Fighting Climate Change through Stories

The success of MeteoHeroes in helping kids understand climate change proves that real superheroes don’t necessarily have to wear capes! Francesca Ash caught up with the team involved in creating and marketing the series to find out more about the project and the exciting plans for the future.

Why did you want to make this series?

Luigi Latini “It was a double strong motivation: as a father and as a professional. When I learned that I was going to be a father after a few months, I felt a sense of guilt for what my generation and I would bequeath to our children. As CEO of a meteorological center, we felt the moral need to communicate what is happening from a climate point of view to the new generations as well. We felt the civic urgency to find a way to be able to explain even to the little ones how important it is to respect nature and fight against pollution.

Originally, MeteoHeroes was planned as a book series. The agreement called for release of the first book scheduled for Easter 2020 but then with Covid and the total quarantine of Italy (closure of all shops, shopping centers and bookstores) the release of the book was postponed for many months.

As a result, it was decided to air a preview of the MeteoHeroes on World Earth Day, April 22, 2020, so basically the cartoon aired before the books were published due to delays caused by the pandemic.”

Kenn Viselman: “At this point there is NO point in trying to deny that I am much older than I look. In fact recently someone told me that I was older than dirt and they are pretty close. The reason I mention this is because I have seen more than my fair share of children’s series and have been blessed, over the past 30+ years, to work on some of the most recognizable children’s series of all time. In all that time, I have NEVER seen a series more imperative… more genuine in

Maria Bonaria Fois, CEO Mondo TV Studios S.A. Luigi Latini, Creator MeteoHeroes Paolo Zecca, Head of Production Mondo TV S.p.A. Kenn Viselman, Founder, The itsy bitsy Entertainment Company

its message and intent… more timely or more relevant than MeteoHeroes. Nearly two years ago, Emilia Nuccio introduced me to this series when it was in its infancy and I knew that I had to be a part of it.

The difference between this series and virtually every other series I know of (with the exception of Sesame Street, of course) is that this series was created out of a true need and not just from some creator who had an idea for original characters in immersive worlds. This show was born out of, and answers with honesty and respect, the questions for which children are desperately searching.

The reason I was determined to be part of this series is because I heard that children were suffering from newly diagnosed condition called “Climate Anxiety,” and I felt that it was important to be part of the solution. Recently (several months ago), I read a study that interviewed 10,000 children from 10 countries around the world about climate change and climate related issues. The study determined that 45% of these innocent kids were experiencing ‘High’ to ‘Extremely High’ levels of anxiety… Now I am doubling down to make sure that this series reaches meteoric proportions (pun intended).”

Matteo Corradi:, President, Mondo Group: “When we first talked with Luigi Latini about this project, we immediately understood that it was going to be ‘the theme’ for years to come. The right subject at the right time, content that would really make a difference for children and kids of all ages. As a production and distribution company, Mondo TV has always focused on quality content and entertainment – MeteoHeroes indeed has been one of the absolute best choices of recent years.

As a producer, ‘citizen of the world’ but mostly as a father I can say I am extremely proud to have decided to enter into coproduction of MeteoHeroes. On a personal level, seeing my own children at school so happy and proud of their dad for being behind the show...makes me feel so honored because I’ve contributed bringing to life this fantastic content; there is no better incentive for me. I see the urgency to bring to our children some content that allows them to embrace the reality we are living in – which might be tough, due to the climate change urgency – in a joyful yet conscious, responsible way.”

Was it hard to find the right tone to speak to children about Climate Change?

Luigi Latini: “Yes, it was difficult because at first we couldn’t find the key to making such a complicated and scary topic understandable and fun without patronizing our audience of young children. When grownups talk about this topic we always talk about it in an adult and a way that is incomprehensible for children. The challenge for MeteoHeroes was to find the way to answer their questions and bring them an honest answer but in an understandable and ‘not worrying’ way. I cannot believe that MeteoHeroes is still the only children’s series that is dedicated entirely to climate change and the fight against pollution. I believe that it is because of how difficult it is to find that balance between education and entertainment. We are very fortunate to have built a global team of professionals committed to making the world healthier for the next generation. It helps to have global characters, an international meteorological center with almost 30 years of experience and a team of professionals from all over the world.” Kenn Viselman: “I am a firm believer that if you come from a place of love, speak honestly and respectfully, you can communicate basically anything to anyone. This team has done a glorious job of finding that balance. Who would have thought it was possible to make a series about Climate Change that could be funny? A thought-provoking series that can make a child feel empowered and hopeful about the future? A series that could help children deal with their anxiety?

