STUDIO 100 MEDIA NEW LEADERSHIP
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MIPJR 2019
THE "MOLANG" SVOD SUCCESS
"44 CATS" ARE CONQUERING THE WORLD
#167 ∙ YEAR 20 ∙ OCTOBER 2019
2ble Click
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COMING SHOWS
DISNEY+ WILL LAUNCH ITS SERVICE FEATURING TITLES WITH ORIGINAL IPS LIKE OBI-WAN KENOBI, MS. MARVEL, AND MUPPETS NOW.
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THE NEW DISNEY+ PLATFORM
DISNEY EXPERIENCE
MORE POST-LAUNCH ORIGINALS
DISNEY+ WILL ALSO LAUNCH MORE TITLES, SET TO PREMIERE AFTER THE SERVICE LAUNCHES.
WITH GLOBAL LAUNCH DATES DURING NEXT MONTH, DSNEY+ WILL HAVE A MONTHLY PRICE OF $6.99 OR AN ANNUAL RATE OF $69.99 IN THE US (PRICING VARIES OUTSIDE U.S.).
APC KIDS SECURES DEAL FOR “KID-E-CATS” APC Kids, the children’s entertainment division of APC Studios, has secured a key deal for its international hit series “Kid-E-Cats” with Sky Kids in the UK and Ireland. Sky has acquired non-exclusive SVOD rights for seasons 1 and 2. Season 1 was launched last month and season 2 will air on March 2020. The series is based on an original Russian series produced by CTC Media and Studio Metrafilms and is the second-best performing pre-school series in Russia. The third season is currently in production following a commission from CTC last year. First two seasons are available on Nick Jr in over 170 territories. •
NETFLIX ENTERS INTO OVERALL DEAL WITH KUKU STUDIOS Netflix has entered into a multi-year overall agreement with Kuku Studios, under which its key members, Alex Woo, Stanley Moore, Tim Hahn, and Erik Benson, will exclusively produce animated films and series for Netflix members worldwide. Their credits include “Ratatouille,” “Wall-e,” “Toy Story 3,” “Monster’s University,” and “Finding Dory,” among others. Kuku Studios’ first project for Netflix is the upcoming “Go! Go! Cory Carson”, a preschool series based on the hit toy line “Go! Go! Smart Wheels” from VTech Electronics, which launches on Netflix early in 2020. Their first (yet untitled) animated feature film with Netflix, which explores the power and magic of dreams, has been greenlit and will be produced out of Kuku’s Berkeley based studio. •
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9 STORY EXPNADS “DR. PANDA” FOOTPRINT 9 Story Distribution International has secured multiple international sales for the first season of the 3D animated preschool series “Dr. Panda” (39x7’). New broadcast deals include Cartoonito Italy, RTL Kids Netherlands & Luxembourg, YLE Finland, TVNZ New Zealand, and HITN Latin America and US Hispanic. The series was also licensed to Roku in the US, and to the kids learning app Azoomee for the US, UK, Eire, Sweden, Malta and South Africa. 9 Story previously announced that it had acquired worldwide distribution rights to “Dr. Panda,” excluding China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and selectes rights within MENA in September 2018. •
CAKE TO LAUNCH “MUSHMUSH & THE MUSHABLES” Kids’ distributor Cake, France’s La Cabane, and Belgium’s Thuristar will launch “Mush-Mush & the Mushables” at Mipcom, a new CGI comedy adventure series. The series will be aired in 2020 internationally on Boomerang (in addition to Turner Kids channels Cartoon Network, Boing, and POGO in select markets), Canal+ Family and Piwi+ in France, on VRT-Ketnet and RTBF in Belgium, on RTS Switzerland, and on RTL Telekids Netherlands. Copyrights Group, brand owner and licensing agent for “Paddington,” have been appointed as the global licensing agent and will launch the IP at Brand Licensing Europe 2019. With original drawings by Elfriede de Rooster, the series is directed by Joeri Christiaen and produced by La Cabane and Thuristar in coproduction with Cake, which will distribute the series worldwide. •
SUPERIGHTS’ NEW “HORN QUARTET” STRIKES SALES Superights recently acquired the distribution rights to the second opus of the Horn Quartet, “Up to the Mountain”. Both specials have been produced by Vivement Lundi!, whose latest project was highly acclaimed at Cartoon Forum in Toulouse. The distribution company already secured sales with Canadian national broadcaster Télé-Québec, Irish channel TG4, and Chinese distributor WeKids. The first opus, “Cow Trip to the Sea”, has been picked up by broadcasters like VRT Belgium, TG4 Ireland, RTS Switzerland, and Télé-Québec in Canada; as well by the Thai pay-TV channel TrueVisions, and Chinese distributor WeKids. •
