Speed Racer Enterprises reports a slate of new licensing agreements for the classic SPEED RACER animated television series and the new SPEED RACER: THE NEXT GENERATION, scheduled to air on Nicktoons in 2008. The licensees include:
* Jada Toys: die-cast vehicles, battery-operated remote-control vehicles, pull-back vehicles, vinyl figures and die-cast key chains based on the classic brand. Roll-out in Q1 2008.
* Senario: Plug 'N Play video games with inflatable interfaces for the classic SPEED RACER series with an option for SPEED RACER: THE NEXT GENERATION. Roll-out in Q2 2008.
* ES Originals: children's footwear including athletic, non-athletic, slippers, EVAs, boots and sandals; a variety of bags such as backpacks, mini backpacks, rolling bags, luggage, totes and lunch bags; small leather goods; and hosiery for both the classic and the new brands. Roll-out in Q1 2008.
* Unique Industries: party goods for the classic Speed Racer brand, including paper party ware, party hats, blowouts, loot bags, invitations, thank-you notes, party packs, latex and foil balloons, assorted party favors, decorative accessories and piñatas. The company has also optioned SPEED RACER: THE NEXT GENERATION. Roll-out in January 2008.
* Innovative Designs: stationary, portfolios, theme-books, composition books, memo pads, fat books, legal pads, assignment books, agendas, die-cut memos, sticky notepads, binders, pencil cases, book covers, pencils, pens, erasers, rulers, markers and magnets for both the classic and new series. Roll-out in April 2008.
SPEED RACER (52 x 30) made its original debut in 1967 in Japan and was dubbed into English and syndicated nationally on television. After 40 years, it is one of entertainment's most recognizable animated cultural icons.
SPEED RACER: THE NEXT GENERATION (26 x 30) is geared toward a new generation of 6- to14-year-old viewers and builds on the adventures of the original series. After leaving an orphanage, Speed arrives at the Racing Academy and discovers that he is the son of the world famous Speed Racer who had gone missing many years ago. Between studying and racing, Speed must uncover the secret to his father's disappearance, all while avoiding the evil schemes of oil tycoon Zile Zazic.
SPEED RACER: THE NEXT GENERATION is exec produced by John and James Rocknowski, principals of Speed Racer Enterprises, and Larry Schwarz, a principal of Animation Collective in association with Lionsgate. Lionsgate will launch the first installment of these television episodes on DVD in 2008 and has already sold more than 700,000 Speed Racer DVDs to date from previous versions of the classic brand.
Speed Racer Enterprises handles licensing and merchandising for the brand with Lionsgate as a consultant for both the classic and new series. Lionsgate is also the worldwide distribution company for both television and home entertainment.
