BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 20, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genius Brands International, “Genius Brands”
(Nasdaq:GNUS), a global brand management company that creates and licenses multimedia entertainment content for children, prepares
for the global debut of its all-new preschool series with the appointment of two international brand agents. Centa
IP will handle content distribution and licensing for Rainbow Rangers throughout Australia and New Zealand, and
Alicom will represent the brand’s licensing business in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland.
Genius Brands’ SVP of Global Content Distribution and Marketing & President of Kid Genius Cartoon Channel Deb
Pierson stated: “We are excited to bring Centa IP on board to handle our content sales for Rainbow Rangers throughout
Australia and New Zealand as we continue to build our global network of top-tier partners across content sales, licensing,
merchandising, retail and promotions to bring our unique, girl-empowered action-adventure series to preschool audiences around the
globe.”
“Our licensing and merchandising program in the U.S. for Rainbow Rangers is developing with an all-star line-up of
partners, and we anticipate Alicom and Centa IP to join forces with licensing and retail partners in their respective territories
that fully share our vision for this special brand,” comments Lloyd Mintz, SVP, Global Licensing, Genius Brands.
“With the powerhouse of creative talent behind the creation of Rainbow Rangers, and the inventiveness
that Genius Brands has clearly demonstrated in the development of the brand, we knew we had to be a part of it,” said Gail
Mitchell, VP, Centa IP Asia-Pacific. “We look forward to partnering with best-in-class licensees and retailers throughout Australia
and New Zealand to introduce young fans to the magical, colorful world of the Rangers.”
“Rainbow Rangers is one of the most highly anticipated preschool properties we have come across in a long while, and we
are so excited to share in the tremendous opportunity to create new branded product lines for retail that reflect the Rainbow
Rangers universe of adventure, friendship and empowerment,” added Roland Lindholm, CEO & Co-Founder, Alicom.
Currently in production on season one (52 x 11’ episodes), the CGI-animated series, Rainbow Rangers,
follows the thrilling rescue-based adventures of seven 9-year-old girls who are Earth’s first responders – protecting people,
animals, resources, and the natural beauty of our world. The series is slated to premiere in fall 2018 on the #1 rated kids’
network, Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr.
Genius Brands is also preparing for the U.S. launch of the retail program to follow the series premiere, which will begin
rolling out in the U.S. in late spring 2019, continuing through back-to-school and holiday, and then into the international
markets. The program is led by global master toy partner Mattel, Inc., and global master publisher Imprint, a part of Macmillan
Children’s Publishing Group. Additional key licensees include Global Brand Group’s American Marketing Enterprises
(sleepwear), GBG Socks dba Planet Sox (socks and legwear), Dynacraft (bikes, trikes, scooters and wagons), Kiddieland
(foot-to-floor ride-on toys), Kittrich/Inkology (floor décor, stationary and school supplies), Kid Galaxy (bubble toys), Bentex
(master apparel), Handcraft MFG (packaged underwear), Jay Franco Mfg. (bedding and bath), Global Design Concepts (bags, backpacks),
H.E.R. Accessories (hair and jewelry accessories), and Taste Beauty (health and beauty products).
The Rainbow Rangers, Earth’s first responders, live in the magical land of Kaleidoscopia at the other
side of the rainbow and have their own distinct personalities and superpowers. Whenever there’s trouble for the people or animals
of Earth, our seven heroines zoom into action and ride their Spectra scooters across the rainbow to save the day. We’ll join them
on exciting adventures, but also see them at home having the same daily dramas and hilarities as every preschooler watching the
show. And at its heart, Rainbow Rangers is about empowering and encouraging girls to take action and make a difference in their own
homes and neighborhoods to improve and safeguard the planet. Every girl viewer will see themselves in at least one of these strong,
unique and empowered Rangers!
Boasting a unique and highly-accomplished team of creators from the animated motion picture world, Rainbow
Rangers’ creative development and production team includes Rob Minkoff (Disney’s The Lion King
director), Shane Morris (Disney’s Frozen co-writer), Tim Mansfield and New York Times Bestselling author, and Emmy
Award-nominated writer Elise Allen (Dinosaur Train, Lion Guard, Barbie specials) who is serving as head writer and
co-creator. Genius Brands’ Chairman and CEO and multiple Emmy-winning producer of more than 5,000 episodes of children's
programming Andy Heyward serves as executive producer, with legendary Disney alum, Ruben Aquino creating key designs. Aquino is
responsible for the design and animation of many of Disney’s most iconic characters from award-winning films including “The Lion
King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Mulan” and “Frozen.”
About Genius Brands International
Headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, Genius Brands International, Inc. (NASDAQ:GNUS) is a leading global media company
developing, producing, marketing and licensing branded children’s entertainment properties and consumer products for media
distribution and retail channels. Led by award-winning creators and producers, Genius Brands distributes its content worldwide in
all formats, as well as a broad range of consumer products based on its characters. In the children's media sector, its portfolio
of “content with a purpose” includes new preschool properties Rainbow Rangers for Nick Jr. and Llama Llama for
Netflix; tween music-driven YouTube brand SpacePOP; award-winning toddler brand Baby Genius; adventure comedy
series Thomas Edison's Secret Lab, and Warren Buffett's Secret Millionaires Club, created with and starring
iconic investor Warren Buffett. The Company is also co-producing an all-new adult animated series, Stan Lee's Cosmic
Crusaders, with Stan Lee's Pow! Entertainment and The Hollywood Reporter. Genius Brands’ Kid Genius Cartoon Channel
is currently available in approximately 60 million households. For additional information please visit www.gnusbrands.com.
About Centa IP:
Centa IP is a premier global licensing company representing new and exciting children's entertainment properties and a portfolio of
design, lifestyle and luxury properties. Centa IP delivers innovative, world-class merchandising solutions, with high profile
children’s entertainment properties that include Rainbow Rangers, Bush Baby World, Kazoops!, Monster Teddies, Nate Is Late, Zafari
and more, as well as clients that include illustrators specializing in textile and fabric design such as Florence Broadhurst. Centa
IP provides industry expertise that includes localized broadcast sales, retail sales/merchandising, franchise planning, marketing,
product development, new media activation, analytics and licensing.
About Alicom:
Alicom Licensing represent leading entertainment characters, brands and icons, giving full focus and dedication to the Nordic
region (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden). Our shared values and practices are: Passion. We are a young,
innovative and hungry team open to exploring new ideas and ways of thinking. We are committed to offering excellent service to our
clients that drive sales and move the business forward. We have an open mind and love what we do. Focus - We deliver. We
give our carefully selected group of clients in all segments of the IP industry full focus in the Nordic region. We strive to
service our customers in an efficient, easy; and customer friendly way through the whole process from the initial idea to finished
product at retail, giving that little extra. Experience - We are one of the most diversified licensing agencies in the
Scandinavian market. We offer a breadth and diversity with extensive knowledge of the media and entertainment industry, as well as
a long term trustworthy commitment.
Forward Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws.
Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast,"
"project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are
forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not
be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These
forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties,
including without limitation those set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), not
limited to Risk Factors relating to its patent business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The
Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise, except as required by law.
GBI MEDIA CONTACT:
Michelle Orsi/Carol
Holdsworth
Three.Sixty Marketing &
Communications
310-418-6430
michelle@360-comm.com
FOR INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Michael Porter
PLR Investor Relations
212.564.4700
mike@plrinvest.com
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