DHX MEDIA REBRANDS TO WILDBRAIN DHX Media confirmed that it will change its name to WildBrain and has begun rolling out a new corporate brand identity. Additionally, the company commenced a management and business reorganization to advance its strategic priorities and has appointed Eric Ellenbogen as its new Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chair. “In fiscal 2019 we advanced our priorities of creating premium content, growing our AVOD business, improving our cash flow and strengthening our balance sheet. In Q4 2019, revenue rose 12% to $108.8 million and adjusted EBITDA was up 26% to $20.2 million,” he stated. “Rebranding as WildBrain embraces our commitment to creativity, imagination and innovation, and our 360° approach to brand management. Now is time to unify all the parts of our company under both the name and entrepreneurial culture that WildBrain represents,” Ellenbogen added. •
BRAND-WARD TO MANAGE UK LICENSING FOR “GIGANTOSAURUS” bRAND-WARD is the newly formed IP consultancy business with Jean-Philippe Randisi and Trudi Hayward, helping owners and creators to monetize their IP regionally and globally. “Gigantosaurus” brings to life Jonny Duddle’s book published by Templar, which has sold more than 250,000 copies in the UK and 450,000 globally. Cyber Group Studios started an extensive global licensing program for “Gigantosaurus,” with already has on board partners like Jakks Pacific as master toy licensee and Outright Games, which will launch a videogame to be published for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Publishing remains a priority for the IP, with Templar planning to publish the first of 40 new TV tie-in books across Europe in 2020. •
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DISTRIBUTION
THE “44 CATS” PHENOMENON GOES GLOBAL RAINBOW’S LATEST CULT “44 CATS” IS A RELIABLE IP THAT KEEPS GROWING IN TERMS OF POPULARITY AND LICENSING, WITH RECORD-BREAKING TV RATINGS, AND A MASSIVE SPREAD TO THE FIVE CONTINENTS. THE SECOND SEASON OF THE SHOW IS COMING TO MIPJR.
CRISTIANA BUZZELLI
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“44 CATS”
ainbow’s latest cult “44 Cats” is a reliable brand that keeps growing in terms of popularity and licensing, with record-breaking TV ratings and a massive spread to the five continents. The Italian-based global content company has sold its 52 x 13’ preschool CGI animation show to broadcasting partners such as Nickelodeon (USA and International), Discovery Kids Latin America, POP UK, France Télévisions, Super RTL Germany, Carousel Russia, Plus Plus Ukraine, Cartoon Network (MENA, Turkey), Yoopa Canada, TVP Poland, Global TV Indonesia, MTVA Hungary, TV3 Baltics, and NOVA TV Croatia. Rainbow’s explosive mix of music and comedy is an established success both on free and pay TV, also available on SVOD leader Netflix and in China, on digital platforms Tencent and Youku. “The show has a very nice story because it talks about inclusion and diversity. We have 21 original songs, and all are adapted to the language of the airing territory. Besides to be a story-driven by the characters, music also plays a fundamental role,” Cristiana Buzzelli, SVP of Content & Consumer Products Licensing at Rainbow, stated. On the licensing side, “44 Cats” is enjoying a tremendous growth, with partnerships signed before the show even debuted. Toy Plus is the master toy partner. Simba Dickie Group is the toy distributor for Europe and the Middle East; Unitoys is the exclusive distributor for Russia, and Bandai America is in charge of USA and Canada. Major deals are in place with prestigious partners such as Artsana, Ravensburger, Clementoni, John Toys, and Amscan. “Rainbow is not the type of studio that focuses on ten shows per year. We work with one or two titles, and we put all our energies there,” Buzzelli said. The “44 Cats” hit is also a cultural phenomenon that is conquering fans on social media platforms like YouTube, where it has grown in terms of subscribers and views. 4
The show also turned into a live show that debuted in Italy and is going to tour this fall. The next step for Rainbow is to launch the second season of the show (52 x 13’) at MipJr and Mipcom.
