Nickelodeon News Round-Up - Issue 12

Below is a selection of articles from around the internet which feature news, commentary and information about Nickelodeon:

Platinum Films Sets Licensing Strategy For "Matt Hatter Chronicles" In Australia and New Zealand; Showcases Season 3 At MIPCOM 2013; Holds MHC Licensee Day At Pinewood Film Studios In The UK

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen is reporting the exciting animation news in the following article that Australia's Haven Licensing, which represents brand owners including Nickelodeon and HIT Entertainment, has been appointed by UK indie Film and Children's TV production company Platinum Films as the licensing agent for boy-skewing adventure series "Matt Hatter Chronicles" in Australia and New Zealand.

The deal will see Haven recruit a roster of licensing partners for a consumer products rollout in 2014/2015 and execute a comprehensive cross-platform retail and marketing campaign in retail stores, online and on-air.

The series has grown in popularity across the region since it debuted on Network Ten's digital free-to-air (FTA) channel ELEVEN earlier this year (2013) and on New Zealand's commercial free-to-air channel TV2. New episodes of the series are set to premiere next year (2014), and the show's third season was recently greenlit by Britain's ITV.

Produced by Platinum Films and Toronto, Canada's Dream Mill and animated by Arc Productions, "Matt Hatter Chronicles" combines animation, buddy humor and digital content and follows the adventures of a schoolboy whose life is changed forever when he discovers a secret dimension known as the Multiverse. The show also airs on Nickelodeon channels and networks around the world (Planet Nickelodeon/Planet Orange), including on Nick UK's action channel, NickToons UK and Ireland, and on Nickelodeon Australia & New Zealand. It is currently unknown whether Nicktoons UK will premiere and show "Matt Hatter Chronicles" season three:

Platinum Films recently was looking to further strengthen the global TV profile across pay and free to air platforms at this years MIPCOM market, MIPCOM 2013, where when season three was officially presented to broadcasters.

With newly appointed master toy licensee Simba Dickie Group (EMEA, Russia and India), the "Matt Hatter" brand has a multi-territory consumer product rollout planned for 2014 under the management of licensing agents including ITVS GE (UK & Eire), Biplano (Iberia), Exim (Latam), Haven (Australasia), B-Rights (Greece & Cyprus) and Revolution (South Africa).

Additionally, the licensing business news website Licensing.biz is reporting in a separate article, also below, that potential partners were treated to a special "Matt Hatter Chronicles" licensee day at Pinewood Film Studios in November 2013 to find out more about the boys' brand. Following on from a successful showing at Brand Licensing Europe in October 2013 (BLE 2012), 40 potential licensees were welcomed to Platinum Studios' HQ to find out more about the UK consumer products roll out in 2014. Guests were treated to presentations from Platinum's CEO, Nigel Stone, UK & Eire licensing agent ITV Studios Global Entertainment and master toy partner Simba Dickie Group. They also got to see in 3D multivision, just like the show's lead character.

From Kidscreen:

Matt Hatter sets licensing strategy in Oz

Australia’s Haven Licensing, which represents brand owners including Nickelodeon and HIT Entertainment, has been appointed by UK indie Platinum Films as the licensing agent for boy-skewing adventure series Matt Hatter Chronicles in Australia and New Zealand.

The deal will see Haven recruit a roster of licensing partners for a product rollout in 2014/2015 and execute a comprehensive cross-platform retail and marketing campaign in retail stores, online and on-air.

The series has grown in popularity across the region since it debuted on Network Ten’s digital free-to-air channel ELEVEN earlier this year and on New Zealand’s commercial free-to-air channel TV2. New episodes of the series are set to premiere next year, and the show's third season was recently greenlit by Britain’s ITV.

Tags: Australia, Haven Licensing, Licensing, Matt Hatter Chronicles, New Zealand

Also, from Licensing.biz:

Potential licensees treated to Matt Hatter Chronicles glimpse

Special licensee day held at Pinewood Film Studios.

Potential partners were treated to a special Matt Hatter Chronicles licensee day at Pinewood Film Studios earlier this month to find out more about the boys' brand.

Following on from a successful showing at Brand Licensing Europe in October, 40 potential licensees were welcomed to Platinum Studios' HQ to find out more about the UK consumer products roll out in 2014.

Guests were treated to presentations from Platinum's CEO, Nigel Stone, UK & Eire licensing agent ITV Studios Global Entertainment and master toy partner Simba Dickie Group.

