German media companies Studio 100 Media and m4e have partnered with entertainment conglomerate Viacom18 Media for an extensive deal for hit CGI-animated preschool series Wissper (52 x 7’) in India. India’s leading Hindi entertainment channel has secured all rights for TV, digital and home entertainment as well as for licensing and merchandising for its subcontinent including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The show will be premiering on Nick Jr. India this fall.
Additionally, Viacom18 Consumer Products is now in charge of bringing the Wissper brand to shelves in India, and is already developing a licensing program. The foundation will be an extensive toy lines, with Simba Toys India ramping up for a fall 2018 launch.
“Our partnership with Viacom18 will be introducing Wissper to kids and families in India, which is a key territory within our international broadcasting and licensing strategy,” said Peter Kleinschmidt, International Commercial Director at Studio 100 Media | m4e. “We have chosen Viacom18 as a local expert for guiding Wissper and us into this extremely interesting market. We are very excited about the commercial perspectives this huge market has to offer.”
Saugato Bhowmik, Business Head, VOOT Kids, INS and Consumer products, commented, “Viacom18 Consumer Products has always introduced and brought to life for kids in India, characters that are globally loved and valued. We have created a wide array of product experiences around kid’s favorite characters that allow them to engage with their much-loved toons outside of the television screens. ‘Wissper’ is loved by kids all around the world and we are happy to be Studio 100 Media’s and m4e’s partner of choice in bringing the brand to India. We are sure that the kids in India will love this enthralling character and make her a part of their daily lives.”
Wissper follows the adventures of a little girl of the same name who has a very special talent: she can communicate with animals, which allows her to understand their problems and help solve them. Wissper the “animal whisperer” is a beloved character for young viewers all around the world.
The series is produced by m4e AG and London-based animation studio Cuckoo, in coproduction with Telegael (Ireland), Discreet Art Productions (India) and the German BASTEI Media GmbH (a subsidiary of publisher Bastei Lübbe AG. Season 2 (52 x 7’) is currently in production and episodes 1-26 will be available this fall.
