BKN New Media has appointed Kidz Ent./EEMC to represent its two new animated kids' shows, ZORRO -- GENERATION Z and DORK HUNTERS, in Russia and Eastern Europe.
Kidz Ent.'s Morten Geschwendtner said, "We start in Russia where both shows are sold to CTC for broadcast later this year and then roll out across Eastern Europe."
DORK HUNTERS uses a mixture of zany action and toilet humour to portray a world in which the Dorks (who steal micro-galaxies and must be eradicated by the eponymous hunters) are very hard to identify except for their trademark bad breath. They take animal or human forms (the head teacher of the local high school is a dork, for example) and their leader is Fido, a snappy chihauhau with a penchant for one-liners.
Toys from pan-European licensee, Character Options, are scheduled to launch in October. The toys were received warmly at the recent Moscow toy fair and Kidz Ent./EEMC is now looking for toy distributors and additional licensees in Russia and Eastern Europe.
BKN's new century take on the classic story of ZORRO -- GENERATION Z appeals to children aged 6-11 and incorporates all the popular elements of the original story but gives them a modern twist. Zorro's trusty steed Tornado is a motorbike, for example, not a horse. The series is primarily aimed at boys but also boasts a strong female character called The Scarlet Whip. BKN has secured a global manufacturing deal with the Brazil-based company, Gulliver, for toys launching in early 2009.
Nicola Andrews, Managing Director at BKN's London office, said, "We have high expectations for our brands in Central and Eastern Europe. We've secured strong TV platforms, but recognize that in today's competitive market, a quality series and good TV placement isn't enough to ensure a brand's success. Appointing the right agent is also imperative. Kidz Ent./EEMC has a proven track record in CEE and, very importantly, a passion for both properties."
