41 LSB Silvergate 2020_muk.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 18/09/2020 15:17 Page 41
With a re-imagining of the hit Octonauts preschool brand, plus new content for Hilda and growing awareness around Chico Bon Bon: Monkey With A Tool Belt, 2021 is shaping up to be a year of further growth for Silvergate Media. LSB finds out more.
Silver
linings
S
ince it first began airing in the UK in 2010, preschool hit Octonauts has been based in the sea. However, 2021 will see Silvergate Media grow the brand onto the land with a new spin-off – Above & Beyond – and the new series will lead the way into what the company is anticipating will be a busy period of growth. New characters, a fleet of land-based vehicles - the Terragups - new locations and a totally refreshed style guide will reflect the adventures on land for the first time, Lisa Macdonald, svp content sales and consumer products for North America, EMEA, Australia and New Zealand at Silvergate explains. “As of now, six seasons have been commissioned that will run right through to spring 2024,” Lisa tells LSB. “The fresh content and brand relaunch will reinvigorate the Octonauts global licensing programme, while continuing to take advantage of the brand heritage and loyal consumer fanbase. “The land-based missions are the engine for a new consumer products approach as they introduce new play patterns and offer opportunities for creative toy development. I can’t reveal too much, but a new master toy partner will be on board next year.” At the same time, Silvergate has been building the programme behind Hilda. “The creativity of the series has really struck a chord so it’s up to us to give her growing fanbase more of what they want,” says Lisa. Season two launches on Netflix later this year, while a 70-minute movie special is in production for 2021. GUND is the master partner for plush, accessories
FACE TO FACE WITH… SILVERGATE MEDIA
Inset: Chico Bon Bon: Monkey With A Tool Belt has clear toyetic potential. Bottom: Above & Beyond will see the Octonauts undertake land-based adventures for the first time. Left: Lisa Macdonald, svp content sales and consumer products, North America, EMEA, Australia and New Zealand at Silvergate Media.
and giftware products aimed at girls and teens, while Spin Master is on board to develop games and Hot Topic is due to release an exclusive Hilda collection online. The attention grabbing Chico Bon Bon: Monkey With A Tool Belt is also currently assembling partners for a consumer products programme, following its May 2020 global launch on Netflix. Lisa explains: “The show balances strong educational STEM narrative content with really amazing entertainment value. The visuals, the characters, gadgets and animation all have clear toyetic potential.” It’s certainly been a busy period for Silvergate, with its production teams continuing to keep development of the new shows on track despite the challenges being faced due to the pandemic. On the CP side, Lisa says the company is “really focused” on creating the right momentum for the re-imagining of Octonauts and that it sees “the rest of 2020 as a great runway for our big launch next year”. “The aim for our CP side is, as always, to make sure each extension and partnership reflects the true core DNA of each brand. We are always searching out partners who share that philosophy. Our goal is to nurture our brands and to constantly consider the long-term implications of each extension,” Lisa concludes. “Of course, it all stems from the content and fantastic story-telling. Everything flows from the creation of unique and innovative shows that both inspire and entertain; all credit to our brilliant production teams. That has always been Silvergate’s first priority and will continue to drive our successes.” LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020
41