BBC's Charlie and Lola makes U.S. debut at Licensing Show
Staff -- Kids Today, 6/1/2005
London— BBC Worldwide is bringing several juvenile properties across the pond to Licensing Show in New York this month, including new offerings Charlie and Lola and Doctor Who.
BBC's new children's brand, Charlie and Lola, will launch at the Licensing Show with New York-based The Wildflower Group acting as the property's licensing agent in the U.S. market, and PubLic handling the brand launch with marketing and communications.
Charlie and Lola is based on Lauren Child's award-winning children's books. The animation reflects the distinctive cut-out style of the books and the exuberance and imagination of the characters, 7-year-old Charlie and his younger sister, Lola. Music, sound effects and design conjure up magical worlds, while realistic dialogue, voiced by children, aims to make Charlie and Lola resonate with kids.
In one of the stories, 4-year-old Lola proclaims she "will not ever, NEVER eat a tomato!" Other stumbling blocks include dealing with the boredom of being ever so not well, not wanting to get your hair cut, not being particularly keen on spiders or not wanting your first wobbly tooth to fall out. It falls to big brother Charlie to win her round — and he uses every trick in the book — logic, humor, and the power of the imagination.
"Three- to 7-year-olds truly need a story and brand like Charlie and Lola, a new genre of programming that highlights the life experiences and relationships of a sister and brother and leverages that to create a cohesive backdrop for learning in a humorous and imaginative way," said Tricia Chan, principal at PubLic.
The show airs on the Disney Channel as part of its learning-focused Playhouse Disney programming block.
"We are truly thrilled to have been selected by BBC Worldwide to represent the incomparable Charlie and Lola," said Michael Carlisle of The Wildflower Group. "Lauren Child's award-winning books have effectively captivated kids and families throughout the U.K. Through our comprehensive licensing and merchandising program, we aim to bring the creative storytelling and fresh, ground-breaking look of the property to consumers across North America."
BBC is also bringing Doctor Who to the United State with a launch at Licensing Show. Character Group has been appointed master toy licensee and is releasing their first toys this fall.
BBC Worldwide said it is looking for licensing partners who can exploit the potential of the property and create a new and exciting range of merchandise.
BBC Worldwide will also have its Teletubbies, Tweenies, Fimbles and Balamory properties, with licensing opportunities for Big Cook Little Cook, Trollz, Little Robots, Tikkabilla and Andy Pandy.
"Charlie and Lola" airs on the Disney Channel in the U.S.
