HALIFAX, NS, June 24, 2022 /CNW/ - WildBrain Ltd. ("WildBrain" or the "Company") (TSX: WILD), a global leader in kids' and family entertainment, has partnered with NBCUniversal's streaming platform, Peacock, to produce 52 new 11-minute episodes of the beloved animated series, Caillou. In addition, Peacock will become the home for five previously announced 44-minute Caillou family specials, currently in production.
"We're delighted to join with Peacock to expand the Caillou universe," said Josh Scherba, President of WildBrain. "This is yet another example of how we're reinvigorating treasured brands from our evergreen library. For over 25 years, preschoolers have connected with Caillou because they can see themselves in these highly relatable stories. Caillou is a kid just like them, facing everyday problems and learning about the world around him. With a new look and stories where Caillou explores the world through wonderful flights of imagination, Caillou is better than ever. We're confident that today's kids—and their families—are going to love it."
"We are overjoyed to work with the team at WildBrain for a new CG-animated version of the beloved Caillou series that won over the hearts of young audiences from around the world," said Kristofer Updike, Vice President, Kids Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. "Peacock is committed to enriching the minds of a new generation to promote emotional expression, creative thinking and dreaming big. We can't wait for parents and their kids to see these pivotal themes come to life in Caillou and in all of Peacock's kids' offerings."
The new Caillou series continues to explore the daily life of an imaginative and curious four-year-old boy, who—like most preschoolers—is learning and growing a little more each day and doesn't usually get things right on the first try, despite his best efforts. Through the support and encouragement of his parents, friends and neighbours—as well as through marvelous adventures in his very active imagination—Caillou reaches new understandings and discoveries as he learns to never give up and keep pursuing his goals until he succeeds.
The five new Caillou specials provide perfect occasions for preschool-friendly event viewing throughout the year: Christmas, Halloween, Celebration of Family, Summer Vacation and even tackling the important topic of bullying. Each story will push further into the rich imaginative potential of Caillou's inner world than ever before. By telling bigger stories, we get a better understanding of Caillou's struggles and victories, with the ultimate satisfaction of knowing things are always wrapped up in a happy ending.
Adored by preschool kids aged 2-5, WildBrain's Caillou is one of the world's most popular animated kids' shows, having been viewed in over 140 countries worldwide. Originally created in Canada in 1997 and based on a series of bestselling children's books inspired by the work of French child psychiatrist Dr. Françoise Dolto, Caillou is rooted in fostering healthy childhood development, imagination, curiosity and emotional growth.
The existing Caillou content library of 234 classic 2D episodes and five digital-first seasons remains enormously popular on streaming and broadcast platforms worldwide. On WildBrain's own premium AVOD network on YouTube, WildBrain Spark, Caillou is the number-one property, having garnered more than 73 billion minutes of watch time in 21 languages. WildBrain manages global distribution rights for all Caillou content.
Media: Shaun Smith - Director, Corporate & Trade Communications, WildBrain
shaun.smith@wildbrain.com
+1 416-977-7230
Investor Relations: Nancy Chan-Palmateer - Director, Investor Relations, WildBrain
nancy.chanpalmateer@wildbrain.com
+1 416-977-7358
At WildBrain we inspire imaginations to run wild, engaging kids and families everywhere with great content across all media. With approximately 13,000 half-hours of filmed entertainment in our library – one of the world's most extensive – we are home to such brands as Peanuts, Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Yo Gabba Gabba! Caillou, Inspector Gadget, Johnny Test and Degrassi. At our 75,000-square-foot state-of-the-art animation studio in Vancouver, BC, we produce such fan-favourite series as The Snoopy Show, Snoopy in Space, Chip & Potato, Carmen Sandiego, Go, Dog. Go! and more. Our shows are enjoyed worldwide in more than 150 countries on over 500 streaming platforms and telecasters, and our AVOD business – WildBrain Spark – offers one of the largest networks of kids' channels on YouTube, garnering billions of views per month from over 245 million subscribers. Through our leading agency, WildBrain CPLG, we also license consumer products and location-based entertainment in every major territory for our own properties as well as for our clients and content partners. Our television group owns and operates four family entertainment channels that are among the most viewed in Canada. WildBrain is headquartered in Canada with offices worldwide and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: WILD). Visit us at WildBrain.com.
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws with respect to the Company including, without limitation, statements regarding an agreement between WildBrain and Peacock for production and distribution of Caillou series and specials and the business strategies and operational activities of the Company. 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 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. 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.
SOURCE WildBrain Ltd.
