China’s UYoung Culture & Media Opens U.S. Base

LOS ANGELES: Chinese entertainment company UYoung Culture & Media Co. has launched a U.S. subsidiary, UYoung Entertainment International (UEI), which is based in Los Angeles.

UEI is meant to help further the company’s strategy of creating, developing, producing and distributing world-class brands that appeal to both Chinese and international markets. The U.S. team will be introducing the new division at next week’s Licensing Expo, where it will launch its first international brand, P. King Duckling. UEI has appointed kids’ industry veterans Sander Schwartz and Elie Dekel, former presidents of FremantleMedia Kids & Family and Saban Brands, respectively, as senior advisors. The execs will support the launch of P. King Duckling and will advise the company on its international expansion plans. Schwartz will look for future co-pro and content distribution opportunities for UYoung, while Dekel will oversee the company’s branding and CP licensing strategies.

P. King Duckling is an animated preschool comedy series that follows the adventures of a young duck and his animal friends. It is due to debut on Disney Junior in the U.S., Latin America, India, Korea and Southeast Asia later this year.

Lisa Zhong, the president of UYoung, commented: “We are thrilled to have both Sander and Elie on board to guide UYoung in its international endeavors. UYoung has its roots in China but is committed to working with the best talent from around the world to create first-class animation content that appeals to global audiences. P. King Duckling is the first of many animated series which will demonstrate that commitment.”

Schwartz said: “These are very exciting times for UYoung and I am delighted to be coming on board to support UEI’s expansion into the international markets. The company has an extremely talented team working across high-quality animated brands and content in China and the U.S. I am looking forward to seeking out best-in-class international partners to work with us on new projects with global appeal.”

Dekel added: “UYoung is a powerful force in producing, distributing and licensing kids’ brands and content in China. It’s a thrill to work with the talented team at UYoung as they continue to grow outside Asia. Together, we are developing dynamic branding and licensing strategies for the company and look forward to the successful launch of P. King Duckling worldwide.”