Kids
Dreamworks Animation & Spin Master to re-launch ‘Noddy’ franchise
MUMBAI: DreamWorks Animation and Spin Master have entered into an exclusive licensing relationship in which Spin Master will serve as the master toy licensee for the re-launch of the iconic preschool franchise Noddy.
Alongside the all-new television series, Noddy, Toyland Detective, a wide range of toys including figures, playsets, vehicles, games and more, are slated to hit shelves in fall 2016.
“Our portfolio of licensed properties has grown immensely in recent years and we are thrilled to be welcoming a true legacy franchise like Noddy to the Spin Master family. Noddy already has deep heritage throughout Europe and we know he will continue to captivate children around the world. It goes without saying that we can’t wait to introduce a new generation to the adventure and wonder that Noddy can bring to play time,” said Spin Master executive vice president of global licensing Adam Beder.
Created by renowned children’s author Enid Blyton in 1949, Noddy has followed a little boy and his friends on a series of adventures around the colorful world of Toyland. In the upcoming series, Noddy has a refreshed look and a newly established role as Toyland Detective, in which he’ll show children how to investigate their world and make their own discoveries as he looks for clues to mysteries in each episode. Noddy will take audiences on adventures through new lands like the fantastical Fable Fields and the delightful Animal Acres, introducing new characters and locations along the way.
“Spin Master is the perfect partner for our reintroduction of Noddy. Noddy has a rich legacy around the world, and we know a whole new generation of children will be excited to join the new Noddy on his many adventures onscreen and off,” added DreamWorks Animation head of international consumer products Jonathan Baker.
Commissioned by France Television, Noddy, Toyland Detective is produced by Gaumont Animation in association with DreamWorks Animation Television and slated to premiere on France 5 in spring 2016. Gaumont Animation will distribute the series in France and French-speaking Europe. DreamWorks Animation owns Noddy and retains additional global distribution rights and manages licensing and merchandising for the property.
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.