“2 HAPPY FARMERS”
PINOCCHIO
RELOADED CATALOG Rainbow is developing preschool productions, aiming to create animation with the highest standards for worldwide preschool target, while introducing original educational content. Upcoming “2 Happy Farmers” is part of this broader vision. The new 3D animated show is aimed at a 2-5 preschool audience. One of the most anticipated news from Rainbow for MipJr is related to a worldwide classic: Pinocchio. The company will give new life to the world-famous Italian fairy tale, written by Carlo Collodi. The show will have modern-key adaptations and top-quality CGI technology. The classic adventures of Pinocchio will unfold in modern times, and the show will have a unique storyline that will involve children in a show that combines adventure, friendship, and fantasy. “The story and narrative is always the key to a show. Every time you have a good story, it will generate a space in the market for it,” Buzzelli said. By Diego Alfagemez
INTERVIEW
“OUR PRODUCTIONS ARE CREATED AROUND A WORLD OF STRONG VALUES” MARTIN KRIEGER
MARTIN KRIEGER, BRAND-NEW CEO OF STUDIO 100 MEDIA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES STUDIO 100 FILM, M4E, AND STUDIO ISAR ANIMATION, DISCUSSES THE COMPANY’S STRATEGY AND HIS GOALS FROM THIS NEW POSITION.
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arlier this year, Studio 100 appointed Martin Krieger as CEO of Studio 100 Media and its subsidiaries Studio 100 Film, m4e, and the newly formed Studio Isar Animation. Krieger took on this role after years of experience within the media and marketing industry, including an excellent track record in leading the global content distribution team of Studio 100 previously. To discuss its strategy and its goals from his new position, Señal News interviewed Krieger.
How were your first weeks as CEO of Studio 100 Media?
“It’s great to be back at Studio 100, and one of the first things that impressed me very much was the development slate from our studios, which sets the right path for a successful future. Having worked with the distribution team of Studio 100 Media for many years, I am thrilled to be able to hit the ground knowing both the international and local structures, the people and key brands by heart. However, the range of tasks as CEO is completely different to what I have done before, which is, of course, a huge challenge, but this makes it the more exciting”. 6
What is your strategy, and what are your future goals?
“We are continuing to strive to make the best use of all the group’s synergies. At this point, it is essential to enter the development process for new content in close collaboration between our studios and our distribution, licensing, and marketing experts. We are increasing our development slate and our production output of series and feature films significantly over the next couple of years by creating various shows and feature films for diverse audiences. At the same time, we will continue looking for partnerships with other creators and experienced producers who have projects in later stages of development, whether for distribution or co-production of their content. Studio 100 will remain true to its claim: producing high-value and non-violent family entertainment while meeting the needs of our co-production partners and for any other different requirements”.
MIP’S HISHLIGHTS “100% Wolf” Flying Bark Productions “Heidi” (season 2) “Tip the mouse” (season 3)
What is your focus in terms of production?
“Our distribution, licensing, and creative teams research and observe the market very closely in order to develop a production slate that is geared towards meeting the current needs of international broadcasters, platforms, and most importantly, the audience. Our productions are created around a world of strong values, always including friendship, adventure, and openness. We offer kids a high potential of identification and include important themes like diversity, reaching your potentials or coping with any peer pressure while finding your path. These are universal topics, but it’s important to offer kids some guidance through our content”.
How do you see Studio 100 Media’s positioning in the kids’ environment?
“As an independent group within the kids and family entertainment sector, we have a huge opportunity to grow and flourish in the years ahead, because we have a unique mixture of production, media, and leisure activities. We can develop any content with any technique completely in-house, use digital platforms like YouTube to promote our content which is distributed on every channel, while it is prolonged to feature films which are released theatrically. Licensing and merchandising attract and bind our target groups to our brands. Everything is offered from one single source. For us, this is the key to meet any new challenges in the kid’s environment”. By Federico Marzullo
INTERVIEW
“BAT PAT“
“ROBOT TRAINS“ “HEIDI“
“WE ARE SUCCESSFULLY DIVERSIFYING OUR SLATE” MARIA BONARIA FOIS
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MARIA BONARIA FOIS, CEO OF MONDO TV IBEROAMÉRICA, DEFINES THE BUSINESS POTENTIAL OF THE COMPANY’S LAST PRODUCTIONS AND HIGHLIGHTS THE VALUE OF THE RECENT PARTNERSHIPS WITH RTVE AND TOON 2 TANGO.
