Toronto, Canada – February 22, 2016 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce that it has licensed the animated series Nature Cat (40 x 22’) to DHX Television’s kids channel Family CHRGD in Canada. The series premiered in November 2015 on PBS KIDS in the U.S. and is expected to premiere on Family CHRGD in Summer 2016.
Created by the Emmy® award winning creative team at Spiffy Pictures and co-produced by Spiffy Pictures and WTTW Chicago, 9 Story handles international distribution and consumer products outside of the U.S. while HiHat Media handles brand licensing within the U.S.
Featuring the vocal talents of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE veterans Taran Killam (Nature Cat), Kate McKinnon (Squeeks), Bobby Moynihan (Hal), Chris Parnell (various characters) and Kenan Thompson (Ronald), along with actress Kate Micucci (Daisy), the series follows the adventures of Nature Cat and his friends. In each episode, Nature Cat can’t wait to get outside for a day of nature excursions and bravery, but there’s one problem: he’s a house cat with no instincts for nature. With the help of his animal friends, Nature Cat embarks on action-packed adventures that include exciting missions full of investigation, “aha” discovery moments and humour, all while inspiring children to go outside and play.
“Nature Cat inspires kids to get outside, experience nature and play with friends,” said Kristin Lecour, Director of Consumer Products & Canadian Distribution for 9 Story Media Group. “The series shows kids how much fun it can be to make discoveries, use their imaginations and learn about the world around them. We are thrilled to partner with Family CHRGD to bring Nature Cat to kids across Canada.”
“With notable comedic talent from SNL voicing the Nature Cat characters, the wit and humourous adventures featured in this series complements our Family CHRGD lineup perfectly,” said Michael Serafini, Vice President Programming, DHX Television.
9 Story Media Group Inc. is a leading content creator, marketer and distributor of kids & family focused intellectual property. Recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Wild Kratts, Numb Chucks, Arthur and Peg + Cat, 9 Story represents over 2,150 half hours of animated and live action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. With one of North America’s largest animation studios, 9 Story employs over 250 creative and production staff in its Toronto facility and has produced over 900 half hours of award-winning children’s content. 9 Story recently acquired the award winning animation studio Brown Bag Films, which employs over 170 staff members across Dublin, Manchester and Los Angeles. Brown Bag is recognized for producing leading animated children’s series such as Octonauts, Doc McStuffins, Bing Bunny and Henry Hugglemonster. 9 Story is owned by senior management, ZMC (Zelnick Media Capital) and media entrepreneur Neil Court. www.9story.com
Family CHRGD is an advertising-supported digital specialty network that features animated and live-action programming. Designed to surprise and entertain young viewers, Family CHRGD showcases series, movies and specials that will blow kids minds and keep boredom at bay. Ensuring access is available to subscribers when they want it, where they want it, Family CHRGD is also available through Family CHRGD OnDemand and Family CHRGD Online at no additional cost. Visit us at CHRGD.ca.
DHX Television is comprised of Family Channel, Family CHRGD, Family Jr. and Télémagino, and is part of DHX Media Ltd., a leading creator, producer, marketer and broadcaster of family entertainment. Dedicated to celebrating family fun, DHX Television delivers best-in-class programming through premium subscriptions and its original production mandate, and creates and produces captivating in-market events that appeal to Canadian families. DHX Television is home to world-renowned series including The Next Step, Degrassi: Next Class and Teletubbies. DHX Media Ltd. has offices globally, and is traded on the NASDAQ and Toronto Stock Exchange.
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For further information:
Jennifer Ansley, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, 9 Story Media Group
+1 416 530-9900 ext 230, jennifera@9story.com
Jaime Bassett, Director, Communications, DHX Television
+1 416 977-7416, jaime.bassett@dhxmedia.com