdom is proving popular on Tiny Pop in the UK.
True colours Guru Studio’s bright new preschool show, True and the Rainbow Kingdom, is already making waves in the UK, with its themes of kindness and compassion resonating with today’s young audience. LSB catches up with the Torontobased studio to find out more about the show and its licensing plans, as well as what else it has in its locker for 2021 and beyond.
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ver the course of its 20-year history, Guru Studio has been involved with the production of numerous high profile series, but over the last few years in particular it’s been making significant in-roads with new original IP. True and the Rainbow Kingdom, having enjoyed a successful launch on Netflix, is now making waves on Tiny Pop in the UK, while new series Pikwik Pack is due to premiere on the channel this autumn, with bRAND-WARD looking after the licensing and merchandising for both in the UK. “In terms of licensing, True and the Rainbow Kingdom is leading the way,” Jonathan Abraham, vp of sales and business development at Guru Studio, tells LSB. “After a very successful launch on Netflix we’re seeing the show generate Inset and far right: Jonathan Abraham, vp of sales and business extremely strong ratings development, and Frank Falcone, president and executive creative as it airs on linear director, Guru Studio.
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LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2021
television around the world. It’s very quickly becoming a top show with broadcasters and kids.” The licensing programme for the show kicked off in the US and Canada, with licensees including Chouette, Bendon, Aurora World and Spirit Halloween, while earlier this year the studio confirmed the appointment of United Smile as the exclusive master toy partner. It will be partnering with key companies in local markets for distribution, with Bandai picking up the mantle in the UK and Spain. In addition, Fashion UK Global Licensing is launching clothing and accessories, Aykroyds and TDP will be developing nightwear, Roy Lowe is on board for hosiery, Imagine8 is creating fashion and hair accessories, Smiffys has dress-up and Warner Music Group has launched a line-up of albums and songs based on the property. This has already had over five million streams on Spotify since the launch of the first album, True Tunes. “True and the Rainbow Kingdom is uniquely positioned as a colourful, vibrant preschool property with a core message that empowers children to be mindful, compassionate and respectful of all living things,” says Jonathan. “As a hero, True doesn’t wield a sword or wave a
