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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SPELLBOUND ENTERTAINMENT AND BIG TENT ENTERTAINMENT SAY G'DAY TO NEW LICENSING PARTNERS FOR THE ENGAGING PRESCHOOL PROPERTY THE KOALA BROTHERS
Nine More Industry Leaders Sign On To Develop A Wide Range Of Innovative Merchandise Inspired By Appealing Preschool Franchise
Latest Partners Join Industry Powerhouses Fisher-Price, Random House And Buena Vista Home Entertainment
New York, NY, February xx, 2004 — Hot off the heels of The Koala Brothers television series' successful launch as part of Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney block, rights owner Spellbound Entertainment and its North American marketing agent Big Tent Entertainment have finalized a series of new licensing agreements for the enchanting kids property. Through deals with industry leaders AD Sutton, AME, Bakery Crafts, Children's Apparel Network, E.S. Originals, Hedstrom Corp., Isaac Morris Ltd., Jay Franco and Sons, Inc., and University Games, The Koala Brothers' adorable cast of characters and kindhearted "We're Here To Help" message will be spotlighted in unique lines of new merchandise that will begin hitting retail in 2005. In addition, contracts are being finalized for children's accessories, Halloween costumes, lunch kits, and melamine and plastic dinnerware.
The latest deals bolster an already impressive domestic licensing program. Prior to the series' U.S. debut, Spellbound Entertainment and Big Tent Entertainment had secured extensive deals with industry heavyweights Fisher-Price (master toy), Random House (publishing) and Buena Vista Home Entertainment (home entertainment).
The Koala Brothers marks the debut property of UK based Spellbound Entertainment, the production studio headed by Peter Curtis (Bob The Builder, Rubbadubbers) and his business partner, Nick Barrington. The visually stunning, stop frame animated television series centers on the adventures of Frank and Buster, two good-natured koalas whose credo is "We're Here To Help." In each episode, they make daily patrols in their yellow airplane, departing from their homestead to search the vast Australian Outback for anyone to help - including a wide range of adorable characters such as Mitzi the possum, Ned the little wombat, Alice the platypus, George the turtle, Penny the little penguin, Josie the shy, little Joey, and Archie the crocodile.
The series' appealing characters and storylines, coupled with its emphasis on respect for others, kindness and emotional support, has already struck a chord with audiences across the globe. The series launched on the BBC in the UK in September 2003 and consistently rated as the #1 preschool series in its time slot. In Australia, the show became an instant sensation - becoming the #1 preschool show of 2003 across all networks. Additionally, a host of blue chip broadcasters across Europe, North and South America including Super RTL, TVO and Discovery Kids Latin America have committed to carrying the series.
In the United States, Disney Channel utilized a special "Australian Day" programming event to help introduce "The Koala Brothers" to its preschool age viewers. The critically acclaimed series now airs daily (12:00noon, ET/PT) on the cable network that is carried in more than 84 million homes.
"The reaction to The Koala Brothers has been astounding," said Mr. Curtis, Joint Managing Director of Spellbound Entertainment and Executive Producer of the series. "Each of these new partners really sees the potential for the property in the marketplace and are committed to developing lines that will help children further enhance their experience with the characters and their understanding of the `we're here to help' message."
Rich Collins, CEO of Big Tent Entertainment, added, "It is really exciting to see a property connect so well with so many industry leaders. All of our new licensees are committed to helping us build The Koala Brothers into a long-term, successful preschool brand."
The specific details of the new licensing deals are as follows:
A b o u t S p e l l b o u n d E n t e r t a i n m e n t L i m i t e d
About Big Tent Entertainment Inc.
"Help is on its Way!"
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Jeffrey Klein, Judy Drutz |