They also got to see in 3D multivision, just like the show's lead character.

TAGS: itv studios global entertainment [ITVS GE], matt hatter chronicles, platinum films, pinewood film studios

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International Children's Channel KidsCo Acquires TV Broadcast Rights To "Matt Hatter Chronicles"; Airlines British Airways And United Emirates Pick Up Rights For Kids In-Flight Entertainment Services

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen is reporting the animation news that the international children's channel KidsCo has partnered with Platinum Films to bring the animated boys' action series "Matt Hatter Chronicles" to the networks recently announced Syfy Kids block.

Produced by Platinum Films and Toronto, Canada's Dream Mill and animated by Arc Productions, Matt Hatter Chronicles combines animation, buddy humor and digital content. Season one will premiere on Syfy Kids across Central and Eastern Europe, fully dubbed, as the block rolls out internationally throughout 2013. The show also airs on Nickelodeon channels and networks around the world (Planet Nickelodeon), including Nick UK's action channel, NickToons UK and Ireland, and Nickelodeon Australia & New Zealand.

Syfy Kids is set to launch exclusively on KidsCo in Central and Eastern Europe in June. It will air at peak viewing times and feature a new graphics package and local dubbing.

Kidscreen is also reporting in a separate article that the airlines British Airways and United Emirates have followed suit and have picked up the rights to "Matt Hatter Chronicles" to freshen up their Spring/Summer in-flight entertainment packages. Working with in-flight entertainment specialist Spafax, Platinum sold Emirates a Matt Hatter branded block that will be available on-board starting next month. BA, meanwhile, will showcase Matt Hatter in its upcoming July Kids TV offering. Spafax, which also does business with Virgin, Air Canada, Qantas and American Airlines, says it plans to extend the global in-flight footprint of the Matt Hatter brand in the coming months:

KidsCo takes Matt Hatter Chronicles for Syfy Kids


International children’s’ channel KidsCo has partnered with Platinum Films to bring the CG-animated series Matt Hatter Chronicles to its recently announced Syfy Kids block.

Produced by Platinum Films and Toronto, Canada’s Dream Mill and animated by Arc Productions, Matt Hatter Chronicles combines animation, buddy humor and digital content. Season one will premiere on Syfy Kids across Central and Eastern Europe, fully dubbed, as the block rolls out internationally throughout 2013.

Syfy Kids is set to launch exclusively on KidsCo in Central and Eastern Europe in June. It will air at peak viewing times and feature a new graphics package and local dubbing.

Tags: Arc Productions, Dream Mill, KidsCo, Matt Hatter Chronicles, Platinum Film, Syfy Kids

And:

Matt Hatter goes on an in-flight binge


It looks like Matt Hatter Chronicles will be flying the friendly skies this spring/summer, thanks to a pair of deals secured by the show’s UK-based co-creator, Platinum Films. KidsCo recently picked up the boys series for its Syfy Kids block, and now British Airways and United Emirates have followed suit to freshen up their in-flight entertainment packages.

Working with in-flight entertainment specialist Spafax, Platinum sold Emirates a Matt Hatter branded block that will be available on-board starting next month. BA, meanwhile, will showcase Matt Hatter in its upcoming July Kids TV offering.

Spafax, which also does business with Virgin, Air Canada, Qantas and American Airlines, says it plans to extend the global in-flight footprint of the Matt Hatter brand in the coming months.

The series has already gone to global broadcasters including RTVE’s Clan TV (Spain), Canal Panda (Portugal and Spain), TELETOON Canada, Nickelodeon (Australia and New Zealand) and Network Ten (Australia), and it has also spawned a growing licensing program. Produced by Platinum Films and Toronto’s Dream Mill, and animated by Arc Productions, it follows the adventures of a 13-year-old schoolboy whose life is changed forever when he discovers that his family defends a gateway to a different dimension called the Multiverse.

Tags: British Airways, Matt Hatter Chronicles, Platinum Films, United Emirates

TBI Vision Selects Platinum Film's Animated Boys' Action Series "Matt Hatter Chronicles" As Their "Show Of The Week"!

