Licensor makes its ILE debut today as Cartoonito and will preview new
licensing opportunities for its world-class line-up of preschool brands
led by globally renowned LazyTown

Turner CN Enterprises (TCNE) today stakes its claim as a competitive force in preschool licensing as it makes its debut at International Licensing Expo (ILE) under the banner of its preschool channel brand Cartoonito (Booth #6852).

Home to Turner’s world-class line-up of preschool content and brands, Cartoonito is the most widely distributed pre-school television channel in the EMEA region. It launched successfully in the UK in 2007 and less than 12 months since a wider EMEA roll out commenced, Cartoonito’s popular programming now reaches 136 million households in 112 territories with a massive surge in viewership being seen in the UK, Spain and Italy.

Michael Carrington, Chief Content Officer, Turner EMEA Kids Media Group comments, “Cartoonito has quickly established its credentials as a hub of fun and imaginative entertainment for preschoolers and their parents. Now the full-scale EMEA rollout of the channel is firmly underway, the time is right to take our preschool strategy to the next level and present the vast commercial potential of Cartoonito brands on the international stage.”

Globally renowned LazyTown leads TCNE’s world-class line-up of preschool brands that will be showcased together for the very first time at ILE. Series 3 of the BAFTA award-winning show is now in production, comprising 13 half hour episodes that will air across Europe in Q1 2013. The new series sees the lead characters Sportacus and a brand new Stephanie sporting a variety of gadgets, accessories and vehicles. These include communication devices, action spectacles, sports gadgets, a glider and a bike that will inspire product development. A renewed style guide is being developed and the first licensed product lines based on the new LazyTown series will launch at retail in Q4 2013.

TCNE’s third party preschool brands will also be strongly represented at ILE. Endemol’s Bananas in Pyjamas joins the surreal comedy show Ha Ha Hairies from Welsh indie Adastra Creative and Vodka Capitol’s Jelly Jamm, whose strong broadcast ratings are attracting major partners like Bandai (on board as the master toy licensee for EMEA and the USA) and Sony, who will be publishing the music from the show, an element that is particularly resonating with audiences.

Alan Fenwick, VP, Turner CN Enterprises, adds, “We’re incredibly excited to be exhibiting all of our preschool properties under the Cartoonito banner for the very first time. It is our ambition to become a leading competitive force in preschool licensing and ILE provides us with a platform to communicate why TCNE is perfectly placed to become a ‘one stop shop’ for retailers and licensees working in the preschool space.”