Novel Names Australia, NZ Licensing Agent

OXFORD: The Novel Entertainment property Horrid Henry is to be represented for licensing in Australia and New Zealand by Stella Projects.

There have been a number of recent licensing and merchandising deals signed by Novel’s licensing partner Copyright Promotions for Horrid Henry, including a master toy license deal with Re:creation and an apparel deal with Mothercare. Novel has also signed a DVD distribution deal for the second season of Horrid Henry with Abbey Home Media Group and other key partners include EMI as record licensee, Universal as music publisher and Asylum as electronic game partner.

Horrid Henry has broadcast deals secured with Disney Channel in France, ZDF Germany, RTE Eire, RUV Iceland, NRK Norway and YLE Finland, MNet in South Africa, RTP Portugal and Digiturk in Turkey. A total of 104 episodes are now available, as CITV has commissioned a second season of the 2-D animated series. Novel Entertainment is currently in production on the 52 new episodes with delivery due sometime this spring.

Caroline Mickler, a consultant for Novel Entertainment, commented: "Horrid Henry’s popularity continues to grow and we are excited to be working with Stella Projects to bring him to new audiences in Australia and New Zealand. Stella has a great reputation in these territories so we are looking forward to securing new partners for the property."

Grahame Grassby, the director of Stella Projects, added: "We are delighted to be bringing Horrid Henry to Australia and will be launching the property locally through TV, DVD, toys and books in February 2010 in time for April Fools Day, The wonderful art of practical jokes is set for a revival and is long overdue in Australia."