Category Archives: News

Snipple goes into brand expansion mode with key partnerships

Brands with Influence will explore L&M opportunities for The Woohoos! and The Singalings, while The Wyld Bunch drives awareness through social media.

Taking its first steps into licensing, London-based animation studio Snipple Originals has engaged Brands with Influence to start developing global consumer products programs for preschool series The Woohoos! (premiering November 16 on Milkshake!) and The Singalings (airing on Sky Kids).

Brands with Influence also represents Jellyfish Originals (Stan & Gran) and 3Megos (Nelly Jelly), and the Hampshire-based licensing agency will explore opportunities in all product categories for both Snipple shows.

With clients including Studio 100 and Acamar, The Wyld Bunch has also been engaged to develop social media strategies that drive brand awareness and promote product launches and retail activations for the brands.

“We will deliver a truly 360-degree licensing program across every consumer touch point, both digital and physical,” says Karina Stanford-Smith, director of Snipple Originals.

For the original article click here.

9 Story Distribution picks up global rights for “The Woohoos” and “The Singalings”

9 Story Distribution International has acquired worldwide rights outside of the U.K. for two of Snipple Originals’ animated preschool series: The Woohoos! and The Singalings.

The 52×7-minute preschool comedy The Woohoos! follows Wynona the puffin, Iggy the wolfhound, Scotty the highland bull and Elli the hare as they wonder at the natural world all around them. Each episode brings an exciting “Ooo” moment, a new discovery that needs explaining, and then when the characters find the answer, they say, “Woohoo!” The Woohoos! was commissioned by Milkshake! and is set to premiere in the U.K. in November.

The 26×5-minute The Singalings features music, comedy and earworms for young audiences. The series kicks off each episode with a song and centers on three inquisitive and eager extraterrestrials, Melody, Harmony and Bop, who are here to discover all they can about Earth. The Singalings currently airs on Sky Kids in the U.K.

Kaine Patel, CEO of Snipple, said, “The team at 9 Story really sees the potential for our shows and has a strong, globally recognized distribution outfit.”

He added, “We are delighted that the series we have grown and nurtured are sitting alongside so many other brilliant award-winning children’s series in their catalog. Their enthusiasm, experience and professionalism have really shone through!”

“We are thrilled to add The Woohoos! and The Singalings to our robust portfolio of high-quality children’s content,” said Alix Wiseman, senior VP of distribution and acquisitions for 9 Story. “The series are a fantastic fit with our mission to bring fresh, diverse and engaging programs to kids around the world. We look forward to working with the talented Snipple team to introduce these vibrant, funny and highly entertaining shows to new audiences.”

Click to read the Worldscreen article here

Snipple Names Mike Hegarty Head of International Partnerships

Snipple Animation studio has named animation and production specialist Mike Hegarty Head of International Partnerships to lead the company’s expanded 2D animated series production services that now include creative development and pre- and post-production services. Hegarty, who is based in Ontario, Canada, will report to Snipple CEO Kaine Patel.

In his new position, Hegarty will focus on expanding Snipple’s global footprint, driving growth through strategic partnerships with studios, streamers, producers, and directors worldwide, and delivering new pre- and post-production services in the U.K. and North America.

Most recently Hegarty served as Head of Sales and Partnerships at House of Cool, where he helped drive company growth, as it expanded services and partnerships across the world. While there, he also  worked on feature and series projects. Hegarty previously worked at Toon Boom Animation, managing studios needs across North America.

“Working with Kaine and the Snipple team is an absolute privilege, and I’m thrilled to be part of this new phase of growth,” said Hegarty. “Our goal is to be a leading force in all 2D projects, meeting our clients’ requirements to bring even more to the table. The production crew in Manila consistently delivers top-quality work, which has empowered the studio to expand its capabilities into both pre- and post-production.”

“At Snipple, we have developed an approach to animation focused on our people, quality, communication and delivery,” said Patel. “We built from the ground up and have nurtured brilliant relationships with global studios. It’s a natural step for us to expand  into delivering all aspects of the production pipeline, and with such a solid international team, we are well positioned to do so.”

“Mike is a huge asset for Snipple,” added Patel. “He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and relationships to drive our growth.”

Click here to read the original AWN article

 

Snipple Appoints Head of International Partnerships, Expands Scope

Snipple (Phineas and FerbBeavis and Butt-Head) has appointed animation and production specialist Mike Hegarty as head of international partnerships and expanded its business to offer all aspects of 2D animated series production.

Hegarty joins from House of Cool, where he was head of sales and partnerships. In his new role, he will focus on expanding Snipple’s global footprint and delivering its new pre- and post-production services in the U.K. and North America.

Hegarty will report to Snipple CEO Kaine Patel and be based in Ontario, Canada.

