Hit pre-school property continues to expand and announces 4 new major license deals

Kindle Entertainment, the award-winning independent production company, today announces that Lenny Henry, one of the big names from Big and Small, will be attending Brand Licensing Europe on Wednesday 30 September 2009 to promote the popular CBeebies show. Plus, the long-term licensing programme handled by Start Licensing continues to expand with four new license deals agreed with Fashion UK, Zak! Ltd, Little Star Creations and Avanquest.

With Lenny Henry voicing both Big and Small and Imelda Staunton featured as the voice of their friends, Ruby and Twiba, the show (which can be seen daily on CBeebies) has proved its popularity with children and parents across the UK. Celebrating the recent commission of series 2, Lenny Henry will attend Brand Licensing this year and press Q&A and photocall opportunities will be available before he introduces the Big and Small presentation at the show TV Lounge at 12.00pm on Wednesday 30 September 2009.

The latest licensing agreements for the hit pre-school property join a strong stable of licenses already secured across key product categories and major platforms including toys, plush and puzzles, publishing, DVD, apparel and music downloads. Avanquest will produce educational and interactive products with the Big and Small House of Fun activity PC CD-Rom becoming available in store from October 2009. Fashion UK will produce apparel and outerwear including t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts featuring the comedy characters which are scheduled to launch this autumn 2009.

From end of October 2009, Little Star Creations, Holland Publishing’s character imprint and specialist’s in FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified children’s publishing and other associated product, will launch magnetic gift height charts and licensed Big and Small headphones, specifically designed for young children. Further product launches scheduled for 2010 include Zak! Ltd who will produce Big and Small lunch boxes and drinkware, joining their portfolio of other key licenses.

In addition to the on-going licensing programme, Big and Small continues to enjoy strong international TV sales distribution and outside the UK, Studio 100 have already successfully sold Big and Small to over 40 territories around the world. Fans can also enjoy the immersive and innovative 3D website which invites children to enter the house and engage with animated versions of Big and Small.

Anne Brogan, Founder and Director of Kindle Entertainment, comments; “Brand Licensing marks the end of a big year for Big and Small and who better to celebrate their first birthday with at the show than Lenny Henry himself. As we look forward to the next series and further expansion plans with on-going developments in our long-term licensing programme, we are confident that this dynamic duo will continue to delight and entertain fans across the world for years to come.”

Lenny Henry comments; “Making the first series of Big and Small was a solid gold hoot - the songs were boss, the story lines at times made me laugh till milk squirted from my nose, and the miraculous production values by an extremely passionate team, all combine to make this show the mah-hoosive success it richly deserves. I am even more excited about the next series and hope both small and BIG people are looking forward to many more hoots in their household!”

Visit Big and Small at Brand Licensing on Start Licensing stand no. 350.