ITV Studios Global Entertainment hires agency to handle US licensing programme.
The licensing drive for the hotly tipped new Watership Down animation is continuing to grow and move into new territories – with ITV Studios Global Entertainment appointing Spotlight Licensing & Brand Management to handle the US push.
The four-part CGI mini series of Richard Adams’ classic novel – which stars the voice talents of James McAvoy, John Boyega, Sir Ben Kingsley and Olivia Colman among others – will premiere in autumn/winter 2018 on the BBC in the UK and globally on Netflix.
It will then be made available on Netflix in the UK for spring/summer 2019.
“We are thrilled to appoint the team at Spotlight Licensing to manage Watership Down in the US and Canada,” said Trudi Hayward, svp head of global merchandise at ITVS GE. Having worked with them on series such as Victoria and Poldark, we know the success they can make of British brands in these markets.
“The classic British heritage of Watership Down will resonate with North American audiences, and its global platform on Netflix will allow the reach to support and realise that appeal.”
Carole Postal, president of Spotlight Licensing, added: “Modern CGI lets animators combine great character design with a sense of realism that is perfect for Watership Down as a classic adventure story.”
Both ITVS GE and Spotlight Licensing will be showcasing Watership Down at next month’s Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.
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