Hegarty says: “Working with Kaine and the Snipple team is an absolute privilege, and I’m thrilled to be part of this new phase of growth. Our goal is to be a leading force in all 2D projects, meeting our clients’ requirements to bring even more to the table. The production crew in Manila consistently delivers top-quality work, which has empowered the studio to expand its capabilities into both pre- and post-production.”

Patel added: “At Snipple, we have developed an approach to animation focused on our people, quality, communication and delivery. We built from the ground up and have nurtured brilliant relationships with global studios. It’s a natural step for us to expand into delivering all aspects of the production pipeline, and with such a solid international team, we are well-positioned to do so.

“Mike is a huge asset for Snipple. He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and relationships to drive our growth.”

Read the original WorldScreen article here

Milkshake! Commissions ‘The Woohoos!’ from Snipple Originals

London-based Snipple Originals, the original content arm of global prodco Snipple Animation, has announced a brand new 2D animated comedy show set to premiere on U.K. screens: The Woohoos! The 52 x 7′ series is an upbeat preschool comedy, showcasing nature that children recognize and celebrating the joy of discovering the outside world.

The show has been commissioned by Milkshake! — the daily preschool block on Channel 5 (U.K.) — where it will debut in 2025. Jetpack Distribution has taken the international distribution rights outside of the U.K.

About the series: The gentle, warm and character-driven series aims to delight and entertain young children. Each episode brings an exciting “Ooo” moment, a new discovery that needs explaining, and then when the characters find the answer they say “Woohoo.”

Kids can “Ooo” and “Woohoo” while watching their new friends pack their day full of adventure, making each other laugh as they all explore the Woohoos homeland of Wise Island together. The little Woohoos discover dancing bees, things that float and things that don’t and how you find your way, even without a map.

The Woohoo! is directed by Kitty Taylor, executive produced by Snipple Originals Director, Karina Stanford-Smith, and produced at Snipple Animation’s studio.

“Through this series, we realize the magic of — first and foremost — making preschoolers giggle,” says Stanford-Smith. “It’s pure, heartfelt entertainment with nuggets of soft learning. A beautiful series about discovery, imagination, laughter and of course friendship. We are taking viewers on a journey with our little characters to reach the ‘Woohoo’ moments together.”

Louise Bucknole, General Manager, Kids and Family, U.K. & Ireland, Paramount, comments, “We know that kids love to explore nature and the outdoors and we want Milkshake! shows to reflect and inspire them in that journey in a fun and accessible way — The Woohoos! perfectly encapsulates this. Those ‘Ooo’ moments are a nod to the rollercoaster of amazing discovery and learning that preschool kids constantly navigate — that moment of realization when the penny drops! We can’t wait to see this brilliant show brought to life on Milkshake! with the curious and loveable Woohoos!”

“At MIPCOM this Autumn, we are looking forward to presenting this show to international buyers,” says Gillian Calvert Ridge, Jetpack Distribution’s Global Distribution Director – Acquisitions and Development. “With the universal themes of comedy, discovery and friendship and the interactive moments to ‘Woohoo’ along to, it’s perfect for screens around the world.”

Click here to read the original Animation Magazine story

 

Milkshake! orders The Woohoos!

Snipple Originals’ nature-themed toon will hit UK screens as part of Channel 5’s preschool block in 2025

Created by London-based Snipple Originals, The Woohoos! (52 x seven minutes) is about four young animals exploring their home on Wise Island. In each episode, they discover something new about their environment—from finding a hive of dancing bees, to learning how to get back home without a map—and must work together to explain or solve it.

Snipple’s animation studio will deliver the series to Milkshake! in 2025, and Jetpack Distribution is on board to manage international sales, starting at MIPCOM in October.

Click to read the original Kidscreen article

 

Snipple Gets Preschoolers Singing Along With Brand New Musical Show The Singalings

The Singalings to hit UK screens in 2023 following a deal with Sky Kids. International distribution rights have been picked up by Jetpack Distribution

Today, London-based Snipple Originals, the original content arm of global production leader Snipple Animation, announces a brand new 2D animated comedy preschool musical show The Singalings.

The Singalings is a fun edu-tainment series that features music, comedy and unforgettable earworms for young audiences. It comprises 26 x 1 ’45’ songs,  26 x  5’ episodes, 2 x song compilations and 5 x episode compilations.

The show has already been acquired by Sky and is set to air later this year on the new Sky Kids linear TV channel and on demand.

Global kids and family content distributor, Jetpack Distribution, has picked up the worldwide rights (outside of the UK); and will be presenting the show to buyers for pre-sale at Kidscreen next month.

The show – which kicks off each episode with a song – centres around three inquisitive and eager extra-terrestrials, MELODY, HARMONY and BOP, who are here to discover all they can about Earth! The excitable little Singalings can’t help but sing along as they explore Earth and all it has to offer! A sing-a-long visit to the zoo, the beach, a funfair and even a ride on the bus. The Singalings love to investigate.