The television news website TBI Vision has selected Platinum Film's animated boys' action series "Matt Hatter Chronicles" as their "Show of the Week", and to celebrate, TBI Vision has posted a great article (below) about the animated children's series, which airs on Nickelodeon channels and networks around the world (Planet Nickelodeon), including Nick UK's action channel, NickToons UK and Ireland, which includes an exclusive interview with Nigel Stone, the Chief Executive Officer and creative director at Platinum Film. The following "Matt Hatter Chronicles" news article also announces the news that Platinum Film's hopes to start the shows licensing and merchandising (L&M) effort this year (2013), and that they hope to make a third season (season 3) of "Matt Hatter Chronicles":

[Show of the Week column]

Matt Hatter Chronicles


Matt Hatter Chronicles Opening Titles

UK-based Platinum Films has taken a targeted approach to making kids series; rather than developing a large number of properties in the hope that one sticks, it focuses its energies on a small number and attempts to build a fully-fledged franchise. Having made 65x10mins Dream Street and 104x20mins Planet Cook, it is now focused on Matt Hatter Chronicles.

“We don’t make a huge number of shows and we don’t do work-for-hire,” explains Platinum’s CEO and creative director Nigel Stone. “We don’t have a big development slate; we work strategically to see what broadcasters need.”

The idea with Matt Hatter was, he says, to have a series with a sense of adventure rather than just a shoot ‘em-up action show. It is, the producers say, a story-driven action-comedy.

“There’s not much appointment viewing for kids now and we pride ourselves on each episode of Matt Hatter being almost a mini-movie,” Stone says.

In the UK the show is on CiTV and pay TV channel Nicktoons, where it has proved popular. The animated series, which cost about US$12 million for the first two seasons, follows the adventures of 13 year-old Matt. He discovers that his family defends a gateway to a different dimension called the Multiverse. In a quest to protect the Multiverse, Matt and his friends Roxie and Gomez, have to defeat and movie-inspired villains.

The show is produced by Platinum Films and Toronto’s Dream Mill. It is animated by Arc Productions, the Canadian studio behind Gnomeo & Juliet and Tim Burton's 9. Visually, the show uses a technique dubbed Multivision, a 3D effect that is achieved without the need for glasses. It is unashamedly boy-skewed. Stone says: “Many people fail because they want to be all things to all people. Our show is unashamedly a boys’ action comedy. At its core it is about friendship. It is the Harry Potter model.”

Attempting to encapsulate some of the elements that made Harry Potter such a huge success was always part of the plan. “When we were developing Matt Hatter that franchise was coming to an end and we thought there was a hole in the TV market for something using that model.”

Endemol was handling distribution, but Platinum has taken the rights back and is now running international sales itself. To that end it hired Natalie Llewellyn as head of international programming last year. She joined from Everything's Rosie producer V&S Entertainment and is charged with driving sales of Matt Hatter around the world.

Having already been sold to Canada’s Teletoon, Nickelodeon in Australia and New Zealand, Network Ten Australia, TVNZ New Zealand, RTE in Ireland, SABC in South Africa and JCC in the Middle East Region, the show has just been sold into Iberia. RTVE’s Clan TV and Iberian pay TV channel Canal Panda have both acquired the animated series. The 26x30mins series will debut on Panda’s channels this spring and on Clan later in the year.

Biplano has been signed to manage L&M and promotional rights for the property in Spain and Portugal.

Other licensing deals include an agreement with Topps, Penguin for publishing and Titan for comics. The licensing and merchandising effort will kick in this year. In Latin America, Platinum has signed with Exim for licensing in Latin America and Stone is heading to NATPE to push the kids show into the region.

Meanwhile, Platinum is also in full development with a new season and will talk to commissioning broadcasters about a possible third series early this year.

The show: Matt Hatter Chronicles

The producers: Platinum Films, Dream Mill, Arc Productions
The distributor: Platinum Films
The broadcasters: CiTV, Nicktoon (UK)
Concept: Action comedy about Matt Hatter and his quest to protect the Multiverse

Date added: February 4, 2013
Duration: 1:00
Company: &S Entertainment, 9, Arc Productions, Biplano, Canal Panda, CITV, Clan TV, Dream Mill, Dream Street, Endemol, Everything’s Rosie, Gnomeo & Juliet, Harry Potter, JCC, Matt Hatter, Matt Hatter Chronicles, Multiverse, Multivision, Natalie Llewellyn, Network Ten, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nigel Stone, planet Cook, Platinum Films, RTE, RTVE, SABC, TVNZ, V&S Entertainment

Spanish And Portuguese TV Broadcasters Pick Up Acquire Rights To "Matt Hatter Chronicles"

The entertainment news website C21Media is reporting the animation news that television broadcasters in Spain and Portugal have picked up the broadcast rights to the UK/Canadian animated series "Matt Hatter Chronicles":

Iberia puts on Hatter

Spanish pubcaster RTVE has picked up UK/Canadian animated series Matt Hatter Chronicles, which has also secured a pay-TV broadcaster in Spain and Portugal.

