London – Media I.M. Incorporated Ltd, the London-based content distribution company that specialises in premium animation and family entertainment, has signed a landmark deal with Discovery Kids in India for its hit animation Sunny Bunnies.
Under the three-year deal, which covers the pay-TV, simulcast and catch-up rights, Discovery Kids will air seasons one and two (52 x 3.5 mins) of Belarus-based Digital Light Studio’s non-dialogue comedy for four- to seven-year-olds from this November. Discovery Kids is the first Indian broadcaster to take Sunny Bunnies, bringing the total number of territories to air the series to more than 160.
Talking about the deal, Uttam Pal Singh, Head – Discovery Kids, Discovery Communications India, said, ‘’We are dedicated to offering differentiated content like Sunny Bunnies and proud to be a part of the world premiere of this unique comedy series. This fascinatingly crafted short format series and the mischievous characters, has all the elements to captivate and engage with the kids in India.”
Media IM co-founder Maria Ufland said: “Introducing Sunny Bunnies to Indian kids has long been an ambition, and Discovery is the dream partner to launch our little friends on their Indian adventure. India is not only one of the biggest, most vibrant and exciting markets in the world but it’s also an extremely challenging one to break into, which makes this deal a genuine milestone for Media I.M. And we know Indian children will love this show as much as their counterparts around the world”
In other Sunny Bunnies news, Brazilian SVOD app PlayKids has taken season one of the show. The platform, aimed at children up to the age of eight, is now available in more than 100 countries in several key languages.
Media IM co-founder Irina Nazarenko said: “With its focus on helping children to develop through learning and laughter, PlayKids is the perfect home for the Bunnies. At the last count, the app had been downloaded more than 17 million times in Brazil alone. The platform also has around three million active users and 150,000-plus subscribers. So far, Sunny Bunnies has only been available in Brazil on YouTube, so this partnership with PlayKids is sure to boost the show’s reach and impact in a territory that, like India, is a priority market for Media I.M.”
In another major SVOD app deal, the UK platform KidsCast has picked up the 1st season of Sunny Bunnies. The entertainment hub for children aged between three and eight offers games, shows, music and educational content in a safe and secure environment.
The Sunny Bunnies are five beaming balls that can appear anywhere there is a source of light, from sunshine to moonlight. In each episode, the cheeky creatures bring their fun and games to a different location — a circus, a sports stadium, a park — embarking on mischievous adventures and spreading laughter and happiness. And at the end of every episode, the fun continues with a collection of bloopers.
This latest round of deals follows the announcement in October that Media I.M. has secured its first European licensing partner for the Sunny Bunnies brand. TFI Licences will manage the key L&M categories for the show in France and French-speaking Europe. The agreement follows on the heels of the first licensing deal struck earlier this year with US partner Evolution, which is representing Sunny Bunnies in North America. Evolution is managing a range ofSunny Bunnies brand extensions into children’s apparel, accessories, publishing, toys and food. Media IM’s strategy is to establish a network of L&M agents covering specific territories and/or regions.
