By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Children’s studio Nelvana has produced six new Piñata Smashlings short videos in partnership with Toikido.
The partnership also appears to be just the beginning for the two companies, as Nelvana says it is now working on a full animated series.
Toikido is a UK-based company that created Piñata Smashlings and the ‘Piñataverse’ with a hugely popular game in the Roblox metaverse. The Smashlings also feature a line of toys, allowing its young fans to collect the cute characters both in the game world and in real life.
Piñata Smashlings has been played 2 million times since its debut in the summer. Fans in Canada and the U.S. can currently explore the extensive Piñata Smashlings toy collection, featuring plush toys, figurines, and playsets, both online and at Walmart retail locations.
The hit status of Piñata Smashlings has now inspired the Canadian-based producer Nelvana to partner on storytelling in the world of video as well. Nelvana has produced six of the Piñata Smashling short videos for its ‘Keep it Weird’ YouTube channel.
“Our team has loved the challenge of giving these adorable and iconic characters their own distinct personalities,” said Mellany Welsh, VP of Nelvana Enterprises & Kids Can Press. “With their eclectic and hilarious escapades, the Smashlings are sure to captivate kids worldwide with their shenanigans. As the game continues to soar in popularity on Roblox, YouTube is the ideal stage to bring everyone’s favourite Smashlings to life and connect with the younger digital generation.”
Kraft Heinz Becomes Primary Manufacturer for Taco Bell Retail Products
Nelvana says the original shorts are an introduction to immerse kids into the Piñataverse world, ahead of the highly anticipated series in development that was announced earlier this year.
“Piñata Smashlings™ is an ever-expanding, multi-platform franchise that encompasses gaming, animation, music, toys, publishing, collaborations, and more,” said Darran Garnham, CEO of Toikido. “Nelvana is the perfect partner for the brand as they breathe vibrant life into our cherished characters, promising a vivid and engaging entertainment experience for kids as we launch the new shorts on YouTube.”
The series description says that in the Piñata Smashlings shorts, viewers meet five friends who have been thrown together by fate to form a team of very, very unlikely heroes. “Whether questing across the land, pranking the Piñatas in Piñata Village, or rescuing Smashlings from the no-good Bitter Bashlings, the Smashlings make the most out of every day as they learn to be heroes while celebrating being exactly who they are.”
Some of these shorts are enhanced by music and an opening theme song performed by Grammy-winning producer Jason Perry, along with Adam Nagy and Rich Savage. As an extra treat just in time for the spooky season, viewers can also enjoy a Halloween-themed song, performed by Jason Perry, Lana Carillo and Adam Nagy.
MORE RECENT NEWS
Hasbro Renews TOMY Partnership to Launch Next-Gen BEYBLADE Line