Fisher-Price to Develop Comprehensive Toy Program Across Multiple Categories for the Preschool Property for Broad Retail Distribution Worldwide
Genius Brands International, Inc. “Genius Brands” has signed Fisher-Price, a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc., as global master toy partner for the Company’s all-new original CGI-animated preschool series, Rainbow Rangers, marking the first licensing partnership as Genius Brands develops its global licensing program and content distribution strategy.
Currently in development on season one and two with broadcasters to be announced shortly, Rainbow Rangers features an all-star team of acclaimed creators that includes Rob Minkoff, Director of Disney’s Lion King, Shane Morris, who co-wrote Disney’s Frozen, along with his partner Tim Mansfield and writer Elise Allen (Dinosaur Train, Lion Guard) who is serving as head writer and co-creator.
Rainbow Rangers is an empowering, exciting, behind-the-curtain peek at the real lives of superheroes – Earth’s First Responders. The series seamlessly blends fantasy and action-adventure with very relatable, accessible stories about friendship and saving the environment.
“With the tremendous and proven creative talent we have behind the production of Rainbow Rangers, we are committed to partnering with best-in-class licensing and retail partners who understand our inspiration for the brand,” commented Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO, Genius Brands. “We could not have asked for a better partner than Fisher-Price, whose pedigree speaks for itself, to fulfill our vision with the development of a unique and robust toy program for worldwide retail distribution.”
Genius Brands is currently developing a global, merchandising, licensing and retail program across all key categories for Rainbow Rangers to coincide with the series launch. As global master toy partner, Fisher Price will create a broad range of preschool products in the toy category, including dolls/figures, playsets, plush, vehicles, technology and interactive toys, musical toys, role play and much more.
Stone Newman, President of Global Consumer Products, Worldwide Content Sales & Marketing, Genius Brands said: “Since debuting the series at the MIPJr market in Cannes last October, we have received a tremendous amount of interest for Rainbow Rangers from broadcast and licensing partners around the globe. We are thrilled to announce that Fisher-Price, the world leader in the preschool category, will lead the charge of our Rainbow Rangers licensing and merchandising program. Mattel and its Fisher Price team immediately saw how toyetic this brand is and that it lends itself to an extremely broad toy program. With Mattel’s creativity and ingenuity, we will no doubt present an unparalleled preschool program for the global marketplace that kids will love!”
