Interscope Records' Far East Movement Lends Their Unique Style And Sound On Original Theme Song For Monsuno Animated Series

Below is a press release from Business Wire via MarketWatch:

Interscope Records' Far East Movement Lends Their Unique Style & Sound on Original Theme Song for Monsuno Animated Series

MALIBU, Calif., Mar 12, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Pacific Animation Partners, a joint venture between leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific, Inc. [JAKK] and Dentsu Entertainment USA, has aligned with Cherrytree/Interscope Records' chart-topping performing artists, Far East Movement, to create an original theme song for the animated action adventure series, Monsuno(TM).

The Monsuno theme song, produced by Martin Kierzenbaum, Chairman of Cherrytree Records, is a high energy blend of hip-hop, pop, electro and dance that is a signature of Far East Movement's style and sound. This partnership marks the first time the group has created a theme song for an animated television series. The Monsuno theme song opens every episode of the animated series, which airs on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. (ET) on Nicktoons, and brings to life the powerful action-driven animation and dynamic characters.

"We are very excited for the opportunity to be working with Interscope Records and their renowned artist, Far East Movement," said Stephen Berman, President and CEO, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. "The group's musical style and art form, which brought them to the forefront of the music industry, is the perfect complement to evoke the larger-than-life adventures of the Monsuno animated series. We are pleased to continue our long and valued relationship with Steve Berman and Interscope with this unique partnership."

"JAKKS Pacific and the Monsuno franchise is the perfect partner to bring Far East Movement to a new generation of fans," said Steve Berman, Vice Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. "Monsuno is fast becoming an outstanding boys action adventure property and we are excited to be working with Stephen Berman and his team at JAKKS to bring Far East Movement's trademark sound to the Monsuno audience."

Kev Nish from Far East Movement adds, "We had a great time creating the unique theme song for Monsuno and we think kids are going to love it! We love what we have seen of the animated show and can't wait to get our hands on the toys."

To listen to the Monsuno theme song, please visit http://bit.ly/MonsunoFMThemeSong . For more information on Monsuno, visit www.monsuno.com .

About Monsuno

The Monsuno(TM) series (52 x 30 min) is an epic boys action adventure where kids discover, command and battle creatures with destructive potential. A race to harness the power of Monsuno ensues between a group of heroic kids and the evil forces focused on destroying the planet. Built around powerful, action-driven animation, dynamic characters and a deeply woven original story mythology, Monsuno is anticipated to develop into a powerful force in the boys action arena for years to come. Targeting boys 6 -- 11, the Monsuno series will be supported by a JAKKS Pacific(R) toy line featuring innovative, kid-controlled action figures, accessories, playsets, collectables, electronics and integrated role play.

The Monsuno animated series premiered with two back-to-back half-hour episodes on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 8:00 p.m. (ET) on Nicktoons and will air in its regular timeslot on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. In the 52-episode series, the fate of the world lies in the hands of a group of heroic kids who wrestle with the power to command and battle creatures called Monsuno. Monsuno will also air on Nickelodeon channels around the world, starting Summer 2012.

The Monsuno series is being co-produced by Pacific Animation Partners LLC, a joint venture between JAKKS Pacific, Inc. & Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc., with FremantleMedia Enterprises and The Topps Company, Inc. FremantleMedia Enterprises will be responsible for the exclusive worldwide distribution of Monsuno TV programming except for Asia and act as the Master Licensing agent for the Monsuno brand outside of Asia. JAKKS Pacific is the creator of the underlying Monsuno property and master toymaker for the Monsuno toy line, which is expected to hit U.S. retail shelves to coincide with the U.S. TV series premiere anticipated for Spring 2012. The Topps Company has signed on to produce Monsuno trading card games, confectioneries and related products.

