BBC Worldwide unveils two new properties at this year's L!censing Show. DOCTOR WHO is about an intergalactic adventurer who, with his companion, travels through time and space witnessing things beyond our imagination. CHARLIE AND LOLA is about a funny four-year old little girl who knows her own mind and "will not ever, NEVER eat a tomato" and her imaginative older brother who persuades her they are really Moonsquirters from the land of Moon. At L!censing International 2005, New York, running June 21-23, 2005, BBC will be located at booth #3933.
CHARLIE AND LOLA is a pre-school series from one of U.K.'s leading independent producers, Tiger Aspect Prods. BBC Worldwide has signed a deal to license the 26x11 1/2 animated series, based on the award-winning books by children's author Lauren Child. The deal grants BBC Worldwide global licensing and merchandising rights for CHARLIE AND LOLA across most media including international TV sales, video, toys, magazines and merchandise.
BBC Worldwide is seeking innovative licensing and retail partners to develop a range of distinctive and contemporary children's products to reflect the unique design style of the programs and the brand. The mix of 2D CelAction animation, paper cutout, fabric collage and photomontage, all reflect the vision of the original picture books. BBC hopes to have a wide selection of categories for an initial product rollout in the U.K. in spring 2006 with a second phase in autumn.
CHARLIE AND LOLA premiered in the U.S. on Disney in March 2005 as part of its learning-focused Playhouse Disney programming block. The series is making an international impact after BBC Worldwide successfully licensed 26 episodes to all four Scandinavian broadcasters (Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland) and to Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Australia and Italy. These follow Tiger Aspect's direct sale of the series to TF1 in France.
DOCTOR WHO is a live-action drama, with a sci-fi twist and a script by the acclaimed British writer Russell T Davies. The two main characters, the Doctor, who is an intergalactic adventurer and his earthly companion, Rose, travel through time and space and become the best of friends along the way.
In series one, the Doctor is played by classically trained actor Christopher Eccleston and his companion, Rose, played by Billie Piper, who shot to fame with two number one singles. The series, which aired on BBC ONE in March received critical acclaim and audience appreciation, and a new 13-part series and a Christmas special begin filming this summer.
David Tennant takes over the role of the Doctor; his television credits include the title role in CASANOVA, which was shown on BBC THREE and BBC ONE, and the BBC ONE dramas BLACKPOOL and HE KNEW HE WAS RIGHT. He will also appear in the latest Harry Potter film, HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE.
Character Group has been appointed Master Toy Licensee for DOCTOR WHO and is releasing their first toy range in Autumn 2005 including a radio controlled Dalek and walkie talkies of the new Slitheen Monster, the Doctor and Rose.
BBC Worldwide is in New York looking for licensing partners who can exploit the potential of this property and create a new range of merchandise that reflects its enormous appeal. BBC Worldwide has already licensed the first series of DOCTOR WHO to Italy, Holland, Finland, Denmark, Hungary, Korea, Thomsonfly (formerly Britannia Airways), Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
BBC Worldwide will also be highlighting TELETUBBIES, TWEENIES, FIMBLES and BALAMORY. Further opportunities for potential licensing include BIG COOK LITTLE COOK, TROLLZ, LITTLE ROBOTS, TIKKABILLA, BILL & BEN, MONA THE VAMPIRE, DICK AND DOM, JACK FROST and ANDY PANDY.
BBC Worldwide Ltd. is the commercial consumer arm, and a wholly owned subsidiary, of the British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC). The company was formed in 1994 to develop a coordinated approach to the BBC's commercial activities: television, channels, publishing, product licensing, Internet and interactive. BBC Worldwide exists to maximize the value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the license payer, and reinvest in public service programming.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
