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9 Story Media Group Announces Sale of Emmy® Award Winner PEG + CAT to Discovery Kids Latin America

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Peg + Cat

9 Story Media Group Announces Sale of Emmy® Award Winner PEG + CAT to Discovery Kids Latin America

Toronto, Canada – January 20, 2015 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce that its animated preschool series Peg + Cat (80 x 12’)  has been acquired by Discovery Kids for Latin America, including Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.  The series originally debuted on PBS Kids in the fall of 2013 and recently won 3 Emmy® awards, including Outstanding Pre-School Children’s Animation Program. Peg + Cat recently premiered on Discovery Kids in Brazil and Argentina with other markets expected to follow later this month.

The series has also been acquired by Treehouse (Canada), TFO (French-speaking Ontario), Télé-Québec (Quebec), Canal+ Family together (France and French-speaking territories), CSC (UK), TG4 (Ireland), Super RTL (Germany and German-speaking Europe), YLE (Finland), SVT (Sweden), ABC TV Australia, TVNZ (New Zealand), Disney (Korea), True Visions (Thailand), HOP (Israel), Mini-Mini (Poland), E-Junior (UAE), Zee Learn (India), RTP (Portugal) and MBC Kids (UAE).

Created by Emmy® award-winning creative director, animator and children’s writer Jennifer Oxley (Little Bill, The Wonder Pets!) and Billy Aronson (Rent, Postcards from Buster), Peg + Cat is co-produced by 9 Story Media Group and The Fred Rogers Company for PBS Kids. 9 Story has international distribution rights to the series.

The series follows an adorable spirited little girl, Peg, and her sidekick, Cat, as they encounter unexpected problems that require fun and creative solutions. In order to solve the problems, Peg and her cat must add, subtract and apply basic arithmetic. Their adventures take them to historical far-away lands, art centers in bustling metropolises and the colourful cosmos, all the while demonstrating that it’s never too early to start learning the magic of numbers.

9 Story Media Group is a leading content creator, marketer and distributor of kids & family focused intellectual property. Recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Wild Kratts, Numb Chucks, Arthur and Peg + Cat, 9 Story represents over 1700 half hours of animated and live action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms.  With one of North America’s largest animation studios, 9 Story employs over 220 creative and production staff and has produced over 900 half hours of award-winning children’s content. 9 Story is owned by Senior Management, ZM Capital and media entrepreneur Neil Court. www.9story.com 

For further information: 

Jennifer Ansley, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, 9 Story Media Group

+1 416 530-9900 ext 230, jennifera@9story.com

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Press release: Gustaf the Puffin

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Gabriele Ranfagni has launched a Crowd Funding effort for his film Gustaf the Puffin. Check out the press release below. Incidentally we interviewed him a while back.

Today, on January 12th, 2015 we are glad to announce that our fundraising page on Karolina Fund has been opened.

Here you can find the link to our page and read all about our project :

https://www.karolinafund.com/project/view/583

We are aiming high and need 42.000 Euros so our project can go from an idea to reality. To reach our goal we need your help. All press coverage, interviews, pictures and such would get us closer to our fundraising goal.

Gustaf the puffin is an animated character which I, Anna Birgis and Gabriele Ranfagni own the copyright to.

We have an excellent team behind us, all very qualified animators. You can see our team on our page on Karolina Fund.

We are aiming to have the pilot show ready in the fall of 2015. We do not have a specific date yet but we will keep you posted.

When that show is ready and premiered, the people that donated the high amounts to our project will be invited to see it, if they have free time to fly over to Iceland. Along with them, part of our team, my self and Gabriele and people from the press, this premier will be a great one.

After the pilot episode is ready and has been premiered it is time for my self and Gabriele to find an investor for our project. Our idea is to make 24 episodes, 11 minutes each.

Gustaf the puffin is Icelandic and all episodes made will happen in icelandic landscape.

As you can see on our fundraising page on Karolina Fund, the introduction for Gustaf the puffin happens on an icelandic beach on black sand right by a place called Dyrholaey.

The idea for the project happened at Dyrholaey last summer in July when my self, Gabriele and others went there to look at the puffins.

If you have more questions or want an interview please contact me – Anna Birgis, by email annabirgis@gmail.com or by phone +354-8658586.

Thank you and I surely hope I will hear from you very soon.

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Press: SCOOBY-DOO! MOON MONSTER MADNESS IS SET TO BLAST OFF FEBRUARY 17, 2015

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Scooby Doo_Moon Monster Madness_Box Art 2D_FINAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IT’S AN OUT OF THIS WORLD ADVENTURE WITH SCOOBY-DOO!

WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT’S

ORIGINAL NEW ANIMATED FILM

SCOOBY-DOO! MOON MONSTER MADNESS

IS SET TO BLAST OFF

FEBRUARY 17, 2015

Release Includes a Bonus Featurette about Space Exploration

BURBANK, CA (December 10, 2014) – Zoinks! Get ready for some hilarious high jinks in outer space with Scooby-Doo! The lovable Great Dane is on a mission to deliver big laughs as he and the Mystery Incorporated gang take off on a super stellar adventure in Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness, available in stores February 17, 2015. This all-new, feature length animated adventure will be sold on standard DVD, which retails for $19.98 SRP (DVD) and is available on Digital HD.

Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness will be available early through EST for download February 3, 2015.

It’s one giant step for dog-kind as Scooby-Doo and the gang blast off for an epic journey into outer space in this must-own, original, new film! After winning the last five seats in a lottery, Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne and Velma are off to space in billionaire Sly Barron’s brand new ship, the Sly Star One, a space tourism vessel setting off on its inaugural voyage. It’s all gravity-free fun until a mysterious alien begins to destroy the ship! As the vessel breaks down, the crew is forced to land on Sly Baron’s base – located on the dark side of the moon! Will the gang unravel this alien mystery? Will Scooby and Shaggy find snacks on the moon? Fans will want to hop on board, fasten their seat belts and journey to the outer limits with Scooby-Doo to find out!

“Scooby-Doo is one of our leading brands. The popularity of the characters remains solid decade after decade as new generations embrace the Mystery Inc. gang,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing. She added, “We think fans of all ages will enjoy seeing Scooby-Doo and his pals in this exciting, new adventure.”

Bonus Features:

  • Space Travel is Groovy! — Join Mindy Cohn, the voice of “Velma,” as she introduces viewers to some of the real world technology and training that is part of modern space flight.

The Credits

About Warner Bros. Animation

Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, producing and developing both CG and traditionally animated projects for multiple platforms, both domestically and internationally. For TV, WBA produces series such as Teen Titans Go!, The Tom and Jerry Show and the upcoming Be Cool Scooby-Doo! and Wabbit – A Looney Tunes Production for Cartoon Network; Mike Tyson Mysteries for Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim; and original animated DC Nation shorts for Cartoon Network. As the home of the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries, WBA also produces highly successful animated films — including the DC Universe Animated Original Movies — for DVD. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has won six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Discâ„¢ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com and WB Ultra.

Artwork is available by request.

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For Product Information

The Lippin Group

Alex Uliantzeff 323/965-1990

Alex@lippingroup.com

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Melissa Hufjay 818/977-7310

Melissa.Hufjay@warnerbros.com

For Online Media Outlets

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Ines Logarta 818/977-6382

Ines.Logarta@warnerbros.com

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9 Story Ent. secures multiple deals for award-winning preschool series PEG + CAT

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Peg + Cat

9-story logo9 Story Entertainment secures multiple deals for award-winning preschool series PEG + CAT                                       

Toronto, Canada – September 28, 2014 – 9 Story Entertainment is pleased to announce that it has secured multiple sales of the award-winning animated preschool series, Peg + Cat (80 x 12’). The show has been acquired by TFO (French-speaking Ontario), Télé-Québec (Quebec), RTP (Portugal) and MBC Kids (UAE). The series originally debuted on PBS Kids in the fall of 2013 and recently won 3 Emmy® awards, including Outstanding Pre-School Children’s Animation Program.

The series was previously licensed to Treehouse (Canada), SVT (Sweden), YLE (Finland), TVNZ (New Zealand),  Canal+ Family together (France and French-speaking territories), CSC (UK), TG4 (Ireland) Super RTL (Germany and German-speaking Europe), ABC TV Australia, Disney (Korea), HOP (Israel), Mini-Mini (Poland), E-Junior (UAE) and Zee Learn (India).

Created by Emmy® award-winning creative director, animator and children’s writer Jennifer Oxley (Little Bill, The Wonder Pets!) and Billy Aronson (Rent, Postcards from Buster), Peg + Cat is co-produced by 9 Story Entertainment and The Fred Rogers Company for PBS Kids. 9 Story has international distribution rights to the series.

The series follows an adorable spirited little girl, Peg, and her sidekick, Cat, as they encounter unexpected problems that require fun and creative solutions. In order to solve the problems, Peg and her cat must add, subtract and apply basic arithmetic. Their adventures take them to historical far-away lands, art centers in bustling metropolises and the colourful cosmos, all the while demonstrating that it’s never too early to start learning the magic of numbers.

