Halifax, NS – 6 February 2018 – DHX Brands, the dedicated brand management and consumer products arm of DHX Media, has appointed Alpha Group as its global toy licensee, excluding Asia, for its action-packed sci-fi competition series Massive Monster Mayhem. Produced by DHX Media, Massive Monster Mayhem is co-created by Artur Spigel (founder of 7ate9 Entertainment) and Michael Chaves.
Massive Monster Mayhem merchandise being developed by Alpha Group includes “larger-than-life” inflatable role-play toys and dress up items as well as action figures, radio control toys, plush and board games inspired by the action-packed and hilarious series.
The news comes on the heels of Nickelodeon International’s pickup of Massive Monster Mayhem for more than 140 territories, following the successful launch of the series on Nicktoons last fall in the US, as announced in January 2018.
“With their expertise in kids’ action brands, Alpha Group is an ideal toy collaborator for Massive Monster Mayhem,” said Steven DeNure, President and COO, DHX Media. “This is a wildly over-the-top show that kids absolutely love and Alpha is committed to bringing Massive Monster Mayhem to life through an exciting and innovative toy line. Soon kids around the world will be able to live out the action from this awesome intergalactic series.”
“By bashing together irreverent humor and extreme live-action game-play, DHX Media has created a truly genre-smashing series,” said Brehan Maul, Vice-President Marketing, Alpha Group US. “Massive Monster Mayhem body-slams convention, and so will the toys.”
Artur Spigel added: “On a series as innovative and creative as Massive Monster Mayhem, to collaborate on toys with a company such as Alpha Group, who are proven experts at leading-edge product development, is truly exciting. I couldn’t be happier with the enthusiasm their team has shown for the property.”
Massive Monster Mayhem is an original show for kids 6–11 that combines live action and CGI animation with real competition and comedy. Each episode features three real-life kid heroes competing in a gauntlet of Intergalactic Battle Alliance challenges to become Earth’s champion and face off against Master Mayhem’s league of monsters in the ultimate “Monster Mashdown.” The unique series combines cutting-edge, real-time CGI and pre-visualization technology.
Massive Monster Mayhem premiered on DHX Television’s Family Channel in Canada and Nicktoons in the US in October 2017, and began rolling out on Nickelodeon International in January 2018. Global distribution is handled by DHX Media. The consumer products licensing for Massive Monster Mayhem is managed by DHX Brands. The series is executive produced by 7ate9’s Artur Spigel, together with DHX Media’s Steven DeNure, Anne Loi, Ken Faier and Josh Scherba. The Massive Monster Mayhem Match App invaded the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store in October 2017 and was developed by Epic Story Interactive.
For more information, please contact:
Trade Media: Krystal McHugh, ChizComm Ltd.
Krystal@chizcomm.com
+ 1 416-551-0822 X 330
Financial Media: Shaun Smith, Director, Corporate Communications, DHX Media Ltd.
shaun.smith@dhxmedia.com
+1 416-977-7230
Investor Relations: Nancy Chan-Palmateer, Director, Investor Relations, DHX Media Ltd.
nancy.chanpalmateer@dhxmedia.com
+1 416-977-7358
About DHX Brands
DHX Brands is the dedicated brand management and consumer products arm of DHX Media Ltd., one of the world’s leading children’s content and brands companies. DHX Brands specializes in creating, building and maintaining high-profile global entertainment brands within the children’s and young adult markets. With expertise in brand development, licensing, marketing and creative, we build and manage brands that captivate and inspire through engaging content, first-class distribution, quality consumer products, immersive live experiences and digital media. DHX Brands’ world-class portfolio includes Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Twirlywoos, Massive Monster Mayhem and In the Night Garden. DHX Brands has operations in London, Toronto, Los Angeles and Hong Kong.
About Alpha Group US LLC
Alpha Group US is a wholly owned subsidiary of the China -based Alpha Group Co. Ltd. (SZSE=002292), one of the largest and most successful animation, toy, and entertainment groups in Asia. With a mission of providing engaging entertainment experiences, linking superior animation content with high quality toys and games for kids and their parents, Alpha Group takes play seriously. Their portfolio of brands, including Super Wings™, Sky Rover™, Drone Force™ and Regal Academy™, appeals to both boys and girls across a wide range of ages. There is something for everyone, and much more on the horizon!
About 7ate9 Entertainment
7ate9 Entertainment is a leading kids’ IP and production studio that creates breakthrough content for a new, global audience. With over 20 years on the forefront of kids’ entertainment, 7ate9 combines ideas with state of the art technology to create its unique, multi-channel properties. 7ate9 has the privilege to collaborate with Disney, Nickelodeon, Universal, Warner Brothers, and others to invigorate top global franchises like Mickey Mouse, Looney Tunes and Disney Princess. Based in Los Angeles, CA and Toronto, Canada, 7ate9’s credits include the Emmy award-winning Disney Channel Games, Nickelodeon’s Massive Monster Mayhem, and Disney’s Best Day Ever.
Disclaimer
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” under applicable securities laws with respect to DHX Media including, without limitation, statements regarding the business strategies and operational activities of DHX Media and its subsidiaries, including the expected geographical area in which Massive Monster Mayhem merchandise will be offered and the type of such merchandise. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on information currently available to the Company. Actual results or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, among other things, include the Company’s ability to execute on license agreements and the risk factors discussed in materials filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time including matters discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form and annual Management Discussion and Analysis, which also form part of the Company’s annual report on Form 40-F filed with the SEC. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.