Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Genius Brands International have finalized a multi-year deal that will see Sony providing marketing and distribution GBI’s Kids Genius and Baby Ganiu labels throughout North America. The deal also allows for for the two companies to co-develop, distribute and globally merchandise future animated and live-action properties derived from their respective programming libraries.
“This transformative, long-term commitment between our companies allows Genius Brands International to focus on what we do best–creating, producing, merchandising and acquiring commercial content for both kids and families–and enables us to expand and accelerate our growth and shareholder value,” said Andy Heyward, GBI Chairman and CEO. “SPHE’s substantial, marketing, promotion, and retail and digital distribution resources, will be instrumental in the continued expansion of our brands.”
Leading the new charge through Sony are GBI’s musical, fashion-driven tween girls’ brand SpacePop, which debuts this fall; a new original Baby Genius series set to coincide with the brand’s expanded launch this year; Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club and Stan Lee’s Mighty 7. BI is also developing three new properties to be announced shortly which are included in the agreement.
SpacePOP, aimed at girls ages 7-12, is currently in production and features 100-plus animated shorts to be digitally distributed to align with tweens’ mobile-driven world. BGI Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward, an Emmy-winning kids’ content producer, spearheads production efforts. The key creatives attached also include Emmy nominee Steve Banks as content writer, and Grammy winning producer Ron Fair and his singer-songwriter spouse Stefanie Faire — who will handle original music for the brand. A comprehensive, fashion-driven consumer products line is also in the works. Imprint, a division of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, is on board as global Master Publisher.
