9 Story Reveals New Consumer Products Arm

9 Story Media Group is launching a new stand-alone consumer products division, 9 Story Brands, combining its licensing efforts with those of recently acquired Out of the Blue Enterprises.

9 Story Brands’ portfolio will include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Luo Bao Bei, Wild Kratts and more. The division will be co-led by 9 Story’s Kristin Lecour and Out of the Blue’s Kyra Halperin as VPs of consumer products, reporting to Natalie Osborne, chief strategy officer. Lecour and Halperin will oversee international and U.S.-based initiatives, respectively.

9 Story Brands will build global kids’ properties both on- and off-screen. The division will collaborate with the TV and digital distribution teams, as well as third-party IP owners, licensees and retailers for strategic brand management.

Osborne commented: “Joining forces with Out of the Blue significantly increases both our bench strength and our portfolio. We have long been in the business of creating, producing and distributing hit children’s shows. This next chapter will take our global licensing activities to the next level, turning our shows into brands.”

In addition, 9 Story Media Group has redesigned its corporate logo, marketing assets, website and more with a new, contemporary look.

“We have gone through a major transformation over the last few years,” added Vince Commisso, the president and CEO of 9 Story. “In addition to our organic growth, with the acquisition of Brown Bag Films in 2015 and Out of the Blue Enterprises earlier this year, our company has undergone a considerable expansion. We now have a global footprint with operations in Toronto, New York, Dublin and Manchester, and a staff of over 600. We wanted our branding to reflect our growth, and where the company is going to go in the future.”