Nickelodeon Junior France Acquires Rights To "Peppa Pig"; To Debut Show On Monday 31st March 2014; eOne Announces New Consumer Products Deals

Kidscreen, Licensing.biz and C21Media are reporting the exciting "Peppa Pig" news in the following articles that Nickelodeon Junior France, Nickelodeon France's local version of the popular Nick Jr. preschool channel, has picked up the broadcast rights to "Peppa Pig" from Entertainment One Family and will start to premiere and show the popular animated preschool series in blocks of four episodes three times a day from Monday 31st March 2014!

Additionally, Entertainment One Licensing has also announced a number of 'significant developments' and licensing partners for the award-winning preschool TV series in France, which also recently debuted on France 5 in the territory, with toys and published titles set to launch this year (2014).

Joining the broadcasting lineup is a licensing program that will see a range of toys and publishing launch in Q3 and Q4 of this year following agreements with newly signed partners Giochi Preziosi France and Hachette Group. (Brand owner eOne has appointed France TV Distribution to manage increasing licensing activities in the region).

Giochi Preziosi, which already distributes a "Peppa Pig" toy line in Italy, will be extending its partnership with eOne by becoming the brand's toy partner in France. The toy company will distribute Character Options' core range of playsets, plush and figures from Autumn/Fall 2014 supported by a marketing campaign that includes national TV advertising.

Meanwhile, Hachette is currently developing a rang of pre-school storybooks, novelty and activity books due to hit shelves during Summer 2014.

"Peppa Pig" already benefits from a strong programming strategy on France 5's Zouzous. The channel airs three episodes back to back each day from Monday to Friday and has promoted the series with on-air TV spots and interactive website content.

The popular British preschool character has also had significant merchandising traction throughout Latin America, Central Eastern Europe and the US. "Peppa Pig", produced by UK production company Astley Baker Davis, airs on Nick Jr. UK, Nick Jr. USA and on Nick Jr. Netherlands (Nederland).

From Kidscreen:

Peppa Pig sets hooves in France

A crop of new French broadcast and licensing partners are in order for preschool property Peppa Pig, which debuted on France 5 last month and will launch on Nick Jr. on March 31.

Joining the broadcasting lineup is a licensing program that will see a range of toys and publishing launch in Q3 and Q4 of this year following agreements with newly signed partners Giochi Preziosi France and Hachette Group. (Brand owner eOne has appointed France TV Distribution to manage licensing activities in the region.)

Giochi Preziosi, which already distributes a Peppa Pig toy line in Italy, will be extending its partnership with eOne by becoming the brand’s toy partner in France. The toy firm will distribute Character Options’ core range of playsets, plush and figures this fall supported by a marketing campaign that includes national TV advertising.

Peppa already benefits from a strong programming strategy on France 5′s Zouzous. The channel airs three episodes back to back each day from Monday to Friday and has promoted the series with on-air TV spots and interactive website content. When it heads to Nick Jr. at the end of the month, the show will be aired in blocks of four episodes three times a day.

The UK-bred preschool character has had significant merchandising tractionthroughout Latin America, Central Eastern Europe and the US.

Tags: eOne Entertainment, France, Peppa Pig, preschool TV

Also, from C21Media:

Peppa Pig goes continental with French expansion

Entertainment One Family expands the popular pre-school property in the region with new broadcast, toys and publishing deals.

Entertainment One Licensing has revealed ‘significant developments’ for Peppa Pig in France with toys and published titles set to launch this year.

The award-winning pre-school TV series debuted in the territory on France 5 last month, and will now launch on Nick Jr. from March 31st.

In addition to the broadcast, a licensing programme is already underway with toys and publishing scheduled to launch at retail across the region in Q3 and Q4 of this year.

The news follows recently signed deals with Giochi Preziosi France and Hachette Group.

To manage the increase in licensing activity in France, eOne has appointed France TV Distribution and the firm is currently assembling a consumer products programme.

The first line of Peppa merchandise is poised to launch at retail from summer 2014.

Giochi Preziosi will be distributing Character Options’ core range of play-sets, plush and figures from autumn 2014 and will be supported by an extensive marketing campaign including national TV advertising.

Meanwhile, Hachette is currently developing a rang of pre-school storybooks, novelty and activity books due to hit shelves this summer.

Olivier Dumont, managing director, Entertainment One Family, said: “Securing the commitment of a major FTA broadcaster and market leader licensees in key categories demonstrates the huge potential of Peppa in France as we look to replicate the incredible success that the property is currently enjoying in many parts of Europe.”

TAGS: peppa pig, eone, entertainment one family, nick jr, france 5

Also, from C21Media:

Nick Jr adds Peppa in France

NEWS BRIEF: Nickelodeon has acquired hit preschool property Peppa Pig for another of its Nick Jr feeds, having previously picked up rights from distributor Entertainment One (eOne) for the US, UK and Netherlands.

