Genius Brands International Appoints APC Kids as Exclusive Content Distribution Agent in Europe, Middle East and Africa for Original Preschool Series, Rainbow Rangers
EMEA Debut of the Adventure Series to Follow U.S. Launch in Fall 2018 on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan. 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genius Brands International “Genius Brands” (NASDAQ:GNUS), a global brand management company that creates and licenses multimedia entertainment content for children, has appointed APC Kids as the exclusive agent to handle the content distribution of its all-new preschool series, Rainbow Rangers, throughout EMEA, including Russia and ex-CIS countries.
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Currently in production on season one (52 x 11’ episodes), the CGI-animated series, Rainbow Rangers, follows the thrilling rescue-based adventures of seven 9-year-old girls who are Earth’s first responders – protecting people, animals, resources, and the natural beauty of our world. The series is slated to premiere in fall 2018 on the #1 rated kids’ network, Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. Genius Brands is also developing a comprehensive consumer products program to follow the series launch, which will begin rolling out in the U.S. in late spring 2019, continuing through back-to-school and holiday. The program will be led by global master toy partner Mattel, Inc., and global master publisher Imprint, a part of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. Additional key licensees onboard include Bentex (master apparel), Handcraft Manufacturing (packaged underwear), Global Design Concepts (bags, backpacks), Jay Franco (bedding and bath), H.E.R. Accessories (jewelry and hair accessories) and TASTE Beauty (health and beauty).
Genius Brands’ SVP of Global Content Distribution and Marketing & President of Kid Genius Cartoon Channel Deb Pierson stated: “The buzz around Rainbow Rangers has been nothing short of phenomenal, and we are thrilled with the partners that we are assembling across content sales, licensing, merchandising, retail and promotions to bring this unique brand to market this year. EMEA will be central to the rollout of the brand overseas, and with APC Kids’ experience and expertise in the market, we anticipate Rainbow Rangers to attract leading media partners, providing maximum reach to kids in the region.”
Lionel Marty, Managing Director of APC Kids, says: “We were immediately attracted to Rainbow Rangers due to the talented creatives behind the show teamed with the powerhouses of Nickelodeon and Mattel. The series is innovative and fun and promises to have global appeal so we are excited to be taking it to new audiences across EMEA.”
The Rainbow Rangers, Earth’s first responders, live in the magical land of Kaleidoscopia at the other side of the rainbow and have their own distinctive personalities and superpowers. Whenever there’s trouble for the people or animals of Earth, our seven heroines zoom into action and ride their Spectra scooters across the rainbow to save the day. We’ll join them on exciting adventures, but also see them at home having the same daily dramas and hilarities as every preschooler watching the show. And at its heart, Rainbow Rangers is about empowering and encouraging girls to take action and make a difference in their own homes and neighborhoods to improve and safeguard the planet. Every viewer -- boys and girls -- will see themselves in at least one of these strong, unique and empowered Rangers!
Boasting a unique and highly-accomplished team of creators from the animated motion picture world, Rainbow Rangers’ creative development and production team includes 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.”
About Genius Brands International
Headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, Genius Brands International, Inc. (NASDAQ:GNUS) is a leading global media company developing, producing, marketing and licensing branded children’s entertainment properties and consumer products for media distribution and retail channels. Led by award-winning creators and producers, Genius Brands distributes its content worldwide in all formats, as well as a broad range of consumer products based on its characters. In the children's media sector, its portfolio of “content with a purpose” includes new preschool properties Rainbow Rangers for Nick Jr. and Llama Llama for Netflix; tween music-driven YouTube brand SpacePOP; award-winning toddler brand Baby Genius; adventure comedy series Thomas Edison's Secret Lab, and Warren Buffett's Secret Millionaires Club, created with and starring iconic investor Warren Buffett. The Company is also co-producing an all-new adult animated series, Stan Lee's Cosmic Crusaders, with Stan Lee's Pow! Entertainment and The Hollywood Reporter. Genius Brands’ Kid Genius Cartoon Channel is currently available in approximately 60 million households. For additional information please visit www.gnusbrands.com.
About APC Kids
APC Kids is the children’s entertainment arm of boutique financier and distributor About Premium Content (APC). Headed by Lionel Marty, the kids’ specialist has a growing portfolio of high profile children’s and family properties including animated series KID-E-CATS, The Memories of Nanette and Zoli & Pokey.
Forward Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), not limited to Risk Factors relating to its patent business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
GBI MEDIA CONTACT:
Michelle Orsi/Carol Holdsworth
Three.Sixty Marketing & Communications
310-418-6430
michelle@360-comm.com
FOR INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Michael Porter
PLR Investor Relations
212.564.4700
mike@plrinvest.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a4742c90-7791-4e53-a164-2485468a435e
Released January 11, 2018