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Tag: EOne

  • Zeno Group India to expand Peppa Pig’s presence in Indian market

    Zeno Group India to expand Peppa Pig’s presence in Indian market

    Mumbai: Hasbro’s global content studio Entertainment One (eOne) has awarded the integrated communications mandate of their popular children’s property Peppa Pig to Zeno Group India.

    Zeno will be responsible for leading the brand’s communication strategy, delivered across traditional and new-age media channels. The agency will also help to expand Peppa Pig’s audience reach and presence in the Indian market.

    Zeno was chosen following a competitive pitch that challenged agencies to focus on storytelling concepts that would work across multiple platforms.

    Speaking on the partnership, Global Franchise Strategy & Management vice president Robin Gay said, “Zeno India delighted us with their ability to go beyond the tactical, giving depth and definition to ideas that synergized with how we wish to build Peppa Pig in India. Their understanding of the media and influencers and their ideas to draw Indian audiences to Peppa Pig excited us, and we are delighted to be working with the extremely driven and creative team of Zeno.”

    Zeno India managing director Rekha Rao added, “We are thrilled to partner with eOne, a global leader in delivering splendid content, at a time when content is the single most powerful driver of growth and viewership. At Zeno, we have a proven record of delivering creative solutions through profound storytelling. The aim is to build the Peppa Pig experience beyond the screen through engaging content and activities across touchpoints to deliver impactful, integrated marketing campaigns.”

  • Peppa Pig named Save The Children child ambassador

    Peppa Pig named Save The Children child ambassador

    MUMBAI: Child rights organisation Save the Children is emphasising on Right to Play as fundamental to the health and well-being of children and has announced Peppa Pig as their child ambassador to promote the importance of leisure time.

    Peppa Pig has been one of the most celebrated characters amongst kids and has a strong influence to instil positive behavioural change. In 2019, Viacom18 (also the official merchandising and licensing partner to Peppa) in association with Save The Children had come together for the ‘Peppa Plays Cricket’ campaign to unlock the potential of young cricketers. This year’s edition also saw eOne and Viacom18 Consumer Products engage kids to unleash their creativity by designing Peppa’s cricket jersey as kids were quarantined at home.

    This partnership will see several activities in the next one year, beginning with a collaboration with Hasbro’s Play-Doh brand through the ‘Cans of Kindness’ initiative. Over 1,000 children from underprivileged communities will receive cans of colourful and reusable Play-Doh for endless hours of fun and learning. With Play-Doh, children can make and create anything they imagine. The aim is to spark creativity, encourage the practice of fine motor skills and hand eye coordination. This first-of-its-kind collaboration between Peppa Pig and Play-Doh will encourage learning, creativity and most importantly – fun!

    With early childhood services, playgrounds, schools, and other public spaces for children still closed in India, there is limited access for play in the physical spaces. Save the Children and Peppa Pig will amplify and urge authorities to provide suitable conditions for children to play and #ProtectAGeneration at a time when children are locked up in their houses.

    While Peppa has become a global phenomenon, Viacom18 has been instrumental in building a stronger affinity towards the character in India by creating multiple touchpoints through its on-air, digital, merchandise and events verticals. Currently, Peppa Pig On Nick Jr India is amongst the top three properties in the pre-school genre, India and amongst Voot Kids pre-school properties as well. Viacom18 Consumer Products also recently announced a range of Peppa merchandise to delight kids while they continue to stay home.

    Save the Children CEO Sudarshan Suchi said, “Play is essential for children as it helps in developing their imagination, dexterity, physical, cognitive and emotional strength. It allows children to conquer their fears and master the world. Undirected play allows children to learn social behaviours, to share, to negotiate and to resolve conflicts. More than anything, play allows a child to experience happiness and joy, which is a fundamental building block to any other right.”

    “There has been a groundswell of affection for Peppa Pig after we first launched in India in June 2016 on Voot Kids before making its debut on Nick Jr India in January 2017. We are excited to spread happiness and joy at such a time when kids need it most. We will have Peppa engage in something that is extremely meaningful to kids and, with each activity meticulously planned for every child’s palate, we are looking forward to yet another great campaign,” said  global brand & marketing, family brands executive vice president Rebecca Harvey.

