TORONTO — Corus Entertainment’s kids content producer and distributor, Nelvana, today announced it has appointed Blue Socks Media as its distribution partner in the continental African territory.
Blue Socks Media is a Charlotte, N.C.-based rights management and distribution company known for its global distribution and licensing success for the early childhood TV franchise Raggs.
Under the agreement, Blue Socks Media will be responsible for the distribution of Nelvana’s extensive catalogue of more than 4,400 episodes of children’s content in African TV markets. Nelvana’s library includes its award-winning series Babar, Franklin and Max & Ruby, in addition to newer series Ranger Rob (pictured), The Dog & Pony Show, Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe, Bakugan and more.
“Blue Socks Media’s established track record and invaluable expertise in this territory make them the perfect partner to extend Nelvana’s worldwide reach and engage new audiences,” said Mellany Masterson, head of Nelvana Enterprises, in the Corus press release.
Based in Durban, South Africa, Neill Warren, executive vice-president of distribution and licensing for Blue Socks, has 15 years of experience representing brands and catalogues in Africa, and he will head the team in the territory. Sales and marketing support will be coordinated through the Charlotte office by Blue Socks president Toni Steedman and account manager Alex Anderson.
“With terrestrial and new media growing exponentially across Africa, our buyers are keenly aware that children and parents have a strong appetite for fresh, high quality and entertaining content,” said Warren, in the release. “Our early indication is that the exceptional Nelvana titles will be very, very well received!”
