CANNES – Looking to find a TV and toy hit as big as Beyblade was a few years ago, Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana and Spin Master Toys, along with Japanese partners Sega Toys, TMS Entertainment and Japan Vistec, announced Monday they will co-develop an animated series and its related toys to sell globally.
The group said at MIPCOM that its first collaboration, Bakugan, will target 8-to-12-year-old boys. "Bakugan will be a character-rich animated series as well as an action game featuring cards and marble-like balls that transform into multiple collectible characters. The game will allow players to compete against various opponents, select from a wide range of strategy options and, combined with card game features, will create an entertainment experience with depth and long-term potential. Additional plans for the franchise include an immersive website, merchandising and retail events.
(Ed note: Sounds like a bit of a cross between Beyblade and Pokemon)
“Partner collaboration at the earliest stages of development positions a property for creative and commercial success, but to our knowledge, this has yet to be achieved on a truly global scale,” said Doug Murphy, executive vice-president of business development, Nelvana, in the press release. “Nelvana is pleased to join forces with Spin Master and some of the best Japanese creative talent on what we believe will become the next generation of boys action.”
"Spin Master is thrilled to be a part of such a groundbreaking partnership," says Ronnen Harary, chairman and co-CEO Spin Master Ltd. "Bakugan combines unique characters, fast-paced action and strategic play which will make for a comprehensive licensing program and an exciting new animated series for kids."
Sega Toys and Spin Master will jointly develop Bakugan’s original characters; Japanese production company TMS Entertainment (part of the Sega Sammy Group) will produce the animated series in co-operation with Japan Vistec. Nelvana, an international producer and distributor of animated programming and related consumer products, will manage broadcast sales and related copyrights globally, with TMS performing this role in Asia (ex-Australia and New Zealand, which Nelvana will cover). Sega Toys will handle the toy and related peripheral businesses in Japan and Asia with Spin Master taking on North America and Europe.
www.corusent.com
www.spinmaster.com
www.segatoys.co.jp
www.tms-e.com
www.jvi.jp/en
