Jetpack Lines Up More Broadcast Deals for Yoko

LONDON: Jetpack Distribution has secured additional broadcast and licensing deals across the globe for its preschool show Yoko.

Canada’s BBC Knowledge took exclusive pay-TV and SVOD rights for Yoko. In Portugal, Canal Panda acquired exclusive pay-TV and non-exclusive SVOD rights, while Sun TV picked up exclusive pay-TV rights throughout India and Sri Lanka. Yoko is expected to launch in these territories from late 2017.

The 52×12-minute 3D series follows the adventures of three children who love to play outside. Their energy and enthusiasm awakens a magical creature named Yoko, who turns their ordinary games into extraordinary adventures.

The series premiered in Russia on CTC and Karousel at the end of last year, and separate broadcast deals have been secured by Wizart Distribution with Russian broadcasters such as O! (pay TV worldwide), Mult, Tlum and Ani (pay TV), VTV in Belarus and ETV in Estonia.

In addition, Wizart inked a master toy agreement with Russian licensor Bauer, which will launch Yoko construction sets. Deals have also been signed with Russia’s DUM for a range of wooden toys and with Alliance for creativity kits. Yoko’s Spanish partners closed a master toy agreement for the franchise with Bizak in Spain. The new range of Yoko toys from Bizak will include plush, action figures and construction sets. The products are set to launch at retail from winter 2017.

Dominic Gardiner, the CEO of Jetpack Distribution, said, “We are delighted to be partnering with some of the world’s leading broadcasters and toy companies on Yoko. These new agreements underline this quirky brand’s broad international appeal and we are excited that the show is attracting attention from broadcasters and licensing companies in these key markets and beyond. Yoko is already resonating with kids in Spain, where it recently launched on TVE’s kids’ channel, Clan TV. I look forward to introducing Yoko to potential new partners at MIPTV.”