BBC Worldwide to Rep Licensing for Baby Jake

LONDON: BBC Worldwide has been named licensing agent for Baby Jake, the Darrall Macqueen preschool show for CBeebies, bringing on board Vivid as the U.K. master toy licensee.

The 26×11-minute show mixes live action and 2D photographic animation. The series is narrated by Baby Jake’s 6-year-old brother, who understands his giggles and gurgles and opens the door to an imaginary world where Baby Jake sings, dances and baby talks to his animal friends. The show kicks off on CBeebies this summer.

Vivid has been signed up as the U.K. master toy licensee, with a line of toys, puzzles and games expected to hit retail in January 2012.

Billy Macqueen, the joint managing director of Darrall Macqueen, said: “Baby Jake taps into the love and understanding between young children and their baby siblings. The consumer products really capture this connection and reflect the unique visual appeal of the series, and we’re sure they will be enjoyed by all the family.”

Julie Kekwick, the senior licensing manager at BBC Worldwide, added: “We’re delighted to be working on Baby Jake, which has all the early signs of a successful preschool property. Our strategy has been to sign up world-class partners across formats and working closely with Darrall Macqueen, we’re delighted that Vivid are on board and look forward to further conversations at Licensing Expo next week.”

“Baby Jake is a funny distinctive show that we all believe will entertain preschoolers and convert to strong toy sales,” commented Emma Weber, Vivid’s marketing and licensing director. “CBeebies is a fantastic platform for this ground-breaking show and we believe Baby Jake will very quickly secure a Top 5 position in preschool toy licensing.”