Leeds, United Kingdom, October, 2011 — Lisle International has unveiled details of an exciting new license agreement for the cult hit kid’s property, Almost Naked Animals™ that will see Character Options develop micro figures and construction sets under its successful Character Building™ banner.
News of the agreement was unveiled on the eve of BLE and represents one of the first UK agreements for Almost Naked Animals™ since joining the Lisle International portfolio in late summer; having been appointed by The Licensing Shop Inc. which manages worldwide licensing rights for the series for 9 Story Entertainment.
Under the UK agreement, Character Options will develop and distribute a range of Almost Naked Animals™ construction sets and a collection of micro figures featuring the favourite characters from the popular kid’s show. First products will be available from autumn 2012 and will join a line up of other household names in the world of Children’s licensing within the Character Building™ brand.
Speaking on the news, Gayle Tarrant from Lisle International Licensing commented: “We are delighted to have Character Options on board. Character Building™ has been hugely successful since its launch in 2011 and fits perfectly in age range and desirability of the Almost Named Animals™ audience. As a key licensee for the property in the UK, Character Options is a prestigious partner with its well deserved reputation for excellence when it comes to developing children’s licensed toys.”
Further commenting Jon Diver, Character Options’ Managing Director, said: “Adding Almost Naked Animals™ to our Character Building™ line up is a complete coup for toy brand. The age suitability is perfect and the property holds some exciting possibilities that have not been seen before in the construction micro figure market. With our ability to develop featured pieces, we will be able recreate the quirky characters from the show. This new part of our Character Building™ range will be fun, fast paced and just what kids want …just like the CITV TV series!”
Almost Naked Animals™ launched on Cartoon Network in the U.S. last June, and on CITV and ITV1 in the UK from April 2011. Both markets have received great ratings throughout the summer. New episodes are to air this month and there are three seasons of episodes in production, indicating the longevity of the storyline and its characters. Aimed at a primary target audience of boys’ aged 6-11, Almost Naked Animals™ has been proclaimed in the press as a best new kids’ show!
Almost Naked Animals™ will début at Brand Licensing Europe on the Lisle International stand F050. For more information, email : Francesca@lisleintlicensing.com
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ABOUT 9 STORY ENTERTAINMENT
9 Story Entertainment is one of the industry’s leading producers and distributors of award-winning content for young audiences around the world. With an extensive animation studio in Toronto, 9 Story has over 150 creative and production staff, and has produced more than 500 half hours of quality children’s and family programming, seen on some of the most respected children’s channels and platforms around the world. The company’s distribution arm, 9 Story Enterprises, offers a rapidly growing catalogue which includes several beloved brands such as Wibbly Pig, Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars and Wild Kratts in addition to innovative new series such as Almost Naked Animals and Survive This. Their much anticipated new shows includethe delightful Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. www.9story.com
ABOUT THE LICENSING SHOP INC.
The Licensing Shop (TLS) is a brand licensing agency specializing in the strategic development of consumer products based on entertainment, talent and fashion brands. Founded in 2006 by Stephen and Nancy Fowler, TLS key expertise is helping its clients to focus on extending their brands into licensed merchandise programs thereby creating new revenue streams in additional to the incremental marketing benefits of reaching new consumers. www.thelicensingshop.com