Press Release from Chorion

London/New York, 21 June 2010: Leading family entertainment producer and distributor Chorion announces a range of activities for the popular preschool character Spot as he celebrates his 30th anniversary year.

To mark this exciting milestone, celebrations and new product introductions are ongoing in multiple territories, including the U.S., Europe, Australia and Japan.

In the U.S., BBC America released Where’s Spot? on DVD in April, and will continue to release additional titles; Spot Goes to School in August and Spot’s Magical Christmas in October. New licensing deals have been inked with Andover Fabric, Starry Story Art, Meri Meri and the Zoobies. The Spot Zoobie will be featured on QVC for Christmas in July. Master toy licensee Kids Preferred is expanding its Spot product line to include puzzles, backpacks, bath toys and wooden toys for roll-out in 2011.

In the UK, Abbey Home Media launched a special edition 30th anniversary DVD in March. The Spot TV series began broadcasting on CITV in April 2010 with further episodes scheduled to air in June. Storytelling and in-store events supported the Spot exhibition at Selfridges in London over the May bank holiday weekend. The touring Spot art exhibition will also be featured at the Chelsea Library in London, Foyles book store, and regional museums during 2010. An exclusive birthday party is planned for August 5th in London for parents and children. Master toy licensee, Rainbow Designs will introduce an expanded range of products including puzzles and wooden toys for 2011.

Additional book titles for Spot from Warne include a 30th anniversary special edition of the iconic Where's Spot?, gift title, Spot's Birthday Balloon, and the incredibly popular Spot's Little Library. New publishing formats; touch and feel books, book and plush set, and an 18 button sound book are planned for the Holiday season.

In Australia Spot appeared in several high profile events in March and April including Gardening Australia Expo in Adelaide and Brisbane with further appearances scheduled for the same Expo in Sydney from 22-24 August and Melbourne from 1-3 October. The events will include costume appearances, craft activities and retail opportunities.

Spot plush, through Australian Master toy licensee, Jasnor Pty. launched in Japan this year and new licensing partner Skillman will be creating personalized product. Spot public reading events and retail fairs were held from March through to May at Kinokuniya bookstore outlets throughout Japan to celebrate Spot’s 30th anniversary.  Further events are planned from this June.

Steve Cipolla, EVP, Global Licensing and Sales, says: “Now with a second generation of fans, the Spot franchise is poised for growth and the anniversary celebrations provide a great opportunity to bring our partners together. Spot continues to delight pre-schoolers around the world and we look forward to its continued success.”

Spot first appeared in Eric Hill’s award-winning original lift-the-flap book Where’s Spot? in 1980 and has gone on to become an international publishing, animation and licensing success. In each story, Spot the inquisitive puppy embarks on a small voyage of discovery, through which children are gently introduced to the world around them.  To date, Spot has sold over 50 million books and has a global licensing program that includes toys, apparel, gifts and DVD. The official Spot website, with activities for parents and children, competitions, games and information about the brand and author is at www.funwithspot.com.

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