Henson Secures a New Licensing Agent in Russia and Roster of International Licensees Expands
HOLLYWOOD, CA (June 5, 2012) – Continuing to gather steam around the globe, the critically acclaimed animated children’s series DINOSAUR TRAIN, produced by The Jim Henson Company, is expanding its route with a wealth of new international licensees, as well as a new licensing agent in Russia. The news was announced today by Melissa Segal, Senior Vice President, Global Consumer Products for the Company.
“The DINOSAUR TRAIN fan base outside of the U.S. has grown at a phenomenal rate, and the property continues to attract new licensees from around the globe,” said Melissa Segal, Senior Vice President, Global Consumer Products, The Jim Henson Company. “It once again validates our core belief that combining engaging characters with fun, colorful storylines that inspire kids to use their imaginations, is a winning proposition.”
TOMY will be introducing its new DINOSAUR TRAIN product line into both the U.K. and German retail markets in Spring 2013, followed by a successful debut in France in the 4th quarter of 2011. The innovative product line will include the launch of the DINOSAUR TRAIN InterAction Figures that utilize Smart Talk Technology to bring the dinosaur characters to life. In addition to being able to recognize and respond to other DINOSAUR TRAIN InterAction Figures, each character is fully articulated and is packed with one-of-a-kind dinosaur features, including a minimum of 40 dinosaur sounds, facts and character phrases.
New European licensees recently signed for DINOSAUR TRAIN include Puffin in the U.K. for new product in the publishing category beginning in spring 2013; Evasion Communications for costumes and Shok ID for soft toys in France; and Junior Productions for meet and greet promos with walk around character appearances in Sweden. In Portugal, the Company has signed a publishing agreement for the brand with Babel; soap, shampoo and shower gels will be available under a licensing agreement with Secret Fragrancy; and iPlay will debut musical CDs. The European licensing deals were negotiated in collaboration with the local licensing agents: Alphanim in France, Alicom for Sweden, and Atxilipu in Portugal.
Further driving the global momentum of DINOSAUR TRAIN, the Company has appointed Megalicense, one of Russia’s leading licensing agencies, to represent the brand’s business interest in Russia and all of CIS, and C-Trade Ltd. has been appointed as the toy licensee for the region.
In Latin America, Exim Licensing has added several new DINOSAUR TRAIN licensees, including Editorial Artemisa for activity, coloring and sticker books and story books in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile; Flash Toys for toys, cushions and plush in Venezuela; Grafiart S.R.L. for party goods in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay; Mexbras Industria Plastica Ltda. For Dinnerware in Brazil; Nenes Chicks for Infant/Toddler apparel in Mexico; Photo Pack for stationery, backpacks, pencil cases, lunch boxes and melamine plates, bowls and cups in Mexico.
About DINOSAUR TRAIN:
Created by Craig Bartlett, Dinosaur Train airs on PBS KIDS ® (check local listings), and embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains while encouraging basic scientific and thinking skills. DINOSAUR TRAIN is produced by The Jim Henson Company and co-produced with Singapore animation company Sparky Animation with participation and assistance of the Singapore Media Development Authority. U.K. production and financial support is provided by Ingenious Media.
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