Saban's Digimon Fusion Comes To ITV Brand Licensing Europe - October 2013

 
ITV Studios Global Entertainment to License and Promote Digimon Fusion in the UK

Saban Brands and MarVista Entertainment, announced today that the all-new series and sixth installment of the hugely successful Digimon franchise, consisting of 30 half-hour episodes, has been licensed to ITV for broadcast in 2014. Additionally, ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) will be representing Digimon Fusion for consumer products licensing and promotion in the UK.

"We're thrilled to be partnering with ITV for Digimon Fusion and are excited to be launching this all-new series of the classic global boys action property in the U.K." said Kirk Bloomgarden, SVP of Saban Brands Global Consumer Products.

“This brand-new season of Digimon Fusion appeals to today’s tech-savvy kids, bringing them inside the digital world they interact with on a daily basis to indulge in the imaginative, adventure-packed fantasy within the Digimon Fusion storylines,” said Fernando Szew, CEO, MarVista Entertainment. “We anticipate the series receiving a very enthusiastic response with ITV’s viewers.”

ITVS GE launched Digimon Fusion to the UK trade at BLE 2013, with product launches planned for Spring 2014.

Trudi Hayward, SVP, Head of Global Merchandising, ITV Studios Global Entertainment, says: “Digimon has been an international smash hit in television and retail for over a decade. Digimon Fusion is a major advance and interest from fans and licensees is expected to be higher than ever. That’s why ITVS GE is planning a comprehensive 360-degree franchise approach in the UK, working closely with Saban Brands to support a wide-ranging licensing strategy and retail roll out during 2014.”

The Digimon franchise, acquired by Saban Brands in 2012, is an all-conquering classic anime hit. The franchise is now entering its sixth instalment after a staggering 250-plus episodes produced and broadcast globally since 1999. Digimon Fusion – the newest season of the franchise – currently airs on Nicktoons in the U.S. and will be coming to CITV/ITV in Spring 2014.

Bandai will serve as global master toy licensee, relaunching the powerful merchandising programme that turned Digimon products into must-haves for so many young fans since the property first premiered in 1999.

Digimon Fusion features all-new Digimon action and excitement following Mikey, a human boy, who is transported into the digital realm and must team up with his new Digimon or Digital Monster friends before their world is deleted once and for all. New fusion powers allow Digimon to combine and fuse their abilities to create endless battle possibilities!