The toon, produced by UK prodco Astley Baker Davis, will begin airing on Nick Jr in France on March 31. The series launched on free-to-air channel France 5 last month.

C21 reporter
26-03-2014
©C21Media

GENRES: Animation, Children's
SHOWS: Peppa Pig
COMPANIES: Astley Baker Davis, Entertainment One, Entertainment One Television International, eOne Family, France Télévision, Nick Jr

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Nickelodeon TV Star Jennette McCurdy Named Brand Ambassador For Tamagotchi L.i.f.e.

The Tokyo-based toy company Bandai Co., Ltd. and the Los Angeles-based full service marketing organization Sync Beatz Entertainment have announced the exciting Nickelodeon Star news in the following press release, from Business Wire, that they today, Wednesday 26th March 2014, named multi-talented Nickelodeon actress Jennette McCurdy to serve as the official Brand Ambassador for Tamagotchi L.i.f.e., the lifestyle line of products inspired by the iconic handheld toy!

Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Love Is Fun Everywhere Logo

The popular performer, best known for her role as Sam Puckett on the hit Nickelodeon shows "iCarly" and "Sam & Cat", will become the face of Tamagotchi L.i.f.e., representing the property and participating in a marketing campaign that will reach fans of her work as well as the millions of young adults who grew up loving the Tamagotchi brand. McCurdy will play an active role in promoting Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. through her impressive social media fan base as well as through conventional media, and host the winner of the Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Tap and Hatch "Win a Spa Day With Jennette McCurdy in Hollywood!" Sweepstakes, which kicks off with today's announcement!

Nickelodeon Star Jennette McCurdy was named Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Brand Ambassador today, and to commemorate the occasion, Bandai Co., Ltd. and Sync Beatz Entertainment launched the new Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Tap and Hatch app for fans in the U.S. and Canada. (Photo: Business Wire)

McCurdy began her television career guest starring on several hit shows including "MADtv", "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation", "Malcolm in the Middle", and "Will & Grace" before landing the role of Sam Puckett alongside Miranda Cosgrove in Nickelodeon's "iCarly".

Presenting Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Tap and Hatch, a brand new puzzle adventure starring over 35 collectible Tamagotchi characters. The newest app from Bandai Co., Ltd. and Sync Beatz Entertainment, Tap and Hatch follows the successful Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. and Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Angel games. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Most recently, 4.8 million fans welcomed McCurdy and "Sam & Cat" into their homes weekly, tuning in to new episodes of the series which centers on two girls, Jennette and Ariana Grande, becoming roommates and starting their own babysitting business, Sam & Cat's Super Rockin' Fun-Time Babysitting Service. A strong believer in giving back to the community, Jennette also uses her star power to draw attention to philanthropic campaigns such as Invisible Children Inc. and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"I am so excited to be working with Tamagotchi L.i.f.e., a brand that brings to mind such great memories from my childhood," said McCurdy.

Navigate your Tamagotchi through the wondrous world of Tamagotchi L.i.f.e Tap and Hatch. Players can challenge themselves and friends through over 100 levels and collect cute characters that were introduced in different series of the popular toy. (Graphic: Business Wire)

This alliance comes on the same day that the iOS release of the new freemium app, "Tamagotchi L.i.f.e.: Tap and Hatch" launches. Already available for Android devices, Tap and Hatch, developed by Tokyo-based Namco Bandai Games, assembles over 110 adorable Tamagotchi characters – introduced throughout the popular toy's rich 17-year history – to create a unique puzzle adventure. The premise is simple: connect three blocks to make them disappear and help your Tamagotchi grow. The more blocks cleared, the more your Tamagotchi advances, which also unlocks additional collectible characters. The app contains more than 100 levels and incorporates a social media tool which enables users to engage friends in cooperative play.

The rules of Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Tap and Hatch are simple - connect three blocks to make them disappear. By clearing the blocks, you advance your Tamagotchi's growth cycle which prompts new Tamagotchis to appear. The puzzle adventure game embodies the spirit of the original experience with a contemporary twist. (Graphic: Business Wire)

"Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Tap and Hatch" follows the successful 2013 launch of the Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. app (generating more than 3 million downloads) and, most recently, the "Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Angel" app, an authentic recreation of the second most popular series of all time with a contemporary spin. "Tap and Hatch" is the latest entry in the Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. brand, a line of lifestyle products that embodies the spirit and attributes of that original experience and targets its original Tamagotchi user base, who, today, are active young adults.

"Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Tap and Hatch" is now available for download in the iTunes Store http://bit.ly/1jCToQs as well as in the Google Play Store http://bit.ly/1nXP9oC!

Original Sync Beatz Entertainment Press Release:

Nickelodeon TV Star Jennette McCurdy Named Brand Ambassador for Tamagotchi L.i.f.e.

New Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. "Tap and Hatch" App Launches for iOS and Android Devices

March 26, 2014 12:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tokyo-based Bandai Co., Ltd. and Los Angeles-based Sync Beatz Entertainment today named multi-talented actress Jennette McCurdy to serve as the official Brand Ambassador for Tamagotchi L.i.f.e., the lifestyle line of products inspired by the iconic handheld toy.

