Toronto, Canada – June 10, 2015 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Germany’s Super RTL to represent merchandising across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for Peg + Cat, the four-time Emmy®-winning animated series for preschoolers co-produced by The Fred Rogers Company and 9 Story Media Group.
Super RTL, which has been airing the popular series since August 2014, is planning a full range of hard and soft lines for the brand and has already signed its first home entertainment deal. Sony Music Entertainment Germany is slated to launch Peg +Cat on DVD in the territory later this fall.
HiHat Media was recently appointed as the U.S. agent for the property, while 9 Story manages licensing for the brand internationally. A book series from Candlewick Press is on its way in the U.S. market this fall, with the debut title, “Peg + Cat, The Race Car Problem.” PBS Distribution launched a line of DVDs in the U.S. in 2014 with three new releases planned for this year. Internationally, home entertainment partners include eOne in Canada and ABC Commercial in Australia. More Peg + Cat licensees will be announced soon.
In addition to its most recent Emmy Award this year for “Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated Program,” the series has been honored with Emmys for “Outstanding Pre-School Children’s Animated Program,” “Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program” and “Outstanding Individual Achievement in Production Design.” Peg + Cat has also earned four Kidscreen awards as well as a Parents’ Choice Gold Award, and the Peg + Cat Big Gig App has earned a Parents’ Choice Silver Honor.
With relatable and funny adventures filled with upbeat music, the series has garnered a large and growing audience across broadcast and digital platforms. One of the top five kids shows across all major kids networks for the 2-5-year-old set* and in the top 10 among moms with kids under 3*, Peg + Cat attracts more than 7 million viewers each month. The series, which has proven to be a solid performer across all platforms where it is available, also draws upwards of 20 million video streams per month.*
*Kidranker, February 2015
The series is performing equally well beyond the TV screen. Peg + Cat’s “Really Big Album” ranked in the top 10 among children’s music on iTunes in its debut week, and the brand’s “Big Gig App” was #1 in education apps for kids in its first week.
The series follows the adorable spirited, Peg, and her sidekick, Cat, as they encounter unexpected problems that require fun and creative solutions. In order to solve the problems, Peg and Cat must add, subtract and apply basic arithmetic. Their adventures take them to historical far-away lands, art centers in bustling metropolises and the colorful cosmos, all the while demonstrating that it’s never too early to start learning the magic of numbers.
Peg + Cat is co-created and executive produced by Jennifer Oxley (Little Bill, The Wonder Pets!) and Billy Aronson (Rent, Postcards from Buster) and co-produced by The Fred Rogers Company and 9 Story Media Group for PBS KIDS. Kevin Morrison of The Fred Rogers Company and Vince Commisso of 9 Story also serve as executive producers. 9 Story, which also handles international distribution, has secured distribution in 180 countries.
About 9 Story Media Group
9 Story Media Group 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 Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Numb Chucks, Arthur and Peg + Cat, 9 Story represents over 1800 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 and has produced over 900 half hours of award-winning children’s content. 9 Story is owned by senior management, ZM Capital and media entrepreneur Neil Court. www.9story.com
About The Fred Rogers Company
The company was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it not only created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program, but also extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional and behavioral health and supporting parents, caregivers, teachers and other professionals in their work with children. The Fred Rogers Company continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media, and engaging new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated, award-winning children’s series include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Catand Odd Squad. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org.
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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
Alison Grand, Grand Communications (for The Fred Rogers Co.)
+1 212 584-1133, alison@grandcommunications.com