Koko Media and King Rollo sign a development deal for an original IP, ‘Deer Little Forest,’ created by Henries Award nominated illustrator, Jo Rose.
London, UK -- King Rollo Films and Koko Media have signed an animation development deal for Jo Rose’s original IP, Deer Little Forest, signaling an important step in the growth of the rapidly expanding preschool brand.
King Rollo Films will work with creator and Henries Award-nominated illustrator Jo Rose to produce a 45 second animated clip and TV show bible, for a 26 x 11 minute preschool show. King Rollo is globally renowned for faithfully bringing to life some of the best-selling and most beloved kids’ books of all time, such as Spot, Maisy, and Poppy Cat, which together have sold over 100 million books worldwide.
Leo Nielsen, Founder and President of King Rollo comments, “Now and again you come across a pre- school property that makes your heart beat a little faster – Deer Little Forest is one of those! We can’t wait to bring this fantastic set of characters to life.”
Jo Rose, creator of Deer Little Forest adds, “Collaborating with King Rollo Films, producer of some of my favourite TV shows growing up, is a dream come true! We've found the perfect artistic and creative match for Deer Little Forest, which is very exciting indeed.”
Deer Little Forest is an original IP which stars the feisty Forest Flo and her band of magical and musical woodland friends including: Bodhi the Bear (never shy to lend a helping paw); Rowan the Philosophical Fox (with her notebook full of thoughts and observations always at the ready); Barley Crumb the Badger (usually found unearthing an interesting factoid under the nearest proverbial rock); Fennel & Fig (two comical frogs often found doing a jig)….and many other irresistible characters!
Deer Little Forest is also being developed as a preschool picture book series, with the first book The Animal Moon Parade finished and under submission with publishers in the UK, US, Germany, France, Italy, Nordics, and the Netherlands. The stories highlight the fun of working together with your friends to solve challenges, with themes ranging from the forest Ecosystem (Bee Happy!) to mayhem and magic on Halloween (Mischief Night!).
First launched as a licensing brand at BLE in 2013, Deer Little Forest has generated an impressive roster of deals over the last year, including stationery deals in the UK (Paperchase, Rizzoli Bookshop/Somerset House, Timbergram), Finland (Karto) and Russia (ZPR/Art & Design); an apparel deal (T-Shirt Booth), and others under discussion. Other Jo Rose’s art designs have been sold at upscale retailers such as Harrods, John Lewis, Selfridges and Liberty.
All rights are managed by Lisa Hryniewicz at Koko Media, excluding North America which is managed by Think Tank Emporium.
Source: Koko Media
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.
