Brand Licensing Europe will kick off in London on October 11, and DHX Brands will be on deck at stand C30 to present a diverse slate of properties for 2016 and beyond. DHX’s offerings will be headlined by preschool favorites Teletubbies, In the Night Garden and Twirlywoos.
Originally created in 1997, Teletubbies relaunched with new CG animation elements on CBeebies in the U.K. in 2015, with season one currently airing on top broadcasters around the world including Nick Jr. (US), Family Jr. (Canada) and ABC (Australia), with a 60-episode second season in production. As of May 2016, the series is the UK’s number one new preschool property, and airs in over 120 territories and boasting a significant online fan base.
The Teletubbies global licensing program comprises more than 75 top-tier partners so far, including Character Options (award-winning Master Toy line), Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and publishing partners Egmont (global, exc. North America and China) and Simon & Schuster (North America).
Twirlywoos is an innovative series combining inspiration and slapstick humor for young viewers, created by producer Anne Wood with input from early-years expert Prof. Cathy Nutbrown. Recently, DHX Media and show creator Ragdoll Prod. announced a further 25 episodes will be produced for CBeebies.
Twirlywoos licensees include master toy partner Golden Bear, which has produced a best-selling and award-winning line of innovative products — most recently, Twirlywoos Run Along Fun Sounds toys (2016 Right Start Best Toy). Products launched in Australia this summer following the show’s successful launch on ABC. Twirlywoos will have its first live event this month at The Big Festival.
Preschool phenomenon In the Night Garden — produced by Ragdoll and represented by DHX Brands — continues to cement its position as one of the most popular and best-selling brands in the U.K., boosted with new branding, website, integrated social media and marketing, high-profile events and a new style guide. The show is currently number one for kids across all children’s channels in the UK, and the number four preschool license with an 11% growth over last year.
The In the Night Garden live stage show entered its seventh consecutive year this summer, selling 50,000 tickets in just one week and getting a great response outside the UK — notably in China. DHX recently announced the launch of a dedicated Night Garden baby product range, coming to retail next spring. 2017 will also see celebratory events and promotions for the show’s 10th anniversary.
