Japanese legend Astro Boy set to jet-power
CPLG in the UK
London, 28th October 2003
Copyright Promotions Licensing Group (CPLG) has announced it has been appointed the UK licensing agent by Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) for the all new, jet-powered, action-packed animated TV series, Astro Boy, which is set to take boys around the world for a supersonic ride in Autumn 2004 on the CBBC.
"We are delighted to be working with a legendary character like Astro Boy," says Steve Manners, Managing Director, Copyright Promotions Limited. "Such a strong and powerful boy property backed by incredible heritage and significant commitment from Sony and the BBC offers unprecedented licensing and promotional opportunities in the UK market."
The series will premiere on Kids' WB! in the U.S. early 2004 and CBBC has confirmed a 25 episodes pick-up in the U.K. Theresa Plummer-Andrews, Head of Acquisitions & Co-Productions, CBBC, comments "CBBC are very proud to have acquired the U.K. TV rights to the new episodes based on this classic character and feel that the series will enhance the wide blend of children's programming we strive to obtain for our audience. We are looking forward to Astro Boy doing great things for us in the schedules".
"Astro Boy" is produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan and Tezuka Productions, and distributed in the U.S. by Sony Pictures Television. The series' theme reflects the futuristic vision of creator Osamu Tezuka, one of the most influential cartoonists and animators in Japanese history, and also known as the "Father of Manga". Already a lifestyle brand and merchandising phenomenon in Japan, the show will appeal to animé fans and collectors worldwide.
Al Ovadia, Executive Vice President, Sony Pictures Consumer Products added, "Astro Boy" brings together two of the hottest trends in licensing today - retro and animé - and we're very excited that he is coming back to television with an all new animé series on Kids' WB! We're especially excited to have Copyright Promotions on board as our UK agent. With nearly 30 years of experience in the business, they certainly have no shortage of relevant expertise to draw on when representing this exciting property."
Industry leader Bandai has been appointed master toy licensee worldwide, excluding Asia, and will be developing a 'super-charged' toy line including action figures, play sets, vehicles and trading cards. Following the New York Licensing show in June, Sony Pictures Consumer Products has solidified deals with over 40 US licensees!
Astro Boy tells the story of Astro, a youthful robot boy living in Metro City, a 'futuristic' society populated by humans and robots. Astro possesses superb strength, including jet-rocket feet and arms that allow him to fly at extreme speeds. However, the secret to his victories is not his super-powers; the quality that makes him superior to other robots is his artificial brain, the most advanced in the world. This unique quality, termed "kokoro" in Japanese, allows Astro to experience all of the same emotions as humans. He's clever, resourceful and has a strong sense of justice. Mankind's only hope of surviving the onslaught of rebellious robots is a robot himself...the fearless, selfless, incorruptible champion known as Astro. The key elements of action, adventure, futuristic robotics, heroism and collectibility make for a dynamic licensing program targeting boys.
About Sony Pictures Television
Sony Pictures Television is one of the television industry's leading content providers. SPT produces and distributes top-rated, award-winning programming in every genre, including series, movies and family entertainment for network and cable television; first-run syndicated series; off-net syndicated programs; and theatrical releases. Animated series produced by SPT include "Jackie Chan Adventures" and the forthcoming "Astro Boy" for Kids' WB!; "Dragon Tales," co-produced with Sesame Workshop, for PBS's Ready to Learn block; "Harold and the Purple Crayon" and "Stuart Little" for HBO Family; and "Spider-Man" on MTV. SPT (
www.sonypictures.com) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.
About Sony Pictures Consumer Products
Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP), a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), is based in Los Angeles and London. SPCP handles the merchandising and branding efforts for some of the most recognized properties in film and television and, through Spider-Man Merchandising, L.P., a limited partnership with Marvel Enterprises, the upcoming motion picture Spider-Man 2(tm) and the "Spider-Man(tm)" animated series. Additionally, SPCP properties include such theatrical titles as the highly anticipated Underworld and Ultraviolet, the Academy Award winning short, The ChubbChubbs(tm), television properties such as "Astro Boy(tm)", "Stuart Little(tm)" animated, and "Jackie Chan Adventures(tm)." SPE is a division of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at
https://www.sonypictures.com.
About Copyright Promotions Licensing Group Limited
Copyright Promotions Licensing Group Limited (CPLG) is one of the world's leading entertainment, sports and brand licensing and merchandising agencies, with almost 30 years experience in the business. Founded in 1974, CPLG today has a structure that is unique in the licensing industry, with almost 100 staff in seven offices across Europe and international agencies servicing the rest of the world.
www.cplg.com
