Player X is now the exclusive distributor for Aardman Animations' premium mobile video content in North America. Player X will launch Aardman classic content, such as WALLACE & GROMIT, ANGRY KID and CREATURE COMFORTS on two of the U.S.'s major carrier networks for starters.
Player X already exclusively distributes Aardman mobile video across Scandinavia and on O2 UK. Later this month the company will launch a dedicated Aardman channel on the O2 UK deck as part of its ongoing promotions, plus distribute upcoming original made-for-mobile content, such as PURPLE and BROWN AND SHAUN THE SHEEP.
Aardman's deals with Player X have all been brokered by Aardman's global mobile agent, Crucible Media.
"Aardman has a strong portfolio of digital content," said Robin Gladman, digital content manager at Aardman. "Many of our films are among the top-rated mobile downloads in the U.K. and we are looking forward to working with Player X to reach North American audiences."
X is also sponsoring an Aardman short film competition. When the winner is announced later this quarter, Player X will extend full marketing support for the exclusive global rights of the winning entry.
"We already enjoy a very productive and innovative relationship with Aardman and it's a natural progression to extend this relationship across the Atlantic," said Tony Pearce, Player X ceo. "Millions of people have seen Aardman content, such as Angry Kid online, and we're delighted to be taking this content to mobile."
In December last year, Player X launched its mobile TV channel geekTV with U.K. operator 3 UK, and has recently sold the channel in territories as disparate as India, Chile and Scandinavia.
Player X (www.playerx.com) is a mobile media company that specializes in games, video and TV. It develops, publishes and distributes mobile entertainment content through global operators, portals and handset manufacturers. Player X has direct deals with more than 100 global operators and a potential audience of more than two billion people. The company operates in all five continents across the world and has offices in all the key territories in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Aardman Animations (www.aardman.com), based in Bristol U.K., is one of the world's leading animation studios. Founded by David Sproxton and Peter Lord in 1976, Aardman produces feature films, television commercials and television series for the global market. The studio has won more than 400 international awards, including four Oscars, one Emmy and nine BAFTAs.
Crucible Media (www.cruciblemedia.net) delivers solutions across IPTV, mobile, digital interactive TV channels and online. Services include consultancy, licensing and production for major companies in the media and entertainment sector such as Aardman Animations, Universal Pictures, Working Title Films, Alliance Atlantis, Chorion, BBH and AETN. Crucible also developed and continues to manage the Nokia Shorts competition on behalf of Nokia and Raindance Film.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