This is a bit off topic, but I am still bewildered that psychologists and child psychiatrists in cities and countries around the globe are using MeteoHeroes as a part of treatment for children suffering from Climate Anxiety... I am so proud of this team and what they have been able to accomplish.”

Paolo Zecca: “Speaking from the production side, we were very deliberate with our choices including the type of animation, the rhythm of the narrative, the space given to the life of the characters and the relationship between them. We wanted to balance the adventure side with the purely educational part – every detail with the aim of creating deep engagement with our audience. I can’t say that it was difficult to find the balance, but certainly it was a challenge for the entire team and everyone made a great effort to combine all these elements in a harmonious, successful way.

Through all these efforts, you know what was really new to me in the production of MeteoHeroes? It was seeing how this series brought each con-

tributor together with a single-minded focus despite distance, overcoming any cultural or language barrier. I saw a perfect orchestra: writers from Italy and the USA, story boarders from Spain, animators from China, music composers from Canada, a director who spent most of his time during production across Europe and Japan: the point is that in every corner of the world, we have this same issue, and we all need the same solutions for our children. Again, I have never seen an international coproduction with this kind of community feeling. It was great to be there.“

How do you pick the events in nature and make sure that the information is correct?

Luigi Latini: “One of the many unique features of MeteoHeroes is that each episode is based on a real story, on a news story that really happened. A striking example was the devastating fire in the Amazon rainforest in 2020. While there was this fire going on and footage of the fire being seen in all the news around the world, there was an episode of the MeteoHeroes dedicated to a vast fire in a South American forest. We had chosen it based on fires that had already occurred in the Amazon in previous years and therefore with that episode of the MeteoHeroes we were bringing real news to children who were watching the MeteoHeroes. This is the strength of our brand that no one else in the world has.

Sometimes we changed the location and the narration became an animated episode of MeteoHeroes, otherwise we would be producing the Evening News, but what you see in the episodes of MeteoHeroes is reality. There is nothing invented in the facts that start every mission of the six little superheroes. It all starts with us telling the story from a point of view that leaves the audience feeling hopeful. After that there is the continuous negotiation between Meteo Expert meteorologists who carry out checks on the veracity of the scientific fact, our team of child psychologists/ psychiatrists and our screenwriters who tend to exaggerate some events or phenomena for dramatic effect. Very often the scientific reliability is very high while sometimes, rarely, we let ourselves go a little and give something to the imagination. But at the end of each episode there is the Peeguu penguin corner that explains curiosity, dispenses advice, gives tips, all with the utmost relevance to the science that ties the theme of each episode in a nice little bow..”

Are you surprised by the reaction to the series?

Luigi Latini: “For this question I have two answers...Yes and No!

Yes, I was surprised by the hypocrisy of some broadcasters, by the reticence of some alleged environmental organizations, by the hesitation of some companies that proclaim themselves in favor of the ecological transition. I was surprised by the insensitivity of some great managers who do not understand how not taking the side of renewable energy and the side of safeguarding the planet should be a personal goal for them as

human beings and a strategic path for their company’s vision in the medium term. Let’s clarify one thing: like MeteoHeroes we are in favor of growth, development, and production. There is simply a sustainable and non-polluting way and now the time has come to change the mode or soon there will not even be the field in which we play our business games.

No, I was not surprised by how popular the series is with children and their families. The vast majority of children who watch MeteoHeroes adore them and fall in love with them. Schools and teachers greatly appreciate this completely unexpected and very useful tool for introducing lessons on such a complex topic.”