Originals now has ten shows (and 220 half hours of content) in development across multiple genres including: comedy, action, adventure and edutainment. The division launched in 2020 alongside a £6m investment from BGF, one of the largest and most experienced growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland.  It is spearheaded by award-winning producer Karina Stanford-Smith as Director of Snipple Originals.

Snipple Originals is part of Snipple Group, led by founders CEO Kaine Patel,  Studio Director Jonathan Tinsay and Creative Director Romy Garcia. The company works with the world’s biggest networks including Disney, Dreamworks, Warner Media, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon.

Its illustrious portfolio includes much loved evergreens, such as Animaniacs, Green Eggs and Ham, Ducktales, Be Cool Scooby Doo, Phineas and Ferb, The Proud Family and many more.

Karina Stanford Smith says: “The Singalings has a bold and eye-catching style. It’s a simple and hilarious animation with songs that are infectious; and guaranteed to get kids singing for days after, even after hearing just once!”

She adds: “It’s a fun show with a modern pre-school audience in mind; and entertains as well as teaches.”

CEO Kaine Patel adds: “We’re building a sizable slate across multiple genres; taking brilliant ideas and turning them into content kids and families will love.”

Gillian Calvert Ridge, Global Distribution Director, Acquisitions and Development, Jetpack, says: “The Singalings is a fantastic addition to our Kidscreen line up and harnesses the power of music and songs for that age group. We’ve all been singing along!”

Bugs Bunny Finally Wins His First Emmy

The award went to Eric Bauza, current voice of the icon along with Tweety, Daffy, and Marvin the Martian on the HBO Max’s Looney Tunes Cartoons.

The legendary figurehead of Looney Tunes, the one and only Bugs Bunny, just celebrated 80 years—and he’s just received his first Emmy. Bugs’ current voice performer, Filipino Canadian and proud animation fanboy Eric Bauza, won the Children’s and Family Emmy Award for “Outstanding Voice Performance in an Animated Program.”

For the full story visit – Bugs Bunny Voice Eric Bauza Wins Looney Tunes’ First Emmy (gizmodo.com)

Snipple Originals and Keith Chapman Join Forces to Develop Ground-Breaking IPs

Soccer and pirate themed production from newly formed creative duo in development

Today, London-based Snipple Originals, the original content arm of global production leader Snipple Animation, and veteran kids content production company Keith Chapman Productions, announce a partnership deal to co-create and develop ground-breaking animated kids TV shows.

The first production from the creative partnership is in development; under the working title Paco & the Pirate League.

The 2D animated show will target upper preschool aged children and combines the world’s biggest sport, football, with one of the most popular play patterns for that age group, pirates.

It follows the adventures of the world’s greatest soccer player/footballer, Paco, a ten-year-old cabin-boy living on the ‘Golden Boot’ pirate ship. He’s the star player for ’Seadog Juniors’ the youngest team in the ‘Seven Seas Super League’, playing other pirate teams across the globe. Paco must use his unique soccer/football skills to overcome adversity and challenges, building his confidence and learning life lessons along the way.

The show incorporates timeless themes such as comedy and adventure, with thrilling soccer/football action and skills, which children across the world will seek to emulate.  The project will be ready for pitching in October this year.

The partnership has longer term ambitions to create more character-driven animated IPs for the upper pre-school market.

Snipple Group, under the stellar leadership of the founders CEO Kaine Patel,  studio director Jonathan Tinsay and creative director Romy Garcia works with the world’s biggest networks including Disney, Dreamworks, Warner Media, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon.

Its illustrious portfolio includes much loved evergreens, such as Animaniacs, Green Eggs and Ham, Ducktales, Be Cool Scooby Doo, Phineas and Ferb, The Proud Family and many more.

Its original content division – Snipple Originals – announced its formation in 2020, with a £6m funding sum from BGF.  It is spearheaded by award-winning producer Karina Stanford-Smith as director of animation development.

Keith Chapman is one of the world’s most successful creators of kids IP, including Bob the Builder, Paw Patrol, Mighty Express and Fifi and the Flowertots.

Snipple CEO, Kaine Patel, says: “This deal represents a fantastic meeting of minds. Keith is the ultimate kids TV veteran. This creative partnership has the vital chemistry to create brilliant, original kids shows that will become global break-out hits. The visible quality, even at this early stage, is something the kids TV market should feel excited about.”

Karina Stanford Smith adds: “The bringing together of Keith Chapman and Snipple offers a unique blend of ideas, creativity and experience. The team have loved working with Keith. We feel incredibly proud of what we’re doing here and I’m sure kids will love it too!”

Keith Chapman says:  “I am thrilled to be working with the super talented team at Snipple on creating and developing Paco & the Pirate League. This is the show I wish I could have watched as a kid kicking my first football around. It will appeal to all kids of today, of all nationalities, and their parents too!”