"Win a Spa Day With Jennette McCurdy in Hollywood!"

The popular performer, best known for her role as Sam Puckett on the hit Nickelodeon shows iCarly and Sam & Cat, will become the face of Tamagotchi L.i.f.e., representing the property and participating in a marketing campaign that will reach fans of her work as well as the millions of young adults who grew up loving the Tamagotchi brand. McCurdy will play an active role in promoting Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. through her impressive social media fan base as well as through conventional media, and host the winner of the Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Tap and Hatch “Win a Spa Day With Jennette McCurdy in Hollywood!” Sweepstakes, which kicks off with today's announcement.

McCurdy began her television career guest starring on several hit shows including MADtv, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Malcolm in the Middle, and Will & Grace before landing the role of Sam Puckett alongside Miranda Cosgrove in Nickelodeon's iCarly.

Most recently, 4.8 million fans welcomed McCurdy and Sam & Cat into their homes weekly, tuning in to new episodes of the series which centers on the girls becoming roommates and starting their own babysitting business. A strong believer in giving back to the community, Jennette also uses her star power to draw attention to philanthropic campaigns such as Invisible Children Inc. and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"I am so excited to be working with Tamagotchi L.i.f.e., a brand that brings to mind such great memories from my childhood," said McCurdy.

"We're thrilled to welcome Jennette to the Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. family," said Naruo Uchida, CEO, Sync Beatz Entertainment. "She encompasses everything our brand is about, making her the perfect representative. She's stylish, fun and has a real commitment to pro-social/charitable activity – just like our fans."

This alliance comes on the same day that the iOS release of the new freemium app, Tamagotchi L.i.f.e.: Tap and Hatch launches. Already available for Android devices, Tap and Hatch, developed by Tokyo-based Namco Bandai Games, assembles over 110 adorable Tamagotchi characters – introduced throughout the popular toy's rich 17-year history – to create a unique puzzle adventure. The premise is simple: connect three blocks to make them disappear and help your Tamagotchi grow. The more blocks cleared, the more your Tamagotchi advances, which also unlocks additional collectible characters. The app contains more than 100 levels and incorporates a social media tool which enables users to engage friends in cooperative play.

Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Tap and Hatch follows the successful 2013 launch of the Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. app (generating more than 3 million downloads) and, most recently, the Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Angel app, an authentic recreation of the second most popular series of all time with a contemporary spin. Tap and Hatch is the latest entry in the Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. brand, a line of lifestyle products that embodies the spirit and attributes of that original experience and targets its original Tamagotchi user base, who, today, are active young adults.

Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Tap and Hatch is now available for download in the iTunes Store http://bit.ly/1jCToQs as well as in the Google Play Store http://bit.ly/1nXP9oC

About Bandai Co., Ltd.

Dedicated to "Fostering Dreams and Delivering Inspiration," Tokyo-based Bandai Co., Ltd., one of the world's largest toy companies, manufactures engaging toys that captivate the imagination and provide endless fun and entertainment through some of the most popular brands in children's toys and interactive entertainment today. Bandai Co., Ltd. is part of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings, Inc., whose global interests encompass three strategic business units: Toys and Hobby, Content and Amusement Facility. The Toys and Hobby unit's product lineup includes toys, candy toys, cards, vending machine capsule products (Gashapon), plastic models, apparel, lifestyle goods and other products. The company's mid-term strategy focuses on "Globalization" through the nucleus of its business – the Character Merchandising business model.

About Sync Beatz Entertainment

Representing such respected consumer product organizations as Bandai Co., Ltd. (Tamagotchi) and Banpresto Co., Ltd. (Kapi•Bara•San), Sync Beatz Entertainment is a full service marketing organization that creates strategic growth for IP owners by employing traditional and digital media along with consumer product expertise to introduce branded products to the United States marketplace.

About Tamagotchi L.i.f.e.

The Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. brand is a lifestyle brand that puts a contemporary take on the original, beloved Tamagotchi brand that was established in 1997. Originally launched in early November 2012, with the establishment of a Website and fan pages, the brand expanded with the establishment of the philanthropic, "Hometown Heroes" program in January 2013, followed by the launch of the Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. app in early 2013. In the Fall of 2013, Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. announced apparel licensing agreements with Evy of California, Inc. and Mighty Fine, Inc. to produce brand inspired apparel for Juniors, with initial product already at retail.

Bandai logo: ® and © 2014 Bandai. Tamagotchi:©BANDAI, WiZ.
Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. Tap and Hatch app: ©2014 NBGI.
The toy concept and products of Tamagotchi are developed by Bandai Co., Ltd. and WiZ Co., Ltd. jointly.

Contacts
Bender/Helper Impact
Sofia Todisco
Crystal McCoy
Stephanie Thoensen
(212) 689-6360
or
Sync Beatz Entertainment
Barry Stagg
(310) 880-3193 mobile

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