Press Release from Classic Media:
LONDON, UK — Classic Media announced that it has acquired the rights to Olivia from media content group Chorion. Olivia originated as an award-winning book series by Ian Falconer that has inspired a critically acclaimed animated television series. Classic Media last week announced that it had acquired from Chorion the rights to Noddy – part of the Enid Blyton estate – one of the UK’s most beloved characters.
Olivia is a unique little pig...with ordinary challenges…and an extraordinary imagination. Originally created as a gift for his niece Olivia, Ian Falconer's children's book Olivia was first published in 2000 and became an instant best-seller and was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Honor. More than six million Olivia books have been sold worldwide. In 2009, OLIVIA debuted as a 3D CG TV series on Nick Jr. in the US. This top-rated series is seen in more than 120 countries and airs on leading broadcasters that include ABC (Australia), Five/Milkshake! (UK), Treehouse (Canada) and TF1 (France).
“Olivia has a strong universal appeal with young girls and their families,” said Mary Durkan, Managing Director, Chorion. “We are thrilled that Classic Media will continue to introduce her to new audiences worldwide.”
“This is the perfect addition to our portfolio of classic properties and we look forward to bringing Olivia and her adventures to families everywhere,” said Eric Ellenbogen, Co-CEO, Classic Media.
Olivia is today’s girl. She is a 6¾-old dynamo who believes she can do anything and sees every day as an opportunity to try new things. Her vivid imagination takes her on grand adventures, both real and fantasy, and like all children, her antics occasionally result in endearing misadventures. Olivia’s confidence and positive nature inspires girls everywhere to think boldly and dream BIG.
About Classic Media
Classic Media, the owner of one of the world’s largest libraries of family filmed entertainment, is a leader in reinventing the entertainment classics of yesterday and creating the classics of tomorrow. The Company owns and manages a globally-recognized portfolio of well-known family and pop culture entertainment brands, including Casper the Friendly Ghost®, Where’s Waldo?®, Lassie®, The Lone Ranger®, Postman Pat® and George of the Jungle®. Classic Media programming is distributed in more than 170 territories worldwide and showcased across multiple formats, including TV, film, home video, consumer products, publishing, digital, and music. Visit us at www.classicmedia.tv [1].
About Chorion
A significant number of Chorion’s assets have now been sold. Chorion’s shareholding in Agatha Christie Limited was recently sold to Acorn Media Inc and Noddy to Classic Media. The only children’s properties left to sell are the Enid Blyton estate, Gaspard & Lisa and Max & Ruby. Chorion wholly owns Enid Blyton and this estate is being sold separately to Noddy. D C Advisory partners are advising the Company.
Links:
[1] http://www.classicmedia.tv/