Agency to build licensing drive for new TV animation in the UK and Eire.
Start Licensing has bolstered its line-up with the addition of new animation series, Claude.
Based on the successful series of books by Alex T Smith – published by Hachette Children’s Group – Claude is aimed at the upper end of the preschool market.
The new TV series – devised by the BAFTA winning Sixteen South – is due to air on Disney Junior in the UK from June and features a distinctive 2D hand-drawn style to bring to life the original books.
Claude has already launched on Disney Junior in Australia and will broadcast in all countries throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa later this year.
It follows the adventures of a little beret-clad dog called Claude and his faithful sidekick, Sir Bobblysock, in the seaside resort of Pawhaven.
Over 400,000 copies of Claude picture storybooks have been sold in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, and the series has been published in 16 languages worldwide. There have been 12 titles in the series so far.
Hachette Children’s Group is planning a series of TV tie-in books, publishing worldwide. The range will include sticker activity and story books, publishing from spring 2019.
“The popularity of the books means that the television series is starting from a strong place with a well-established audience and a retail track record,” said Ian Downes, md of Start Licensing. “It also has a fresh and original style which will help it stand out.
“Sixteen South have created an animation series that captures the spirit, wit and originality of the books well. It is a very compelling proposition.”
Karen Lawler, head of licensing at Hachette Children’s Group, added: “We’re looking forward to Claude jumping into new retail spaces – we know there’s an appetite from fans, and Start Licensing and Sixteen South are as ambitious as we are about his potential.”
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