4Kids Ent. Inc. has acquired the worldwide licensing rights to Animation Collective's animated action comedy television series, KAPPA MIKEY. Through the agreement with Animation Collective, 4Kids will manage the marketing, promotional and licensing initiatives of the series on a global basis. KAPPA MIKEY is expected to launch on Nicktoons in the U.S. and on Nickelodeon International channels across the globe in 2006.
KAPPA MIKEY chronicles the madcap adventures of once-struggling American actor Mikey Simon as he adjusts to his new role as the biggest anime star Japan has even seen. But fame doesn't come without a price. When not being chased down by the paparazzi, Mikey must also find time to get to know his co-stars, adjust to Japanese culture and learn to love life inside the fishbowl.
The series is the brainchild of Animation Collective's Larry Schwarz, the creative force behind the popular INCREDIBLE CRASH DUMMIES airing on 4Kids TV, and LEADER DOG and TORTELLINI WESTERN, now airing on Nicktoons.
"KAPPA MIKEY is a wonderful complement to the 4Kids' portfolio," said Alfred R. Kahn, chairman/ceo, 4Kids. "We are excited to be working with a property that is as action-packed and adventurous as is it is quirky and humorous. We believe the series' multi-faceted elements combined with the broadcast support of Nickelodeon worldwide will boost KAPPA MIKEY's appeal and consumers' interest in expanding their experience with the property beyond the television screen and into engaging merchandise."
4Kids Ent. plans to develop a licensing and marketing program for KAPPA MIKEY that capitalizes on the series' clever show within a show format and wide-range of engaging characters and fantastic vehicles. The company's licensing program is expected to initially focus on categories such as toys, apparel, games and trend products.
"We are thrilled to be working with 4Kids Ent.," said Schwarz. "Anime is the most widely watched animation style in the world and kids all over are quickly becoming experts in its quirks and nuances. KAPPA MIKEY is a fun parody of the genre, while at the same time delivering fast-paced action and character-driven comedy."
Headquartered in New York City with international offices in London, 4Kids Ent. Inc. is a global provider of children's entertainment and merchandise licensing. 4Kids, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, provides domestic and international merchandise licensing; television, film, music and home video production and distribution; media planning and buying; product development; and website development. For further information, visit www.4KidsEntertainment.com.
New York City-based Animation Collective (www.animationcollective.com) is a leader in creating animation for television, the Internet, homevideo and feature films. The company produces programming on a work for hire basis and develops and produces original proprietary properties.
Nicktoons is a part of the MTV Networks expanded suite of channels available for digital distribution.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