    Mahesh Shetty, head – network sales, Viacom18 said, “While the perils of the pandemic continue to exist, Right to Play is pertinent, especially in today’s times where kids continue to stay confined and are unable to engage, interact with the world around them. We are extremely delighted that Peppa has been chosen by Save The Children to be the child ambassador to promote Right to Play. We believe that Peppa has a strong influence on the minds of young kids and will play a key role in changing mindsets and reinforcing the value of play. Since 2016, Viacom18 has created a strong ecosystem for Peppa Pig with forays into broadcast, digital, merchandise and events. We look forward to partnering with eOne and Save The Children on the exciting initiatives planned in the coming months.”

    Hasbro South Asia country manager Bhavesh Somaya said, “At the heart of everything we do, lies our commitment to make the world a better place for all families and children. With concerted efforts, the Cans of Kindness campaign is a step towards building the Value of Play in India through creative, imaginative and fun play sessions using Play-Doh.”

  • Comcast-owned Sky signs deal with eOne

    Comcast-owned Sky signs deal with eOne

    MUMBAI: Sky, Comcast’s European pay-TV giant, has entered into a “long-term” partnership with Entertainment One to give its customers in the UK and Ireland access to hundreds of Hasbro’s films.

    The deal includes nearly 200 titles from eOne’s library, such as the Twilight saga and Dallas Buyers Club, whereas new releases will be telecast exclusively by Sky. This includes upcoming titles like the holiday rom-com Happiest Season starring Kristen Stewart, which skipped the UK theatrical release.

    eOne international distribution president Stuart Baxter said, “A partnership of this size is one of the largest strategic deals we have made this year. We are confident that they will be a great marketing partner for our content and will work with us throughout its lifecycle. “

    Sky has significantly improved its content offering this year through contracts with Disney, Sony, DreamWorks Animation and Discovery.

    Sky UK and Europe CEO Stephen van Rooyen said, “Our business with eOne is just another example of how we listen to customers and bring them more of what they want.”

  • Hasbro to acquire Entertainment One for approx $4 bn

    Hasbro to acquire Entertainment One for approx $4 bn

    MUMBAI: Hasbro is set to acquire Entertainment One (eOne) in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $4 billion. The deal enhances Hasbro’s brand portfolio, which includes My Little Pony, with the global preschool brands Peppa Pig and PJ Masks, as well as a slate of additional brands under development, including Ricky Zoom.

    eOne brings profitable, growing capabilities in scripted and unscripted TV development and production. eOne’s Canadian TV and film operations will continue as a distinct Canadian-controlled business within the combined business.

    “The acquisition of eOne adds beloved story-led global family brands that deliver strong operating returns to Hasbro’s portfolio and provides a pipeline of new brand creation driven by family-oriented storytelling, which will now include Hasbro’s IP,” said Hasbro chairman and CEO Brian Goldner. “In addition, Hasbro will leverage eOne’s immersive entertainment capabilities to bring our portfolio of brands that have appeal to gamers, fans and families to all screens globally and realise full franchise economics across our blueprint strategy for shareholders. We are excited to welcome eOne’s talented employees from around the world into the Hasbro family.”

    eOne chairman of the board Allan Leighton said, “On behalf of the board of eOne, I am very pleased by this exciting development, which is a testament to eOne management’s vision, leadership and solid execution. This transaction creates significant, immediate value for our shareholders as it recognizes the strength of our future-facing business model.”

    “Hasbro’s portfolio of integrated toy, game and consumer products, will further fuel the tremendous success we’ve achieved at eOne,” said eOne CEO Darren Throop. “There’s a strong cultural fit between our two companies; eOne’s stated mission is to unlock the power and value of creativity which aligns with Hasbro’s corporate objectives. eOne teams will continue to do what they do best, bolstered by the access to Hasbro’s extensive portfolio of richly creative IP and merchandising strength. In addition, the resulting expanded Hasbro presence in Canada through eOne’s deep roots will bring world-class talent and production capabilities to Hasbro. Along with our leadership team, I look forward to working with Hasbro on our joint growth and success for many years to come.”

    “By combining two profitable and financially disciplined companies we expect to unlock value in the short- and long-term for our stakeholders,” said Hasbro chief financial officer Deborah Thomas. “eOne’s brands and TV and film expertise, together with Hasbro’s brands, toy and game innovation and licensing capabilities, positions us to more quickly drive revenue and profit over the medium-term. We remain committed to maintaining an investment-grade rating and returning to our gross Debt to EBITDA target of 2.00 to 2.50X.”

