Claude Secures Licensing Agent in the U.K., Ireland

Start Licensing has been tapped to represent Sixteen South’s new book-based animated show Claude in the U.K. and Ireland.

Claude, about a beret-wearing canine and his sidekick Sir Bobblysock, was inspired by Alex T. Smith’s books. Hachette Children’s Group is planning a series of TV tie-in books, publishing worldwide. The collection will include sticker activity and storybooks, and will launch from spring 2019.

Claude has already premiered on Disney Junior in Australia and will air in territories across EMEA later this year. The upper-preschool show is due to debut on Disney Junior in the U.K. next month.

Ian Downes of Start Licensing remarked: “We are delighted to represent Claude. The popularity of the books means that the television series is starting from a strong place with a well-established audience and a retail track record. It also has a fresh and original style, which will help it stand out. Sixteen South have created an animation series that captures the spirit, wit and originality of the books well. It is a very compelling proposition.

“We know that the licensing market recognizes the value in literary properties and we feel Claude represents a great commercial opportunity for licensees. It is a contemporary classic that is well suited to licensing and a property that will work well within the context of key retail events such as World Book Day and back-to-school. We are looking forward to working with Sixteen South, Hachette, and, of course, Claude!”

Colin Williams, series producer and creative director at Sixteen South, noted: “In appointing our licensing representation for Claude, we needed to choose an agency who are very experienced and successful in commercializing high-end literary properties and who showed a genuine passion for the brand. We’re thrilled to be working with Ian and his team on Claude.”

Karen Lawler, the head of licensing at Hachette Children’s Group, added: “We’re delighted to be extending our working relationship with Sixteen South as well as with new partners Start Licensing. The TV tie-in books will be instantly familiar to Claude fans, with beautiful animation and Claude’s idiosyncratic charm. We’re also looking forward to Claude jumping into new retail spaces—we know there’s an appetite from fans, and Start Licensing and Sixteen South are as ambitious as we are about his potential.”