eOne acquires the global distribution rights for “Simon’s Cat.”
Entertainment One announced that it has entered into a partnership with Simon’s Cat Ltd. on YouTube megabrand Simon’s Cat.
Under the terms of the pact, eOne will handle worldwide distribution rights for the property across all media including, TV, Home Entertainment, Licensing and Online.
Simon's Cat is an animated series featuring the mischievous and often hilarious antics of a fat white cat and his owner Simon. With 1.72 million subscribers on its core YouTube channel, Simon’s Cat shorts have generated an astonishing 358 million views online since its creation in 2008.
“This deal marks eOne’s first major step towards the development of licensing programs for brands conceived in the non-linear space for a broader audience. Online content is being consumed by audiences around the world like never before, thus creating a unique sort of brand awareness that we’re eager to harness. The brilliantly funny Simon’s Cat is a perfect illustration of this strategic move and while we remain focused on the traditional approach of licensing TV properties, we’re excited to embark on this new frontier, ” said Olivier Dumont, Managing Director, eOne Licensing & eOne Family.
Building on eOne Licensing’s success with brands including preschool-phenom Peppa Pig, this deal will see the company extend its portfolio to pop culture brands targeted at a wider demographic beyond the Kids space.
"I'm delighted that Simon's Cat is now working in partnership with eOne and feel that this move represents the start of an exciting new phase for our character brand,” said Simon’s Cat Ltd.’s Mike Bell. “Over five years, Simon's Cat has grown its licensing and publishing success by continuing to develop its roots in the digital space, and as such we're fortunate to have a rapidly expanding international audience. eOne's renowned expertise in distribution and development will allow us to be so much more effective in introducing the exciting Simon's Cat content we have planned to new and existing fans worldwide, both online and offline."
eOne Licensing is looking forward to bringing Simon’s Cat to Licensing Expo in Las Vegas this June.
Source: Entertainment One
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
