Independent content creation and distribution company Epic Story Media Inc. (ESM) and Brands & Rights 360 (B&R 360) are ramping up activity on Zinkia Entertainment’s animated preschool series Pocoyo, signing several new content deals around the world for the show.
The series will premiere on streaming platform Kidoodle TV this summer in the U.S., UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Other recent sales include the French-Canadian broadcaster TFO, HITN’s new SVOD platform Edye, and CCTV in China for all seasons. B&R 360 manages the brand’s global broadcast and licensing rights on behalf of Zinkia Entertainment, on a non-exclusive basis, together with ESM handling the North America and Reesee managing the property in China.
Additionally, Zinkia Entertainment has reached an agreement with Azteca 7 in Mexico for seasons 1–3 and Rai Yoyo in Italy for season three. It has also renewed deals with Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and HBO. The new 26 x 7’ installment of season four is currently in production following a greenlight. It will be completed for Q1 2020. In addition, the company will announce a new toy partner later this year.
“Pocoyo is a show which has captured the hearts of countless families across the globe, and we’re excited to be adding brand new broadcast partners to the international network of platforms. The success of this property is constantly underscored by the viewing data across platforms like YouTube who air Pocoyo to legions of kids and families every day.” says Ken Faier, president, ESM. “We’re also excited to be a part of the consumer products relaunch – our mission is to champion and maximize creator-led properties, and Pocoyo is a fantastic example of a global sensation driven by its passionate fans.”
The series was first seen in September of 2005 in the UK on ITV. Pocoyo has aired in more than 150 countries. It is one of the most recognized international children’s brands, with four seasons and more than 5,500 minutes of content.
Pocoyo stars in more than 50 apps, downloaded more than 52 million times, and currently boasts more than 15 billion views on YouTube. There have been more than 15,000 SKUs of consumer products, in more than 20 categories. Pocoyo has also earned 38 international awards, including the Cristal at Annecy and a BAFTA, both for Best Animation Series, as well as the Kidscreen Award, recognizing POCOYO Playset: Let’s Move as the Best Educational Preschool App. The brand’s catalog includes the four seasons of programming, plus various other short films, special seasonal and thematic content, along with the derivative product and specialized promos.
The property will be at Licensing Expo in Epic’s booth #S242.