Wildbrain commissioned by Coolabi to produce original Clangers toy-play series for YouTube
WildBrain, a leading digital kids’ network & studio, has been commissioned by leading independent international media group and rights owner, Coolabi Group, to produce an original, 10-episode YouTube toy-play series for Coolabi’s much-loved preschool brand, Clangers, following a successful pilot earlier this year. As part of a two-year global agreement under which WildBrain exclusively manages all official Clangers content on YouTube, WildBrain has also been appointed by Coolabi to manage the YouTube strategy for the new narrative toy-play series, with the aim of expanding the brand’s international audience. The latest content is expected to launch on the official Clangers’ YouTube channel for Halloween 2018.
“Clangers is a wonderful example of a preschool property with a strong UK heritage that is now reaching global audiences on YouTube through new content,” said Jon Gisby, Managing Director, WildBrain. “Since taking over channel management earlier this year, WildBrain has doubled the YouTube audience for Clangers and our viewing data shows strong potential for additional international growth. WildBrain Studios are excited to begin work on a new toy-play series for Clangers fans around the world to enjoy on YouTube.”
Jeremy Banks, Chief Executive, Coolabi Group, comments: “We are over the moon to be partnering with WildBrain in bringing our magical brand, Clangers, to even more new audiences across the globe. The YouTube channel is really starting to increase the visibility and footprint of Clangers on the platform. With the Clangers’ 50th anniversary approaching in 2019, we have a really exciting twelve months ahead and the new toy-play series is set to be one of the many new adventures we are taking the brand on to celebrate!”
The new Clangers narrative toy-play series is set to launch later this year and will stay true to the show’s much-loved topics of kindness, problem-solving, creativity, family and music. In addition, some of the episodes are linked with key celebrations and sporting events.
Clangers first appeared on the BBC from 1969 to 1972, and returned to the BBC to huge fanfare 46 years after its initial debut in 2015. Co-produced by CBeebies, Coolabi Group and Smallfilms, the new Clangers series premiered on the BBC’s preschool channel, CBeebies, and was also picked up by Sprout and Netflix in the US. The highly popular new series has won numerous awards, including a 2015 Bafta for best preschool animation, and a 2017 Kidscreen Award for best animation.
