ITV Studios Global Entertainment Inks Merchandising Deals For "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" And "Babar"; "Matt Hatter Chronicles" Merchandise To Be Released From 2013

From Kidscreen:

ITV Studios inks deals for Babar, Matt Hatter

ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) has signed deals to represent rights for preschool brand Babar and the 3D/CGI-animated series Matt Hatter Chronicles.

The Babar deal is a multi-year agreement with Toronto, Canada-based Nelvana and The Clifford Ross Company, in which ITVS GE will represent L&M for the Babar brand, including the original books, the original 1980s TV series, and the new animated series, Babar and the Adventures of Badou, which airs on CITV.

Coinciding with Babar’s 80th birthday, the initial products will be creatively focused on the brand's vintage artwork. The initial campaign will target the preschool, nursery and gifting categories with a focus on reigniting the nostalgic Babar style in the UK market.

Since 2010, CITV has aired Babar and the Adventures of Badou, the CGI-animated series produced by Nelvana and French studio TeamTO that features Badou, Babar’s eight-year-old grandson. The channel currently airs two episodes of the series every weekday, which has gained a strong following.

In the deal with Matt Hatter Chronicles, UK-based prodco Platinum Films Limited has signed on ITVS GE to represent rights for merchandising, publishing, promotional and home entertainment in the UK, Eire, Australia and New Zealand.

Created by Nigel Stone and aimed at five- to 10-year-old boys the 13 x 22-minute series is produced by Platinum Films and Dream Mill with Toronto, Canada-based studio Arc. It currently airs on CITV and Nicktoons in the UK, with a further 13 x 22-minute episodes to air on CITV this fall and on Nicktoons this spring. The series has also been sold to Nickelodeon in Australia and will air on RTE in Eire and Teletoon in Canada.

Existing deals for Matt Hatter Chronicles will see products launch in 2013. Topps is creating innovative trading cards and sticker collections and Penguin is producing mini-novels.

Tags: Arc Productions, Babar, CITV, Dream Mill, ITV Studios Global Entertainment, Matt Hatter Chronicles, Nelvana, Platinum Films, The Clifford Ross Company