International kids’ studio and brand licensing company Silvergate Media has signed top plush toy manufacturer GUND (owned by Spin Master) as the first licensing partner for its hit new Netflix animated adventure TV series, Hilda. Targeting girls and teen fans, GUND will develop a line of plush, accessory and giftware products for comics-inspired adventure series, which launched in September 2018. The range will hit shelves in the U.S. in early 2020, before rolling-out to additional markets.
The deal follows Hilda’s successful Annie Awards debut recently, where the show won Best Animated TV Production for Children in addition to scooping the awards for Character Animation and Writing for an Animated TV/Broadcast Production, making it the most-awarded TV series of the evening.
“We are thrilled to be working with GUND, with its rich heritage and commitment to high quality, to kick off our global licensing adventure,” said Waheed Alli, CEO at Silvergate Media. “Hilda could not be in better hands.”
“We’re huge fans of Hilda and admire the magical connection she has created with adults and children,” said Ronnen Harary, Co-Founder, Chairman and Co-CEO of Spin Master. “GUND has been bringing beloved characters to life in plush form to hug, hold and play with for more than a century and we’re honoured to be able to bring Hilda from the screen to playrooms globally.”
Co-produced by Silvergate Media and Mercury Films for kids 6-11, Hilda (13 x 22′) is now available in 130 countries on Netflix’s global platform and Silvergate is currently lining up FTA broadcasters for the show. The stunningly animated series features the voice talents of Game of Thrones‘ Bella Ramsey in the title role, and a theme song by Grimes. A second season was commissioned within in a month of its Netflix launch.
The 2D animated series follows the adventures of a fearless blue-haired girl as she travels from her home in a vast magical wilderness full of elves and giants, to the bustling city of Trolberg, where she meets new friends and mysterious creatures. With her bold adventurous spirit and a vividly imagined world, Hilda is sure to delight fans of the original comic and find new audiences around the world.
