The product is set to roll out internationally around Spring/Summer 2016, and will feature a variety of published formats including Teletubbies themed story books, as well as colouring, sticker and activity books, annuals, novelty books and sound books, along with a stand-alone Teletubbies magazine.
The new 60-episode series of Teletubbies has been commissioned by the UK’s CBeebies and is being produced for DHX Media by UK production company, Darrall Macqueen Ltd. It will feature the same well-loved characters but will bring a refreshed, contemporary look to one of the world’s most well-known pre-school properties, ensuring that it is relevant for a new generation.
Rob McMenemy, CEO Egmont Publishing International, says: “This is an exciting and significant pre-school acquisition for Egmont Publishing, further strengthening our market leading position in licensed pre-school publishing both in the UK and across the 30 international territories in which we publish. Teletubbies is one of the most successful and iconic global children’s brands of all time and we are thrilled to be partnering with DHX Brands. The bold, endearing characters and the stylish world of the Teletubbies are a publisher’s dream and the team is really excited to create and bring to market content and formats which will satisfy every child and parent fan who enjoys the antics of the Teletubbies.”
Peter Byrne, EVP, DHX Brands added: “Egmont is the ideal partner for us on Teletubbies, with global reach and an excellent track record and reputation. Books and magazines are a core category for preschool and we’re looking forward to working with them on high-quality innovative publishing products as a core component of the consumer products launch. Egmont joins a growing, top-notch team of licensees for this exciting new incarnation of a well-loved, iconic property.
Teletubbies was launched in March 1997 and became one of the most successful global children’s brands of all time. The original episodes have aired in more than 120 territories in 45 languages, and it was the very first western pre-school property to air on China’s CCTV. Its enduring resonance with children is further underscored by the brand’s postings on YouTube, which garnered more than 40 million views per month through the first nine months of 2014.
Multi award-winning, Teletubbies won a further major accolade this year, named as one of the Best Children’s TV Programmes of the last 50 years, voted for by a panel of 100 international kids’ television experts. Winning in the “most risk-taking kids’ entertainment programme” category at Prix Jeunesse International, the awards honoured the most outstanding, influential and daring children’s and youth TV programmes of the last 50 years.
