Two new animated films based on hit pre-school series slated for Chinese theatres with Netflix releasing internationally.
Season 5 of Silvergate Media’s ‘Octonauts’ is set to launch this fall.
Silvergate Media has teamed with Wanda Kids to produce and release two new Octonauts feature films in China, with Netflix handling international distribution, according to a Variety report.
The first of the 75-minute films, titled The Ring of Fire, is set for a 2020 release. No release date was announced for the second film, titled The Underwater Caves of Sac Atun. Netflix will release both films outside China as specials under the Netflix Originals banner.
Since the pre-school series was first broadcast on state television broadcaster CCTV in June 2014, Octonauts has become a huge success in China, with more than 14 billion online views and 5 million books sold through licensing deals. Season 5 is set to air on CCTV this coming fall. The show airs in over 100 countries, including Disney Channel in the US and CBeebies in the UK.
In April 2016, Silvergate announced a partnership with Shamrock Capital Advisors in order to accelerate the studio’s global growth, both organically and by acquisition. Shamrock acquired a majority stake in Silvergate to support planned expansion, in particular Silvergate’s intellectual property, library rights and digital capabilities as well as its presence in China.
Silvergate CEO Waheed Alli had previously stated that “China is one of our most important markets, which is why we are delighted that Octonauts has gained millions of fans in the region. We are excited to see the traction we have gained building a strong merchandising program, deeper retail reach and a larger online retail presence. We are confident that these additional consumer touchpoints will increase exposure for the brand as it continues to grow in popularity.”
The Octonauts are a team of adventurers who explore the world’s oceans, rescue aquatic creatures and protect their habitats – from the rainforests of the Amazon to the deepest depths of the Midnight Zone. Captain Barnacles Bear, ex-pirate Kwazii Cat, medic Peso Penguin and the rest of the crew fearlessly dive into action, deploying a fleet of aquatic vehicles, including their Octopus-shaped home-base, the Octopod.
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
