Viva Kids

LA-based film distributor Viva Kids has acquired North American rights to Dragonkeeper (pictured), a co-pro from Spain’s Guardián de Dragones and China Film Animation. The CG-animated movie is based on Aussie author Carole Wilkinson’s fantasy book series of the same name and will be released on Hulu after a theatrical run in August 2023.

PMI

The Israeli toymaker has joined the licensing program for WildBrain’s upcoming CG-animated Netflix series Sonic Prime, in which the iconic vidgame hedgehog embarks on a mission to save a strange new multiverse. PMI’s Sonic Prime play range will launch next year, featuring collectibles, mini figures, clip-on plush and stampers. Other licensees already on board include German toyco Ravensburger and Polish apparel company E Plus M.

Reesee Entertainment

The Chinese prodco is sending Whee Wheels (26 x 11 minutes) on a roadtrip to Poland, thanks to a new deal with linear channel TV Puls. The series centers around a crew of humans and vehicles who navigate life on a micro scale after three villains use a shrink laser on them. Reesee has also partnered with Chinese toyco Jumpgo for a range of Whee Wheels vehicles, figures and play sets that are slated to launch in Q1 2023.The series will also make its linear debut in Arabic regions on Bassmah TV at around the same time.

Basic Fun!

The Florida-based company has signed on to bring British toymaker Golden Bear’s Curlimals product range to North America in fall 2023. It features interactive plush pets that emit more than fifty sounds when touched. Curlimals launched in the UK this summer and proved to be a hit at retail, tripling its sales forecast, according to Golden Bear.

City of Friends AS

Norway’s City of Friends is looking to break into the Chinese market by teaming up with local distributor Shanghai Film Group (SFG). Under their new agreement, SFG will help sell and launch the prodco’s CG-animated series City of Friends on Chinese streaming platforms. The companies are also exploring L&M deals in the region.