Canadian prodco 9 Story Media Group’s Toronto-based animation studio has rebranded to Brown Bag Films. The Toronto-based studio is known for its 2D series including Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Peg + Cat, Wild Kratts, 3 Amigonauts and The Magic School Bus: Rides Again.
9 Story Media Group acquired Dublin and Manchester-based Brown Bag Films in 2015. The acquisition was a first for the company following an equity investment from media entrepreneur Neil Court and Zelnick Media Capital in 2014, and the deal bolstered 9 Story’s creative 2D-animation and distribution capabilities. Brown Bag Films, meanwhile, is best known for its work on series including Octonauts, Nella the Princess Knight, Peter Rabbit and Doc McStuffins (pictured), and the acquisition helped Brown Bag make the move from being primarily a service provider to a producer of its own IPs.
The agreement saw Brown Bag retain its brand, while 9 Story has handled global distribution and licensing for all Brown Bag properties.
Following the 2015 acquisition, 9 Story has been integrating the animation studios in Toronto, Dublin and Manchester. Vince Commisso, president and CEO of 9 Story Media Group, said in a statement that the rebranding of the Toronto studio is an important step in this integration as the three studios share best practices, talent and infrastructure.
Brown Bag Films will operate as the company’s hub for 2D and 3D animation across Toronto, Dublin and Manchester. Following the rebranding, Tanya Green remains VP of production for Brown Bag Films Canada, while Gillian Higgins will continue as VP of production for Brown Bag Films Europe with Sarah McQuire serving as director of operations UK. Darragh O’Connell remains creative director for Brown Bag Films and will work with directors across each location. Cathal Gaffney, meanwhile, will continue as managing director for Brown Bag Films and as COO for 9 Story Media Group.
Last year, Brown Bag moved into a new 30,000-square-foot studio in Smithfield, Dublin, and announced plans to add 71 more employees by 2018.