MALIBU, Calif., Jun 09, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –JAKKS Pacific, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!jakk/quotes/nls/jakk (JAKK 13.95, +0.22, +1.60%) and Dentsu Entertainment USA announce that FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has entered into a production and distribution agreement with the Joint Venture formed by JAKKS and Dentsu for the original new animated entertainment project, MONSUNO(TM). FME is the brand extension and commercial arm of FremantleMedia, one of the world’s leading creators and producers of entertainment brands. Best known for programs such as American Idol, The X Factor, and The Price is Right, FME will be responsible for the exclusive worldwide (except Asia) distribution of MONSUNO programming, and act as the Master Licensing agent for the MONSUNO brand worldwide, with the exception of Asia where Dentsu shall serve as the Master Licensing Agent. The MONSUNO lineup represents the first programming announcement for FME’s Children and Family Entertainment division, launched last fall at MIPCOM.
Sander Schwartz, Executive Vice President and Head of FME’s Children and Family Entertainment division said, “We believe the MONSUNO series is an excellent addition to FME’s global portfolio as we continue our strategic push in content development and brand licensing specifically aimed at children and family audiences. This partnership couldn’t come at a better time with Licensing Expo International this week. We are thrilled to have the chance to introduce the MONSUNO series to potential licensees and broadcasters as we build this franchise. We have chosen to join forces with Dentsu and JAKKS Pacific on this project as our first foray into the all-important boys’ action/adventure genre because of the strong story developed by the creative studio known as ‘Man of Action’ (creators of the ‘Ben 10′ franchise and ‘Generator Rex’) and the great series potential we see for this unique property.”
Jeremy Padawer, Executive Vice President, Marketing for JAKKS Pacific said, “FME is an exceptional partner because they have an unparalleled track record of building value through long-term franchises. We are confident Sander Schwartz and his team will do an outstanding job representing the MONSUNO series and solidifying tremendous relationships to take this phenomenal project to the next level.”
Yuma Sakata, President & CEO of Dentsu Entertainment USA, said, “FremantleMedia is clearly a leader in developing and distributing quality programming for the global market; we could not be more excited about their commitment to the MONSUNO project.”
The MONSUNO series (52 x 30 min) is an epic boys action adventure where kids are imbued with the power to command and battle creatures with amazing destructive potential, using them to protect the Earth against those who would tear it apart. Built around powerful, action-based episodic animation with a compelling base of dynamic, relatable characters, and deeply woven original story mythology, MONSUNO provides a completely original entertainment experience. Targeted to boys 6 — 11, the series will be supported by a demonstrable, innovative, feature-driven JAKKS Pacific toy line featuring action figures and gadgets, collectables and integrated role play.
MONSUNO will be co-produced by Dentsu Entertainment USA, JAKKS’ Entertainment division, and FME, in conjunction with Dentsu’s Tokyo-based subsidiary animation production arm, Dentsu Tec.
To hear more about MONSUNO licensing opportunities in Las Vegas at Licensing International Expo 2010, please visit FME at stand # 2668 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
About FremantleMedia and FremantleMedia Enterprises
FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of the RTL Group, Europe’s largest television and radio broadcast company, which is in turn 90 percent owned by Bertelsmann AG, one of the world’s major media and entertainment companies. FremantleMedia’s worldwide production arm is responsible for many of the world’s highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama and factual entertainment programmes. FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment around the world. The FremantleMedia Group (which includes talkbackTHAMES, UFA and Grundy amongst others) has operations in 22 countries, one of the most comprehensive global networks, creating over 14,000 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 60 formats and managing over 300 individual titles. FremantleMedia has some of the world’s most sought after and long running formats in its catalogue, and globally, produces such programmes as: Idols (co-produced with 19 Productions in the US), The X Factor (co-produced with Syco in the UK), Got Talent (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), Neighbours, The Bill, Family Feud, The Price is Right, Farmer Wants A Wife and Hole In The Wall.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!jakk/quotes/nls/jakk (JAKK 13.95, +0.22, +1.60%) is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products, with a wide range of products that feature some of the most popular brands and children’s toy licenses in the world. JAKKS’ diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, Halloween Costumes, Kids Furniture, Vehicles, Plush, Art Activity Kits, Seasonal Products, Infant/Pre-School, Construction Toys and Pet Toys sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific(R), Creative Designs International(TM), Road Champs(R), Funnoodle(R), JAKKS Pets(TM), Plug It In & Play TV Games(TM), Girl Gourmet(TM), Kids Only!(TM), Tollytots(R) and Disguise(TM). JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Disney(R), Nickelodeon(R), Warner Bros.(R), Ultimate Fighting Championship(R), Hello Kitty(R), Graco(R) and Cabbage Patch Kids(R). jakks.com
About Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc. (dentsuentertainment.com), previously known as DCI Los Angeles (DCI-LA), was formed in April 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dentsu Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange, Code 4324), the world’s largest advertising agency brand and a leading producer of Japanese animation, with over 18,000 full-time employees and close to 100 offices worldwide. Dentsu Entertainment USA develops original animation programming and media content for markets worldwide, and manages licensing programs for existing and new properties. Current projects include: “Chub City,” a toy based property featuring street-savvy characters and vehicles, currently in development as an animated series; “Deltora Quest,” a 52 episode animated series based on the international top-selling fantasy-adventure book series of the same name already airing in multiple markets worldwide; “Mameshiba,” a collection animation shorts, and character licensing program with over $55 million in product sales in 2009; and “Monsuno,” an animated children’s series co-produced with JAKKS Pacific, slated to debut in 2011.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about JAKKS Pacific’s business based partly on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above, changes in demand for JAKKS’ products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and difficulties with integrating acquired businesses. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and JAKKS undertakes no obligation to update any of them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
(C) 2010 JAKKS Pacific, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. Genna Rosenberg, 310-455-6235 or FremantleMedia Enterprises Belinda Thomas, Sr PR Manager +44 (0) 207 691 6911
Copyright Business Wire 2010
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