DIC Ent. has signed International Film Group (IFG) to act as licensing and merchandising agent for its key properties throughout Australia. Under the deal, IFG will represent both new and classic DIC brands, including the animated favorite Inspector Gadget, the activity-based Cake and the parent-targeted Mommy and Me franchise, which will be localized for the Australian market as Mummy and Me.
Inspector Gadget debuted in the early 1980s, introducing young viewers to a bumbling bionic investigator who combats the evil Claw with a lot of help from niece Penny and her intelligent dog, Brain. Starring the late Don Adams (Get Smart) as the voice of the title crime fighter, the property will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year.
IFG has been appointed as DIC’s sole Australian licensing agent for Gadget, Cake and Mommy and Me. The brands will be exploited across all key licensing categories, including toys, apparel, gift, novelties and games.
In addition to serving as the worldwide licensor or agent for such popular brands as McDonald’s, Strawberry Shortcake, Madeline, The Beginner’s Bible and Eloise, DIC Ent. has built one of the largest libraries of animation in the world. Making up approximately 3,000 half-hours of programming are such shows as Dino Squad, Strawberry Shortcake, Horseland, Sabrina, Liberty’s Kids, Sonic The Hedgehog and Care Bears. Last year, DIC and CBS launched a new educational and informational Saturday morning programming block dubbed KEWLopolis on CBS.
