Imagi Studios has signed worldwide licensing agreements with American Greetings, Penguin Group (USA) Inc., Jazwares Inc., D3Publisher and IDW Publishing for ASTRO BOY, its upcoming CG-animated film based on the adventures of the superhero icon. The studio's agreement with American Greetings also extends to future Imagi films. ASTRO BOY, slated for domestic release on October 23, 2009, is being distributed worldwide by Summit Ent. except for Imagi's reserved territories of Japan, Hong Kong and China.
American Greetings, one of the world's largest creators, manufacturers and distributors of social expression products, will create items such as greeting cards, stationery, gift wrap and party goods inspired by Imagi properties.
"Imagi's upcoming films include an array of beloved characters with terrific storylines, which lend themselves perfectly for consumers to celebrate through a number of product formats within the social expression category," said Michael Brown, VP of Licensing, American Greetings Corporation. "We are excited to be embarking on a long-term alliance with Imagi Studios."
Children's toy and activity company Jazwares will be the master toy licensee for ASTRO BOY. Penguin, one of the world's largest trade book publishers, will introduce a full range of ASTRO BOY publications.
In addition, IDW Publishing will support ASTRO BOY with comic book and graphic novel titles inspired by the film. Imagi has also partnered with interactive entertainment software leader D3Publisher to publish and distribute ASTRO BOY game software.
Imagi Studios and Summit Entertainment, the distributor for ASTRO BOY, also concurrently announced global marketing partnerships with Striker Entertainment as the exclusive licensing agent for the ASTRO BOY movie while Rogers & Cowan will serve as the promotional agency.
Set in the future, Imagi Studio's ASTRO BOY is a classic superhero origin story about a young robot with incredible powers and his adventure-filled journey in search of his identity and destiny, taking him into a netherworld of robot gladiators before he returns to save Metro City.
