Target Ent. Inks Deals for Roary the Racing Car and More

Leading rights management group Target Entertainment has signed a number of new broadcast deals for its kids’ properties on the eve of MIPCOM Jr.

Press Release from Target Entertainment

London: Leading rights management group Target Entertainment has signed a number of new broadcast deals for its kids’ properties on the eve of MIPCOM Jr.

Chapman Entertainment’s Roary the Racing Car is expanding its presence across Europe with an acquisition of series 2 and a renewal of series 1 by Rai’s preschool channel YoYo in Italy and a sale of series 1 to Latvia’s public broadcaster.

The 52 x 10’ preschool animated series which airs on Five and Nick Jr in the UK, has also been picked up by Swiss Air, Air Mauritius, Royal Jordanian and Emirates airlines.

Further airline deals have been secured by Target with Emirates and Air Mauritius for Novel Entertainment’s animated series Horrid Henry and Chapman’s Fifi and The Flowertots.

Israel’s HOP! has acquired two new CBeebies shows Raa Raa The Noisy Lion from Chapman Entertainment and Dinamo’s The Abadas, while CBeebies in Africa has acquired Raa Raa The Noisy Lion along with Slovenia’s Pop TV which has also picked up Horrid Henry and series 1 of Roary the Racing Car.

Argentina’s Encuentro has picked up series 2 of Roary the Racing Car, along with the Christmas Special of Ted Seiger’s Molly Monster Series 1 & 2.

Target has placed a package of 85 hours of kids programming, including Monster Animation’s Fluffy Gardens, Ted Seiger’s Molly Monster and Ambience Entertainment’s Larry the Lawnmower for the US rights with Canadian based company Kidobi, a video streaming platform which launched worldwide in June 2011.

Target Entertainment has also secured a number of re-licences for its kids’ properties with: NRK Super in Norway and SVT Sweden for Roary The Racing Car; and with CBeebies Australia for series 1 and 2 of Top TV Productions’ Big Cook, Little Cook.

Target’s Director of Sales Hannah Worrall says: “We are thrilled to have signed so many new deals across our kids’ slate in the run up to MIPCOM. Chapman’s titles are always a hit worldwide and we are excited to represent some of the best-loved kids’ properties from leading independent producers.”

Since its inception in 1998 as an independent distributor, Target Entertainment has grown into one of Europe’s most successful rights management businesses. Target’s enviable catalogue of rights features approximately 4,000 hours of vibrant, quality programming across drama, comedy, entertainment, factual and kids programming.

With a proven track record representing key independent producers, Target’s multi-lingual, territory specific and target-driven distribution department’s first-rate knowledge of the international TV landscape brings with it an enviable competitive advantage.

A pioneering and dynamic company, Target also has a licensing department and home entertainment division to maximise commercial returns for all parties and build global brands.

In August 2010, Target was acquired by The Metrodome Group.

More about Metrodome Group PLC:Metrodome Group PLC is an AIM-listed holding company which owns Metrodome Distribution and Target Entertainment.

Metrodome Group PLC is actively looking at further merger and acquisition deals, and has announced its intention to move into international film sales. Metrodome Group PLC plans to offer producers and rights owners a one-stop shop for international exploitation of their product, whilst continuing to expand its own production ambitions.

Metrodome Distribution is one of the leading independent film distributors in the UK, acquiring films and other product for exploitation in cinemas, on DVD & VOD, and via broadcast. Metrodome Distribution is also active in co-production, with its first two feature films slated for release in 2011, and has a first look deal with film production company Neon Park.

Target Entertainment is a leading international rights management business, representing producers and content owners across different genres and across all media and non-broadcast platforms. Clients include Living TV Group, MTV, BBC, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Chapman Entertainment.

Metrodome Distribution and Target Entertainment, wholly owned subsidiaries of Metrodome Group PLC, boast combined annual revenues of over £20 million.