Kenn Viselman: “Like Luigi, I would say’ yes and no,” but for different reasons. On one level, I am so surprised by how willing people are embracing this brilliant little series. Who would have thought it? A series about Climate Change for young children... I expected such push back from some of the potential media partners who are so out of touch with the needs and wants of their audience... I know so many broadcasters and streamers most of whom are really great and knowledgeable and then am often surprised by others...don’t get me started on that issue... it’s my pet peeve...

In this case, I can honestly say that I haven’t had that expected ‘pushback.’ I just put a few episodes in people’s hands and let them judge for themselves... the reaction is extraordinary (knock wood) ... I feel a little like the Pied Piper, but this time when I get everyone to the water... I want them to stop and help me remove the pollution.”

Maria Bonaria Fois: “There really isn’t anything like MeteoHeroes on TV anywhere, until this moment at least.

And to be honest, we were hoping for this kind of reaction and acceptance to MeteoHeroes, so more than surprised, we are grateful. Grateful to our audience and the broadcasters and everyone who believed in this great project, which is far more than a TV series but a 360º product aim to spread positive change to the world!”

Paolo Zecca: “We were hoping to create meaningful entertainment, which would inspire kids. Considering

the challenge of creating a fun animated children’s series while talking about important and controversial topics, in general I would say that yes - it has been a good surprise and standing out is the kind of result I was really hoping for!”

How many countries is MeteoHeroes airing in?

Maria Bonaria Fois: “MeteoHeroes is actually available now in 145 countries and it has been dubbed into 22 languages. A global phenomenon!

Among the biggest hit shows on Cartoonito in Italy, the first series of MeteoHeroes has already been sold in many countries, among which are Spain (Clan/RTVE), Mexico (Canal Once), Chile (TVN), France and French-speaking territories (Canal +), Hungary (M2), Turkey (Minika çoçuk), Latvia (Smile TV and TV3), Poland (Canal +).”

Rumor is that you decided to not allow some countries to air/stream/broadcast MeteoHeroes… can you tell us which ones and why?

Luigi Latini: “Well, as always, the rumors are not 100% reliable but sometimes they go close to reality. We had some “special” talks with some potential media partners because the topic is very important to us and we would always like to be in a “partnership” with those who believe in the subjects that the MeteoHeroes bring forward and want to communicate. If we feel that they are not convinced by the message or want to change some things in promotion and communication, or want to avoid broadcasting some topics, then we prefer to close the negotiation amicably. We would always like the MeteoHeroes to be welcomed with affection and with open arms by those who will help us spread the fundamental message in favor of the Earth. Fortunately, this only happened once or twice with all the media outlets that we spoke to... I am delighted to see that most of the world understands and has truly embraced The MeteoHeroes.” Kenn Viselman: “One of the things that I admire most about this team is the unwillingness to compromise values or integrity, when it comes to the MeteoHeroes… this series is just too damn important. This team decided that they didn’t want and wouldn’t allow the MeteoHeroes to be used as a ‘political football’ for regimes that didn’t believe in Climate Change. There was no way to bring MeteoHeroes to America with Donald Trump in office. He made his ill-informed choices about Climate Change very clear with his actions including pulling out of The Paris Accord and dismantling so much of the EPA. Our plans for this series in America could not possibly happen without the support

of the US and State governments. Fortunately, President Biden feels that Climate Change is the greatest threat that mankind has to deal with some urgency. First Lady, Jill Biden, has said there is nothing more important than climate change education.” Maria Bonaria Fois: “Generally speaking, we can happily say that we have not found any restraint or reserve from broadcasters. Nevertheless, I should underline that on some occasions we had to postpone or reevaluate the sending of episodes that were showing exactly what was going on at the moment in the same country where we were presenting the series. This should make us reflect, once again, about the huge impact Climate “I have seen Change is causing and thus the immore than my fair share of portance of content such as children’s series and have been blessed, MeteoHeroes.” over the past 30+ years, to work on some of the most recognizable children’s series of all Paolo Zecca: “As we said many times, the time. In all that time, I have NEVER seen a series values of MeteoHeroes more imperative… more genuine in its are global, but for sure message and intent… more timely or there are countries where more relevant than MeteoHeroes.” the sensitivity of this topic is higher than others. Since our Kenn Viselman hope is that MeteoHeroes would help children to teach the adults in their lives the importance of Climate Change, we were even more focused in finding a way to reach those countries where we have the feeling that the Climate Change topic is still a bit underestimated. So far, we have reached out 144 countries airing MeteoHereos; there will

be more to cover for sure, but we have walked a lot in the right direction.”

