Expanding the reach of its licensing program for popular and endearing children’s property ‘Llama Llama’, Genius Brands signed Brandgenuity as the brand’s licensing agent for the UK, Ireland, Spain, Hungary, Poland, and Romania. The announcement was made by Genius Brands International’s SVP, Global Consumer Products, Lloyd Mintz.
“With 20 million books in eight languages sold worldwide, not to mention the continuing success of the first season of the animated series around the globe on Netflix, Llama Llama has proven to be a concept that engages people of all ages and appeals to a wide range of licensing partners as a result of that broad popularity,” explains Mintz.
“We look forward to working with Brandgenuity to engage new partners across Europe to develop a robust range of products that will appeal to parents and their children that authentically represent the concept, characters, and relationships originally developed by creator and author Anna Dewdney,” Mintz further added.
Among the numerous US licensing partnerships secured by Genius Brands for the Llama Llama property are Scholastic (book fairs); PhatMojo (toys, figures, playsets, plush); Bendon Publishing (branded colouring and activity books); Kurt Adler (branded Christmas ornaments); Creative Converting (party goods); Cuddle Barn (animatronic plush toys); Intimo (sleepwear); Prime Party (online party supplies); and Myself Designs/Myself Belts (belts).
The company is also collaborating with Kids Preferred on the development of a line of Llama Llama plush. New products for the brand are expected to roll-out at retail later this year and throughout 2019.
Based on Anna Dewdney’s best-selling and award-winning joyful Llama Llama book series, season one of the animated preschool series stars Jennifer Garner as Mama Llama and debuted worldwide in 20 different languages on Netflix in January 2018.
The series focuses on first childhood experiences and adventures, as well as the special connections between the lead character, Llama, his Mama, and his grandparents. Llama Llama tells heart-warming tales of life in a safe, friendly town seen through the eyes of Llama as he interacts with the amazing world around him.
Currently, in production on season two, Genius Brands and Netflix also announced the development of two new, 30-minute Llama Llama specials, including one for Mother’s Day. In season two, Jennifer Garner returns as Mama Llama along with an all-star team of award-winning producers, including Jane Startz (Ella Enchanted, Tuck Everlasting, The Indian in the Cupboard, The Magic School Bus series), Andy Heyward (Inspector Gadget, The Real Ghostbusters, Strawberry Shortcake, Madeline, Carmen Sandiego) and Reed Duncan. Emmy Award-winning writer Joe Purdy (Arthur, Hey Arnold!) serves as the head writer and legendary Disney alum Ruben Aquino (Frozen, The Lion King, Aladdin, Mulan) as art director for the series.
With 20 million units in print worldwide, Dewdney’s Llama Llama books from Penguin Young Readers have all been New York Times bestsellers with several titles claiming the Numero uno position.
