Toronto, Canada – 9 Story Media Group acquired Out of the Blue Enterprises, a leader in children’s media across content creation, TV production, digital applications and consumer products. It was founded in 2005 by Blue’s Clues co-creator Angela Santomero and former Nickelodeon executive Samantha Freeman. Out of the Blue owns the legacy toy brand Colorforms, named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Greatest Toys of All-Time, and the company is in production on a new animated series based on the classic brand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Out of the Blue, based in New York City, will become a wholly owned subsidiary of 9 Story Media Group with Managing Director Samantha Freeman staying on to lead the company and Co-Founder Angela Santomero continuing to serve as Creator and Executive Producer.

 

9 Story and Out of the Blue have previously worked together on the hit animated series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, which 9 Story produces and distributes internationally with The Fred Rogers Company in association with Out of the Blue. The two companies have also worked together on Creative Galaxy for Amazon Studios, which Out of the Blue produces and 9 Story is the animation partner. Both series are currently in production on new seasons.

 

Known for its full-scale production and international distribution capabilities, 9 Story Media Group employs almost 600 staff with facilities in Toronto, Dublin and Manchester. Its award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films, is recognized around the world for hit children’s series such as Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Top Wing, Octonauts and The Magic School Bus: Rides Again. Out of the Blue is known for its in-house, award winning creative and full-service management of licensing and merchandising