The deal transfers rights to a raft of brands including Mr Benn and Off the Leash.
BAFTA-winning animation studio Factory has launched a new licensing and brand management division, Factory Rights, following the acquisition of Rollo Rights.
The deal transfers rights for a raft of brands including Rupert Fawcett’s Off The Leash, David McKee’s Mr Benn, King Rollo, Victor & Maria, Towser, Watt the Devil, Art, Ric and Dr Xargle.
The move further underpins Factory’s ambitions to develop a rights ownership arm to support its studio production business.
The first content to be developed is Off The Leash TV, a 2D line animated version of Rupert Fawcett’s brilliantly observed, touchingly truthful, hit cartoons about dogs.
Further licences are to follow, with a number of deals already under discussion.
Clive Juster, who along with David McKee owned Rollo Rights, will remain on the board at Factory Rights to advise and assist with the new division.
Phil Chalk, md of Factory and Factory Rights, commented: “We’ve been developing and adapting IP since we launched in 2010, beginning with Strange Hill High and Newzoids, both of which were developed in house.
“Launching Factory Rights is the next step in our ambition, and we’re delighted to have acquired such an incredible range of titles to launch our new division.
“Off The Leash TV has been generating huge interest already so we’re excited to launch the YouTube channel and unleash it to the world.”
Clive Juster added: “Having been so close to Mr Benn, King Rollo and many other classic characters for over 30 years, I’m thrilled to have found such a perfect home for them at Factory.
“I know that these much-loved properties will be in safe hands under their watch, and I cannot wait to see where Factory take them on their next adventures.”
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