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![]() Galleon Holdings plc (AIM: GON), the AIM-listed producer and distributor of multiplatform entertainment properties, has signed a strategic partnership with US-based original content studio Dragonfruit Studios that initially involves the licensing of two of Galleon’s multi-platform entertainment properties Super Soccer Star and Apollo’s Pad. Dragonfruit Studios will also provide a broader interactive media and sponsorship role for Galleon as part of the relationship.. Dragonfruit has licensed the US exploitation rights to Galleon’s hit entertainment properties, Super Soccer Star and Apollo’s Pad. Under the terms of the deal, Dragonfruit will pay an initial fee of US $1million and royalties on future earnings. Dragonfruit Studios was launched in January 2008 by Michael Koziol and Melissa Honabach, who previously founded interactive agency Ant Farm Interactive and were key executives of global interactive agency Nurun following its acquisition of Ant Farm Interactive. Both are widely recognised for their expertise in digital media and marketing, and new and emerging media models, having advised leading global brands such as AT&T, L’Oreal, Unilever, Evian and AutoTrader.com among others. “The partnership with Dragonfruit Studios is highly complementary to Galleon’s business with the addition of a US operating presence, expansion opportunities for our brands into the United States, digital media expertise and access to major global brand advertisers”, said Green. “The relationship will greatly enhance our ability to drive revenues from these properties in the US and globally in the immediate future.” “Globally, the future of entertainment and media is in the creation and execution of relationship-driven multi-platform properties that engage consumers on numerous different media fronts and facilitate the relationships between brand sponsors and their end consumers,” added Michael Koziol, CEO of Dragonfruit Studios. “Together with Galleon, we are confident that the right formula and thinking exist to create lasting media and entertainment brands and build value for our properties and brand partners.” Super Soccer Star is a family-oriented multi-platform reality show designed to identify the next football star from different territories around the world. Chelsea Football Club is the global sport sponsor and a strong partner in scouting talent and shaping the training programs. The property enjoyed a highly successful launch in China this past April on Guangdong TV Sports Channel, reaching an estimated 50 million viewers. The format provides a mix of football and entertainment and includes a host of interactive applications and activities for the home viewing audience. The winner of each series earns the exclusive opportunity to train at the Chelsea Academy. Apollo's Pad is an interactive entertainment property aimed at the highly coveted yet elusive young male audience offering them unique, broadcast-quality comedy entertainment online and via mobile devices. The property features a series of webisodes set in the fictional Apollo’s Pad nightclub and a cast of characters modelled after different musical genres. The music catalogue is supplied by Sony BMG and EMI and users are able to download exclusive music and music videos. The future plans for Apollo’s Pad involve more aggressive and broader distribution across global digital entertainment networks; brand integration with the property, characters, and music videos; and the growth of the Apollo’s Pad community. Galleon Entertainment will be one of more than 200 European exhibitors showcasing thousands of exciting new licenses at Brand Licensing Europe in London, 1-2 October. For more information, please click here. |