About Far East Movement

Far East Movement (Cherrytree Records/Interscope) -- This four-man group, also known as FM, blends elements of hip-hop, pop, electro, and dance to create an original sound. Group members Kev Nish, Prohgress, J-Splif, and DJ Virman, who wear stylish shades, fresh kicks and designer threads, took the Los Angeles club scene global with world tours, national television performances, song placements in television and film and a number 1 song (Girls On The Dance Floor) on Los Angeles radio before they released their debut album. The red hot pop sensation's debut album 'Free Wired,' released October 2010, had the explosive smash hit single 'Like A G6' which spent 3 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold over 3 million units. They followed 'Like A G6' success with 'Rocketeer,' another Top 10 Billboard Hot 100, Digital and iTunes song that's certified multi-platinum. Since their debut release, the guys have toured with music icons Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Lil Wayne, LMFAO, cutting edge acts like N*E*R*D, Robyn, La Roux and more. The group was awarded Best International Artist in 2010 by the M.net Asian Music Awards. They are finishing up the highly anticipated sophomore album Dirty Bass that hosts the single "Live My Life" featuring Justin Bieber.

About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. [JAKK] is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products with a wide range of products that feature popular brands and children's toy licenses. JAKKS' diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, Halloween Costumes, Kids Furniture, Vehicles, Plush, Art Activity Kits, Seasonal Products, Infant/Pre-School, Construction Toys, Ride-On Vehicles, Wagons, Inflatable Environments and Tents, and Pet Toys sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific(R), Creative Designs International(TM), Road Champs(R), Funnoodle(R), JAKKS Pets(TM), Plug It In & Play TV Games(TM), Kids Only!(TM), Tollytots(R), Disguise(R) and Moose Mountain(R). JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Nickelodeon(R), Warner Bros.(R), Ultimate Fighting Championship(R), Hello Kitty(R), Graco(R), Cabbage Patch Kids(R) and Pokemon(R). www.jakks.com

ABOUT DENTSU ENTERTAINMENT USA, INC.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc. was formed in April 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dentsu Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange, Code 4324), the world's largest advertising agency brand and a leading producer of Japanese animation, with over 18,000 full-time employees and close to 100 offices worldwide. Dentsu Entertainment USA develops original animation programming and media content for markets worldwide, and manages licensing programs for existing and new properties. Current projects include Chub City(R), a toy based property featuring street-savvy characters and vehicles, currently in development as an animated series, Deltora Quest(R), a 52-episode animated series based on the international top-selling fantasy-adventure book series of the same name already airing in multiple markets worldwide, and Mameshiba(TM), a collection of animated shorts and character licensing program with over $100 million in product sales since 2008.

ABOUT FREMANTLEMEDIA ENTERPRISES & FREMANTLEMEDIA

FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of the RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, which is in turn 90 percent owned by Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's major media and entertainment companies. FremantleMedia's worldwide production arm is responsible for many of the world's highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama and factual entertainment programmes. FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment around the world. The FremantleMedia Group (which includes FremantleMedia North America, UFA, talkbackTHAMES, FremantleMedia Australia and Original Productions amongst others) has operations in 22 countries, one of the most comprehensive global networks, creating nearly 10,000 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 60 formats and managing over 300 individual titles. FremantleMedia has some of the world's most sought after and long running formats in its catalogue, and globally, produces such programmes as: Idols (co-produced with 19 Productions in the US), Hole In The Wall, Got Talent (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), The X Factor (co-produced with Syco in the UK), Take Me Out, Family Feud, The Price is Right, Farmer Wants A Wife, Gute Zeiten Schlechte Zeiten, and Neighbours.

ABOUT THE TOPPS COMPANY, INC.

Founded in 1938, Topps ( www.topps.com ) is a leading creator and marketer of sports and entertainment cards, related collectibles, and popular confectionery brands. Topps products include Major League Baseball, NFL, WWE, UFC, Star Wars, Club Penguin, and other trading cards, sticker album collections, and collectible games. The Company's confectionery portfolio includes "Bazooka" bubble gum, "Ring Pop", "Push Pop", "Baby Bottle Pop" and "Juicy Drop Pop" lollipops. Topps was acquired in October 2007 by Madison Dearborn Partners, a private equity group, and Michael Eisner, former CEO of Disney. Headquartered in New York City, Topps also maintains offices in Pennsylvania, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, and Argentina.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about JAKKS Pacific's business based partly on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above, changes in demand for JAKKS' products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and difficulties with integrating acquired businesses. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and JAKKS undertakes no obligation to update any of them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

(C) 2012 JAKKS Pacific, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
Anne-Marie Feliciano
310-455-6245
anne-marief@jakks.net
or
Bender/Helper Impact
Sharna Ettenberg
310-694-3141
sharna_ettenberg@bhimpact.com