Halifax, NS – 13 October 2016 – DHX Media (or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: DHXM; TSX: DHX.A, DHX.B), the world’s leading independent, pure-play kids content company and Mattel Creations, a centralized theatrical, television and digital content creation division from Mattel Inc., is further building the success of the Bob the Builder franchise announcing broadcast, theatrical and home entertainment licenses in France for the feature-length special Bob the Builder: Mega Machines – The Movie to France Télévisions and Pathe Live, respectively, as well as a theatrical license with X-Verleih Theatrical in Germany. Pathe Live’s world premiere of the movie will take place on 29th of April 2017.
In addition, renowned actor Brian Cox (Troy, The Bourne Identity) was announced today as the voice cast as the villain ‘Conrad’.
In a separate deal, DHX Media and Mattel Creations will co-produce an additional 52×11’ episodes of the hit Bob the Builder television series.
Josh Scherba, SVP Distribution at DHX Media, said: “The enduring popularity of Bob the Builder shows no signs of slowing down with new generations of kids enthusiastic as ever for the stories of Bob and his crew. The addition of a feature-length special Bob the Builder: Mega Machines – The Movie as well brand new episodes adding to the brand’s content offering are testament to its enduring appeal.”
Christopher Keenan, Senior Vice President Global Content & Executive Producer at Mattel Creations, says: “Bob the Builder continues to build momentum across many new markets and, as our stories get bigger, so too does our global reach. Bob the Builder: Mega Machines is a testament to this; the film tells the story of Bob’s biggest build yet and introduces three new “mega” characters who help reinforce the show’s themes of teamwork, perseverance and optimism – with plenty of comedy, construction and conflict resolution along the way. We are also delighted to be green-lighting new episodes with our partners DHX and growing the franchise even further.”
Award-winning actor Brian Cox who was announced today as villain Conrad in the new movie, said: “Both generations of my kids watched Bob the Builder because he’s been around for a very long time. I think the thing about Bob is it’s a very simple concept and it’s not too complicated for children. They link on to it because of the trucks, because of all of the accoutrement that goes with Bob. It’s his simplicity that’s really at the heart of it and that’s what makes it last, and has made it last through generation to generation. I am delighted to be part of this new movie!”
In Bob the Builder: Mega Machines – the Movie, Scoop, Muck and Lofty can’t wait to help Bob with his biggest build ever – building a dam and transforming an old quarry into a reservoir to provide Spring City with fresh water. Bob enlists the help of another builder, Conrad, to help clear the quarry – along with his three enormous Mega Machines, Thud, Crunch and Ace. Conrad, secretly resentful that he lost out on the dam-building contract to Bob, plots to undermine his rival’s reputation and sabotages the dam. Soon Bob realizes that things are not as they should be… and that it’s up to him and his team to save Spring City!
For more information, please contact:
Investor Relations: Nancy Chan-Palmateer – Director, Investor Relations, DHX Media Ltd.
nancy.chanpalmateer@dhxmedia.com
+1 416-977-7358
Financial Media: Shaun Smith – Director, Corporate Communications, DHX Media Ltd.
shaun.smith@dhxmedia.com
+1 416-977-7230
Trade Media: Aimee Norman at DDA Blueprint PR
aimee@ddablueprint.com
+44 (0) 20 8985 4708
Mattel Creations PR: Amarilis Whitty – Global PR Manager
Amarilis.whitty@mattel.com
+44 (0) 2075542518
About DHX Media
DHX Media Ltd. (www.dhxmedia.com) is the world’s leading independent, pure-play children’s content company. Owner of the world’s largest independent library of children’s content, at more than 11,800 half-hours, the company is recognized globally for such brands as Teletubbies, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Caillou, In the Night Garden, Inspector Gadget, Make It Pop, Slugterra and the multiple award-winning Degrassi franchise. As a content producer and owner of intellectual property, DHX Media delivers shows that children love, licensing its content to major broadcasters and streaming services worldwide. Through its subsidiary, WildBrain, DHX Media also operates the largest network of children’s content on YouTube. The company’s robust consumer products program generates royalties from merchandise based on its much-loved children’s brands. Headquartered in Canada, DHX Media has offices in 15 cities globally, and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (DHX.A and DHX.B) and the NASDAQ Global Select Market (DHXM).
About Mattel
Mattel is a creations company that inspires the wonder of childhood. Our mission is to be the recognized leader in play, learning and development worldwide. Mattel’s portfolio of global consumer brands includes American Girl®, Barbie®, Fisher-Price®, Hot Wheels®, Monster High® and Thomas & Friends®, among many others. Mattel also creates a wealth of lines and products made in collaboration with leading entertainment and technology companies. With a global workforce of approximately 31,000 people, Mattel operates in 40 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.