We know that MeteoHeroes is a global brand, but it does have its roots in Italy, how does it feel to be the first Italian children’s series on PBS?

Luigi Latini: “Joy, emotion, disbelief, pride. Being on PBS means reaching the Everest of public education and this was the initial goal when we thought about what the main objective of the MeteoHeroes should be: to carry the message of fighting pollution and fighting climate change. Now we want schools to understand how useful it can be to use MeteoHeroes to teach children respect for Nature, respect for animals and how to safeguard the place where they live and grow.”

Maria Bonaria Fois: “The arrival of MeteoHeroes on PBS is a major statement about the quality, originality and potential of this new series. For the Mondo TV Group this is the first time one of our properties has entered the huge market of North America. It is an honor and we are so excited at the idea that finally the American audience will be able to enjoy MeteoHeroes, as high-quality content that means so much for us and we believe is very important for future generations.

I would also like to mention that this achievement has also been possible thanks to the collaboration of major executive Emilia Nuccio, who has brilliantly brought us at Mondo TV and Luigi Latini together with Kenn Viselman – so that MeteoHeroes could launch and conquer the hearts of the American audience!“

When did you know that the series was a hit?

Luigi Latini: “Personally when I met the groups of children we had selected to watch the first episodes in order to give us feedback and their first impressions. Both the children and their parents were thrilled, excited and happy to have seen the MeteoHeroes and it was evident in their eyes that they were filled with joy. I think that the biggest criticism was that the episodes were too short! Practically while we were at the beginning of the production of Season 1 we had already decided that Season 2 would be with longer episodes.”

Kenn Viselman: “I have a little test… well it’s actually a secret that I use to determine when is the right time to start to put licensed products into the market… Shhhh! Don’t tell anyone…I look to see how many birthday cake pictures we receive from parents.

Birthday cakes? Why birthday cakes? When a parent or caregiver asks their child what do you want the theme to be for your birthday… the child knows and usually refuses to be deterred. If there is no product in the market… resourceful caregivers will make their own and when that starts happening… I know that we need to brace for the storm (yes that pun was intended as well).

In addition to the birthday test… I have been sharing the series with children for months and worked with the people at Kids First! Their kids gave the series a RESOUNDING cheer and when we won an award at their film festival a few months ago… I was certain that the MeteoHeroes have arrived. Although I probably shouldn’t say this, but here goes anyway… when we brought the MeteoHeroes Earth Day Special to PBS, we were told that it was awfully late and they didn’t want me to be disappointed that we might not get as much carriage as we had hoped. I got a call this morning that, the stations are really embracing the Special… I’m delighted”

What message do you want viewers and the world to take away from MeteoHeroes?

Luigi Latini: “Easy answer: the certainty that together we can do it. The certainty that it is not too late, it is late but not too late and together we can start to change climate change. There are the means, there are the technologies, there are the possibilities, but the point is that there is not enough pressure from ordinary people like you and me on those in power to make the right decisions for our future and for the future of our heirs. We need a united and strong front from those who say “enough pollution, let’s protect the water, let’s safeguard nature” Kenn Viselman: “I am concerned that my response to this question may be interpreted as ‘melodramatic,’ but here goes… I want children and their families to be able to take a breath… a deep breath… a sigh of relief. I want them to know that there are people out there that are listening to their concerns, getting them answers and taking action. I want them to feel hopeful, but most of all I want them to know that you don’t need to wear a cape to be a superhero. It is important, especially in these deeply divided times that children know that they have the power to change the world and clean up the mess that previous generations of adults have left behind for them.” Maria Bonaria Fois: “Our main goal with the series is to raise a new generation of adults – today’s kids – more conscious about the importance of protecting Planet Earth, doing it by joining forces together, as a collaborative society. Everything is about people, and so it is in the sense that each and every one of us can make a difference, simply behaving correctly and respecting nature and the environment. We are committed to and feel a responsibility to try and offer to the youngest something genuinely illuminating about the state of things, and the tools needed to be part of the change and the solution. Moreover, each main character in the show comes from a different continent allowing us to promote to our young audience another very important message: the importance of diversity and inclusiveness.” Paolo Zecca: “The core message we would like to share with our viewers is that to fight against climate change you don’t need to be a superhero. Each episode covers a range of climate factors and impacts, including biodiversity, coral bleaching, deforestation, drought, extreme weather, sea-level rise. Educate while having fun, that is the main goal of our MeteoHeroes!”