  • Zee TV appoints new European syndication head Janice Strangward

    Zee TV appoints new European syndication head Janice Strangward

    MUMBAI: Sunita Uchil, chief business officer, International ad sales, Global syndication and production of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) announced the appointment of Janice Strangward as head of European sales syndication based out of London. Strangward previously held senior executive roles at Discovery Networks Europe, Passion Distribution, EOne and Al Jazeera Media Network.

    “We are delighted to have Janice join the Zee team to head up UK and European sales syndication.  As a globally recognized, and highly-respected executive, Janice is ideally placed to lead our European growth strategy. The Zee library contains many  top rating and award winning local formats. Janice will work on adapting  these for the European market. She will also lead our co-production strategy in the region.” said Uchil. “Zee continues to strengthen its reach around the globe and we look forward to great success in the European market.”

    “Zee is one of the world’s top television brands, with a fantastic premium catalog full of rich dramas, informative and entertaining documentaries and engaging family programs. I am pleased to become part of the Zee family,” said Strangward. “And I am excited to share Zee’s great programming from both, Zee Bollyworld and Z Living libraries with European audiences.”

    Strangward started her sales career with CBC in its London based  international sales office. She subsequently spent 11 years at Discovery Networks Europe  rising to become Regional Program Sales Director, leading their content sales and strategy across UK & EMEA.  Most recently, Strangward managed programme sales across Europe on behalf of  the Al Jazeera Media Network.

     

  • Zee TV appoints new European syndication head Janice Strangward

    Zee TV appoints new European syndication head Janice Strangward

    MUMBAI: Sunita Uchil, chief business officer, International ad sales, Global syndication and production of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) announced the appointment of Janice Strangward as head of European sales syndication based out of London. Strangward previously held senior executive roles at Discovery Networks Europe, Passion Distribution, EOne and Al Jazeera Media Network.

    “We are delighted to have Janice join the Zee team to head up UK and European sales syndication.  As a globally recognized, and highly-respected executive, Janice is ideally placed to lead our European growth strategy. The Zee library contains many  top rating and award winning local formats. Janice will work on adapting  these for the European market. She will also lead our co-production strategy in the region.” said Uchil. “Zee continues to strengthen its reach around the globe and we look forward to great success in the European market.”

    “Zee is one of the world’s top television brands, with a fantastic premium catalog full of rich dramas, informative and entertaining documentaries and engaging family programs. I am pleased to become part of the Zee family,” said Strangward. “And I am excited to share Zee’s great programming from both, Zee Bollyworld and Z Living libraries with European audiences.”

    Strangward started her sales career with CBC in its London based  international sales office. She subsequently spent 11 years at Discovery Networks Europe  rising to become Regional Program Sales Director, leading their content sales and strategy across UK & EMEA.  Most recently, Strangward managed programme sales across Europe on behalf of  the Al Jazeera Media Network.

     

  • DreamWorks, Reliance, Participant Media, eOne form new film, TV & digital venture

    DreamWorks, Reliance, Participant Media, eOne form new film, TV & digital venture

    MUMBAI: DreamWorks Studios principal partner Steven Spielberg, Participant Media chairman Jeff Skoll, Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani and Entertainment One (eOne) president and CEO Darren Throop have announced the formation of a new film, television and digital content creation company called Amblin Partners.

     

    The new company will create content using the Amblin, DreamWorks Pictures and Participant brands and leverage their power and broad awareness to tell stories that appeal to a wide range of audiences. Participant Media will remain a separate company that continues to independently develop, produce and finance projects with socially relevant themes.

     

    Amblin Partners will be led by CEO Michael Wright and president and COO Jeff Small.

     

    In addition, Amblin Television will become a division of Amblin Partners and continues to be run by co-presidents Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank, who maintain their longtime leadership roles. They join producer Kristie Macosko Krieger and president of production Holly Bario on the film side, to complete Amblin Partners’ senior management team.

     

    Participant Media CEO David Linde and Participant’s narrative feature team, led by executive vice president Jonathan King, will work closely with Amblin Partners to develop and produce specific content for the new venture in addition to exploring opportunities for co-productions and other content.

     

    Spielberg said, “We are thrilled to partner with Jeff Skoll, Participant Media, and to continue our prolific relationship. We are of like minds, as our many collaborations have illustrated, with a mutual commitment to quality, premium entertainment and global vision.”

