Genius Brands Inks License Deal With Nickelodeon for Animated Preschool Series RAINBOW RANGERS
Genius Brands International, Inc. "Genius Brands" (NASDAQ: GNUS), a leading media company that creates, produces and licenses children's multimedia entertainment content and products for global broadcast, digital and retail distribution, has licensed exclusive U.S. and Caribbean Basin broadcast rights for season one of its new CGI-animated production, RAINBOW RANGERS, to the No. 1 rated kids' network, Nickelodeon. Currently in development (52 x 11' episodes), the mission-based action adventure series is expected to air on Nickelodeon's preschool channel, Nick Jr. The deal follows GENIUS Brands' recent announcement of the appointment of Mattel Inc.'s Fisher-Price Toys as Global Master Toy Partner for the brand, further demonstrating the high level of confidence that the property is well positioned for breakout success in the global market.
Rainbow Rangers, which is expected to air on Nickelodeon's preschool channel Nick Jr., boasts a unique and highly-accomplished team of creators from the animated motion picture world, including Rob Minkoff (Disney's The Lion King director), Shane Morris (Disney's Frozen co-writer), Tim Mansfield and New York Times Bestselling author and Emmy-nominated writer Elise Allen (Dinosaur Train, Lion Guard, BARBIE specials) who is serving as head writer and co-creator. GENIUS Brands' Chairman and CEO and multiple Emmy-winning producer of more than 5,000 episodes of children's programming, Andy Heyward, serves as executive producer, with legendary Disney alum Ruben Aquino creating key designs. Aquino is responsible for the design and animation of many of Disney's most iconic characters from award-winning films including "The Lion King," "Beauty and the Beast," "The Little Mermaid," "Mulan" and "Frozen."
"We've assembled an unprecedented team of creative talent to bring Rainbow Rangers to life and are committed to selecting partners of the same caliber that have a shared passion for the brand," said Heyward. "Nickelodeon has introduced so many of the most beloved and exciting characters to kids and families across the globe."
Rainbow Rangers is an empowering, exciting, behind-the-curtain peek at the real lives of superheroes Earth's First Responders. The series seamlessly blends fantasy and action-adventure with relatable, accessible stories about friendship and saving the environment. The Rainbow Rangers seven girls, each a different color of the rainbow, each with her own wildly unique personality and powers band together to save the day whenever there's trouble for the people, animals or natural wonders of the Earth. Every storyline is designed to show viewers the importance of working together and that actions both big and small can make the world a better place.