All-New Toy Range Based on Emmy®-Winning Hit PBS KIDS Series
Set to Launch Fall 2016
Peg + Cat at Licensing Expo 2016 in Las Vegas, June 21-23 Mandalay Bay Convention Center, PBS KIDS Booth #M242
Pittsburgh, PA, May 16, 2016 – It all adds up! The Fred Rogers Company and 9 Story Media Group have appointed Imports Dragon as global master toy partner for Peg + Cat, the multiple Emmy® Award-winning animated hit PBS KIDS series. Under the new agreement, Imports Dragon will translate some of the top-rated show’s characters, along with its signature math and problem-solving concepts, into a beautifully-designed collection of toys for preschoolers ages 3-5. The debut assortment will begin rolling out to this fall. The full range of new Peg + Cat offerings will be showcased at Licensing Expo 2016, June 21-23 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center at the PBS KIDS Booth, #M242.
“We’re very excited to expand our Peg + Cat merchandising program with Imports Dragon, which is known for expertly adapting entertainment properties into must-have toys that enhance a child’s learning, while deepening their interaction with the brand,” said Paul Siefken, Vice President, Broadcast and Digital Media, The Fred Rogers Company. “Imports Dragon has developed a wonderful array of creativity-inspiring products that ‘add up’ to endless fun and learning opportunities for young fans. We look forward to working with the company and continuing to expand our Peg + Catofferings for many years to come.”
“We’re thrilled to be working with The Fred Rogers Company and 9 Story Media Group on the introductory line of Peg + Cat toys,” said Stephane Tetrault, President, Imports Dragon. “The series provides a unique blend of educational concepts and entertainment value, making Peg + Cat the perfect property for a standout toy line that appeals equally to parents and children.”
“We’re so pleased to be working with Imports Dragon on the new Peg + Cat toy line,” said Kristin Lecour, Director of Consumer Products for 9 Story Media Group. “Imports Dragon brings the energy, passion and proven track record that will take this special property to the next level.”
This fall, Imports Dragon will introduce a beautiful assortment of high-quality plush, arts & crafts sets, games, and wooden puzzles that will enable fans to interact with their favorite problem-solvers in new and inventive ways for anytime and anywhere fun.
In addition to the new toy offerings is a growing library of Peg + Cat books from Candlewick Press across multiple formats, as well as an expanding line-up of Peg + Cat DVDs from PBS Distribution in the U.S., eOne in Canada, ABC Commercial in Australia, and Sony Music in Germany. Additional consumer products partnerships will be announced soon.
Peg + Cat, now in its second season on PBS KIDS, recently received five Daytime Emmy Award nominations, including: “Outstanding Pre-School Children’s Animated Program”; “Outstanding Writing in a Pre-School Children’s Animated Program”; “Outstanding Directing in an Animated Program”; “Outstanding Music Direction and Composition; and Original Song: “Fairy Tale Wedding.” In 2015, Peg + Cat was honored with a 2015 Emmy for “Outstanding Writing in a Pre-School Animated Program,” the program’s fourth Emmy since its premiere in fall 2013.
Peg + Cat follows the adorable, spirited Peg and her loyal sidekick Cat, as they embark on a host of hilarious, musical adventures, learning foundational math concepts along the way. Each episode features engaging stories in which Peg and Cat encounter a problem that requires them to use math and problem-solving skills to move the story forward. The series provides young viewers with a new way to experience math and highlights its importance in a variety of everyday situations. Music is used as a teaching tool throughout the show and each episode features an original song. Peg also has been widely praised as a great S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) role model for girls, and was recognized by Common Sense Media as one of TV’s Best Role Models.
With relatable and funny adventures filled with upbeat music, the series has garnered a large and growing audience across broadcast and digital platforms. On TV, Peg + Cat reaches nearly 7.7 million viewers each month (source: Nielsen NPOWER L+7, 12/28/15-3/27/16 P2+ Program Reach, avg monthly cume, std unif.). The series, which has proven to be a solid performer on all of the platforms on which it is available, also draws nearly 13 million video streams per month (source: Google Analytics, January ’16 – March ’16).
Peg + Cat is co-created and executive produced by Jennifer Oxley (Little Bill, The Wonder Pets!) and Billy Aronson (Rent, Postcards from Buster) and produced by The Fred Rogers Company for PBS KIDS. Kevin Morrison of The Fred Rogers Company and Vince Commisso of production partner 9 Story Media Group also serve as executive producers. 9 Story, which distributes the popular series and manages licensing for the brand internationally, has secured distribution in 180 countries, providing even more opportunities for children around the world to tune in to the series. HiHat Media leads U.S. licensing initiatives for the brand.
About Imports Dragon
Imports Dragon is a Quebec-based toy and game manufacturer and distributor. The company has recently experienced significant growth and nowhas offices in Toronto, Boisbriand, New York, and Shenzhen. Imports Dragon has become one of the most efficient manufacturing toy companies overthe last three years with partners like Moose toys, NHL, MLB, Caillou, Johnny Test, and many others. The headquarters is also home to 70 employees and has over 50,000 square feet and will expand its head office and warehouse to 120,000 square feet and will operate with over 125 employees in thenext few weeks
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video App is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.
About 9 Story Media Group Inc.
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, 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 275 creative and production staff in its Toronto facility and has produced over 900 half hours of award-winning children’s content. Last year, 9 Story 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
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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Press contacts:
Grand Communications, Inc. (for The Fred Rogers Company)
Alison Grand; 212-584-1133; alison@grandcommunications.com
Laura Liebeck; 845-440-7974; laura@grandcommunications.com