The 26x30′ boys-skewing CGI cartoon will debut on the pubcaster's children's channel Clan TV later this year, while Canal Panda will air the series on pay TV in Spain and Portugal in spring.

The show is produced by UK indie Platinum Films and Toronto-based Dream Mill, and animated by Gnomeo & Juliet studio Arc Productions.

Endemol Worldwide Distribution previously distributed the series but rights to the show have since reverted to Platinum, which recently secured deals for the series down under.

The toon follows the adventures of a young boy who can travel between dimensions. It has also aired on Nickelodeon, CiTV in the UK, Canada’s Teletoon, RTÉ in Ireland, SABC in South Africa and Al Jazeera’s Children’s Channel in the Middle East.

Nico Franks
14-01-2013
©C21Media

GENRES: Animation, Children's
SHOWS: Matt Hatter Chronicles
COMPANIES: Arc Productions, Dream Mill, Nickelodeon, Platinum
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: UK

Also, from Kidscreen:

Matt Hatter Chronicles makes broadcasting, commercial progress in Iberia

Iberian broadcasters RTVE and Canal Panda have picked up Platinum Film's boys' action series Matt Hatter Chronicles.

Public broadcaster RTVE will air the 26 x 30-minute CGI series on its Clan TV channel, while Canal Panda has struck a dual territory pay TV deal for Portugal and Spain for this Spring.

The Iberain sales follow recent acquisitions of Matt Hatter by Canada’s Teletoon, Nickelodeon ANZ, Network Ten Australia, TVNZ New Zealand, RTE in Eire, SABC South Africa and JCC Middle East Region.

On the commercial front, Biplano, which represents such properties as SpongeBob, Star wars and Hello Kitty, has taken on L&M management and promotional rights for the property in Spain and Portugal. Biplano will be responsible for securing licenses across multiple categories for a dual roll-out in Spain and Portugal in Q1 2014 and will support the product launch with a marketing campaign to give Matt Hatter a brand presence on-air, at retail and in the media next year.

The Iberian L&M program will follow on the heels of the UK 2013 roll out spearheaded by ITVS GE, which reps the brand across merchandising, publishing, promotional and home entertainment rights.

The series is produced by Platinum Films and Toronto-based Dream Mill and is animated by Arc Productions.

Tags: Biplano, Canal Panda, Matt Hatter Chronicles, Platinum Films, RTVE

"Matt Hatter Chronicles" Expands In Australia And New Zealand

From Licensing.biz:

Matt Hatter Chronicles expands in Australia

Kids' animated TV show will debut in 2013 Down Under and in New Zealand.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) is launching Matt Hatter Chronicles in Australia and New Zealand.

This announcement follows the animated TV show's creator Platinum Films securing two free-to-air broadcast partners in Australia (Network 10) and New Zealand (TVNZ).

In Australia the 26 30-minute HD episodes, targeted at kids aged five to ten, will premiere in 2013 on Network 10's digital free-to-air channel Eleven as part of its early morning Toasted TV strand. In New Zealand, TV2 will show the series on its 2Kids weekend programming block.

ITVS GE is lining up local agents to secure licensing partners in both markets.

Key licensee partners have already been secured in the UK, with Titan, Topps and Penguin set to launch magazines, sticker albums and books during 2013.

ITVS GE will also be announcing new partners shortly, and a DVD is set to launch from ITVS GE Home Entertainment in spring 2013.

Matt Hatter Chronicles launched in the UK on Nickelodeon last year and ITV/CITV this March, attracting over two million viewers across both broadcast platforms.

The series has already been sold to Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand, Canada’s Teletoon, RTE Ireland, SABC South Africa and Al Jazeera’s Children’s Channel in the Middle East.

Trudi Hayward, Senior Vice President Global Head of Merchandise at ITVS GE, said: “We’re delighted to see Matt Hatter rounding off a great year with new programme sales in ANZ.

"The popularity of series two, the continuing success of series one and the marvellous new website further underline the massive appeal of Matt Hatter Chronicles as a boys’ action-adventure property.

"We are looking forward to making even more exciting announcements in the UK and ANZ markets for this property throughout 2013."

