By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
WildBrain CPLG has expanded its entertainment portfolio with the signing of licensing rights for a trio of HarperCollins Productions’ properties.
The licensed properties that WildBrain has acquired the rights to include Carmen Sandiego, The Oregon Trail, and Pretzel and the Puppies.
Under the deal, the agency will build licensing programs for each of the properties across multiple categories. These categories include apparel, footwear, accessories, toys and games, homeware, and more. The partnership also includes promotion and location-based entertainment rights.
Carmen Sandiego is a popular franchise that is based on a series of computer games created by the American software company, Broderbund. The Carmen Sandiego franchise was revitalized by HarperCollins Productions in 2019 with the release of an animated action-adventure Netflix series.
WildBrain CPLG’s licensing and merchandising rights for Carmen Sandiego include the popular Netflix series, as well as rights to the upcoming Carmen Sandiego Netflix movie.
“As our North America office continues to expand its entertainment portfolio, it’s fantastic to welcome a company of HarperCollins Productions’ calibre into our roster, a group which is home to some incredibly popular franchises that we know have significant consumer products potential,” said Jasen Wright, VP North America at WildBrain CPLG.
“What’s more, the Carmen Sandiego brand is a perfect example of how WildBrain is positioned to offer 360-degree strategies for IP owners who are looking for integrated content, distribution, and licensing all under one roof.”
Pretzel and the Puppies is a children’s book by Margret and H.A. Rey, the authors of Curious George. The book was originally published in 1946 and recently re-released by Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Pretzel and the Puppies is now an Apple TV+ animated series, which follows Pretzel, the world’s longest dachshund, and his wife, Greta, as they encourage their pups to solve problems.
The Oregon Trail is a smash hit video game franchise from the 1980s and 1990s. It has recently been launched as a top-ranked game on the Apple Arcade. The property has also been extended into books and licensing. Major media projects for the franchise are said to be in development, but have not yet been announced.
HarperCollins Productions is an award-winning production company within HarperCollins Publishers. HarperCollins Productions develops and produces TV, film, and interactive projects adapted from books published by HarperCollins.
“HarperCollins publishes some of the best children’s titles in the world,” said Caroline Fraser, Head of HarperCollins Productions.
“When we adapt these titles to screen, kids, families and authors enjoy wider access to our beloved characters and stories. We are excited to work with WildBrain CPLG to bring our properties to an even wider audience through licensing and merchandising.”
WildBrain CPLG is a world-leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency. With 50 years of experience in the licensing industry, WildBrain CPLG is known for providing its clients with experienced licensing and marketing professionals, as well as fully integrated product development, legal services, and accounting services.