DECODE signs U.K. Licensing, DVD Partners for Grandpa in My Pocket
Press Release from DECODE Enterprises
Toronto, London 6 July 2009. DECODE Enterprises, the distribution subsidiary of DHX Media Ltd., today announces agreements with two major distribution and licensing partners that are expected to build on the UK success of Adastra Creative's GRANDPA IN MY POCKET. Warner Home Video UK has been appointed as DVD partner for the show's first season, and Brandzoo will now act as the live-action comedy brand's licensing agent.
GRANDPA IN MY POCKET is a hit in the UK on BBC's CBeebies and has already been commissioned for a second series. It delivers impressive viewing figures, lively website activity and a regular top spot on the CBeebies iPlayer. The series achieved a phenomenal 675,000 viewers* at its height and is almost 6% up on the 2008 slot average.
Josh Scherba, VP, Distribution at DECODE Enterprises said: "We're in excellent hands with Warner Home Video UK and Brandzoo as we look to build a strong global GRANDPA IN MY POCKET brand. The response to the series from kids and families has been incredible and with standout viewing figures, and a second series commission from CBeebies, we're looking forward to Grandpa becoming an even more familiar face in UK homes."
John Stanley, Managing Director, Warner Home Video UK, added, "GRANDPA IN MY POCKET is a terrific addition to our kids' entertainment offering. It's been extremely well received on CBeebies and we're looking to tap into that success when it's released on DVD next year."
Jenny Johnstone Managing Director of Brandzoo, said "We are very excited to be working with Adastra and Decode on this wonderful family entertainment show. Its popularity is clearly evident from the ratings it achieves -- it obviously resonates with audience. Grandpa in my Pocket is a credit to its producers and we look forward to building a strong long-term licensing programme.
DECODE Enterprises holds TV, DVD and consumer products rights to GRANDPA IN MY POCKET, the 52x12' special effects-laden series which has also been sold to Canada's TVO, Al Jazeera Children's Channel and Australia's ABC TV.
GRANDPA IN MY POCKET is developed and produced by Adastra Creative, headed by Mellie Buse and Jan Page, and commissioned by CBeebies Controller Michael Carrington. Made with participation from Finance Wales, the series is CBeebies' first comedy drama commission and features a star studded cast including James Bolam, Susan Jameson, Lisa Goddard, Rula Lenska and Meera Syal. Sarah Colclough is executive producer for the BBC and Angus Fletcher is executive producer for Adastra.
GRANDPA IN MY POCKET is directed by Richard Bradley, whose many credits in both adult and kids include lead director of the BAFTA award-winning live action series THE HOOBS. The special effects for the series are produced by Welsh independent company Dinamo Productions.
Take one energetic Grandpa and his imaginative seven-year old Grandson, Jason Mason. Give Grandpa a magic shrinking cap and watch him turn into the biggest kid of the lot! He flies out the window in Jason's toy airplane or shoots out the door in his little car, each time on his way to solve a problem and create mayhem along the way. Grandpa can make himself small enough to hide in all sorts of unsuitable places. He's full of ideas and full of mischief.
The show explores the hugely important grandparent/grandchild relationship and Jason and Grandpa make a great team. Their adventures will be fantastical, touching and bizarre -- but always hilariously funny.