Studio 100 Signs Russian Deal for Maya the Bee

SCHELLE/MOSCOW: Rio License has entered into a partnership with Studio 100 for bringing a licensing program for the Maya the Bee property into Russia and CIS territories.

The CGI series will launch on a national channel in Russia at the start of 2013. A CGI feature film is also on the planner. Rio will introduce a product collection based on the classic Maya 2D style guide in 2012, targeting children and young women. A new merchandising program for kids 4 to 7, based on the new CGI version, will be introduced in 2013, when the new show is on the air.

"It is a great honor to enter into a business relationship with Studio 100, one of the leading studios in Europe," said Roman Fedotov, Rio’s managing director. "We strongly believe in this partnership and are confident that Maya the Bee will become the next preschool hit in Russia and CIS. We believe that Maya the Bee has wings in our markets."

“Maya the Bee has always been a strong character in Eastern Europe and we are very excited about introducing new generations to this beloved property," commented Marie-Laure Marchand, the international licensing director at Studio 100. "In addition, developing our business in this region is a key focus for the Studio 100 Group. Russia is a fast growing and complex market and we clearly needed a strong local partner to help us create the ‘must-have’ brand among preschoolers. Rio Licensing has all the assets and connections to implement a strong licensing program and achieve this goal. We look forward to sharing a successful partnership with Rio Licensing."