Target's Horrid Henry Secures Key Asian Deal

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgPress Release from Target Entertainment

London: Leading rights management group Target Entertainment has signed a number of new broadcast deals for Novel Entertainment’s Horrid Henry (156 x 11’) including a prestigious Asian deal following ATF.

Cartoon Network has picked up the first two series of hit animated series Horrid Henry (both 52 x 11’) for its Asia Pacific region which includes Australia and New Zealand, China and India.

RUV, Iceland’s public broadcaster, continues its support of Horrid Henry and has picked up series 3 (52 x 11’), while YLE Finland has acquired series 2 (52 x 11’).

Adapted from the international best-selling books, Horrid Henry is the iconic anti-hero who does the most fabulously mischievous things most children only dream about.

Aimed at a core audience of 6 to 9 year-olds, Horrid Henry is the most successful show ever on CiTV.  Published in 28 countries and 22 languages, sales of the Francesca Simon’s book have topped over 17 million copies in the UK, making Horrid Henry the most successful children’s literary character after Harry Potter.

Target’s Director of Sales Hannah Worrall says: “Horrid Henry is an iconic kids character with very dedicated fans. We are delighted to see Henry breaking new ground internationally as we know that the universal stories and themes of the show appeal to kids the world over.”

Layla Lewis, Director, Acquisitions and Development, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc adds: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Horrid Henry to Cartoon Network Asia Pacific. Horrid Henry captures the curious and mischievous nature of kids and their eternal quest for fun, which is what Cartoon Network is all about. We're sure that this loveable and cheeky character will delight our audiences across the Asia Pacific region as much as he has in Europe.”

Since its inception in 1998 as an independent distributor, Target Entertainment has grown into one of Europe’s most successful rights management businesses. Target’s enviable catalogue of rights features approximately 4,000 hours of vibrant, quality programming across drama, comedy, entertainment, factual and kids programming.

With a proven track record representing key independent producers, Target’s multi-lingual, territory specific and target-driven distribution department’s first-rate knowledge of the international TV landscape brings with it an enviable competitive advantage.

A pioneering and dynamic company, Target also has a licensing department and home entertainment division to maximise commercial returns for all parties and build global brands.

In August 2010, Target was acquired by The Metrodome Group.

More about Metrodome Group PLC:
Metrodome Group PLC is an AIM-listed holding company which owns Metrodome Distribution and Target Entertainment.

Metrodome Group PLC is actively looking at further merger and acquisition deals, and has announced its intention to move into international film sales. Metrodome Group PLC plans to offer producers and rights owners a one-stop shop for international exploitation of their product, whilst continuing to expand its own production ambitions.

Metrodome Distribution is one of the leading independent film distributors in the UK, acquiring films and other product for exploitation in cinemas, on DVD & VOD, and via broadcast. Metrodome Distribution is also active in co-production, with its first two feature films slated for release in 2011, and has a first look deal with film production company Neon Park.

Target Entertainment is a leading international rights management business, representing producers and content owners across different genres and across all media and non-broadcast platforms.  Clients include Living TV Group, MTV, BBC, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Chapman Entertainment.

Metrodome Distribution and Target Entertainment, wholly owned subsidiaries of Metrodome Group PLC, boast combined annual revenues of over £20 million.

Novel Entertainment was founded in 2001. The company specialises in the creation and development of successful children’s character brands across a wide array of media.  Novel’s core programmes include Horrid Henry, Fimbles, The Roly Mo Show, Rockit’s Pocket and Ping & Pong.   Since 2001 the company has produced over 650 programmes for television and radio, garnering multi BAFTA and RTS Award nominations, as well as a number of stage shows based on the company’s leading characters.  The company’s brand experience extends into licensing and merchandising, computer games, interactive online content, music and film.