ScreenMDM is your new trusted source for all the developments in the global business of content distribution and monetization. Media intelligence, reinvented. Created by Mansha Daswani.
Mikey Casalaina and D Alcausin are driving a new model for kids’ streaming apps with Meevee, skipping the infinite loop of many digital platforms today in favor of curated, intentional viewing. "The current media landscape has optimized itself for repeat viewing,” Casalaina says. “It ends up becoming these two sides: anti-screen, or you end up down this rabbit hole where it’s grids and smiling faces and thumbnails. It doesn’t have to be one or the other, but it’s a problem of the way these systems have evolved.”
Erika Vogt-Lowell, VP of content at HITN, discusses meeting the educational and entertainment needs of Spanish-language preschoolers at Edye. Childhood development is baked into Edye’s mission, with content carefully curated to deliver on the platform’s mission of educating and entertaining young viewers. “We’re not saying we’re 100% educational; we’re not saying we’re 100% entertainment,” Vogt-Lowell says. “Depending on what your child needs or what you feel you want your child to experience, we have that for you in a safe space.”
With the recent theatrical premiere of Boulevard in Spain, Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador, WEBTOON Productions continues to expand its international footprint of adaptations of popular Wattpad webnovels and webcomics. Based on Flor M. Salvador’s beloved Wattpad series that has logged more than 100 million views, the film, a co-production with Sony Pictures International Productions, builds upon WEBTOON’s growing list of Spanish-language titles. ScreenMDM caught up with Mar Vila Barceló, director of international development and production, to discuss spotting potential adaptations, the keys to successful partnerships, and the multigenerational appeal of YA.
The IP Advantage
Brands with some brand recognition dominated kids’ deal news again this month, across development deals, commissions, L&M, and distribution.
Production is now underway on a 52-episode CGI adaptation of the Niko animated film franchise from Toon2Tango in co-production with ZDF Studios—which will handle international distribution—and 20 Pictures to Midnight. “Niko is one of the most well-known and beloved animated characters in Europe,” said Ulli Stoef, CEO of Toon2Tango. “We are thrilled to further develop this established brand together with the creators of the theatrical hits and in partnership with ZDF Studios and 20 Pictures to Midnight into a high-quality, modern series for children and families worldwide.” In Germany, the series will air on ZDF.
Webcomic adaptations are picking up pace for the YA set, with Lion Forge Entertainment and WEBTOON Productions collaborating to develop ShootAround as a live-action feature film. “We’re always looking for standout IP with the potential to grow beyond a single format, and ShootAround is exactly that,” said Stephanie Sperber, president and chief content officer at Lion Forge. “It’s a bold, high-concept world with a built-in global fanbase and the kind of dynamic characters that lend themselves to long-term franchise storytelling. This partnership with WEBTOON Productions is a natural extension of our strategy to nurture and expand compelling IP into enduring, multiplatform franchises that resonate with audiences everywhere.”
Reflecting the diversity of where platforms are looking to for ideas, Lenny Pearce, creator of the Toddler Techno events that have toured across the globe, secured a music and development deal with Disney. Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, noted, “Music has always been a powerful way for kids to engage with our stories. Lenny has tapped into that in a really fresh way, taking songs kids already love and reimagining them. This collaboration lets us build on that connection, bringing some of our biggest stars like Mickey, Spidey, and SuperKitties into new music experiences for kids to enjoy on Disney+.”
Live action remains a challenging area given budget constraints and the overall commissioning squeeze, but companies are finding ways to make the genre work through traditional and digital-first means.
Lion Forge Entertainment and Sinking Ship Entertainment joined forces to finance and co-produce a music-driven live-action series with a YouTube-first strategy. Lila Goes Viral, targeted at kids 9 to 14, launched in April, with each of the eight packages including one narrative episode, original music, vlogs, and vertical shorts. “Lila Goes Viral came from wanting to create something that reflects how kids actually consume and create content today,” said co-creators Erica Rabner and Robby LeDoux.
Lila Goes Viral
The K-pop-inspired tween dramedy series Gangnam Project notched up a slew of deals for Federation Kids & Family, including with Netflix. “As the K-pop fever continues to spread worldwide, we are thrilled to have this gem of a series to offer our buyers, especially as demand continues to grow,” said Monica Levy, co-chief of distribution at Federation Kids & Family. “It’s also great to see broadcasters snapping up a second season so soon after a first season.”
Netflix revealed a significant expansion of its One Piece universe, with season three landing next year and a LEGO special this fall. “The passion of the One Piece fandom is unparalleled—spanning generations, they’ve turned our live-action series into a true global phenomenon that continues to top the Netflix charts,” said Marian Lee, CMO at Netflix.
YouTube Deals & Netflix Games
Netflix launched a gaming app for kids and announced several new and returning shows as part of its preschool and kids lineup. The app, Netflix Playground, is catered to kids 8 and younger and delivers a lineup of games featuring beloved brands and characters, including Peppa Pig, Sesame Street, Dr. Seuss’s Horton, Storybots, and more. “We’re building a world where kids can not only watch their favorite stories, they can step inside them and interact with their favorite characters,” said John Derderian, Netflix's VP of animation series and kids and family TV. “We’re creating a seamless destination for discovery, learning, and play. Whether it’s reuniting with Hank and the Trash Truck crew for new adventures or making a smoothie with Peppa Pig, watching and playing on Netflix can be the fun and easiest part of every family’s day.”
Let's Color on Netflix Playground
Two megabrands from the kids’ space landed YouTube deals in the last month. Cloudco Entertainment tapped Banijay Kids & Family to manage the Care Bears YouTube channels in English, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, and French. The deal also brings the Care Bears content catalog into Banijay Kids & Family’s ZeeKay network of YouTube channels. Dan Lewsey, SVP for digital and social at Banijay Kids & Family, noted, “With hundreds of hours of content, the Care Bears library offers a substantial opportunity for deep audience engagement on YouTube. Applying our expertise through targeted optimization and data‑driven channel management, we aim to strengthen the brand’s performance and ensure the catalog is fully optimized for sustained global growth and long‑term results.”
Merzigo is working with Rainbow to expand the digital reach of the Italian outfit’s key kids and family brands by optimizing 60-plus YouTube channels and 10 Facebook pages. Valerio Motti, MD for EMEA at Merzigo, commented, “Led by the iconic Winx Club franchise, Rainbow has created an incredible catalog of some of the most popular kids and family entertainment content. As audiences of all ages increasingly seek out premium content online, this is the perfect time to expand the global reach of these hugely successful titles.”
Meanwhile, Guru Studio is continuing to expand its True and the Rainbow Kingdom brand with a new slate of YouTube-first content, beginning with shorts that promote mindfulness and emotional wellness for kids and families in time for Mental Health Awareness Month.
ScreenMDM is your new trusted source for all the developments in the global business of content distribution and monetization. Media intelligence, reinvented. Created by Mansha Daswani.
