Mike Young Productions (MYP), the independent animation studio behind such properties as Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and Pet Alien, announced today the creation of Taffy Ent. The new business unit is dedicated to the rights management and worldwide distribution of family and children’s entertainment.
"Taffy was one of my favorite candies growing up on the East Coast," says MYP partner Bill Schultz. "It reminds me of all the fun of childhood, so this name is a bit of nostalgia for me. I love Taffy!"
To help mind the Taffy store, MYP has promoted TV sales and marketing veteran Regis Brown to the title of executive vp of the new division. "Two short years ago, Regis opened a fledging international TV department under the MYP banner to handle distribution on Jakers! and He-Man and also to secure co-production partners for our original properties," says Mike Young. "He did a terrific job at this, bringing us such premier partners as France-based Antefilms and TF1, among others." Brown previously headed the international distribution division at Film Roman, working with Schultz.
Mike and Liz Young and Bill Schultz created Taffy to own and represent its ever-growing library of hits, and to actively seek to acquire rights to other quality animation properties. Taffy is expected to post more than $7 million in sales for 2004, while parent company MYP boasts $30 million in annual revenues. Taffy’s TV distribution infrastructure is already up and running and the company is considering its options with regard to licensing and merchandising.
"The formation of Taffy Entertainment is a key step in our development as a company. It will allow us to grow the distribution and marketing business without losing the boutique feel of our animation studio," comments Liz Young.
Taffy Ent. made its official debut March 29 at MIPTV in Cannes, where MYP is showcasing the 3D series Jakers!, produced for London-based Entara Ltd.; the CG preschool show Dive Olly Dive; Pet Alien, a co-production with TF1, Antefilms, Crest and John Doze Studios.; Discovery Channel’s ToddWorld and He-Man.