9 Story Entertainment is one of the industry’s leading creators, producers and distributors of award-winning animated and live-action content for young audiences around the world.  With one of North America’s largest animation studios based in Toronto, 9 Story has over 220 creative and production staff, and has produced over 900 half hours of quality children’s and family programming, seen on some of the most respected children’s channels around the world across multiple platforms.  The company’s distribution affiliate represents a growing catalogue which includes several beloved brands such as Arthur, Wibbly Pig, Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars, Wild Kratts and Almost Naked Animals in addition to exciting new series such as Numb Chucks, Camp Lakebottom, Cache Craze, Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood and Nerds and Monsters. Last year the company acquired CCI Kids, the family content division of CCI Entertainment, increasing 9 Story’s portfolio to over 1600 half hours of content with popular shows such as Guess How Much I Love You, Joe & Jack, Artzooka! and Extreme Babysitting.   www.9story.com

For further information: 

Jennifer Ansley, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, 9 Story Entertainment

+1 416 530-9900 ext 230, jennifera@9story.com

 

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News: Animation Vets honored at Animation Magazine Summit in Marina Del Ray

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Film Roman founder Phil Roman, DreamWorks producer Bonnie Arnold (How to Train Your Dragon 2), director David Silverman (The Simpsons, The Longest Daycare), veteran voice actor Richard Cummings (Winnie the Pooh), Gotham Group founder Donna Goldsmith-Vein, and RGH (Rubicon Group Holding) Studio to be honored at the Animation Magazine’s Summit in November.

LOS ANGELES — Animation Magazine is pleased to announce its 2014 award recipients, which will be presented at The World Animation & VFX Summit’s Opening Night Party, on November 2 at the Marina del Rey Yacht Club. This year’s six honorees selected for their contributions to the art, technology and business of animation and visual effects are:

*  Phil Roman (Iconic animator and founder of Film Roman): Lifetime Achievement Award.

*  DreamWorks Animation’s Bonnie Arnold (How to Train Your Dragon 2):  Feature Producer of the Year Award.

*  RGH (Rubicon Group Holding): Breakout Studio of the Year Award.

*  Jim Cummings( Winnie the Pooh) : Voice Talent of the Year Award.

*  David Silverman (The Simpsons): Director of the Year Award.

*  Ellen Goldsmith-Vein (Gotham Group’s Founder): Industry Angel of the Year Award

“We are thrilled to have such a distinguished group of thought leaders and visionaries at our Summit this year and glad to have them share their priceless insights about the global art and business of animation and visual effects with our attendees,” said Jean Thoren, president and publisher of Animation Magazine and founder of Animation Magazine’s Summit.

The 2014 World Animation and VFX Summit’s keynote speakers include acclaimed Producer and Director Rob Minkoff (The Lion King, Stuart Little, Mr. Peabody and Sherman), David Steinberg, Senior Vice President of Production at Nickelodeon, and Paul Babb, CEO of Maxon.

Feature Film Case Studies panels include presentations by members of Disney’s Big Hero 6 animation and VFX team. The Summit will welcome award-winning directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The LEGO Movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs), animation Co-Director/Editor Chris McKay and Cinematographer Pablo Plaisted who will be discussing the making of the beloved franchise hit, Warner Bros.’ The LEGO Movie.

On Monday (Nov. 3) some of the top-tier feature film and legal panelists will be director Tony Bancroft (Mulan, Bunyan & Babe), David Silverman (The Simpsons, The Road to El Dorado) and veteran legal professionals Jody Simon, Nancy Newhouse Porter and Gotham Agency’s Talent Manager Julie Kane-Ritsch. Director Dean DeBlois (DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon 2), Paul Young, Co-Founder of Ireland’s Cartoon Saloon (Producer of Song of the Sea) and LAIKA’s Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi (directors of The Boxtrolls) are among the luminaries of this year’s Oscar Contenders panel. Attendees can also take away tips on how to make an international film get wider exposure in the U.S. Panelists include David Jesteadt, Director of Distribution at GKIDS; Melissa Boag, Vice President of Kids and Family Entertainment at Shout! Factory; and Simon Crow, Founder and President of SC Films.

