Moonscoop and Wild Grinders announced today that they have completed a licensing deal with Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) for the new action-oriented, “Wild Grinders” animated TV series entertainment brand created by entrepreneur, reality TV star (MTV’s “Rob & Big” and “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory”) and skateboarding icon, Rob Dyrdek.
Press Release from Moonscoop
LOS ANGELES, May 28, 2010 –Moonscoop and Wild Grinders announced today that they have completed a licensing deal with Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) for the new action-oriented, “Wild Grinders” animated TV series entertainment brand created by entrepreneur, reality TV star (MTV’s “Rob & Big” and “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory”) and skateboarding icon, Rob Dyrdek. As part of the agreement, Mattel will develop, create and market a new line of action figures, expected to launch in fall 2010, in the US. The new toy line follows on the heels of a wave of brand new “Wild Grinders” cutting edge and hilarious animated programming, leading up to the launch of a series in 2011.
“Rob Dyrdek’s Wild Grinders” is a brand based in fun and humor, with an authentic take on skateboarding culture. It was developed from Dyrdek’s experiences as a boy who grew up skateboarding and living the skateboard culture. With an action sports themed graphic visual style that matches the genre, Moonscoop and Dyrdek are now developing plans to grow the brand across online, mobile and TV/video platforms, including segments in future episodes of Dyrdek’s hit MTV series “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory.” Originally launched in 2009, the line of action figures saw brisk sales and quickly became a highly-coveted item among Dyrdek fans. As the new toy partner, Mattel® will further expand on the action figure designs and marketing at retail.
“I couldn’t be happier that Mattel stepped up to partner with us,” said Dyrdek. “They understand my personal attachment to the brand and they’re working closely with me to make sure we create something that is authentic to the skateboarding culture and will blow everyone away.”
“It says a lot about the strength of the brand when a company of Mattel’s stature jumps on-board this early in the brand life cycle,” explains Cynthia Money, President, Worldwide Consumer Products and Marketing for Moonscoop. “Rob Dyrdek is enormously popular and now he’s developed a brand which is both exciting and absolutely authentic; perfect timing for a category (action sports) which is growing and shows no signs of slowing down.”
“Our new line of Wild Grinders figures brings unique play experiences to older boys with collectibles that deliver the fun and excitement of street skating,” said Mike Fulkerson, marketing director of Wheels New Business at Mattel®. “Our collaboration with Rob Dyrdek allows us to deliver product that is true to his vision and, most importantly, authentic to the skate culture.”
About Rob Dyrdek’s Wild GrindersRob Dyrdek’s Wild Grinders is a property based in fun and humor, with an authentic take on skateboarding culture. It was developed from Dyrdek’s experiences as a young boy who grew up skateboarding and living the skateboard culture. The Wild Grinders toy line launched at Wal-Mart nationwide in Spring 2009 and became one of the hottest-selling toys of the year.
About Mattel, Inc.Mattel, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAT, www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie, the most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, American Girl, Radica and Tyco R/C, as well as Fisher-Price brands, including Little People, Power Wheels and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. In 2010, Mattel was named as one of FORTUNE Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" for the third year in a row, and was ranked among Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s "100 Best Corporate Citizens." Mattel also is recognized among the "World's Most Ethical Companies." With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs approximately 27,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. At Mattel, we are "Creating the Future of Play."
About MoonscoopMoonscoop is a leading worldwide production, distribution, brand management and entertainment company, focused on producing original projects and building brands with international appeal and longevity.
Its rights library combines many of the most successful programs and best-loved animated creations in the global television market and includes over 3,000 half-hours of programming airing in more than 160 territories worldwide. Key brands include "Code Lyoko," "Fantastic Four," "Titeuf" (Tootuff), "Pet Alien," “Dive Olly Dive!” and "Casper" which are licensed in markets around the world. Moonscoop’s production slate currently includes new series “Geronimo Stilton”, “Hero:108”, “Twisted Whiskers” and “Chloe’s Closet”.
Moonscoop was established with the merger of France Animation and Antefilms Production and the subsequent stake of a majority share in US-based Mike Young Productions and Taffy Entertainment, which all now fall under the Moonscoop label. Moonscoop employs over 350 people worldwide.