Numberjacks

NAME: Numberjacks

ORIGIN: The series is based on an original idea.

DISTRIBUTOR: Beyond Distribution holds all worldwide rights, excluding the U.K.

CREATOR: Open Mind Productions

TV SHOW: Season one consists of 45 15-minute episodes. Season two is currently in production with 20 15-minute episodes. There are also two specials available: Numberjacks Counting Down to Christmas (1×15 minutes) and Numberjacks Holiday Adventure (1×45 minutes). The show is produced in high definition, with a mix of 3-D CGI and live action.

DESCRIPTION: Numberjacks is all about excitement, adventure, fun, problem solving and math. The Numberjacks are ten small superhero numbers who go about their everyday lives inside their sofa until a call comes in from a real-life child ‘Agent’ to report a problem that needs solving. The Numberjacks are then launched out of their sofa into the real world to investigate and then work out how to put things right, thwarting the dastardly intentions of the Meanies. After much fun, adventure and powerful thinking, the Numberjacks win the day…till next time.

The show’s investigative format is structured in a way that stimulates a child’s natural sense of scientific enquiry. Familiarity, empathy and repetition provide the audience with a sense of security, thereby enabling the program content to be more varied and challenging.

The show is accompanied by a dedicated website, with an online shop, at www.numberjacks.co.uk

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Kay Benbow and Sarah Colclough

COMMISSIONING BROADCASTER: CBeebies

TV SALES: Beyond Distribution handles all international sales of Numberjacks and currently has sold the program into over 40 territories.

MAJOR TOY LICENSEES: In the U.K., Open Mind has appointed ITV Global as the licensing agent, with 20-plus licensees in place, bringing to market more than 120 licensed products. Numberjacks has three other overseas licensing agents in place (Southeast Asia, Argentina/Brazil and the Middle East), with a further agreement in Italy imminent.

Current merchandise available include the Numberjacks Magazine, Beanie toys, story and activity books, puzzles, soft and outdoor toys, lunchboxes, bedding and bedroom accessories, socks, apparel, cards and stationery, DVDs, watches and clocks, cakes and confectionery, board games and craft kits, bikes, roller-skates, scooters and safety gear.

STRATEGY FOR ROLLOUT: After experiencing such high ratings with the first series, CBeebies has commissioned and scheduled season two, which will launch towards the end of this year. A huge variety of merchandise is already available throughout the U.K. and major retailers, including Sainsburys, Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Boots, will be offering new products this year.

International broadcasters have followed suit and licensees have been subsequently secured. Disney experienced similar success with Australian audiences with season one of Numberjacks and is set to roll out the second series during 2009. Target stores throughout Australia now stock Numberjacks DVD compilations and further product ranges are in negotiation. Numberjacks confectionery was released through Kinnerton and Gosh! soft toy products are now available through Croftminster. Hardie-Grant Egmont will be launching a Numberjacks book range in 2009.

Beyond is seeking to secure the widest reaching broadcast platforms in each territory in order to ensure the maximum audience exposure to the brand. Where appropriate, broadcast will be supported with a range of consumer publishing and licensed merchandise, with all such items designed to reflect the learning values of the show. Open Mind continues to seek further high-quality licensees who will bring the best and most appropriate products into retail.