The Tuesday (Nov. 4) lineup includes a focus on television and Canadian talent and theme park entertainment. Our Innovators of the Great White North panel are Mary Bredin (Guru Studios), Rob Davies (Atomic Cartoons), Shabnam Rezai (Big Bad Boo) and Vince Commisso (9 Story Entertainment). We then move to Mattel’s Julia Pistor, Rough Draft’s Claudia Katz and Family Guy producer Kara Vallow who will discuss their everyday challenges, victories and strategies for success. The Summit’s 21st Century Tools of the Trade panelists include: CelAction President Andy Blazdell, Proof Inc.’s Founder and Chief Creative Officer Ron Frankel, Pixeldust’s Founder and President Ricardo Andrade, Ghost Town Media’s Creative Director Brandon Parvini and Flickerlab Founder and Creative Director Harold Moss. Acclaimed former Disney animator Glen Keane (Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Tangled), Production Designer Max Keane and Technical Project Lead Rachid E Guerrab discuss the making of Google’s beautiful new 2D animated short Duet.

Tuesday’s lineup also features a timely look at some of this year’s exciting new theme park technologies. Panelists are Richard Taylor (Media Director of Themed Entertainment at RGH), Daren Ulmer (President and Chief Creative at Mousetrappe) and Frank Drucker (Head of Broadcast Production at All Things Media).

Tickets are now available for purchase at www.animationmagazine.net/summit. Members of Animation Guild, ASIFA, OBS, VES, WGA and WIA will receive a 10% discount on tickets. Full package VIP badge includes admission to :

• Opening night Gala party and Awards Ceremony with a catered buffet
• Full Yacht Club buffet breakfast, catered buffet luncheon in the private dining area with VIP guests for both days.
• Access to all seminars
• Networking Cocktail reception for both days.

For more information, contact Nancy Bates, Nancy@animationmagazine.net

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News: Michael Ouweleen Named Chief Marketing Officer, Cartoon Network – Adult Swim – Boomerang

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Michael Ouweleen 2014Michael Ouweleen Named Chief Marketing Officer,

Cartoon Network – Adult Swim – Boomerang

Michael Ouweleen has been named chief marketing officer for Turner Broadcasting System’s Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang, it was announced today by Christina Miller, president and general manager who oversees the portfolio of media properties. He will be based in Atlanta and report to Miller.

Ouweleen, who was most recently senior vice president and executive creative director for Cartoon Network’s Creative Group and has been one of the brand’s key creative drivers for the last 17 years, will now provide the overall creative direction and strategic leadership to all areas of marketing, on-air, trade and sponsorship partnerships that support the three networks and all of its ancillary businesses, including digital, gaming, ad sales and consumer products.

“Michael has that strong combination of creative vision and strategic thinking,” said Miller. “He has a deep knowledge of our brands, and with him now leading the efforts for both the marketing and creative teams there is an opportunity for us to have a more holistic and creative approach to our marketing.”

As senior vice president and executive director for Cartoon Network’s Creative Group, Ouweleen oversaw and directed the development of creative materials for Cartoon Network’s off-channel needs, including print advertising, show launch kits, sales materials, PR materials, premiums and event environments. He also supervised all on-air promotions, program franchise packaging and sponsored promotions for both Cartoon Network and Boomerang. Additionally, he managed the development of on-air spots for the networks’ multiple licensed promotion partners.

Ouweleen began his career with Cartoon Network in 1996 as associate creative director of the on-air department. Within six months, he was promoted to vice president and creative director. In this capacity, he served as the primary writer/producer of on-air short-form material aimed at establishing Cartoon Network’s distinctive brand identity, winning multiple industry awards for his team’s creative accomplishments. Ouweleen was also a key member of the small team that championed and launched Adult Swim. While serving as Creative Director for the new block of programming, he also co-created, co-executive produced and co-wrote one of the first Adult Swim original series, Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law.

His accomplishments brought both networks significant industry and pop culture buzz, and got Ouweleen named to Entertainment Weekly’s creative “It List” for the year 2000.

In 2003, as SVP of development and programming, Ouweleen oversaw the creation of such animated hits as Ben 10, Chowder and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, as well as the network’s first live-action adaptation of a network property, Ben 10: Race Against Time.

Prior to joining Cartoon Network, Ouweleen worked in advertising in New York and on several animated projects. He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University with a major in both English and Theology.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is regularly the #1 U.S. television network in prime among boys 6-11 & 9-14. Currently seen in over 98 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement.

Adult Swim (AdultSwim.com), launched in 2001, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s network offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults. Airing nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET/PT), Adult Swim is basic cable’s #1 network among persons 18-34 and 18-49, and is seen in 98 million U.S. homes.

Boomerang is TBS, Inc.’s 24-hour cable/satellite network offering the best in classic animated entertainment. In partnership with Cartoon Network, the service boasts 75 percent unduplicated programming and is available to cable/satellite operators and their customers in Spanish.  Boomerang’s official Web site is located at http://Boomerang.CartoonNetwork.com.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

 

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CONTACTS:

Atlanta             James Anderson            james.anderson@turner.com            (404) 885-4205