files/pictures/picture-35.jpgPress Release from Zinkia Entertainment
Los Angeles, CA (June 9, 2011) -- Continuing the prolific global expansion of its flagship multiplatform property, POCOYO, Zinkia Entertainment has secured a number of new licensing partners for the popular children’s brand across Asia. The announcement was made today by Maria Doolan, Managing Director Brand & Business Development for Zinkia Entertainment.
“The POCOYO licensing program has been very successful, from its earliest product introduction in Europe to its recent launch into the Americas,” said Doolan. “Now, we are focusing on building our licensing program throughout Asia and are very encouraged by the enthusiastic response we have so far encountered.”
Introducing POCOYO products into the People’s Republic of China are Beijing Kaku Cartoon Culture Co. Ltd and Skynet Asia Culture Communication Co. as joint commercial agents. New licensing partners include Higher Education Press (HEP), who will publish story and picture books as well as educational books in the science, music and math disciplines; ChongQing Tianjian Cartoon Animation Culture Co., who will publish magazine books; Megasoft (Fujian) Hygiene Products Co., who has acquired the license for disposal diapers, wipes and other related baby products; and Starwin Cultural Communications Co., who will distribute DVDs and VCDs.
In Malaysia, Cuang Chen Mao Yi Dsn Bhd has secured licensing rights for home textiles; and Twenty Three Networks Marketing has been granted licensing rights in the dinnerware, bottles, bags, stationery and box categories for both Malaysia and Singapore. In the Philippines, Eastern RisingSun International has licensed the rights to develop furniture, infant wear, and infant feeding and accessories. And in Indonesia, Tokyo1 has acquired the rights for plastic kitchen accessories and food containers; and PT Sumber Diva Gemilang is developing a line of stationery items.
SOHU, China's leading online media, search, gaming, community and mobile service group reports some 1.8 million hits monthly for POCOYO’s video content.
The POCOYO brand is based on the popular animated television series, currently airing in over 150 countries across the globe. The preschool television series brings children into the bright and exuberant world of POCOYO, an inquisitive and fun-loving young boy, and his animal friends Elly (the elephant), Pato (theduck) and Loula (his pet dog). Each episode of POCOYO is packed with music, dance, and humor, encouraging children to learn through laughter.
Zinkia Entertainment continues in 2011 and beyond to build POCOYO on a global scale with new strategic partnerships, new product lines, new content, digital expansion and strategic marketing campaigns to further build awareness for the brand.
*****************
Madrid, June 7, 2011 – Zinkia Entertainment (Zinkia) continues to build the hit children’s brand, Pocoyo, across Latin America, appointing new licensing agents in key territories; and adding new broadcast partners. The announcement was made today by Fernando de Miguel, CEO, Zinkia Entertainment.
“Latin America is a key region in our strategy as we continue to expand the Pocoyo brand around the world, and we are thrilled to engage new partners who understand our brand concept and offer innovative ideas to keep the brand fresh and exciting,” comments de Miguel. “With consistently high television ratings, and consumer products sales up across the region, we are confident that we have the right partners on board to further our growth strategy.”
In the broadcast arena, Zinkia has concluded a new multi-territory, free-to-air broadcast agreement with Televideo (Albavisión) for Peru, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Paraguay and Argentina. Televideo joins Zinkia’s current roster of terrestrial broadcast partners throughout the region, including Canal 13 (Chile), Canal (Columbia), Ecuador TV (Ecuador), Canal 5 (Mexico) and Tves (Venezuela). The Pocoyo television series also currently airs throughout Latin America on Discovery Kids. Throughout Latin America, Pocoyo has achieved stellar ratings, surpassing 70% of the show’s target audience.
In the consumer products arena, new third party licensing agent agreements include a multi-territory deal with IMC International Merchandising Consultants for Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay; BLG Brand and Licensing Group for Brazil; Doce & Friends for Chili; and Andelo in Peru. In Mexico, Pocoyo continues to be represented by Televisa Consumer Products.
Zinkia has also recently signed a multi-territory deal with Elite Global for the distribution of toys, including basic plush, bath toys and the Bump n’ Go Racing Car in Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panamá, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Caribbean Islands. Pocoyo has almost 50 licensees in Latin America producing and distributing a diverse range of branded merchandise throughout the region.
Online, Pocoyo has also generated significant growth with its Latin American audience, with over 230,000 fans on Facebook and more than 17 million monthly views on YouTube.
About Pocoyo
The award-winning animated series, about a young boy’s discovery of the world around him, represents a universe of core values that promotes a philosophy of curiosity, sincerity, tolerance, respect and love. With these guiding principles, Pocoyo fosters “Learning through Laughter,” utilizing a blend of humor and learning which mimics children’s development to inspire and inform children about the world around them.
Recognized as a global hit property, Pocoyo has tallied more than 450 million hits on YouTube® (
http://www.youtube.com/pocoyo ) and has amassed more than 27 million content downloads from the official POCOYO website (
www.pocoyo.com ). Currently licensed to broadcasters in over 150 territories worldwide, Pocoyo has earned a host of international accolades including a prestigious BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) for Best Animated Preschool Series, three Pucinella Prizes at Italy’s Cartoons on the Bay Festival and Best TV Series at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France.
Pocoyo’s online virtual world, Pocoyoworld.com, has attracted more than 11 million unique visitors, and the Pocoyo app, Pocoyize, which allows users to create their own POCOYO-style avatar, has proven a huge hit both online and via iPhone® with approximately 11 million people Pocoyized to date.
About Zinkia
www.zinkia.com
Zinkia Entertainment, which specializes in the creation and management of entertainment brands for the international market, is primarily involved in the animation business, creating quality content for the audiovisual market as well as interactive content for multi-player console and online games.
Founded in 2001, Zinkia is headquartered in Madrid, with a commercial office in Beijing, China. Zinkia’s TV series and associated merchandising and licensing products are distributed to over 100 territories worldwide. TV credits include the multi-award winning series Pocoyo and the successful series Shuriken School.
