French Licensing Agent for Bluey

BBC Studios has tapped France tv distribution as its French licensing agent for the hit children’s series Bluey.

France Télévisions has also secured the series for France 5, which will launch the show on April 10 to air on weekends at 8:45 a.m. and on weekdays at 8:20 a.m. The episodes will also be available for catch-up on France Télévisions’ Okoo platform.

BBC Studios’ partnership with global master toy provider Moose Toys for Bluey includes France, and preparations to launch in the territory in 2022 are underway. Global master publishing partner Penguin Random House will launch books in France next year.

For other product categories, France tv distribution is in the process of setting up a licensing program, with the upcoming recruitment of partners for textiles and accessories, bedding, outdoor games, party and home.

Julie Kekwick, senior licensing manager at BBC Studios, said: “Building on the success of Bluey in Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and of course the widely anticipated launch in the U.K., I am delighted that we have expanded our preschool portfolio with France tv distribution as our licensing agent for Bluey alongside Hey Duggee and in turn strengthening our partnership with them.”

Aude de la Villarmois, director of the licensing department of France tv distribution, said: “We are very happy to become the agent of the Bluey brand and thus strengthen our collaboration with the BBC (after the recent acquisition of Hé Oua-Oua). France tv distribution demonstrates once again its ambition to accompany the most powerful preschool brands. Bluey joins the large family of Okoo’s must-have brands and France tv distribution’s license lineup (Peppa Pig, Pyjamasques, Masha and Michka and T’Choupi). Our strong expertise in the preschool field makes France tv distribution a solid partner.”

Vincent Brun, commercial and marketing director for Moose France, said: “Moose Toys looks forward to working with France tv distribution to build on the outstanding break-out success of Bluey in both the U.S. and Australia and to roll out Bluey toys across France in 2022.”