Beyond Takes On Buzzy Bee & Friends

SYDNEY: Beyond Distribution has landed the distribution rights for the CGI animated preschool series Buzzy Bee & Friends, a New Zealand brand that is nearly 70 years old.

The partnership is between Beyond, the New Zealand producer Lion Rock Ventures and Malaysian co-production partners Lemon Sky Animation. Lion Rock produced the pilot series in 2009 that sold to Television New Zealand (TVNZ). The new series that Beyond will launch at MIP Junior was also commissioned by TVNZ. The new series has been transformed into an interactive property, with the support of the Multimedia Development Corporation of Malaysia (MDeC).

Buzzy Bee started out as a wooden toy created in 1948. Today, there is a range of merchandise for the brand including apparel, footwear, DVDs, books, furniture and more.

“We are thrilled that Lion Rock have entrusted such an iconic New Zealand brand to us and we expect the Buzzy Bee & Friends television series to delight audiences at home and around the world,” said Fiona Crago, the general manager of Beyond Distribution.

“We are delighted to have the team at Beyond represent Buzzy Bee & Friends around the world,” said William McKegg, the director of Lion Rock Ventures. “We have enjoyed tremendous support and encouragement from them as we have progressed through our development and are delighted at their excitement of this very special new pre-school TV concept. Beyond have a tremendous record with their children’s catalogue and we hope Buzzy Bee becomes a leading property within their stable of quality children’s programs.”