or Mondo TV Iberoamérica, 2019 has been a year full of projects and new challenges. One of the main objectives of the company is to expand the target audience for its productions. With original fiction productions ongoing, Mondo TV has also begun to distribute third-party content. In an exclusive conversation with Señal News, Maria Bonaria Fois, CEO of Mondo TV Iberoamérica, details the strategy. What are the new projects that you are bringing to MipJr and Mipcom? “We are living productive and positive times for Mondo TV Group. We remain strong in children’s programming, but we are also successfully diversifying our slate. One of our most innovative projects is ‘House of Talent,’ a teen show, which is a relatively new area for us. The series has 260 episodes of 10 minutes, co-produced by Mondo TV and House of Talent. It also has a web series, because it brings together more than 20 of the most followed influencers on Instagram and Tik Tok in the Italian market”. How would you describe the distribution business of the company in 2019? “Distribution is a traditional strength 8
of Mondo TV Iberoamerica and is more important than ever. We are working on a growing animation catalog, with the highlight of ‘MeteoHeroes,’ a 2D animation with 52 episodes of seven minutes. The action-comedy series is set to launch on May 2020. Another leading show for us is ‘Robot Trains’. The second season was launched throughout Europe and a third season is on its way. Moreover, I must highlight the continuing expansion of our Tenerife pre-production studio, Mondo TV Producciones Canarias. The facility is working on the Group’s main titles: ‘MeteoHeroes,’ ‘Bat Pat,’ ‘Invention Story,’ and ‘Disco Dragon’”. What is the international potential of RTVE co-prod "Bat Pat"? “The deal with RTVE represents an important new stage for Mondo TV Iberoamerica. It is our first co-production with the Spanish broadcaster, and it certainly underlines the growth of our studios in Canary. Having the Spanish public broadcaster on board for such a delightful animated show will increase its potential in international markets. The show is full of comedy, humor, and weird adventures”.
Will the partnership with Toon 2 Tango increase the production slate of Mondo? “It is too early to discuss specific projects, but this is an exciting opportunity for both parties. We look forward to building new, high-end, and successful cross-media brands. The agreement with Toon 2 Tango is a significant partnership for Mondo, helping us to build a stronger presence in Northern Europe through a partnership with a striking force in children’s and family entertainment”. How do you analyze the potential of co-productions for Mondo TV? “We are strongly involved in coproductions, where we will have more business opportunities. We are witnessing a huge wave of original productions around the world, in addition to a clear trend for local language content. New ideas need financing, and that’s the potential of co-producing. Co-productions are even more attractive when two or more regions are involved. When experienced and talented companies join forces to create high-end content, the result is often greater than the sum of its parts”. By Diego Alfagemez
DISTRIBUTION
THE SVOD GLOBAL SMASH OF “MOLANG” LISE COSENTINO, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS AT MILLIMAGES, DEFINES THE INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION OF THE ANIMATED SERIES IN THE SVOD ARENA AND EXPLAINS ITS MASSIVE IMPACT ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
LISE COSENTINO
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ipJr and Mipcom will welcome one of the most successful kids’ shows: “Molang”. Emmynominated French producer Millimages has sold the animated series to CCTV China and closed multiple licensing agreements with Benelux companies, expanding the international reach of the title. “Molang” is already familiar to Chinese audiences, especially on the WeChat and Kakaotalk apps, where the emoticons are widely used. Millimages has also closed several deals last year, including China’s most significant platforms Tencent, Alibaba SVOD (Youku, Tudo), and Mango TV after premiering on iQIYI. E-commerce giant Alibaba is the exclusive licensing agent for Mainland China. The series is currently present in more than 180 territories, and now stands out for its extensive range on worldwide SVOD platforms. “The potential of the series is wide because ‘Molang’ is watched by preschoolers and by adults, and it is available in SVOD platforms, not only at kids’ areas,” Lise Cosentino, Director of Marketing and Communications at Millimages, said in an interview with Señal News. The animated series centers on the friendship between Molang, an eccentric, joyful and enthusiastic rabbit; and Piu Piu, a shy, discreet and emotional little