“I cannot believe that MeteoHeroes is still the only children’s series that is dedicated entirely to climate change and the fight against pollution.” Luigi Latini

Because the series is deeply rooted in (Climate Change) education, do you have plans to reach out to children (and their families) beyond the screen?

Luigi Latini: “In-school programs have been our primary focus ever since we started thinking about MeteoHeroes. We would like teachers from all over the world and pupils from all over the world to learn from MeteoHeroes to build a better world, a more balanced, less exploited, less polluted world. We are preparing Didactic Sheets that together with our episodes and our podcasts can carry out real lessons in which to talk about many topics related to climate change. Schools are the cornerstone of every democratic society so even at 3 or 4 years of age with the MeteoHeroes you can learn the greatest challenge of the coming decades: the protection of the beautiful planet on which we live.”

Kenn Viselman: “Now you’re talking my language, this is a question that I could go on about for hours, because one of the most terrifying things about Climate Change and its devastating aftermath is that it effects and affects literally EVERY THING… and I, along with the support of this remarkable team, believe that therefore we need to be EVERYWHERE.

The initial plans for this series in the US are the most aggressive I have ever undertaken on ANY project in my career. Here is the part of the plan that I can discuss with you. We are taking advantage of the fact that the first season of MeteoHeroes comprises seven minute episodes. We are bringing those episodes directly to schools across America with an age graded curriculum for children ranging in age from 4-10 years of age. Here’s the extraordinary part of this part

of the story… after we reached out to KVCR, the PBS station in San Bernardino California, the San Bernardino City Unified School District reached out to us and said they LOVE this series and feel strongly that this subject is so important and so desperately needed that they offered to help create this soon to be… knock wood… national curriculum with us.

In addition to the in-school program, which we will make available to every school in the country, we are creating an online curriculum for the 11 minute episodes that will be airing on PBS in the fall. The difference with this curriculum is that it creates engagement with all the participating PBS stations in the country and encourages the audience to make a difference in their local communities with this very unique community outreach program.

Additionally, in order to reinforce the message that we have the power within us to make the difference, we are creating a companion series to pair with MeteoHeroes for PBS. This series, Real SuperHeroes Don’t Wear Capes focuses on children who are making that difference.

And although I can’t really talk about it, at this time, the licensing program that we are planning is truly inspirational on so many levels…literally. We have a unique opportunity with MeteoHeroes to represent ‘Good for you… Good for Earth,’ while at the same time have a hit character licensing program.. stay tuned… it’s going to be very exciting.

Even though MeteoHeroes has always been a global project with a team from all over the world (Japan, Canada, The US, Thailand, China and many parts of Europe including Spain and Italy), the series made its debut in Italy and very reminiscent of my days with Teletubbies, we chose to respect the commitment of the network… Cartoonito in this case) has made and continues to make to MeteoHeroes. As a result, we have started a pilot program of merchandise that we are launching throughout the country of Italy and the results are BEAUTIFUL! It’s extraordinary to have a project that EVERYONE … well almost everyone… really wants, believes in and is intent on supporting… we are delighted personally for selfish reasons, but in a bigger picture kind of way… it says something great about the possibilities for the future of planet earth… I can’t believe I just said that…Who would have thought that it this stage in my life I would start talking like the ‘earthy chunchy’ people I used to ignorantly make fun of… if this old dog can learn

Passing the Kenn Viselman Cake Test!

