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Already a well-established brand in Japan on NHK with a full licensing and merchandising program comprising of more than 24 licensing deals concluded by the TV series’ producer Nippon Animation; France is the next stop with a wide selection of merchandise including a full range of books from original publisher Gallimard as well as soft toys, gifts and collectables launching in 2008 on the back of France 5’s premiere of the TV series set for fall 2008. Gallimard plans to invest heavily in PENELOPE this year making her their key property for 2008. This includes 2 new animated books, bath and gift books, as well as the re-release of the entire collection of Penelope’s traditional books and the creation of her own mini website which will tie-in with the TV launch. TV-Loonland’s Managing Director, Olivier Dumont, comments “The entire TV-Loonland team is delighted that France 5, DR TV, and HOP! share our enthusiasm for PENELOPE and we are confident that after Japan, PENELOPE will turn into the next L&M success story in France and many other countries around the world.” Originating from the popular Gallimard books by Anne Gutman & Georg Hallensleben, this animated series (co-produced by Nippon Animation, NHK Enterprises & Shirogumi Inc) tells the story about everyday life for the 3-year old, sweet-natured, chatterbox Penelope. The tales of this little blue koala bear who has an insatiable curiosity about all things around her are full of fun and told with humor and affection. Nippon Animation’s General Manager for International Sales and Production, Yasuhiko Matsuoka said: “We are happy to see this positive development of PENELOPE’s sales achieved by TV-Loonland. We are confident that with this momentum, PENELOPE will take her place among the entertainment industry’s leading evergreen brands soon.” |
