Deer Squad Goes Global on Nickelodeon Channels
First Chinese-Originated Nickelodeon International and VIS KIDS collaboration with iQIYI to premiere on Nickelodeon in the U.S. on Jan. 25
New York--Jan. 13, 2021--Nickelodeon will premiere CG-animated series Deer Squad in the U.S. following a successful run overseas. The result of a partnership between iQIYI, an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China, Nickelodeon International and VIS KIDS, a division of ViacomCBS International Studios, Deer Squad will premiere on Nickelodeon in the U.S. on Jan. 25, at 9 a.m. (ET/PT) in the preschool block. The series will continue to air regularly weekdays at 9 a.m. (ET/PT).
The adventure-rescue show follows four, lovable, enthusiastic and heroic deer friends—Kai, Lola, Bobbi and Rammy—who protect the animals of Central Forest and the humans who inhabit Platinum City, a futuristic metropolis surrounding their woodland home. When there's trouble, the Deer summon their special Planet Powers of Water (Kai), Wood (Lola), Earth (Bobbi) and Sun (Rammy) to solve problems.
“We first partnered with iQIYI on the series with a worldwide audience in mind. We’re incredibly proud to see this original preschool series become the first Nickelodeon International global Chinese-originated collaborative project, as we further our commitment to developing kids-first content from around the world,” said Nina Hahn, Head of VIS KIDS and Senior Vice President of International Production & Development for Nickelodeon International.
“Deer Squad is a major breakthrough for iQIYI’s development of original children’s animation, creatively supervised by Nickelodeon International. We appreciate Nickelodeon’s international broadcasting strategy on the show, and it is great news that we have achieved No.1 in viewership in many regions. We hope that there will be more Chinese original animations to go international,” said Yang Xiaoxuan, Vice President of iQIYI and Head of Original Animation and Investment.
Nickelodeon International aired Deer Squad across Asia in August 2020, including iQIYI’s platform in China, and premiered in Australia, New Zealand and the UK later in the year. It was the #1 show in the Philippines among kids 2-141, ranked Nick Jr. as the #1 STV channel in Australia among kids 0-4 during Deer Squad premieres2 and averaged +148% in the UK compared to the timeslot benchmark3. The series is scheduled to air in Europe and Africa in March 2021.
Deer Squad is currently in production for a second season. The show marks the first time for Nickelodeon Asia to partner on a Chinese original from its conception phase.
About Nickelodeon International
Nickelodeon, now in its 41st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. Nickelodeon is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family, available in nearly 400 million households across 170+ countries and territories, via more than 80+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of ViacomCBS Networks International, a division of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC). For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc.
About ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS)
Introduced in 2018, ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) is a division of ViacomCBS Networks International that produces content for ViacomCBS brands and platforms, including Paramount+, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, Channel 5, Network 10, Telefe and Porta Dos Fundos, as well as for third parties. In 2020, VIS Kids launched to further the expansion of the studio's global kids content pipeline. The content that VIS produces covers all genres, from preschool to young adult and across live action and animation, as well as soap operas, dramas, short and long-form comedy formats and feature film productions. VIS global sales include original productions, co-productions, formats sold for local adaptations, and sale of ready-made content.
About iQIYI
iQIYI, Inc. is an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China. Its corporate DNA combines creative talent with technology, fostering an environment for continuous innovation and the production of blockbuster content. iQIYI's platform features highly popular original content, as well as a comprehensive library of other professionally-produced content, partner-generated content and user generated content. The Company distinguishes itself in the online entertainment industry by its leading technology platform powered by advanced AI, big data analytics and other core proprietary technologies. iQIYI attracts a massive user base with tremendous user engagement, and has developed a diversified monetization model including membership services, online advertising services, content distribution, live broadcasting, online games, IP licensing, online literature and e-commerce.
