9 Story Media Group is launching a new, dedicated consumer production division: 9 Story Brands. Following the recent acquisition of Out of the Blue Enterprises, 9 Story Brands will bring together Out of the Blue and 9 Story’s licensing operations. Theo official launch will take place at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas (May 22-24; Booth #C188).
9 Story Brands represents a portfolio of top properties, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Super Why!, Peg + Cat, Luo Bao Bei, Wild Kratts, Nature Cat and Colorforms. The division will be co-managed by 9 Story’s Kristin Lecour (Vice President, Consumer Products) and Out of the Blue’s Kyra Halperin (Vice President, Consumer Products), with both reporting into 9 Story’s Chief Strategy Officer Natalie Osborne. Lecour will lead international efforts and Halperin will direct US-based initiatives.
Focused on building global kids’ brands on- and off-screen and creating multi-dimensional experiences for fans and their favorite characters, 9 Story Brands will work closely with the TV & Digital distribution teams as well as third-party IP owners, licensees and retailers to ensure coordinated, strategic brand management.
“We are thrilled to launch 9 Story Brands at this year’s Licensing Expo,” said Osborne. “Joining forces with Out of the Blue significantly increases both our bench strength and our portfolio. We have long been in the business of creating, producing and distributing hit children’s shows. This next chapter will take our global licensing activities to the next level, turning our shows into Brands.”
In addition to the launch of 9 Story Brands, 9 Story Media Group has redesigned its corporate logo, marketing assets, website, and more with a whole new contemporary look.
“We have gone through a major transformation over the last few years,” said Vince Commisso, President and CEO of 9 Story. “In addition to our organic growth, with the acquisition of Brown Bag Films in 2015 and Out of the Blue Enterprises earlier this year, our company has undergone a considerable expansion. We now have a global footprint with operations in Toronto, New York, Dublin, and Manchester, and a staff of over 600. We wanted our branding to reflect our growth, and where the company is going to go in the future.”
Learn more at www.9story.com.
