LONDON – September 15th, 2011 – Lisle International Licensing announced today it has signed to represent the UK licensing rights for the new boy cult TV series Almost Naked Animals™ on CITV. The series, produced by 9 Story Entertainment, launched on CITV in April of this year and is stripped daily at 4:30 p.m. and on weekends on CITV at 10:30 a.m. The agreement was made with the Licensing Shop Inc. which manages worldwide licensing rights for the series for 9 Story Entertainment.
Based on the quirky designs of popular books’ illustrator, Noah Z. Jones, Almost Naked Animals™ is a fast-paced animated comedy featuring a lovable bunch of hospitality-challenged, underwear-clad animals, who run a beachfront resort hotel called the Banana Cabana- home to fun loving mayhem.
Almost Naked Animals™ launched on Cartoon Network in the U.S. last June and has received great ratings throughout the summer in all the markets it’s seen in. 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 target audience of boys’ aged 6-11, Almost Naked Animals™ has been proclaimed in the press as a best new kids’ show!
Speaking of the new deal, Francesca Lisle of Lisle International Licensing commented: “We are delighted to be working with The Licensing Shop and 9 Story Entertainment on this great new property. Almost Naked Animals™ is just the type of license that we want to add to our portfolio and we can’t wait to start talking to prospective licensees about the opportunities to be had. We see Almost Naked Animals™ translating on to so many different types of merchandise, as the characters are not only quirky and abstract but also fun and adventurous. With a fantastic style guide, we know terrific products can be developed.”
Natalie Osborne, EVP Business Development for 9 Story Entertainment added: “Almost Naked Animals™ is a hit with our top broadcast partners in every key territory. We are delighted that The Licensing Shop has appointed Lisle International, who we believe have the impressive track record and the right team to develop exciting licensing opportunities in the UK.”
Almost Naked Animals™ will début at Brand Licensing Europe on the Lisle International stand F050. For more information or to arrange a meeting to discuss licensing opportunities, please email : Francesca@lisleintlicensing.com
Media contacts:
Lisle International Licensing; Michele Bates, Evolution PR, Michele@evolution-pr.co.uk
9 Story Entertainment; Mary Powers, MPowers Communications, mpowers@mpowers.ca
About The Licensing Shop
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
About 9 Story Entertainment
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 include the delightful Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. www.9story.com