Brand new stop-frame preschool series set to air in 2015
Halifax, NS – 7 October 2014 – DHX Brands, the consumer products arm of DHX Media, has signed a global master toy deal with Golden Bear for Twirlywoos, the brand new preschool property from Anne Wood and Ragdoll Productions, which is making its debut at BLE.
Golden Bear will launch product in 2016 with a key product focus primarily on plush and plastics (play-sets / figurines), bath toys and games, and activity products.
Commissioned by CBeebies in the UK, Twirlywoos is a brand new 50 x 11’ preschool series from preeminent producer Ragdoll Productions combining stop-frame animation and live action sequences set in the real world. It is devised and executive produced by Anne Wood with lead creative and writer, Steve Roberts and producer, Chris Wood. Executive producer for CBeebies is Michael Towner. The series is produced in association with DHX Media, which will also handle global distribution, merchandising, brand management and marketing.
Peter Byrne, EVP DHX Brands said “Twirlywoos is a unique property that we’re looking forward to showcasing at this year’s BLE. Anne Wood and her team at Ragdoll Productions have an exceptional track record in creating standout preschool content, and Golden Bear have a superb pedigree in the preschool toy arena, so it’s a natural fit. We are expecting a huge amount of interest from licensees at the show as we expand the licensing program.”
John Hales, Golden Bear Chairman added: “We are delighted to have been awarded the Global Master Toy License for Twirlywoos. Anne Wood has created a wonderful new children’s programme that will reinforce our position as a leading specialist in licensed pre-school products. Our in-house design team is looking forward to creating a really innovative and engaging product range.”
Continuing the innovative, nurturing, inspiring, children-led entertainment for which Ragdoll Productions is renowned,Twirlywoos features laugh-out-loud child-centric humour which encourages preschoolers to think for themselves, and gain confidence in their own perceptions of the world. Through the show, young audiences are able to reinforce their understanding as they grow and develop, becoming active and inquisitive within their own lives.
The Twirlywoos are four small, bird-like characters who are inquisitive, enthusiastic and always looking to learn something new about the world. Ever curious, they seek adventure and fun wherever they go. Whether in the real world or on their big red boat, they love to hide, imitate and be surprised as they discover new things. The show has been developed with a commitment to watching how children interact and develop, and each episode creates spaces for preschoolers to make their own connections, which aids their learning.
For more information, please contact:
Aimee Norman at DDA Blueprint PR for DHX Media +44 (0) 20 8985 4708 or aimee@ddablueprint.com
About DHX Brands
DHX Brands is the dedicated brand management and licensing arm of DHX Media Ltd. (TSX: DHX) ( www.dhxmedia.com), a leading broadcaster, creator, producer and marketer of family entertainment. DHX Brands specializes in creating, building and maintaining high-profile global entertainment brands within the children’s and young-adult markets. With expertise in brand development, licensing, marketing and creative, we develop brands which captivate and inspire through engaging content, first-class distribution, quality consumer products, immersive live experiences, and digital media. DHX Brands’ world-class portfolio includes Teletubbies, Yo Gabba Gabba!, In the Night Garden, Caillou, Ella the Elephant, Johnny Test, Inspector Gadget, and Degrassi. DHX Brands has offices in London, Toronto and Los Angeles.
Disclaimer
This press release contains forward looking statements with respect to DHX Media including the timing of the release of consumer products, the completion of the production, and the timing of a television debut. Although DHX Media believes that the expectations reflected in such forward looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on information currently available to DHX Media. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, among other things, include risks factors discussed in materials filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time including matters discussed under “Risk Factors” in DHX Media’s short form prospectuses dated November 14, 2013 and December 31, 2013, Annual Information Form, and annual Management Discussion and Analysis. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and DHX Media assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.