The Licensing Shop Inc., Exclusive Licensing Agency for 9 Story, Representing Almost Naked Animals, Wibbly Pig and Wild Kratts at Las Vegas Expo
Toronto, Canada (May 16, 2011) – Multi award-winning production and distribution company 9 Story Entertainment is bringing its top brands to Licensing International Expo 2011 through its exclusive licensing agency, The Licensing Shop Inc., it was announced by CEO Vince Commisso.
The Licensing Shop is seeking licensing partners for Almost Naked Animals, Wibbly Pig and Wild Kratts, three hit animated series that continue to grow loyal audiences around the globe.
Almost Naked Animals is an irreverent, fast-paced series featuring free-spirited animals in their underwear that run a beach-front hotel like kids at a summer camp – and do their best to make each day more fun than the last. Lead dog and hotel manager, Howie, who has the attention span of an 11-year old in a video arcade, heads the dysfunctional but extremely humorous ensemble cast.
Currently airing on YTV Canada, Almost Naked Animals has also been licensed by Cartoon Network in the U.S.; Disney Channel in Latin America, Italy and India; CITV (UK); RTE/Dublin films (Ireland), Super RTL (Germany); NPO (The Netherlands); NOGA (Israel) and ABC (Australia).
Wibbly Pig — Based on the hugely successful Wibbly Pig books by Mick Inkpen, this new preschool series captures the magic and gorgeous look of the books.
Wibbly Pig takes the daily routine of a young child and finds humor and fun in it. Wibbly engages the viewer by talking directly to the cameras which makes them feel safe, included, involved and most of all, important. Wibbly simply does what children do. From day to day activities like getting into bed, wrapping a present or climbing a tree, to fantasy play like meeting a giant or going to the moon. Wibbly moves seamlessly in and out of fantasy play echoing the way children really interact and play.
9 Story Entertainment shares distribution rights with BBC Worldwide and holds North and Latin American rights to the property. The series currently airs on TVOntario and Knowledge Network in English-speaking Canada, Cbeebies in Latin America and on the Cbeebies VOD service in the U.S. Wibbly Pig will soon debut on SRC in Quebec.
Wild Kratts is an animated half hour adventure comedy from real life brothers and creators of hit shows Kratt’s Creatures and Zoboomafoo. In each episode Chris and Martin Kratt travel to a different corner of the world to meet amazing new animals. They bring laugh-out-loud comedy adventure to kids, as Chris and Martin activate their Creature Power Suits to rescue their animal friends.
Wild Kratts premiered in January 2011 on PBS KIDS GO! in the U.S., and TVOntario, Knowledge Network and Télé-Québec in Canada. The series has also been sold to Discovery Kids Latin America, Al Jazeera Children’s Channel (Middle East), NOGA (Israel), TV3 (Spain), SIC (Portugal) and RTE / Dublin Films (Ireland).
At Licensing International Expo, The Licensing Shop will be offering 9 Story Entertainment’s properties at Booth #1677.
About 9 Story:
Founded in 2001, 9 Story Entertainment is an award-winning production and distribution company dedicated to delivering the most loved children’s properties internationally. Producer of such popular shows as Peep and the Big Wide World and Survive This, 9 Story has delivered over 200 half hours of television content. Led by executive producers Vince Commisso and Steven Jarosz, who have more than 25 years of combined specialized industry experience and leadership, the 9 Story team includes Executive Vice-President Natalie Osborne, heading up international business development, and Vice President of Development, Liliana Vogt. With 70+ employees and full production and distribution capabilities, 9 Story is a leader in the amazing and magical world of youth entertainment. www.9story.com
Media Inquiries: Sabrina Propper, RPiPR, 818.515.5798
9 Story Entertainment: Jessica Beaulieu 416.530.9900