Tags: australia, itv, matt hatter

New Zealand Public Broadcaster TVNZ Acquires Broadcast Rights For The Popular CGI-Animated Series "Matt Hatter Chronicles" For TV2's Weekend Children's Programming Block, 2Kids; To Premiere During Spring 2013

From C21Media:

TVNZ puts on Hatter

New Zealand pubcaster TVNZ has picked up UK/Canadian animated series Matt Hatter Chronicles, following a recent deal for the show in Australia.

[Matt Hatter Chronicles]
The 26x30' boys-skewing CGI cartoon will debut next spring on TVNZ channel TV2 as part of its weekend programming block 2Kids.

The deal extends the toon’s reach down under, after it was acquired last month by Aussie [Australian] DTT network Eleven, which is operated by Network Ten and CBS Studios International.

The show is produced by UK indie Platinum Films and Toronto-based Dream Mill, and animated by Gnomeo & Juliet studio Arc Productions. It has aired on several Nickelodeon channels around the world, including in Australia and New Zealand.

Endemol Worldwide Distribution previously distributed the series but rights to the show, as well as Dream Street and Planet Cook, have since reverted to Platinum.

Former V&S Entertainment exec Natalie Llewellyn has been hired as head of international programming to exploit the Pinewood Studios-based prodco’s new portfolio, while a third season of Matt Hatter is currently in pre-production.

The toon follows the adventures of a thrill-seeking young boy and has also aired on CiTV in the UK, Canada’s Teletoon, RTÉ in Ireland, SABC in South Africa and Al Jazeera’s Children’s Channel in the Middle East.

Nico Franks
15-11-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Acquisition
GENRES: Animation, Children's
SHOWS: Matt Hatter Chronicles
COMPANIES: Arc Productions, Dream Mill, Nickelodeon, Platinum, TV2, TVNZ
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: New Zealand

Also, from Kidscreen's iKids:

TVNZ picks up Matt Hatter Chronicles

New Zealand’s TVNZ has snapped up the hit boy-skewing, CG-animated series Matt Hatter Chronicles for its free-to-air channel TV2.

The Arc Productions-animated series, from UK-based Platinum Films and Toronto-based Dream Mill, is set to make its TV2 premiere in 2013 as part of the spring lineup for the 2Kids weekend programming block. The launch will also be supported by an online and social media digital interactive component at matthatter.com.

The series, which has been a ratings success on Nicktoons and ITV in the UK, debuted on Canada’s Teletoon (English and French speaking) on September 8 and additional broadcasters on-board include Nickelodeon (Australia and New Zealand), RTE (Eire), SABC (South Africa) and JCC (Middle East).

The new deal comes on the heels of Australia’s Network Ten grabbing the series for its free-to-air channel ELEVEN.

Tags: Dream Mill, Matt Hatter Chronicles, Platinum Films, TVNZ

Australian Commercial Television Network "Network Ten" Acquires Broadcast Rights For The Popular CGI-Animated Series "Matt Hatter Chronicles" For Their Free-To-Air Channel "ELEVEN"

From Kidscreen:

Network Ten picks up Matt Hatter Chronicles

Australia's Network Ten has snapped up boy-skewing, 3D/CG-animated series Matt Hatter Chronicles for its free-to-air channel ELEVEN.

Scheduled to premiere in 2013 on ELEVEN's Toasted TV block, the 26 x 30-minute Arc Productions-animated TV series from UK-based Platinum Films and Toronto-based Dream Mill will also be supported by an online and social media digital interactive component at matthatter.com.

The series, which has been a ratings success on Nicktoons and ITV in the UK, debuted on Canada’s Teletoon (English and French speaking) on September 8 and additional broadcasters on-board include Nickelodeon (Australia and New Zealand), RTE (Eire), SABC (South Africa) and JCC (Middle East).

The brand’s L&M program is also set to expand with consumer products launching in 2013 and a recent deal by Platinum will see ITVS GE represent rights for merchandising, publishing, promotional and home entertainment in the UK, Eire, Australia and New Zealand.

Tags: Australia, ELEVEN, Matt Hatter Chronicles, Network Ten

Also, from Broadcast:

Matt Hatter Chronicles sells to Australia's Network Ten

Australia's Network Ten has acquired kids' adventure series Matt Hatter Chronicles for broadcast in 2013.

The HD CGI animation, produced by indie Platinum Films and Toronto-based Dream Mill Inc, tells the story of a boy that has to defend the “multiverse”. The 26 x 30 minute series will air as part of Eleven's Toasted TV.

