Kids
Cartoon Network ups merchandising focus with 3 key properties
MUMBAI: Lead kids channel by a mile and more Cartoon Network is now looking to take its popular characters into the “real world” in a big way. The channel‘s licensing division – Cartoon Network Enterprises – has launched a range of merchandising for its key properties – Powerpuff Girls, Dexter‘s Laboratory and Johnny Bravo. While Powerpuff Girls and Dexter‘s Laboratory merchandise were launched this month, Johnny Bravo consumer products will put into the market around October this year. | ||
The products will be rolled out in two phases. In the first phase kids will be treated to Powerpuff Girls and Dexter‘s apparel, accessories, gifts, stationery, umbrellas, raincoats, school bags, toys and games, which will be available in more than 20 cities across the country. In the second phase, categories like footware, home decor, domestics and linen, publishing, personal care, branded foods and greeting cards.
The Powerpuff Girls, signifying girl power and the “intellect-led” Dexter‘s Laboratory merchandise will be targeted at young kids, whereas Johnny Bravo, a “jock” brand, will target teenagers and young adults. The price of the products range all the way from Rs 4 to Rs 1,140. The products will be available across 1,500 retailers in India, including dedicated corners in ITC‘s Lifestyle stores. The emphasis will be on the organised retail sectors in the north, south and western regions of the country. In Mumbai, Idealtik, Innocence (Actuel), Accuweather and Pyramid Plastics will be Cartoon Networks‘ licensee partners. “Internationally, Cartoon Network‘s consumer products business contributes significantly to overall network revenues. India, being the second largest retail market after China, is a key market for Turner. With the launch of these products, we aim to increase the footprints of Cartoon Network even further,” says Cartoon Network Enterprises senior vice president John S Friend. Friend further added that the overall, retail sales in India are approximated at $180 billion, with licensed merchandising alone accounting for $90 million. “I am confident that our consumer products launch will further grow our business and the overall kids‘ retail segment in India,” says he. Cartoon Network Enterprises India and South Asia director (licensing and merchandising) Jiggy George, on the other hand says, “With the Indian retail business growing at a healthy pace of 15 per cent, Cartoon Network Enterprises‘ range of consumer products will add another dimension to kids‘ branded merchandise. The design of our products is completely in sync with today‘s kids, who are hip, cool, sporty and stylish.” George further adds, “Before launching our consumer products, we first introduced the concept of intellectual property rights and licensing rights through out Promotional Licensing business, which in itself is a pioneering concept in India.” The magic of toons has been taken beyond the confines of the television set by Cartoon Network, thereby ensuring a 360 degree approach for consumers and clients – beginning with programming, innovative advertising opportunities, successful marketing, including on-ground and online offerings and licensing programmes. Looking ahead, George says that in the coming years, categories like home video, music and expanded retail formats will also be tapped. Elaborating further on Cartoon Network‘s merchandising thrust, Friend says, “Our strategy this year will be to expand the Powerpuff Girls, Dexter and Johnny Bravo merchandising. 2006 will be about continuing to build the Powerpuff Girls and the test will not be that they are successful for the next two months, but through the next 12 months. So Powerpuff Girls merchandising is going to continue being our priority next year.” “Next year we are going to add a couple of additional properties like that of Codename: Kids Next Door and Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi. So by the end of 2006, we will have merchandising for five different programmes in the market,” he added. Recently, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Cartoon Network designated leading toy manufacturer Mattel for Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi in the US. |
Kids
Mukta Arts and Green Gold ink MOU to animate iconic film IPs
Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan to spawn animated shows plus features.
MUMBAI: When classic hindi movie meets animation, the result is a fresh reel of nostalgia with a cartoon twist. Mukta Arts Ltd. and Green Gold Animation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on animated shows and feature films drawn from Mukta Arts’ four-decade treasure trove of iconic IPs. The partnership taps Mukta’s SGM Animation Studio launched in 2025 as its dedicated animation and games arm and Green Gold’s proven track record in building scalable, homegrown franchises. Creative teams from both sides have already kicked off discussions, with the first project currently in development.
The slate will draw inspiration from landmark Mukta films including Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak, Saudagar and Iqbal, plus character-led spin-offs from those universes. The aim is to reimagine these stories for today’s young, global audiences while preserving their emotional core.
Green Gold Animation (home of Chhota Bheem) founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka said, “This partnership with SGM Studios allows us to apply our experience in building long-lasting animation IPs to a truly iconic film catalogue. Together, we aim to create animated worlds that are rooted in these legendary stories, yet designed to connect with today’s young, global audiences.”
Mukta Arts Ltd. filmmaker and founder Subhash Ghai added, “Mukta Arts has always believed in creating stories with lasting emotional value. Through animation, we are extending our IP into a new medium for the next generation.”
In an industry where timeless tales never go out of fashion, this collaboration promises to bring beloved characters back to life with a modern, animated glow proving that some stories are too good to stay in live-action. Stay tuned for the first animated frame to drop.