“I have a little test… well it’s actually a secret that I use to determine when is the right time to start to put licensed products into the market… Shhhh! Don’t tell anyone…I look to see how many birthday cake pictures we receive from parents.

Birthday cakes? Why birthday cakes? When a parent or caregiver asks their child what do you want the theme to be for your birthday… the child knows and usually refuses to be deterred. If there is no product in the market… resourceful caregivers will make their own and when that starts happening… I know that we need to brace for the storm (yes that pun was intended as well).”

new tricks than there really is hope for the world.

I am so excited for the International launch of products!”

Speaking of which…The first INTERNATIONAL product that you put out was the MeteoHeroes: Save the Planet video game for PlayStation. How did it go?

Luigi Latini: “I would say very well. Not only for the numbers but above all because it is yet another demonstration that MeteoHeroes are not just a cartoon but are at 360 degrees. They are a way to communicate, they are a way to reach the new digital generations. Today’s children are multitasking and MeteoHeroes allow them to be reached by any means, television, streaming, video games, social media, video platforms, apps and, as mentioned above, even schools. This is the world of MeteoHeroes: the whole world.”

Kenn Viselman: “This exemplifies why we make a great team… Luigi usually comes from a place of modesty and I shout from the rooftops. This video game reinforces that a Tsunami is coming (yes, I know I have to stop with these storm references… last one I promise), but the truth is that the first day of sales for MeteoHeroes: Save the Planet exceeded PlayStation’s expectations for their first month. We will be expanding this strategy in the upcoming weeks. In fact by the time this story runs, we might be making announcements of other exciting global initiatives.”

Maria Bonaria Fois: “The development of the videogame based on the series, with the collaboration of some of the best known-names in the field such as Sony Interactive Entertainment, has been a huge milestone for MeteoHeroes. The acceptance has been very good so far!

It is a brilliant, wonderful tool to engage our audience and, at the same time, reach out even to those who

What Broadcasters and publishers say...

“When I first saw MeteoHeroes, I knew this is the vehicle which will educate our children and their families in an entertaining and meaningful way. It is our hope children will in turn educate their parents,” she says. “Just look around. We need to empower our children with knowledge, and secure their futures… We need the MeteoHeroes now more than ever.”

Lillian Vasquez, Executive Producer of KVCR PBS

“PBS KVIE was proud to present the MeteoHeroes Earth Day special to stations nationally. Children can engage in the conversation about protecting the Earth and its resources and prepare for the future when they are the stewards of the planet.”

David Lowe, President & General Manager, PBS KVIE

“ We are always looking for good content. Content that is edutaining. MeteoHeroes fits the description for us. It bundles action, adventure, education, and information. Climate change and environmental challenges are mounting and will continue to be a significant issue we face today, and kids will face in the future, particularly with an overpopulated planet and shy attempts to solve it. MeteoHeroes will help portray these issues more straightforward, practical, and relevant for kids. MBC were able to extract research results. The numbers were very positive indeed! But what is more important was the completion rate which for some episodes was 100%. This proves that kids liked it and stayed the full length. The least was about 80%.”

MBC3, Middle East

“Why did we decide to buy MeteoHeroes for our television? For a special event on our channel about Ecology. We wanted to inform/educate children about this topic. And why did you think now was the right time for MeteoHeroes to air on your channel?: This event was in April. How is the series performing for you? At launch, this series was in the Top 20 of non linear audience.”

Canal Plus, France and French-speaking territories

“NTV Chile’s programming is enriched by the MeteoHeroes series. Through an agile, playful and ingenious story, always simple in terms of language, it allows us to bring complex issues about caring for the environment, sustainability closer to early childhood and link them with the world around us. And this way it allows us to validate the capacity that children themselves have as agents of change”.

TVN, Chile

“We decided to purchase MeteoHeroes from the first meeting with the project owners due to the idea, the quality and the message it gets over. We fully share its objectives and the urgency of offering children an educational and training entertainment product on a collective theme that is affecting their future, because we live in the real world and every day we verify the disturbing effects of climate change and the devastating effects of pollution. If we educate the little ones we not only save their future but we can hope to educate adults too.”

