DHX Media Signs Broadcast, Licensing Agreements in Oz

HALIFAX: Australia's ABC KIDS has picked up the new Teletubbies series and Twirlywoos from DHX Media, which also signed up Haven as Oz licensing agent for Twirlywoos.

Both of these flagship preschool properties have been acquired by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for a launch on ABC KIDS in 2016. The newly reimagined Teletubbies is currently in production, set for launch on CBeebies later this year. The 50×11-minute Twirlywoos comes from Ragdoll Productions and is also a CBeebies commission.

Haven has become the Australian licensing agent for Twirlywoos. The company also represents Teletubbies for licensing in the region.

Deirdre Brennan, the head of ABC Children’s Television, said: “We are delighted to bring the brilliant new series of the ever-popular Teletubbies to Australian families in 2016, along with the imaginative world of Twirlywoos. ABC KIDS has enjoyed a long history working together with Ragdoll and DHX Media and we look forward to building the future success of these exciting new shows.” 

Josh Scherba, the senior VP of distribution at DHX Media, said: “Australia is a key market for us and one where our series perform very well, so we look forward to launching both Teletubbies and Twirlywoos with the ABC. We know that young audiences and their families will be charmed by the silly, fun and original worlds of these characters.”

Peter Byrne, the executive VP of DHX Brands, said: “We are very excited Haven is representing us on our new breakout preschool property Twirlywoos. Australia is such a key market for us and with the ABC also on board for broadcast, we are in a very strong position for the launch of the brand.”

Tom Punch, the managing director of Haven Licensing, added: “We are delighted to team up with DHX Brands for the hotly anticipated relaunch of Teletubbies and their brand new preschool hit Twirlywoos. The building blocks are set with great TV placement, along with a raft of first-class global licensees and we look forward to delivering a powerful Twirlywoos licensing program down under.”