Belfast, Northern Ireland/ Los Angeles, California – Broadening its relationship with Sixteen South Television, HIP (Henson Independent Properties), The Jim Henson Company’s third party distribution and consumer products label, has secured the global consumer products rights (with the exception of UK and Ireland) to Sixteen South’s new mixed media, animated preschool series, Driftwood Bay. The announcement was made by Melissa Segal, executive vice president, global consumer products, The Jim Henson Company, and Sixteen South Television’s Founder and Creative Director, Colin Williams.

Driftwood Bay

“Media distribution and consumer products licensing are closely aligned in today’s global marketplace, especially in the children’s entertainment arena,” said Segal. “We saw an incredible opportunity to grow the reach of this endearing and unique new series by strategically aligning our consumer products plans with the distribution plans, combining Henson’s extensive licensing relationships and its television network partnerships. Now, HIP can efficiently orchestrate an extensive worldwide brand launch for Driftwood Bayacross all appropriate platforms and consumer product lines. We believe that Driftwood Bayis very merchandisable and will be widely accepted by every major market.” 

“We have complete confidence that the Henson team has our property’s best interest in mind, whether it’s securing broadcast carriage, developing licensed products and merchandise or introducing the brand to consumers,” added Sixteen South’s Williams. “With HIP driving the global introduction and launch of Driftwood Bay, we know the property will have a long and successful future.” 

S1 of Driftwood Bay (52 x 7’) is currently in production with delivery slated for spring 2014. International broadcasters currently on board to air the series include ABC Australia, Nick Jr. (U.K.), RTE (Ireland) and Sprout in the U.S.