Pūkeko Pictures & 9 Story Brands Align for ​Book Hungry Bears

Pūkeko Pictures has appointed 9 Story Brands to be its global merchandising partner for the new preschool series ​Book Hungry Bears.

Per the deal, 9 Story Distribution International has been granted worldwide distribution rights to Book Hungry Bears, excluding Canada, Greater China, Australia and New Zealand. 9 Story Media Group will handle distribution of the series in Canada, while Hengxin Shambala Kids, which co-produced the series alongside Pūkeko Pictures and Breakthrough Entertainment,​ will handle content distribution and licensing rights in Greater China.

Created by ​Martin Baynton, Book Hungry Bears is centered around four picture book-loving bears, who go on adventures in a beautiful papercraft world in search of a book they can share. The series has been commissioned by Canada’s ​TVOkids and ​TFO​, in association with ​Knowledge Kids and been picked up for broadcast on ​TVNZ ​in New Zealand and by ​ABC Australia​. It ​is produced with the Financial Participation of ​Shaw Rocket Fund and ​Canada Media Fund.

Alix Wiseman, senior VP of distribution and acquisitions for 9 Story Distribution International, said: “​Book Hungry Bears is a beautiful series which combines children’s natural love of books with entertaining adventures and adorable characters. We’re thrilled to be debuting this special series to the international broadcast community next month at MIPCOM.”

Clive Spink, Pūkeko Pictures’ CEO, said: “We are excited to be announcing the appointment of ​9 Story Distribution International ​and 9 Story Brands ​as our distribution and merchandising partner for ​Book Hungry Bears. T​heir expertise and experience in both facets of distribution and licensing will ensure the global success of this preschool brand and we can’t wait to delight audiences the world over with the animated series.”

​Ira Levy, partner and executive producer ​at Breakthrough Entertainment, said: “We are elated to have the opportunity to work together with ​9 Story Distribution International ​and 9 Story Brands. ​Their dynamic approach to distribution make them an ideal partner to ensure the global success of this extraordinary preschool series.”