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PorchLight Entertainment has partnered with Hidden City Games to create an animated television series and long-form film content based on the magical world of Bella Sara horses. Under the agreement, PorchLight will have worldwide rights to the animated productions based on the Bella Sara™ brand, and will simultaneously pursue feature and direct-to-DVD opportunities. “We are very pleased to be working with Hidden City Games on Bella Sara,” said Bruce Johnson, PorchLight’s President and CEO. “Bella Sara has a massive audience already built in from its trading cards and online world, and we are thrilled to give Bella Sara fans and newcomers the chance to delve farther into the legends of Bella Sara. Our Bella Sara productions will transport children into the mystical realm of North of North as they follow Emma, a 12-year-old girl, on her adventure to reclaim her birthright. With magic, mystery and lots of horses, Bella Sara delivers classic, fantasy-driven stories that kids will love for years to come.” Bella Sara was created in Denmark by Gitte Odder Braendgaard and has become the most successful trading card product ever developed for girls, featuring horse-themed fantasy cards that offer positive, inspirational messages to millions of young children. Each card, purchased in packs, includes a unique code that activates, at the Bella Sara website, a virtual version of the horse pictured on the card. Bella Sara taps into young girls’ love of horses and offers children the ability to nurture their virtual horses in their online stables, read stories and play games featuring horses. Bella, the icon of the brand, is a legendary horse in North of North. “Hidden City Games has created a rich world filled with fascinating characters, both human and animal,” said Shea Fontana, Manager of Children’s Programming at PorchLight. “Through the eyes of Emma and her horse, Wings, we explore this fantastical empire and meet magical horses, wolf-riders, goddesses and gods and a collection of unforgettable characters that comprise this amazing and unique mythology. Along the way, Emma discovers her true destiny and why she belongs in North of North.” Peter D. Adkison, CEO of Hidden City Games, noted, “We believe in PorchLight because of Bruce Johnson’s extensive experience in the world of children’s animation, his passion for producing high quality properties like Bella Sara, and his appreciation for the work we have already put into developing the property. Everyone we’ve talked to in the entertainment industry speaks highly of his experience and integrity. As relative newcomers to the world of Hollywood, it was very important to us to find someone we felt we could trust with Bella Sara.” The Bella Sara animated series will focus on Emma and Wings as they explore the empire of North of North, and along the way discover adventure, mischief and what makes this world truly unique. The animated series will be 26 x 22 minutes and targets kids ages 6-11. Bella Sara trading cards and online world for girls are available across Europe, North America and South America, with distribution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina. Conceptcard ApS, Denmark, is the original developer of the Bella Sara cards and online game. ITV Global Entertainment serves as licensing agent for the Bella Sara property. Since its debut, Bella Sara has received awards from numerous child development and parenting authorities, including the “Seal of Approval” from the National Parenting Center, the “Toy of the Year” from Creative Child magazine, the “Excellent Product” and “Outstanding Product” designations from iParenting Media, and “Best Products” award from Dr. Toy. Active Merchandising is the responsibe licence agent for the German speaking market. Licensees are: Cookie Company, Ravensburger, Schmidt Spiele, Kaufmann Neuheiten, Ehapa Verlag, Codemasters, Random House. |
