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Nelvana and Zoup-ah! Concoct Kids Cooking/Lifestyle Show

Childrens entertainment producer/distributor Nelvana Limited in Toronto has partnered with entertainment and lifestyle brand company Zoup-ah!, based in Napa, California, to co-produce GASPERGOO and manage television distribution, merchandising and home video rights worldwide.

GASPERGOO will be a half-hour live-action/animation and home video series offering the first of its kind instructional cooking show for kids along with nutritional tips and family entertainment activities to encourage families to prepare and enjoy meals together, Erik Stangvik, Zoup-ah! ceo and GASPERGOO co-creator told AWN. The concept has been thought out from its inception as a thoroughly branded property supported by licensed consumer products, publishing and food lines, cooking schools and a themed restaurant franchise.

It was this planning and thoroughness, as well as notable sponsors, that attracted Nelvana to its foray into live childrens entertainment.

We are impressed with the Zoup-Ah! teams aggressive marketing strategy and believe that the GASPERGOO concept has tremendous potential to become an enduring kids lifestyle brand, stated Nelvanas vp of development, Irene Weibel. Through this exciting partnership, Nelvana hopes to accelerate and enhance the brand building process with the creation of great television content for kids and an innovative merchandising program.

Brand partners already signed by Zoup-Ah! include global master housewares licensee the Meyer Corp. (KitchenAid, Circulon, Silverstone); Purcell Murray, the largest U.S. distributor of high-end kitchen appliances, sponsor of cooking elements on the TV soundstage; and title sponsor Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts, located in Napa and supported by trustees Robert Mondavi, Martha Stewart, Alice Waters and Eleanor Coppola.

We have always been impressed by Nelvanas leadership position, reputation, integrity and vision, said Stangvik. We feel they are the perfect partner to help build the GASPERGOO lifestyle brand. We have hit the ground running and all of our creative energies are working together to realize this property.

GASPERGOO was created by musical entertainer Jeanne Smith and by entrepreneur Stangvik. Business development vp and partner Bill Bourdon, who joined the company last fall, manages strategic partnerships, licensing and public relations. Chris Friden has recently come on board as creative director for GASPERGOO and other Zoup-ah! properties in development.

Nelvana Ltd. is one of the worlds leading international producers and distributors of childrens programming and products. Nelvana is owned by Corus Ent., a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus (www.corusentertainment.com) is a market leader in both specialty TV and radio. The company's other interests include music, television broadcasting and advertising services.

Zoup-ah! Llc. is a family entertainment and lifestyle brand company founded by Stangvik and Smith. The companys debut property, GASPERGOO, was created to engage and entertain children in and around the kitchen. The GASPERGOO television series, premium products and brand experiences serve up an awareness of healthy eating and the desire to bring families back to the collective table.

For more information, please visit www.gaspergoo.com.

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