chick. Together, they embrace everyday adventures with warmth and humor. One of the main attractions of “Molang” is the absence of dialogue in the series (different from a non-verbal program). “The characters speak a language, but everybody can understand it. The show is international in its essence. Also, the design of the animation is appealing to the entire world and all ages,” Cosentino stated. MORE “MOLANG” Released three years ago, with three TV seasons and nine TV specials, “Molang” is a cutest family TV series which share universal values such as happiness, friendship, and empathy. The show has also achieved immense success in digital platforms, with 1.7 million followers worldwide, 5 million interactions in 2018, doubling its YouTube subscribers in 2018. Moreover, the brand has two master toy licensees, more than 45 worldwide licensees, and 700 exclusive products. Regarding the company’s sales strategy to reach global digital platforms, Cosentino described that the absence of a dubbing process is market leverage. “We don’t have any dubbing issue because the show is non-dialogue. We sell the series by season and non-exclusively. Some platforms are pan-regional, and some are national. We want ‘Molang’ to be aired and watched everywhere, at any time. Moreover, we have produced many additional contents only for non-linear platforms, such as individual episodes, games, and activities,” Cosentino said. The success obtained in digital platforms only consolidates the brand’s reputation. “The series was already strong on TV before we have launched it on SVOD platforms,” she added. By Romina Rodríguez
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ANNECY 2019 01 Monca Levy and David Michel (Federation) 02 Cristiana Buzzelli (Rainbow) 03 Pero Citaristi (Superights) 04 Award Winners for the 2019 Espoirs De L’animation, by Gulli, Canal J & Tiji 05 Norayr Gyuzalyan and Ruben Gyuzalyan (Aa Studio)
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06 An Honorary Cristal For Jean-François Laguionie (Ici Avechere with Marcel Jean) 07 Toy Story 4 Screening Event 08 Interactive Creations & Transmedia Event 09 Harry Teper (Blue Ant Media) 10 Morgann Favennec (Xilam) 11 Michael Margulis and Elena Margulis (Kapi Animation) 12 Alvaro Ceppi (Zoombastico) and Leyla Formoso (Nelvana) 13 Masterclass The Titmouse Secret Antonio Canobbio, Chris Prynoski, Sébastien Sperer 14 Carlo Forester (The Kitchen) 12
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QUICKIES
VIACOM’S “CLUB 57” REACHES DREAMIA
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iacom International Studios Americas closed a deal with Dreamia for the distribution of “Club 57,” which will be aired in Portugal and on the African continent through the Biggs youth brand. “Club 57” is a co-production between Viacom and Rainbow Group, originally premiered by Nickelodeon in Latin America and by RAI in Italy. The musical series was created by acclaimed screenwriter Catharina Ledoboer, who has written multiple hits including “Every Witch Way,” “WITS Academy,” and “Talia in the Kitchen” for Nickelodeon USA; and three successful seasons of “Grachi,” a Nickelodeon Latin America fantasy series. The story features an international cast led by Venezuelan actress Evaluna Montaner, Italian actor Riccardo Frasari, Colombian Sebastián Silva, Mexican Martin Barba, Cuban American Isabella Castillo,
“CLUB 57“ Venezuelan Ángela Rincón, Chilean Carolina Mestrovic, and Colombian Andrés Mercado. Susana Margarida Gomes, Channel Manager for Biggs, said: “We are glad to have 'Club 57'. The show is totally made for a channel like Biggs. When music meets dancing in a so magical and special way, we knew we had to offer the show to our viewers. We hope that everyone enjoys this magnificent production, sings and dances along with Biggs!”. •
B&R360 DELIVERS NEW DEALS ON ITS WAY TO MIPJR
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he Madrid based integrated brand management specialist has recently signed new broadcasting deals of its preschool portfolio around the world. In addition, it has added another successful preschool franchise to its slate. The company recently sold the animation series “Julio Bunny” (52x11’) to the SVOD platform Edye. The show lands on Edye after a strong performance on Nick Jr and Rai Yoyo Italy, among others. Additionally, B&R360 has added the Brazilian preschool series “Bubu and the Little Owls” to its portfolio and manages the brand’s broadcast and licensing rights on behalf of Up! Content in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Greece. On the licensing and merchandising side, the products have been already a massive success throughout Latin America. B&R360 is already working on a tailor-made licensing strategy for this powerful preschool franchise. The successful track record of the series in the region has allowed Up! Content to produce a second season, ready for delivery during the 3Q of 2019. •