Press release from SMC Entertainment:
Chatsworth, CA -- SMC Entertainment Group has finalized licensing agreements in the U.S. for the new high definition television series, The Jungle Book, scheduled to debut on June 11, 2012 on Disney XD.
SMC has signed a slate of new U.S. licensees, including Phase 4 Films as the property’s home entertainment and Digital distribution partner; Isaac Morris as its master apparel partner; Komar for children’s sleepwear; Insights Editions forYoung Readers Book series; Seasons USA for Halloween costumes; Nanco-Nancy Sales for amusement plush and novelties, Pacific Play Tents for children’s play tents; Barnes & Noble for ebooks; United States Playing Card Company for customized playing cards; and My Idol Pops for figural lollypops.
“The new animated series for The Jungle Book has ignited interest from the licensing and merchandising community because it combines the best of both worlds,” said Lisa Streff, SVP Licensing at SMC. “You have the incredible legacy of The Jungle Book delivered in a fresh, colorful and engaging series that entertains children and evokes treasured memories for their parents and grandparents. The property’s association with Disney is the icing on the cake!”
True to Kipling’s original fables and characters’ sensibilities, the new series features tales of wit, friendship, courage and loyalty with the man-cub Mowgli, his friends Baloo the wise bear, Bagheera the black panther and the mighty Kaa, a rock python, set in the dense jungles of India where Mowgli’s enemy, the royal tiger Sher Khan, rules.
In addition to The Jungle Book television series, Phase 4 will release a bonus 1-hour holiday special in 2012. SMC is also developing a strategy to roll the series out across a multitude of digital platforms. Additionally, a dedicated website for The Jungle Book is in development.
SMC acquired all North American Home Entertainment, Licensing and Merchandising rights, and Promotional rights for The Jungle Book CGI-animated television series plus the one-hour telefilm from DQEI, the producers and rights holders of the series. In addition, SMC has also acquired The Jungle Book toy rights for Benelux, Australia and New Zealand and licensing and merchandising rights for South Africa.
Targeting consumer products, which focus on boys in the 4-7 age group as well as parents with children from infancy to 8 years of age, SMC will be representing The Jungle Book at the 2012 International Licensing Show (Booth 3268). The Company is seeking partnerships to develop a comprehensive consumer products’ campaign across categories including Toy, ELA’s, Publishing, Games & Puzzles, Gaming/Interactive, Apparel, Footwear, Accessories, Back to School, Party Good, Food & Beverage, Arts & Crafts, Home Furnishings, and more.
SMC executives Lisa Streff, SVP, Licensing; Heather Smith Noback, VP, Interactive and Digital Media; Pamela Harris, Director of Licensing and Roy Minami, Manager, Licensing will also be representing entertainment brands and intellectual properties such as H20: Just Add Water and Dance Academy.