Global kids and family entertainment major Toonz Media Group and Zoonicorn LLC have entered into a new partnership with United Smile, a boutique toy company, as the new worldwide master toy licensee for the global preschool property Zoonicorn.
United Smile will develop and introduce a wide assortment of Zoonicorn toys, beginning with a debut range set to launch globally Spring 2024, timed to the brand’s growing momentum as the Zoonicorn television series continues to land on platforms worldwide. The upcoming new toy line from United Smile will include plush, feature plush, figurines and playsets, for children ages 2-5. The new products will be available through a global network of distributors.
Zoonicorn’s season one episodes (52×7) began debuting last summer on platforms worldwide that include NBCU’s kids OTT platform Peacock (USA) as well as Kidoodle (USA), Astro (Malaysia), Truecorp (Thailand), La Teletuya (Venezuela), and Viu (Hong Kong). The CGI series, which has been captivating young children and their parents, is now in production for a second season of original episodes.
UK-based bRAND-WARD, Toonz Media Group’s agent for licensing in UK and Ireland and represented by Director Jean Philippe Randisi, facilitated this partnership.
“Zoonicorn has a special ability to resonate with children and families wherever they experience it,” said Bruno Zarka, President of Distribution and Feature Films Division at Toonz Media Group. “United Smile’s vision for Zoonicorn consumer products perfectly aligns with the brand attributes that make Zoonicorn so loved by its many fans. From the first moment we started talking, United Smile instinctively understood the unique qualities that have allowed Zoonicorn to touch the hearts of children worldwide.”
“We are delighted to be working with Toonz and the team at Zoonicorn LLC to develop this new toy line,” said Josue Rosenzweig, CEO of United Smile. “This is a property with unlimited potential. Our toy and plush assortment worldwide will deepen the already strong connection fans have to the brand in an even bigger way,”
“It’s extremely gratifying to see Zoonicorn take this next step in its journey as a global brand that easily crosses borders, cultures and demographics,” added Mark Lubratt, creator of Zoonicorn. “Our guiding vision for Zoonicorn – built on helping young children understand and internalize the power of optimism and resilience – has always resonated deeply with kids around the world. We know United Smile’s toys and products will stay true to this basic tenet of our brand.”
“This new deal underscores the power of Zoonicorn as a global property with multiple touchpoints across a broad range of licensing and content channels,” said J’net Smith, Zoonicorn Global Licensing/Brand Director. “As Zoonicorn continues to grow and expand across the world, we anticipate further demand for branded products.”
The Zoonicorns inhabit the dreams of young animals, taking them on amazing adventures to help learn important social-emotional skills. When the dream is over, the young animal wakes up feeling self-confident and with the decision-making skills necessary to overcome whatever challenges they are facing. The Zoonicorns cleverly guide each dreamer through a whirlwind of fun-loving adventures as their core message of optimism and resilience communicates self-belief and positivity. At the heart of every solution is the one important truth—the power to solve any problem is inside of them.
Multi Emmy Award-winner Mark Zaslove (Winnie the Pooh, Lazytown, Bob The Builder) serves as show runner and lead writer/editor for the series. The music for the show has been composed by Emmy Award winning composer Rich Dickerson.