Beatrice Fini, Editorial Director Kids, Teens and Young Adults Section, Giunti Editore Publishers (Firenze, Italy)

don’t know (yet) about the TV show. The content is completely transversal, it is an exciting platform videogame, fabulous fun for children of all ages that can be enjoyed within the family. Learning, while having fun, to take care of the environment, get rid of pollution and, I would say, also review some geography – as the adventures take place within nine locations disseminated in all continents!

In the videogame we can see the soul of MeteoHeroes reflected: entertainment perfectly balanced with education!”

Are there plans for other products? What role does licensing play in the MeteoHeroes brand and how is it different from other properties? How will you handle merchandising globally? Will products focus on sustainability or another strategy?

Kenn Viselman: “The short answer is yes.. a resounding YES!

In today’s world, merchandising/licensing plays an integral role in getting any children’s series funded and produced. For the most of us, broadcast fees don’t cover the cost of the productions so producers, especially independent producers, have to be resourceful and licensing is part of that equation.

But the truth is that it has become much more complicated than that. Audiences are demanding products… parents and even grandparents of today’s children grew up with licensed products and they want them for the kids in their lives. Caregivers go out in search of products and whether on social media or other outlets they make their opinions and their frustrations known. In all cases, merchandising helps to promote the series and the series helps to promote the merchandise.

As I mentioned before, MeteoHeroes is unique in that it has both the luxury and the curse of being ‘good for you and good for the earth”… so we have to be a bit cautious that what we are creating follows that mantra. It’s not that everything needs to be sustainable per say, but we do need to be true to the brand and make sure that the brand is accessible to children and their families, that it does no harm to the environment (or at least is conscientious) and that it has the ‘essence’ of the brand… fun, funny and empowering… and of course if we can create products that give a child a feeling of hopefulness, then we have really hit the mark. When you have hit characters, there is an expectation that there will be products like bedding and slippers and of course we will make those products, but I am equally thrilled to create food products and vitamins and other categories that really emphasise the mantra. I’m sure it sounds complicated to others but I feel confident of the path we are embarking on and look forward to seeing other licensors following suit… we all have a role to play.”

Kenn I have heard you say before that part of your strategy to make a brand successful is to make it part of “the fabric of life” in each territory … Do you have plans to do that for MeteoHeroes?

Kenn Viselman: “It’s funny you asked me that, because it is literally the first conversation that I had with Maria and Luigi. For me it is the difference between having a TV series or a brand and to go a step further it’s the difference between having a ‘flash’ or a long-term success… It’s all about the fabric of life. It’s important that we make the MeteoHeroes as American as baseball and apple pie… or as Italian as rigatoni or as Japanese as Onsens or Sumo wrestling and the same for 140+ other countries/territories and that’s tricky, but it’s the same strategy I employed with Thomas the Tank Engine. I can’t really tell you very much because it’s ‘the secret sauce’ to this brand’s long-term success… ask me again in 20 years and hopefully, I’ll be around to tell you then.

I will give you one example though… This year, we introduced The North American MeteoHeroes’ Sunny Awards that we gave out to coincide with Earth Day to three EXTRAORDINARY people: a nine year old documentarian trying to save the national parks now Honorary SuperHero, a food company reducing methane and pollutants won Corporation of the Year and a well-known actress won the Humanitarian of the year award for her commitment to the environment. Just wait until you see what we have in store… so fun!

Luigi Latini: “The MeteoHeroes adapt to every vehicle and every situation. We are now concluding agreements with the most important soccer teams in the world. We have already closed an agreement for the immense Real Madrid Summer Camp and we are in talks with other football clubs that play the famous Champion’s League. Combining sport and talking about the environment is another of the many perfect combinations that the MeteoHeroes manage. These agreements have incredible importance for our brand because when you are chosen in educational and training realities of such high global resonance, it means that the brand is being held up as a high-level brand capable of helping with the education of our youth and much more... ultimately it says “this brand relevant and is resonating.” This is a huge value that shouldn’t be underestimated.”