     

    Skoll added, “I have had the good fortune of working with Steven for many years. We share a passion for stories that can truly affect change. And this new venture will further Participant’s growth and global impact.”

     

    DreamWorks Studios and Participant Media have collaborated on many Academy Award nominated films such as Lincoln and The Help as well as the critically acclaimed The Hundred-Foot Journey, and the recently released Bridge of Spies.

     

    Spielberg continued, “We are honoured to continue our long-term association with our dear friend, Anil Ambani and his team at Reliance. We have had the opportunity to develop and produce wonderful films thanks to their ongoing support.”

     

    “We are delighted to continue our now seven-years-strong relationship with our valued partner, Steven Spielberg, and to extend this alliance to the formation of Amblin Partners with Jeff Skoll. We look forward to the combination of Steven’s passion and integrity with Jeff’s unique socially conscious vision to create uplifting and quality content to entertain global audiences,” Ambani said.

     

    Spielberg said, “We are also grateful to Darren Throop and his team at Entertainment One for their contribution to Amblin Partners. We look forward to expanding our relationship.”

     

    “We are delighted to join Steven Spielberg, Jeff Skoll and Reliance in launching this unique new venture,” Throop said. “We continually strive to partner with producers of the highest quality content, and Amblin Partners certainly represents the gold standard.”

     

    Through this new partnership, eOne extends its collaboration into television production and distribution and expands its successful film distribution relationship across additional territories. eOne will handle the direct distribution of Amblin Partners films on a multi-territory output basis in Australia/New Zealand and Spain as well as the United Kingdom and the Benelux, where it previously had a successful output arrangement with DreamWorks Studios.

     

    J.P.Morgan Chase structured and arranged the $500 million debt syndication together with Comerica Bank, which served as co-lead. Other financial institutions involved included Sun Trust Bank, Union Bank, City National Bank and Bank of America, among others.

  • Entertainment One’s So So Happy adds new fashion partners

    Entertainment One’s So So Happy adds new fashion partners

    MUMBAI: Entertainment One (eOne) continues to bolster the US licensing programme of its popular teen/young adult lifestyle brand So So Happy with addition of a new roster of category-leading apparel and accessory partners.

     

    The announcement follows close behind the recent signing of Kelly Teegarden Organics as the brand’s cosmetics partner.

     

    The company is excited to announce a new collaboration with legendary alternative fashion company Iron Fist, known for its edgy, contemporary styles inspired by street art and underground culture.  “We are thrilled to be working with the Iron Fist team,” said eOne Licensing’s pop culture and lifestyle division president Cindy Bailey.  “Its distinctive style and our shared creative vision for the brand will translate into amazing and unique offerings for So So Happy enthusiasts as well as devotees of the Iron Fist brand.”  

     

    The licensed collection will include fashion tops and bottoms, blouses, sweaters and coats, dresses, jumpsuits, and footwear.  “We are thrilled to be working with Cindy and her team at eOne,” said Iron Fist CEO Travis Anderson. “We share the same creative vision and we love the brand so it just made sense to collaborate.”

     

    Leading pop-culture fashion companies Loungefly and Goodie Two Sleeves are also on board to produce a collection of So So Happy apparel and accessories for the US market.These companies are known for producing quality, fashion-forward items for independent boutiques and specialty chains.

     

    Licensee Goodie Two Sleeves has uniquely positioned itself as a provider of tees, hoodies and related separates, often with funny but positive sayings, making it a natural choice for eOne’s upscale teen brand.“Goodie is committed to serving boutique and specialty customers, and their mantra of combining fashion with ‘clean’ humour is very much in line with So So Happy’s message,” said Bailey.

     

    “We are thrilled to be working with the entire eOne team, and look forward to creating unique and fashion-forward items that will keep our customers coming back for more,” said Goodie Two Sleeves VP Robert Arce.

     

    The Loungefly collection will include fashion bags, wallets, coin purses, lanyards, lunch boxes, plush bags, backpack clips and novelties featuring So So Happy’s distinctive characters and designs.   The line will be previewed at MAGIC and available in fall at price points ranging from $6.50 – $65.00.  

     

    “Loungefly is the premier maker of contemporary junior accessories for our specialty market,” said Bailey.  “Our consumers absolutely covet their products and we’re very excited to have them on board as a key So So Happy partner.” 

     

    “It feels good to work with a property like So So Happy and we are committed to designing accessories that will allow for the positive messaging to shine through,” said Loungefly operations director Jason Hoffman.