Canadian entertainment production and distribution company 9 Story Ent. has named The Licensing Shop its exclusive worldwide (excluding Germany) licensing and merchandising representative. The first properties set to be presented at the 2008 International Licensing Show in New York City are Almost Naked Animals and Best Ed, two new animated series aimed at kids 6-11. Product categories identified for the initial phase of the licensing and merchandising plan include social expression, novelty toys, publishing, apparel and video games.
Almost Naked Animals (52×11) is an animated comedy series based on the popular website www.almostnakedanimals.com. The series features a cast of cheeky animals dressed in underwear led by a hospitality-challenged dog named Howie.
Best Ed (52×11) is a 2D comedy series revolving around the unlikely friendship between the always helpful Ed, a dog, and his squirrel pal, Buddy. The series is an original Teletoon production and has been presold to Cartoon Network Europe, Middle East and Africa, as well as ABC Australia. The first completed episodes were recently presented at MIPTV.
The Licensing Shop Inc. is a Toronto-based agency specializing in the merchandising and management of entertainment brands. The company was founded in January of 2006 by Stephen Fowler, former president of 3DO Europe, and Nancy Fowler, former VP of worldwide licensing for Viacom Consumer Products and president of DIC Consumer Products.
Founded in 2001, 9 Story Ent. produces such popular animated shows as Peep and the Big Wide World and Skyland. The company is led by exec producers Vince Commisso and Steven Jarosz, and can be fund on the web at www.9story.com.
