The partnership will combine Hearst’s distribution network with Toonz’s extensive slate of kids programming; new animated kids titles include ‘PaddyPaws,’ ‘Sunnyside Billy,’ ‘Kingdom of None,’ and ‘Aliens In My Backpack.
Hearst Media Production Group and Toonz Media Group have teamed up to produce and distribute a set of new animated projects. The strategic partnership will combine Hearst Media Production Group’s extensive distribution network with Toonz’s prolific slate of children’s animation productions.
Currently producing and distributing television programming including 30+ series and hundreds of hours of content, Hearst Media Production Group’s reach extends to leading broadcast station groups and networks in 97 countries, and connected TV and streaming platforms. Its library includes over 4,000 hours of programming. The new partnership will see that reach further expand to engage U.S. audiences with Toonz’s children’s animation content including brand new titles.
The companies will collaborate to procure U.S. distribution partners for the next set of animated shows including:
- PaddyPaws: An interactive preschool series created by Emily and Keith Chapman (Paw Patrol, Bob the Builder), about a group of adventurous kitties led by the mischievous Paddypaws, and their young, loving owner Daisy.
- Sunnyside Billy: An upbeat comedy from the makers of Oggy and the Cockroaches and Robotboy, the show features a witty, happy-go-lucky fried egg and his pals, who get into wild adventures with visiting tourists who discover that the fish are not the fishiest thing about their small, sleepy seaside Alaskan town. The series was conceptualized by a team including animator Olivier Jean-Marie.
- Kingdom of None: A high-octane landscape where everyday lives become imaginary worlds full of wild adventures! Fueled by their creative and boundless imaginations, our hero Meter and his band of friends transform their backyard into the ultimate playground.
- Aliens In My Backpack: A comedy adventure series created by Rob Lee (Fireman Sam) brings to life a family of characters from a distant planet, who are on a mission to share their secrets with Earth and make our planet a greener and better place.
“This is a strategic alliance for Toonz as we broaden our presence in North America,” remarked Toonz Media Group chief sales and marketing officer Bruno Zarka. “We are confident that together Toonz and Hearst Media Production Group can produce and deliver high quality content that will appeal and entertain children and family audiences everywhere.”
“Creating key alliances with global partners like Toonz is critical to Hearst Media Production Group’s aggressive strategy to expand our reach into all genres of content for all audiences,” added Angelica Rosas McDaniel, EVP and general manager, Entertainment for Hearst Media Production Group.
Source: Toonz Media Group
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