Cherrie Bottger, head of children’s television at Network Ten, said: “We’re delighted to be adding Matt Hatter Chronicles to our children’s line-up on Eleven and we hope to mirror the success that the series has enjoyed in other territories around the world. The 360-degree approach of this exciting series reflects our belief in offering interactive and immersive content for our young audience, both on-air and online.”

Last month, Platinum launched a digital hub for the series – matthatter.com – which features 200 pages of content that allows fans to find out more about the hero. It received 50,000 hits in its first weekend. Online activity, including social media, will be rolled out to support its launch on Eleven.

Matt Hatter Chronicles is show on Nicktoons and ITV in the UK, Teletoon in Canada and has already sold to Nickelodeon in Australia and New Zealand, RTE in the Republic of Ireland, SABC in South Africa and JCC in the Middle East. Further deals are expected to follow for Western Europe and the rest of the world.

Nigel Stone, chief executive at Platinum Films added: “Matt Hatter’s appeal is universal and we are confident that the show will become a firm favourite for all those budding schoolboy heroes across the territory.”

Also, from Animation Magazine:

Network Ten Dons 'Matt Hatter' for Spring 2013

Australia’s Network Ten has nabbed boys’ animated adventure-comedy Matt Hatter Chronicles for its digital free-to-air channel, ELEVEN, series producer Platinum Films has announced. The 26 x 30 HD CGI show will premiere in 2013 as part of ELEVEN’s Toasted TV line-up.

Produced by leading U.K. indie Platinum Films and Toronto-based Dream Mill Inc. and animated by Arc Productions (the Canadian studio behind Gnomeo & Juliet), Matt Hatter Chronicles charts the adventures of Matt Hatter, a 13-year-old schoolboy whose life is changed forever when he discovers his family defends a gateway to another dimension called the Multiverse—in order to protect the Multiverse and save his grandpa, Matt and best friends Roxie and Gomez must defeat and capture an assortment of powerful villains from movies, myths and legends.

Last month, Platinum launched the first phase of www.matthatter.com, getting 50,000 hits in its debut weekend. Over 200 pages of content allows fans to take a walk in Matt Hatter’s shoes, and will lead to Platinum’s digital strategy to support the broadcast by collaborating with ELEVEN to develop online activity, interactive digital content and social media engagement.

The series premiered on Canada’s Teletoon (English and French) in September and is already a favorite on Nicktoons and ITV in the U.K. where it has risen to a top rated position on both channels. Matt Hatter has sold to Nickelodeon in Australia and New Zealand, RTE in Ireland, SABC South Africa and JCC Middle East. Following MIPCOM, new deals across major Western Europe territories and the ROW are forthcoming.

Matt Hatter Chronicles

NickToons UK's "Matt Hatter Chronicles" Can Become A Household Name, Says Platinum Films

From Licensing.biz:

'Matt Hatter can become a household name', says Platinum Films

After a storming BLE showing, we find out more about the hotly tipped new boys action adventure brand.

Created by Platinum Films' CEO Nigel Stone, Matt Hatter Chronicles is an action adventure comedy series aimed at five to ten year old boys.

Stone’s vision was apparently to produce a truly 360-degree brand using state of the art animation techniques and engaging storytelling inspired by movie classics. He wanted to create a brave young hero whose valiant spirit, taste for adventure and hi-spec gadgetry would identify with a modern generation of kids.

And, judging by the positive reaction at Brand Licensing Europe, it’s just possible he’s succeeded.

Tags: itv global entertainment, matt hatter chronicles, platinum films

Also from Licensing.biz:

Matt Hatter Chronicles Brand Profile by Licensing.biz

It was one of the most hotly tipped brands from BLE, and now Platinum Films is looking to forge ahead with its plans for Matt Hatter Chronicles. We find out more.
Created by Platinum Films’ CEO Nigel Stone, Matt Hatter Chronicles is an action adventure comedy series aimed at five to ten year old boys.

Stone’s vision was apparently to produce a truly 360-degree brand using state of the art animation techniques and engaging storytelling inspired by movie classics. He wanted to create a brave young hero whose valiant spirit, taste for adventure and hi-spec gadgetry would identify with a modern generation of kids.

And, judging by the positive reaction at Brand Licensing Europe, it’s just possible he’s succeeded.

Principle photography on the $12 million HD animated series began in 2011. Season one and two represent 26 22-minute episodes, while a third season is already in development. In terms of broadcast, Matt Hatter Chronicles airs on ITV/CITV and Nickelodeon in the UK, Nickelodeon in Australia and New Zealand, RTE in Eire and Teletoon in Canada.

