9 Story Media Group Launches New Consumer Products Division, Refreshes Brand
May, 14 2018
9 Story Brands will debut at Licensing Expo, May 22-24 Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Booth #C188
Toronto, Canada – May 14, 2018 – 9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce the launch of a new dedicated consumer products division, 9 Story Brands. Following 9 Story Media Group’s recent acquisition of Out of the Blue Enterprises, 9 Story Brands brings Out of the Blue’s and 9 Story’s licensing endeavors together under the new division. 9 Story Brands officially launches at next week’s Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, Booth #C188.
9 Story Brands represents a portfolio of top properties, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Super Why!, Peg + Cat, Luo Bao Bei, Wild Kratts, Nature Cat and Colorforms. 9 Story Brands will be co-managed by 9 Story’s Kristin Lecour (Vice President, Consumer Products) and Out of the Blue’s Kyra Halperin (Vice President, Consumer Products), with both reporting into 9 Story’s Chief Strategy Officer Natalie Osborne. Lecour will lead international efforts and Halperin will direct U.S. based initiatives.
The newly-created consumer products group will focus on building global kids brands both on and off-screen allowing audiences multi-dimensional experiences with their favorite characters. 9 Story Brands will work closely with its TV & Digital distribution teams, as well as third-party IP owners, licensees and retailers to ensure coordinated and strategic brand management from start to finish.
“We are thrilled to launch 9 Story Brands at this year’s Licensing Expo,” said Osborne. “Joining forces with Out of the Blue significantly increases both our bench strength and our portfolio. We have long been in the business of creating, producing and distributing hit children’s shows. This next chapter will take our global licensing activities to the next level, turning our shows into brands.”
In addition to the launch of 9 Story Brands, 9 Story Media Group has redesigned its corporate logo, marketing assets, website, and more with a whole new contemporary look.
“We have gone through a major transformation over the last few years,” said Vince Commisso, President and CEO of 9 Story. “In addition to our organic growth, with the acquisition of Brown Bag Films in 2015 and Out of the Blue Enterprises earlier this year, our company has undergone a considerable expansion. We now have a global footprint with operations in Toronto, New York, Dublin, and Manchester, and a staff of over 600. We wanted our branding to reflect our growth, and where the company is going to go in the future.”
About 9 Story Media Group
9 Story Media Group is a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family focused intellectual property. Its award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films, is recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Octonauts, Wild Kratts, Peter Rabbit and The Magic School Bus: Rides Again. The company’s international distribution arm, 9 Story Distribution International based in Dublin, represents 2,700 half-hours of animated and live-action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. Its in-house consumer products division, 9 Story Brands, builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing, and licensing. With facilities in Toronto, Dublin, Manchester and New York, the 9 Story Media group of companies employ over 600 creative and corporate staff. www.9story.com
For further information:
Jennifer Ansley, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, 9 Story Media Group
+1 416 530-9900 ext 230, jennifer.ansley@9story.com