Cartoon Saloon & Dentsu Partner for L&M

Ireland’s Cartoon Saloon and Dentsu Entertainment USA have joined together to manage the licensing and merchandising opportunities for the studio’s slate of IP, which is led by the animated feature Wolfwalkers and the TV series Puffin Rock.

Cartoon Saloon has also launched an ancillary rights division ahead of Licensing Expo, which will see the studio, alongside Dentsu Entertainment USA, offer a sneak peek of Wolfwalkers. At the event, licensing opportunities for the series across all categories will be explored, with a key focus on toys, publishing and live events. The Emmy-nominated series Puffin Rock will also be presented, as will The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea and The Breadwinner.

Set in 17th-century Ireland at a time when wolves were evil creatures, Wolfwalkers tells the story of a young apprentice hunter who goes to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last pack.

“We have come to know the people at Dentsu, both in Los Angeles and Tokyo very well over the last few years, and now together with Dentsu, we can achieve an immediate presence in North American, European and Asian markets for our new ancillary rights division,” said Gerry Shirren, managing director of Cartoon Saloon. “We are pleased to be finally launching this new relationship.”

“Cartoon Saloon has carved out a special place in the international animation industry with their original concepts, powerful storytelling and illustrative style,” commented Marc Harrington, executive VP of global strategy and development at Dentsu Entertainment USA. “Given the upcoming release of Wolfwalkers, this is the perfect time for the company to launch their new division, and we are proud to partner with them to grow their brands and seek out partners who will extend authentic engagement with their well-loved characters.”