Always an encouraging sign, the global broadcast footprint is rapidly expanding with SABC, South Africa and JCC (Al Jazerra Children’s Channel) in Arabic territories recently acquiring the series. A successful MIP Junior and Mipcom in Cannes earlier this month means more announcements are also due shortly.

In terms of licensing, ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) is representing the rights for merchandising, publishing, promotional and home entertainment in the UK, Eire, Australia and New Zealand.

To date, Penguin is on board for publishing, Topps has signed up for trading cards and sticker collections, Titan will be producing a range of comic magazines in print and digital formats, while a DVD launch is also planned for 2013. There is also tremendous interest in the brand from a toy point of view.

“Matt Hatter Chronicles is fast becoming one of the hottest boy properties,” Stone tells Licensing.biz. “The combination of schoolboy hero Matt versus his nemesis the evil Lord Tenoroc, smart digital content and naturally toyetic realms, vehicles and props – such as Matt’s Multivision Specs and Cell Blaster – are ideal for creating a unique and exciting range of products.”

Platinum has also invested in a fully interactive website, phase one of which launched last month and received 50,000 hits in its debut weekend. The site, which features over 200 pages of content, has been launched as a virtual destination for fans to ‘explore, find and discover’. It includes games, activities, downloads, collectables, gossip and secret info on the characters. Fans can also unlock hidden content from around the site. Phase two of the website will tie into the roll out of the 2013 M&L programme.

So, what makes Matt Hatter different? In such a crowded market, what will make it stand out?

Stone explains: “In a saturated market, Platinum has ensured it has created a property that has immediate stand out appeal and longevity. Platinum are passionate about creating ground-breaking global children’s brand that are truly 360-degree in their approach, innovative and above all, made for and loved by kids. The retail response has been tremendous and there is definitely a buzz about the brand.”
The rest of 2012 will be focused on securing first class licensing and retail partners and consolidating the relationships in the build up to the UK M&L launch in 2013. And longer term? “The long-term strategy is to build the Matt Hatter Chronicles brand as a global franchise and for Matt Hatter to become a household name for budding schoolboy heroes all around the world,” Stone concludes.

Brand Owner - Platinum Films
Genre - Boys action adventure
Key Licensees - Penguin, Topps, Titan
Website - http://www.matthatter.com.

"Matt Hatter Chronicles" Production Company Platinum Films Hires For Sales Drive

From C21Media:

Platinum hires for sales drive

MIPCOM: Platinum Films, the UK indie behind animated series Matt Hatter Chronicles and Dream Street, has appointed a head of international programming.

Natalie Llewellyn is here in Cannes, having joined the Pinewood Studios-based prodco from Everything’s Rosie distributor V&S Entertainment. Llewellyn will manage the global distribution of Platinum’s growing slate of kids rights.

Rights to shows produced by Platinum are increasing reverting back to the company and CEO Nigel Stone is looking to develop its international sales business.

The Platinum production portfolio represents a US$30m investment, said Stone, and includes not only Nickelodeon series Matt Hatter Chronicles (26x22′) and CiTV toon Dream Street (65x10′) but also Planet Cook (104x20′). The latter is a live-action series that aired on CBBC.

“Matt Hatter Chronicles has exploded into the boys’ TV arena and is steadily outperforming many of its competitors. We are also welcoming many new broadcast partners for Dream Street and Planet Cook,” said Stone.

“It’s the busiest time ever for us at Platinum and Natalie’s experience will ensure that all of this exciting new activity will roll out in a coordinated and rewarding fashion.”

Ed Waller
09-10-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Appointments
SHOWS: Dream Street, Matt Hatter Chronicles
PEOPLE: Natalie Llewellyn, Nigel Stone
COMPANIES: Platinum Films
COUNTRIES: UK

UK's CITV To Show New Episodes Of "Big Time Rush", "Matt Hatter Chronicles" And "Monsuno" As Part Of "Autumn 2012 On CITV"

CITV, the children's television arm of ITV, the British commercial public service TV network, have announced in a Tweet (post) on their official Twitter profile page (@ChildrensITV) that CITV will be showing new episodes of Nickelodeon's hit music comedy series "Big Time Rush", plus new episodes of NickToons UK favourites "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" and "Monsuno", as part of CITV's Autumn 2012 programming line-up:

This Autumn, look out for New Fleabag, Canimals, Phone Genie, Monsuno, Redakai, Big Time Rush, Matt Hatter & more!

