Technicolor & Merlin Pact for The Deep Aquarium Events

Technicolor has inked a cross-promotional deal with Merlin Entertainments Group to create interactive experiences at more than 20 SEA LIFE aquariums in the U.K. and Germany, coinciding with the launch of the second season of The Deep.

The events also coincide with DHX Interactive’s release of The Deep: Sea of Shadows, the first mobile game based on the animated underwater adventure series, in both English and German. The Deep SEA LIFE aquarium events kicked off this weekend in the U.K. and will run through November. Events in the German market will launch in October. At each SEA LIFE aquarium, children will be invited to solve the secrets of The Deep, navigating the zones of the aquarium for clues to become a Junior Nekton.

Technicolor is the underlying rights holder to The Deep, a co-production between A Stark Production and DHX Media, and has oversight for the brand overall. Technicolor manages The Deep brand’s licensing extensions with CPLG, a DHX Media company. Distribution for The Deep is handled by DHX Media.

“When fans connect with a property as they have with The Deep, they want to be involved in it across many areas,” commented Pam Kunick Cohen, the head of brand management, licensing and merchandising at Technicolor. “We can’t think of a better way to kick off the show’s new season and get fans engaged with the brand in an authentic way than with our promotion at Merlin Entertainments’ SEA LIFE aquariums.”

“The Deep inspires interest in creatures of the ocean, their habitats and how we interact with them, which is why we are delighted to be involved in this venture,” added Cheska Bennett, the head of marketing for Midway U.K. and Ireland at Merlin Entertainments. “The exclusive event experience provides SEA LIFE guests with a fun and interactive means to discover the amazing stories of the oceans, alongside some of their favorite TV characters.”

Ken Faier, the senior VP and executive producer of content at DHX Media, said, “The underwater adventures of The Deep continue to thrill kids and families, and we’re delighted to be a part of the show’s global success. We’re confident that these new SEA LIFE entertainment experiences, coupled with the release of the first mobile game, will keep audiences wanting more of The Deep’s Nekton family.”