Xilam Places 400 Half-Hours on K2 in Italy

Xilam has licensed more than 400 half-hours of preschool and children’s programming to Discovery Italy’s kids’ channel K2.

The deal includes such titles as Rolling with the Ronks, Paprika, Mr Magoo and Moka. The network also renewed the exclusive free-TV rights for such Xilam hits as Oggy & the Cockroaches, The Daltons and Zig & Sharko.

Marc du Pontavice, the founder and president at Xilam Animation, said: “Italy is increasingly becoming one of our key territories for distribution growth and these deals further boost the presence of our brands. These newest deals further underscore our position as the go-to distributor for kids’ content with proven global appeal.”

Also in Italy, Xilam entered an agreement with Grani & Partners to provide Italian burger/steak house Old Wild West with 3D figurines based on the latest season of Oggy & the Cockroaches that will be included in their children’s meal options. The promotion kicks off this month and will be available in more than 160 Old Wild West restaurants around the country.

Marie-Laure Marchand, the senior VP of global consumer product and media distribution for Asia Pacific, the U.S. and U.K., added: “Season five, the latest season of Oggy & the Cockroaches, is bursting with potential for promotional opportunities, so we’re delighted to partner with Old Wild West in Italy—the first restaurant chain promotion based on the new season. There’s even more fun in store for young diners at Old Wild Wests across Italy with their favorite characters from the show joining them for meals.”