MGA Entertainment Acquires Pixel Zoo Animation

MGA Entertainment, home to toy brands such as L.O.L. Surprise! and Bratz, has set up MGA Studios to grow its catalog of TV, movie and streaming content and acquired Pixel Zoo Animation.

The Brisbane-based Pixel Zoo is a full-service animation studio that has focused on digital content in both short and long forms. Paul Gillett, founder and CEO of Pixel Zoo, will continue in his role supporting MGA Studios’ growth.

MGA Studios is an independent subsidiary of MGA, backed with more than a half billion dollars in cash and assets. MGA Studios will leverage MGA Entertainment’s existing and future IPs including L.O.L. Surprise!, Little Tikes, Let’s Go Cozy Coupe, Rainbow High, Bratz, Baby Born, Mermaze Mermaidz, Na! Na! Na! Surprise and more, with great new content and brands coming soon.

“While continued innovation in the toy category remains a key driver for our business, we understand the world is changing and are fully committed to carrying our winning legacy into this new and evolving digital landscape,” said Isaac Larian, founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment. “In addition to growing our large catalog of television, movie and streaming content, through MGA Studios, we aim to create smaller and safer mini universes for our children to grow and develop in a seamless digital and physical entertainment ecosystem.”

“During the past few years, we have been extremely impressed by MGA’s brands, how they partner with their suppliers, as well as their creative and execution capabilities,” said Gillett. “Intellectual property development has always been an important part of our studio, and this opportunity allows our team to show the world what we can do. Working with MGA has been one of the most rewarding experiences we have had, so partnering with them is the next natural step for us. I am excited for our studio to be the first foundational building block of MGA Studios.”

“MGA Entertainment has demonstrated time and again our ability to create multiple blockbuster brands from the ground up. The purpose of MGA Studios will be to facilitate the expansion of these brands beyond the toy aisle and turn them into true transmedia franchises, including entertainment, gaming, and online experiences,” said MGA Studios’s president, Jason Larian. “We are committed to bringing new partners into the fold to help realize our vision, and the Pixel Zoo acquisition is the first step of many on this journey.”