1 Kids 2-14s in the premiered weekdays (3rd Aug – 14th Aug 2020, @1600-1629). Source: Kantar Media, TechEdge, Nickelodeon PHL, 0600-2159, Period Run 3rd Aug – 14th Aug
2 Kids 0-4 in the premiered weekdays (12th October – 23rd October 2020, @1630-1659). Source: Nielsen, TechEdge, Nick Jr AU, 0600-1959
3 Kids 4-15 in the premiered weekdays (1st October – 16th October 2020, @0730-0759). Source: BARB, TechEdge, Nick Jr UK, Total Day
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Official iQIYI, Inc. press release:
iQIYI Expands Its International Footprint, Announcing Its Animation, Deer Squad Airing on Nickelodeon in the US on January 25, 2021
BEIJING, Jan. 14, 2021 -- iQIYI, Inc. (NASDAQ: IQ) ("iQIYI" or the "Company"), an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China, announced today that its original CG-animated series in collaboration with Nickelodeon International and VIS Kids, a division of ViacomCBS International Studios, Deer Squad, will premiere on Nickelodeon in the U.S. on January 25th, 2021. The airing of Deer Squad in the US market is a testament to the high quality of this iQIYI original animation and marks the successful entry of Chinese animation into an international market.
An adventure-rescue animation, Deer Squad tells the story of four lovable, enthusiastic and heroic deer friends Kai, Lola, Rammy and Bobbi, who protect the animals of Central Forest and the humans who inhabit Platinum City, a futuristic metropolis surrounding their woodland home. When there's trouble, the Deer summon their Planet Powers and transform into a team that can solve problems using their Planet Powers of Water (Kai), Wood (Lola), Earth (Bobbi) and Sun (Rammy). The animation series premiered on iQIYI on July 15, 2020 and was the most played show on the Chinese internet for seven consecutive weeks among all animations aired in the past four months.
Nickelodeon International aired Deer Squad across Asia in August 2020, including on iQIYI's platform in China. The show premiered in Australia, New Zealand and the UK later in the year. It was the #1 show in the Philippines amongst kids 2-141, ranked Nick Jr. as the #1 STV channel in Australia among kids 0-4 during Deer Squad premieres2 and averaged +148% in the UK compared to the timeslot benchmark3. It is scheduled to air in Europe and Africa in March 2021.
Created with a global audience in mind, Deer Squad is a successful attempt for iQIYI to enter the international animation market with its own animation IP. iQIYI initiated the cooperation with the Nickelodeon International and ViacomCBS International Studio (VIS) Kids teams, collaborating throughout the entire production process and providing crucial feedback to help bridge the cultural gap between Chinese and international audiences. This innovative in-depth collaboration model has provided new avenues and possibilities for domestic animation to travel beyond its own shores.
In terms of production values, Deer Squad was benchmarked against the highest international standard in order to perfect the show's screenplay, character design, animation effects and other aspects, which will be key to its success in the competitive international market.
Yang Xiaoxuan, Vice President of iQIYI and Head of Original Animation and Investment said, "Deer Squad is a major breakthrough for iQIYI's development of original children's animation, creatively supervised by Nickelodeon. We appreciate Nickelodeon's international broadcasting strategy on the show, and it is great news that we have achieved No.1 in viewership in many regions. We hope that there will be more Chinese original animations to go international."
"We first partnered with iQIYI on the series with a worldwide audience in mind. We're incredibly proud to see this original pre-school series become the first global Chinese-originated collaborative project as we further our commitment to developing kids-first content from around the world," said Nina Hahn, Senior Vice President of International Production & Development for Nickelodeon International and Head of VIS Kids.
iQIYI has been expanding its global resources and partnerships in the children's animation space in recent years, working with renowned animation houses to provide premium content. In the future, iQIYI will deliver on its commitment of creating high-quality and original IPs and look to further expand its IP industry chain by hosting events and developing spin-offs and merchandise. These initiatives will allow the Company to realize the full commercial value of its IPs while simultaneously enhancing the children's content industry and boosting the international competitiveness of Chinese-made original animation.
About iQIYI, Inc.
iQIYI, Inc. is an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China. Its corporate DNA combines creative talent with technology, fostering an environment for continuous innovation and the production of blockbuster content. iQIYI's platform features highly popular original content, as well as a comprehensive library of other professionally-produced content, partner-generated content and user generated content. The Company distinguishes itself in the online entertainment industry by its leading technology platform powered by advanced AI, big data analytics and other core proprietary technologies. iQIYI attracts a massive user base with tremendous user engagement and has developed a diversified monetization model including membership services, online advertising services, content distribution, live broadcasting, online games, IP licensing, online literature and e-commerce.
About Nickelodeon International
Nickelodeon, now in its 41st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. Nickelodeon is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family, available in nearly 400 million households across 170+ countries and territories, via more than 80+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of ViacomCBS Networks International, a division of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC). For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc.
About ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS)
Introduced in 2018, ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) is a division of ViacomCBS Networks International that produces content for ViacomCBS brands and platforms, including Paramount+, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, Channel 5, Network 10, Telefe and Porta Dos Fundos, as well as for third parties. In 2020, VIS Kids launched to further the expansion of the studio's global kids content pipeline. The content that VIS produces covers all genres, from pre-school to young adult and across live action and animation, as well as soap operas, dramas, short and long-form comedy formats and feature film productions. VIS global sales include original productions, co-productions, formats sold for local adaptations, and sale of ready-made content.
1 Kids 2-14s in the premiered weekdays (3rd Aug – 14th Aug 2020, @1600-1629). Source: Kantar Media, TechEdge, Nickelodeon PHL, 0600-2159, Period Run 3rd Aug – 14th Aug
2 Kids 0-4 in the premiered weekdays (12th October – 23rd October 2020, @1630-1659). Source: Nielsen, TechEdge, Nick Jr AU, 0600-1959
3 Kids 4-15 in the premiered weekdays (1st October – 16th October 2020, @0730-0759). Source: BARB, TechEdge, Nick Jr UK, Total Day
SOURCE iQIYI
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Catch Kai, Lola, Rammy and Bobby in Nickelodeon's Brand New Animated Adventure Rescue Show, DEER SQUAD
Every episode of Deer Squad promises action, comedy and a whole lot of heart.
Bursting onto the scene this New Year are Kai, Lola, Rammy and Bobbi – the DEER SQUAD. These four lovable, enthusiastic and heroic young deer friends are the protectors of Central Forest and all who inhabit Platinum City, the futuristic metropolis surrounding their woodland home.
Deer Squad (formally Deer Run) is Nickelodeon’s brand new CG-animated adventure rescue show that follows the four friends on their daily adventures as they learn about the world around them and lend a helping hand to the animals of Central Forest and humans of Platinum City. From tackling giant doughnuts to tornadoes to ice robots, when there’s trouble the Deer summon their Planet Powers and transform into a team that is capable of solving problems using their Planet Powers of Water (Kai), Wood (Lola), Earth (Bobbi) and Sun (Rammy).
Packed with action, comedy and heart, each episode of DEER SQUAD tells relatable yet meaningful stories that help build character and teach valuable life lessons like teamwork and problem-solving.
Get set for adventure with DEER SQUAD! Premiering on Nickelodeon USA on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. ET/PT! Following launch, new episodes will air weekdays at 9:00 a.m. (ET/PT).
Produced by iQIYI under the creative guidance and supervision of Nickelodeon, Deer Squad was developed with global audiences in mind. From the storyline to the characters and production, all elements have been created to meet the highest international standards. The story cleverly combines adventure, education, and humour to convey universal values such as love, courage and responsibility. The series has also been meticulously curated to feature inspiring role models and tips on staying safe. It is the first time Nickelodeon Asia is taking a Chinese original IP on its network from conception phase. A second season has been commissioned, and a third is in the planning stages.
Deer Squad season one premiered on iQIYI in China on Wednesday 15th July 2020. Following its world debut, Deer Squad premiered on Nickelodeon South East Asia on Monday 3rd August 2020. The series will is also rolling out internationally.
iQIYI has been expanding its global resources and partnerships in the children's animation space in recent years, working with renowned animation houses such as Nickelodeon, BBC and Disney to provide diversified and premium content. The international release of Deer Squad demonstrates that the global industry has recognized the high-quality original content produced by iQIYI as well as the influence of its platform.
iQIYI will continue to deliver on its commitment of creating high-quality and original IPs and look to further expand its IP industry chain by hosting events and developing spin-offs and merchandise. These initiatives will allow the Company to realize the full commercial value of its IPs while simultaneously enhancing the children's content industry and boosting the international competitiveness of Chinese-made original animation.
ViacomCBS Consumer Products will be rolling out a Deer Squad consumer products line.
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From Seeking Alpha:
On January 25, the animation Invincible Deer Squad, based on an original production of iQIYI, premiered on Nickelodeon's channel in the U.S. The children channel of Colombia Viacom International Media Group has already broadcasted the show around the world, including the Philippines, the U.K., and Australia, to favorable ratings. In a testament to iQIYI's content creation strength, Invincible Deer Squad is the fastest-ever for a Chinese animation series to progress from domestic broadcast to an overseas launch, taking only 18 days.
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Originally published: Thursday, December 31, 2020.
