Sesame Workshop taps WBCP’s Asian market prowess

While Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Sesame Workshop may be considered TV and merch competitors in domestic and certain international markets, the two companies have entered into a long-term partnership that will see WBCP develop and distribute television, print, video, interactive and related merchandise based on the Chinese version of Sesame Street – Zhima Jie – in the territory. Sesame Workshop and WBCP are on the hunt for local and global partners to support the production of three new seasons of the show (bringing the total run up to 195 eps), the first of which is targeted to air in 2004. Warner Bros. International Television will distribute the series in China, with Sesame overseeing content and production. Initially based in Hong Kong, a dedicated WBCP staff will manage marketing, sales and retail programs for the brand in China and is seeking partners in media and consumer products.

Sony expands its international rep roster

As Sony Pictures’ slate grows, licensing arm Sony Pictures Consumer Products has signed new agents for a raft of upcoming theatrical releases and existing television properties. The brand-new partners include: Frenzy Entertainment in Hong Kong and China (Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Jackie Chan Adventures, the animated Stuart Little TV series and promotions for Peter Pan); Canada’s Venture Licensing (Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Men in Black II, Stuart Little 2, Jackie Chan Adventures and the Stuart Little show); Bongkoch Publishing in Thailand (Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Jackie Chan Adventures, the Stuart Little show and promotions for Peter Pan); and New Zealand’s Newman International Licensing (Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Jackie Chan Adventures and the Stuart Little show). All four agents have also teamed up with Sony/Marvel joint-venture company Spider-Man Merchandising LP to represent the Spider-Man sequel and animated series in their respective territories.

Tiny Planets prepares for U.S. merch lift-off

Bing and Bong, the wee alien stars of Pepper’s Ghost/Sesame Workshop preschool series Tiny Planets, will soon headline a merch program developed by their new U.S. agent L & G Licensing+. The initial range – set for a 2004 launch – will be tight and narrow, focusing on key categories such as videos, books, toys & games and stationery. Tiny Planets made its U.S. broadcast debut on Noggin last April and currently airs five times daily.