Debut of Rainbow Rangers Retail Program in 2019 follows U.S. Launch in Fall 2018 in the U.S. on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr.
Genius Brands International, “Genius Brands” (Nasdaq: GNUS), a global brand management company that creates and licenses multimedia entertainment content for children, prepares for the global debut of its all-new preschool series with the appointment of two international brand agents. Centa IP will handle content distribution and licensing for Rainbow Rangers throughout Australia and New Zealand, and Alicom will represent the brand’s licensing business in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland.
Genius Brands’ SVP of Global Content Distribution and Marketing & President of Kid Genius Cartoon Channel Deb Pierson stated: “We are excited to bring Centa IP on board to handle our content sales for Rainbow Rangers throughout Australia and New Zealand as we continue to build our global network of top-tier partners across content sales, licensing, merchandising, retail and promotions to bring our unique, girl-empowered action-adventure series to preschool audiences around the globe.”
“Our licensing and merchandising program in the U.S. for Rainbow Rangers is developing with an all-star line-up of partners, and we anticipate Alicom and Centa IP to join forces with licensing and retail partners in their respective territories that fully share our vision for this special brand,” comments Lloyd Mintz, SVP, Global Licensing, Genius Brands.
“With the powerhouse of creative talent behind the creation of Rainbow Rangers, and the inventiveness that Genius Brands has clearly demonstrated in the development of the brand, we knew we had to be a part of it,” said Gail Mitchell, VP, Centa IP Asia-Pacific. “We look forward to partnering with best-in-class licensees and retailers throughout Australia and New Zealand to introduce young fans to the magical, colorful world of the Rangers.”
“Rainbow Rangers is one of the most highly anticipated preschool properties we have come across in a long while, and we are so excited to share in the tremendous opportunity to create new branded product lines for retail that reflect the Rainbow Rangers universe of adventure, friendship and empowerment,” added Roland Lindholm, CEO & Co-Founder, Alicom.
Currently in production on season one (52 x 11’ episodes), the CGI-animated series, Rainbow Rangers, follows the thrilling rescue-based adventures of seven 9-year-old girls who are Earth’s first responders – protecting people, animals, resources, and the natural beauty of our world. The series is slated to premiere in fall 2018 on the #1 rated kids’ network, Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr.
Genius Brands is also preparing for the U.S. launch of the retail program to follow the series premiere, which will begin rolling out in the U.S. in late spring 2019, continuing through back-to-school and holiday, and then into the international markets. The program is led by global master toy partner Mattel, Inc., and global master publisher Imprint, a part of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. Additional key licensees include Global Brand Group’s American Marketing Enterprises (sleepwear), GBG Socks dba Planet Sox (socks and legwear), Dynacraft (bikes, trikes, scooters and wagons), Kiddieland (foot-to-floor ride-on toys), Kittrich/Inkology (floor décor, stationary and school supplies),Kid Galaxy (bubble toys), Bentex (master apparel), Handcraft MFG (packaged underwear), Jay Franco Mfg. (bedding and bath), Global Design Concepts (bags, backpacks), H.E.R. Accessories (hair and jewelry accessories), and Taste Beauty (health and beauty products).
The Rainbow Rangers, Earth’s first responders, live in the magical land of Kaleidoscopia at the other side of the rainbow and have their own distinct personalities and superpowers. Whenever there’s trouble for the people or animals of Earth, our seven heroines zoom into action and ride their Spectra scooters across the rainbow to save the day. We’ll join them on exciting adventures, but also see them at home having the same daily dramas and hilarities as every preschooler watching the show. And at its heart, Rainbow Rangers is about empowering and encouraging girls to take action and make a difference in their own homes and neighborhoods to improve and safeguard the planet. Every girl viewer will see themselves in at least one of these strong, unique and empowered Rangers!
Boasting a unique and highly-accomplished team of creators from the animated motion picture world, Rainbow Rangers’ creative development and production team includes Rob Minkoff (Disney’s The Lion King director), Shane Morris (Disney’s Frozen co-writer), Tim Mansfield and New York Times Bestselling author, and Emmy Award-nominated writer Elise Allen (Dinosaur Train, Lion Guard, Barbie specials) who is serving as head writer and co-creator. Genius Brands’ Chairman and CEO and multiple Emmy-winning producer of more than 5,000 episodes of children’s programming Andy Heyward serves as executive producer, with legendary Disney alum, Ruben Aquino creating key designs. Aquino is responsible for the design and animation of many of Disney’s most iconic characters from award-winning films including “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Mulan” and “Frozen.”
