Fresh look is part of launch plans for new Beano Studios arm.
Dennis the Menace is to be given a CGI makeover as part of plans to turn the Beano brand into a new multiplatform children’s entertainment offer.
Powered by a new Beano Studios arm, the aim is to ‘create, curate and deliver’ a wide range of entertainment for kids across multiple touchpoints.
These include new film and TV programmes, consumer products and the comic and annual.
At the heart of the offer will be a new digital entertainment network, Beano.com, which will launch this autumn and work across the likes of YouTube and PopJam.
Dennis and Gnasher – Unleashed will be delivered in autumn 2017, marking the first time that the characters will be seen in CGI animation.
Meanwhile, the Beano comic will stay true to its classic comic strip roots, with a refreshed approach and more wide ranging characters. The Beano Studios team is also exploring plans to take the characters to bigger screens and stages worldwide.
Emma Scott, ceo of Beano Studios, said: “A load of naughty irreverence and rebellion goes a very long way to spark children’s imaginations and Beano has delivered a funny antidote to the boring grown-up world for almost 80 years.
“We know the imaginations of seven to ten year olds exceptionally well and now Beano Studios are reimagining that spirit to cater to the rich and multi-faceted way kids enjoy entertainment today.”
James Neal, director of content, added: “Beano Studios is different to anything currently available for kids.
“Whilst there are a lot of entertainment options for early teens and grown-ups, with social networks and content from broadcasters and vloggers alike, there is no single digital destination for children aged seven to ten.
“Beano.com is bridging this gap and will offer the kind of rebellious, innovative content that interests children today in an environment parents can trust.”
