WildBrain to Manage Madballs YouTube Channel

LOS ANGELES: American Greetings Entertainment (AGE) has appointed DHX Media’s WildBrain to manage the Madballs YouTube channel.

WildBrain will also be tasked with creating original content and growing the audience for the brand. WildBrain will launch the Madballs channel on March 1 with all-new animated shorts produced by Oddbot Studios, American Greetings and Just Play. Starring core characters named Skull Face, Oculus, Screamin’ Meemie, Dust Brain, Horn Head and Slobulus, new content produced by WildBrain will use live action, stop motion and traditional animation. Madballs is a retro brand from the 1980s.

The YouTube channel and content coincide with the launch of new toys at all mass retailers via master toy partner Just Play, including collectible foam balls and blind bags. More than 30 new Madballs characters in various styles will be introduced throughout 2017, with the intention of adding these characters to future animated content.

“No one but the Madballs themselves can own burping and farting in such a hilarious way, which is why we’re glad to give them these cartoons so that they can prove it,” said Sean Gorman, the president of AGE. “These updated Madballs shorts are an exciting call-back for original fans but also appeal to a new generation of kids (who incidentally also happen to burp and fart just like the rest of us!).”

WildBrain’s head of sales, Jon Benoy, added, “We are increasingly seeing toy manufacturers, retailers and brands ramping up their marketing focus on digital platforms. There’s great brand awareness for Madballs, extending back to the 1980s, and we are thrilled at WildBrain to have been selected as the exclusive full-service agency to relaunch the brand on relevant digital platforms for today’s kids.”