Studio 100, the leading global family entertainment company, is delighted to announce the roll out of an extensive licensing programme for its children’s property Maya the Bee. This will accompany the international broadcast launch of the brand new, breath-taking 3D CGI children’s animated television series (78 x 13’), which has already been sold in over 130 countries. A much-loved character which first came to television screens all over the world in the 1970s, the adventures of Maya the Bee took up position in the hearts and minds of a generation of children who are now today’s parents. The affection for the Maya brand, coupled with the anticipated broadcast success, is a clear indicator of its licensing potential. Licensees are keen to harness this with more than 250 now on board, covering all major categories on a worldwide basis – from apparel to games and plush to food.

The television series has already enjoyed impressive ratings success in Spain, where more than 590,000 viewers tuned in to watch the first episode on CLAN TV in February 2013, and it ranked in the top four most watched series on the free digital platform. In France, the show is scheduled daily on TF1 reaching an average viewing share of 40%, and in Benelux, VTM Kazoom and Z@ppelin have reached a 38% and 47% viewing share respectively.

Further fuelling the global success of Maya, MTV Hungary has been broadcasting the classic 2D series twice a day since 12th February; in Turkey, the new CGI series has been airing twice a day since 18th February on TRT Coçuk, and it has been broadcasting on EBS in South Korea since 25th February. In Russia, Karusel will launch an extensive teaser campaign for the new Maya CGI series on 8th March for Women’s Day, and will air the first 30 episodes from May 2013.

Extensive licensing programs are set to be launched between Q2 and Q4 2013 in all these countries. Coupled with comprehensive marketing plans for the year ahead across every touch point, Studio 100 is set for success with its 360 degree approach to the Maya brand. So much so that even Maya herself has been caught doing a celebratory dance: Maya – Harlem Shake!

Marie-Laure Marchand, Director of International Licensing, comments: “We are thrilled with the response we’ve had so far from our broadcast and licensing partners, and we are confident that the parents and children alike all over the world will welcome the new Maya warmly. The continuing strength of the brand is evident to see with so many prestigious international broadcasters and licensees lined up at launch. There are exciting times ahead and we look forward to taking Maya’s success to the next level.”