Stand D060 to host Impressive selection of properties

It’s proving to be a strong year for 4Kids Entertainment International with a number of new acquisitions and continued growth for existing properties.

Highlights at this year's BLE for 4Kids include the recent global acquisition Penelope. This cute three-year-old blue koala with a funny red nose and an insatiable curiosity is the creation of Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben. The books were first published in France by licensor Gallimard Jeunesse and have subsequently sold over two million copies worldwide. Penelope is also a star of the small screen with 52 episodes and two Christmas specials from Nippon animation. Winner of an excellence prize in animation from the Japan Media Art Fest, the TV series has been picked up by France 5 (France), CBeebies (UK), ABC (Australia), as well as channels across EMEA. In France and Japan Penelope has already launched successfully with licensees across toys, plush, publishing, personal accessories, apparel and stationery as well as two KFC promotions.

Another recent acquisition is Suckers from Spanish based production company BRB Internacional. Each of the Mipcom Junior award winning two minute shorts depicts the world through the eyes of the Suckers, a peculiar group of toys that are attached to the rear windows of cars! The slapstick humour means no dialogue is necessary as children aged 6 to 12 and their families can relate to the entertaining storylines reflecting day to day life. Broadcasters have been quick to snap up the rights for the show, which has been airing on Disney XD in the US, Spain and Disney XD channels across the rest of EMEA will follow suit shortly. With its wide appeal Suckers offers a unique licensing proposition and 4Kids are looking to extend the brand in the UK and North America across a number of key categories such as videogames, digital media, gifts and collectibles.

A consistent strong performer for 4Kids is of course Dinosaur King. The show is currently broadcasting across the UK and EMEA and the adventure just keeps on going for fans thanks to the hugely popular trading card game. A strong licensing programme is in place across the region and it has recently been boosted by the addition of another five new licensees. Anubis Publications and MC Productions join Harper Collins, Signature Publishing and Egmont as some of the publishers on board, while other new partners include PMS International and Samuel Eden & Son. The new partners join a growing list of European licensees, with the brand represented across a huge range of categories including toys, home entertainment, video games, apparel, shoes, posters, bags, and outdoor toys.

The global phenomenon Yu-Gi-Oh! that continues to captivate more than 6 million fans who collect and play the trading card game will feature at BLE with the latest incarnation Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s.
The Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG is a phenomenon, the Guinness Book of World Records recently confirmed that it is the best selling trading card game to date with over 22.5 million cards sold. The latest TV series has been sold to various countries across Europe and the Middle East where it will launch later this year. Also eagerly awaited is the launch of a new ‘Global Hub’ www.yugioh.com in November this year, which will integrate all facets of the brand. The Global Hub will kick off the 10th anniversary of the franchise, with the much anticipated 3D film scheduled to launch later in 2011. In licensing terms, three new partners have teamed up with 4Kids adding to an impressive portfolio. Panini are on board for a pan European deal, Giochi Preziosi in Italy and Les Livres Du Dragon D’Or in France and French- speaking territories.

Finally, WordWorld will hit the French TV screen on France 5 this September. Watch out for more news to come!