It is currently unknown whether CITV (short for Children's ITV or Children's Independent Television) will broadcast the new episodes of the hit Nickelodeon sitcom "Big Time Rush" and the popular animated shows "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" and "Monsuno" on ITV's CITV channel or as part of ITV Breakfast's CITV programming block which airs Saturday and Sunday mornings on the ITV network from 06:00 to 08:25 in the timeslot occupied by Daybreak on weekdays.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment Inks Merchandising Deals For "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" And "Babar"; "Matt Hatter Chronicles" Merchandise To Be Released From 2013

From Kidscreen:

ITV Studios inks deals for Babar, Matt Hatter

ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) has signed deals to represent rights for preschool brand Babar and the 3D/CGI-animated series Matt Hatter Chronicles.

The Babar deal is a multi-year agreement with Toronto, Canada-based Nelvana and The Clifford Ross Company, in which ITVS GE will represent L&M for the Babar brand, including the original books, the original 1980s TV series, and the new animated series, Babar and the Adventures of Badou, which airs on CITV.

Coinciding with Babar’s 80th birthday, the initial products will be creatively focused on the brand's vintage artwork. The initial campaign will target the preschool, nursery and gifting categories with a focus on reigniting the nostalgic Babar style in the UK market.

Since 2010, CITV has aired Babar and the Adventures of Badou, the CGI-animated series produced by Nelvana and French studio TeamTO that features Badou, Babar’s eight-year-old grandson. The channel currently airs two episodes of the series every weekday, which has gained a strong following.

In the deal with Matt Hatter Chronicles, UK-based prodco Platinum Films Limited has signed on ITVS GE to represent rights for merchandising, publishing, promotional and home entertainment in the UK, Eire, Australia and New Zealand.

Created by Nigel Stone and aimed at five- to 10-year-old boys the 13 x 22-minute series is produced by Platinum Films and Dream Mill with Toronto, Canada-based studio Arc. It currently airs on CITV and Nicktoons in the UK, with a further 13 x 22-minute episodes to air on CITV this fall and on Nicktoons this spring. The series has also been sold to Nickelodeon in Australia and will air on RTE in Eire and Teletoon in Canada.

Existing deals for Matt Hatter Chronicles will see products launch in 2013. Topps is creating innovative trading cards and sticker collections and Penguin is producing mini-novels.

Tags: Arc Productions, Babar, CITV, Dream Mill, ITV Studios Global Entertainment, Matt Hatter Chronicles, Nelvana, Platinum Films, The Clifford Ross Company

Nicktoons UK To Premiere Brand New Episodes Of "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" From Monday 25th June 2012

According to the official Sky Media websites 'Sky TV's Children's Television Highlights In June 2012' webpage, Nickelodeon UK's animation channel, NickToons UK and Ireland, will start to premiere and show brand new episodes of "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" from Monday 25th June 2012 (transmission (TX) time to be confirmed by Nickelodeon UK):

The Matt Hatter Chronicles (New Episodes)
NickToons
Starts Monday 25th June

Brand new eps of The Matt Hatter Chronicles see Matt continue on through the Multiverse. Although he now has the strength and agility of an adult, he’s still a boy with a lot of learning to do...

NickToons UK To Premiere Brand New Episodes Of "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" In March 2012

According to NickToons UK and Ireland's new "Brand New Episodes Of The Matt Hatter Chronicles" promo, Nickelodeon UK's animation channel, NickToons UK and Ireland, will be premiering and showing brand new episodes of the new NickToons UK show "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" in March 2012.

Below is a transcript of NickToons UK and Ireland's new "Brand New Episodes Of The Matt Hatter Chronicles" trailer:

This March, adventure has a whole new dimension.

[Now that's what I call hot!]

Brand new Matt Hatter Chronicles, coming soon only on NickToons!

"The Matt Hatter Chronicles" is an animated series that NickToons UK and Ireland premiered on Monday 31st October 2011, and follows Matt Hatter, who was just an ordinary 13 year old boy until he stumbled upon the Hatter family secret - The Hatter family are the defenders of a gateway to a different dimension called the 'Multiverse'. To save our world and the Multiverse Matt must battle and capture infamous villains from Movie, Myth and Legend. Although Matt will have to rely on himself first and foremost, he will also have the help of two special friends, Roxie and Gomez.