HALIFAX, Nov. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - DHX Media Ltd. ("DHX" or the "Company") (TSX: DHX.A, DHX.B), a key player internationally in the creation of content for families and children, announced today that it has signed a deal with Egmont Publishing granting it international rights, excluding China and North America, to produce a range of children's books and magazines based on the upcoming series of Teletubbies.
Roll-out of consumer product internationally is expected to begin spring or summer 2016, and will feature a variety of published formats including Teletubbies themed story books, as well as colouring, sticker and activity books, annuals, novelty books and sound books, along with a stand-alone Teletubbies magazine.
The new 60-episode series of Teletubbies has been commissioned by the UK's CBeebies, the children's arm of the BBC, and is being produced by award-winning UK production company, Darrall Macqueen Ltd. It will feature the same well-loved characters but will bring a refreshed, contemporary look to one of the world's most well-known pre-school properties, ensuring that it is relevant for a new generation.
Teletubbies was launched in March 1997 and became one of the most successful global children's brands of all time. The original episodes have aired in more than 120 territories in 45 languages, and it was the very first western pre-school property to air on China's CCTV. Its enduring resonance with children is further underscored by the brand's postings on YouTube, which garnered more than 40 million views per month through the first half of 2014.
About DHX Media Ltd.
DHX Media Ltd. (www.dhxmedia.com), a leading creator, producer, marketer and broadcaster of family entertainment, is recognized globally for such brands as Yo Gabba Gabba!, Caillou, Teletubbies, In the Night Garden, Inspector Gadget, Johnny Test, and the multi-award winning Degrassi franchise. DHX Media Ltd. is the owner of Family Channel, the most-viewed children's television channel in Canada, as well as Disney Junior (English & French) and Disney XD in Canada. The Company markets and distributes its library of more than 10,000 half-hours of entertainment programming worldwide, and licenses its owned properties through its dedicated consumer products business. DHX Media Ltd.'s full-service international licensing agency, Copyright Promotions Licensing Group Ltd. (CPLG), represents numerous entertainment, sport and design brands. DHX Media Ltd. has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Munich and Amsterdam, and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols DHX.A and DHX.B.
Disclaimer
This press release contains forward looking statements with respect to DHX including the scope and timing of the roll-out plan. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on information currently available to the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, among other things, include risks factors discussed in materials filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time including matters discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's short form prospectuses dated November 14, 2013 and December 31, 2013, Annual Information Form, and annual Management Discussion and Analysis. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
SOURCE DHX Media Ltd.
Investor relations, please contact: Joann Head - Manager, Investor Relations, DHX Media Ltd., joann.head@dhxmedia.com, +1 416-977-7018; Media, please contact: Shaun Smith - Director, Corporate Communications, DHX Media Ltd., shaun.smith@dhxmedia.com, +1 416-977-7230Copyright CNW Group 2014