Overseas debut of the adventure series to follow U.S. launch in fall 2018 on Nick Jr.
APC Kids will handle content distribution for Genius Brands’ ‘Rainbow Rangers’ in EMEA markets.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. -- Genius Brands International has appointed APC Kids as the exclusive agent to handle the content distribution of its all-new preschool series Rainbow Rangers throughout EMEA, including Russia and ex-CIS countries.
Currently in production on season one, the CGI-animated series follows the thrilling rescue-based adventures of seven 9-year-old girls who are Earth’s first responders -- protecting people, animals, resources and the natural beauty of our world. The series is slated to premiere in fall 2018 on Nick Jr.
Genius Brands also is developing a comprehensive consumer-products program to follow the series launch, which will begin rolling out in the U.S. in late spring 2019, continuing through back-to-school and holiday. The program will be led by global master toy partner Mattel, Inc., and global master publisher Imprint, a part of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.
Additional key licensees onboard include Bentex (master apparel), Handcraft Manufacturing (packaged underwear), Global Design Concepts (bags, backpacks), Jay Franco (bedding and bath), H.E.R. Accessories (jewelry and hair accessories) and TASTE Beauty (healthy and beauty).
“The buzz around Rainbow Rangers has been nothing short of phenomenal, and we are thrilled with the partners that we are assembling across content sales, licensing, merchandising, retail and promotions to bring this unique brand to market this year,” says Deb Pierson, Genius Brands’ senior VP of global content distribution and marketing, and president of Kid Genius Cartoon Channel. “EMEA will be central to the rollout of the brand overseas, and with APC Kids’ experience and expertise in the market, we anticipate Rainbow Rangers to attract leading media partners in Europe, providing maximum reach to kids in the region.”
“We were immediately attracted to Rainbow Rangers due to the talented creatives behind the show teamed with the powerhouses of Nickelodeon and Mattel,” says Lionel Marty, managing director of APC Kids. “The series is innovative and fun and promises to have global appeal so we are excited to be taking it to new audiences across EMEA.”
Rainbow Rangers’ creative development and production team includes Rob Minkoff (Disney’s The Lion King director), Shane Morris (Disney’s Frozen co-writer), Tim Mansfield and New York Times best-selling author and Emmy-nominated writer Elise Allen (Dinosaur Train, Lion Guard, Barbie specials) who is serving as head writer and co-creator.
Genius Brands’ chairman and CEO and multiple Emmy-winning producer of more than 5,000 episodes of children's programming Andy Heyward serves as executive producer, with legendary Disney alumnus Ruben Aquino creating key designs. Aquino is responsible for the design and animation of many of Disney’s most iconic characters from award-winning films including The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Mulan and Frozen.
Source: Genius Brands
Tom McLean has been writing for years about animation from a secret base in Los Angeles.
