Classic Media, a global media company with a portfolio of some of the world’s leading family entertainment brands, today announced a further commitment from the BBC for the UK’s favourite postie and popular pre-school television series, Postman Pat Special Delivery Service (SDS).
Press Release from Classic Media
LONDON, UK (June 13, 2011) - Classic Media, a global media company with a portfolio of some of the world’s leading family entertainment brands, today announced a further commitment from the BBC for the UK’s favourite postie and popular pre-school television series, Postman Pat Special Delivery Service (SDS).
Following the launch of Postman Pat SDS in September 2008 with immediate critical and ratings success, Classic Media has received an acquisition for 26 x :15 minute episodes of Postman Pat’s special delivery adventures to air in 2013 on the BBC.
First introduced on BBC1 on September 16, 1981, Postman Pat has the honour of being the longest running animated series on the BBC. This new commitment secures Postman Pat’s presence on the BBC through to 2018.
In his heroic new role as Head of the Special Delivery Service, Postman Pat transports anything, anytime, anywhere with his fleet of new vehicles and high-tech gadgets. The new series will feature plenty more fun and adventure with Pat and his trusty side-kick Jess the Cat as they take on some of the most difficult deliveries yet.
“We’re delighted to be continuing this long-standing relationship with the BBC for Postman Pat,” said Chloe van den Berg, EVP - International, Classic Media. “As the longest-running animation series on the BBC, there is huge nostalgia and awareness over three generations for the nation’s favourite postie and the new series confirms the popularity of the refreshed SDS brand.”
“After all these years Postman Pat continues to deliver for us, so we are delighted to be welcoming this much loved character back to our screens for brand new adventures,” added Kay Benbow, Controller, CBeebies.
This September, Postman Pat will celebrate his 30th birthday with a large-scale PR and marketing campaign including special events, TV and radio appearances across the UK. Celebrations will be targeted at pre-school fans along with their parents and grandparents who grew up with Postman Pat and his daily adventures in Greendale.
About Postman Pat:A pre-school favourite and the UK’s best-loved postie, Postman Pat and his black and white cat, Jess, have been delivering fun to audiences around the globe for 30 years. Now, Postman Pat is delivering more than ever in his brand new high-action series, Postman Pat Special Delivery Service (SDS), in which Pat has some serious wheels and his very own helicopter to help him deliver anything, anytime, anywhere. The series airs on CBeebies in the UK and on other networks in 80+ territories worldwide. Postman Pat is a Top 10 Licensed Pre-School Toy property in the UK, with an exciting range of Consumer Products lead by Character Options as Master Toy Partner. Interact with Pat and Jess at www.postmanpat.com.
About Classic Media:Classic Media, one of the world’s largest independent entertainment companies, is a leader in reinventing the classics of yesterday and creating the entertainment classics of tomorrow. The Company owns and manages a globally-recognized portfolio of well-known family and pop-culture entertainment brands, including Casper the Friendly Ghost, Where’s Wally?, Lassie, Gold Key Comics, The Lone Ranger, and new global brands Tinga Tinga Tales and Guess with Jess. Big Idea, a member of the Classic Media family, is the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s programming, including the best-selling animated series, VeggieTales®. More than 3,600 hours of Classic Media programming is distributed in more than 170 territories worldwide and showcased in multiple formats, including TV, film, home video, consumer products, publishing, digital, and music. Visit us at www.classicmedia.tv.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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