Universal Studios Consumer Products Group and Playmates Toys announced a domestic licensing agreement, whereby Playmates will serve as the master toy licensee for the upcoming animated television series, THE LAND BEFORE TIME. The 22-minute animated series will air on Cartoon Network beginning spring 2007. The toy line will launch in fall 2007 with the introduction of a full line of figures, vehicles, playsets and plush.
THE LAND BEFORE TIME television series is in development by Universal Studios Family Prods. Stripping five days a week, 26 episodes will bring the prehistoric world to more than 88 million homes in the U.S. The series is being shopped to international distributors.
THE LAND BEFORE TIME Playmates toy lineup will include figural toys and vehicles, interactive toys and plush targeting kids 3-7.
Michael Rinzler, vp of marketing at Playmates, commented, "This is an amazingly rich and endearing property that lends itself perfectly to a broad line of figures, plush and other toys. It's an exciting opportunity because this is the first time children will be able to see THE LAND BEFORE TIME on television on a daily basis."
In addition to the television series, two new direct-to-DVD titles are slated to release over the next 24 months, and Cartoon Network episodes will be available on DVD starting in 2007.
Licensing opportunities are now available from Universal Studios Consumer Products Group across all categories including apparel, accessories, interactive games, collectibles, fine art, home furnishings, health and beauty aids, food and beverages, gifts, stationery products and wireless communication devices and accessories.
Set in prehistoric times, the series follows the journeys of young dinosaurs who experience wondrous adventures, encounter challenging obstacles and learn memorable life lessons about love, trust, friendship, learning, caring and sharing. The cast of dinosaur characters includes Littlefoot, the lovable long neck Apatosaurus; Cera, the feisty three-horn Triceratops; Ducky, the naive duckbill swimmer Parasaurolophus; Petrie, the comic flyer Pterodactyl; Chomper, the newly hatched friendly fearless Tyrannosauraus; and Spike the ravenous spiketail Stegosaurus.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2006, Playmates Toys Inc. is among the most well respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in both the creation of innovative and imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
