Genius Brands International has appointed APC Kids as the exclusive content distribution agent for its new preschool series Rainbow Rangers throughout EMEA, including Russia and ex-CIS countries. The CG-animated show is currently in production on season one (52 x 11’) and is slated for a fall 2018 premiere on Nick Jr.
“We were immediately attracted to Rainbow Rangers due to the talented creatives behind the show teamed with the powerhouses of Nickelodeon and Mattel. The series is innovative and fun and promises to have global appeal so we are excited to be taking it to new audiences across EMEA,” said Lionel Marty, MD of APC Kids.
Genius Brands is also developing a comprehensive consumer products program to follow the series launch, which will begin rolling out in the U.S. in late spring 2019, continuing through back-to-school and holiday. The program will be led by global master toy partner Mattel, Inc., and global master publisher Imprint, a part of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. Additional key licensees onboard include Bentex (master apparel), Handcraft Manufacturing (packaged underwear), Global Design Concepts (bags, backpacks), Jay Franco (bedding and bath), H.E.R. Accessories (jewelry and hair accessories) and TASTE Beauty (healthy and beauty).
Genius Brands’ SVP of Global Content Distribution and Marketing & President of Kid Genius Cartoon Channel Deb Pierson stated: “The buzz around Rainbow Rangers has been nothing short of phenomenal, and we are thrilled with the partners that we are assembling across content sales, licensing, merchandising, retail and promotions to bring this unique brand to market this year. EMEA will be central to the rollout of the brand overseas, and with APC Kids’ experience and expertise in the market, we anticipate Rainbow Rangers to attract leading media partners in Europe, providing maximum reach to kids in the region.”
Synopsis: The Rainbow Rangers, Earth’s first responders, live in the magical land of Kaleidoscopia at the other side of the rainbow and have their own distinctive personalities and superpowers. Whenever there’s trouble for the people or animals of Earth, our seven heroines zoom into action and ride their Spectra scooters across the rainbow to save the day. We’ll join them on exciting adventures, but also see them at home having the same daily dramas and hilarities as every preschooler watching the show. And at its heart, Rainbow Rangers is about empowering and encouraging girls to take action and make a difference in their own homes and neighborhoods to improve and safeguard the planet. Every viewer — boys and girls — will see themselves in at least one of these strong, unique and empowered Rangers!
The series creative development and production team includes Rob Minkoff (The Lion King director), Shane Morris (Frozen co-writer), Tim Mansfield and New York Times Bestselling author and Emmy-nominated writer Elise Allen (Dinosaur Train, Lion Guard, Barbie specials) as head writer and co-creator. Genius Brands’ Chairman and CEO and multiple Emmy-winning producer of more than 5,000 episodes of children’s programming Andy Heyward serves as executive producer, with legendary Disney alum Ruben Aquino creating key designs. Aquino is responsible for the design and animation of many of Disney’s most iconic characters from award-winning films including The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Mulan and Frozen.
