Kids
Toonz Animation to develop Gummy Bear series for YouTube
MUMBAI: India-based Toonz Animation has signed a major deal with Gummybear International Inc, which will see the two companies extend the Gummy Bear IP into entertainment and merchandising. Additionally, YouTube has commissioned an initial 39 x 7’ episodes series, which Toonz will produce from its studio in India.
Plans are also afoot to expand Gummy Bear’s presence online and in consumer products and exploit the brand in the television and feature film space.
Gummy Bear (originally Gummibär in its native Hungary) is an internet phenomenon. The dancing and singing bear has grown into a YouTube multi-channel Gummy Bear network with over 5.2 billion video views and over 1.5 million subscribers in total. His multi-lingual abilities have led to a huge international following with his music released in over 40 different countries and in over 27 different languages. The original Single “I Am A Gummy Bear (The Gummy Bear Song}” was a Top 10 Hit in many major markets and reached No.1 on the Itunes Dance Charts in the USA, where it reached double platinum status.
Toonz Media Group CEO P Jayakumar said, “With its considerable online fan base, this property has all the ingredients to be a success far beyond its current online presence. The commission by YouTube for a series of dedicated episodes is the first step in our plans to help build Gummy Bear into a 360° brand encompassing traditional broadcast, feature films and licensed merchandise.”
Gummybear International Inc president Jurgen Korduletsch added, “We’re excited to have found in Toonz an enthusiastic and motivated partner for the further development of our Gummy Bear. We’re looking forward to working with a company that clearly shares our vision to introduce our YouTube star to an even bigger audience by creating new content for traditional media platforms.”
Kids
Sony YAY! launches ‘House of Masti’ to celebrate 20 years of Shin chan
Comedian Kiku Sharda joins the fun with a special rap track as the mischievous icon returns to Indian TV.
MUMBAI: Shin chan is back and this time, he’s bringing the whole house of masti with him! Sony YAY!, India’s leading kids’ entertainment channel, has unveiled ‘House of Masti’, a specially curated programming block to mark 20 years of the iconic animated series Shin chan on Indian television. The campaign transforms the beloved character’s mischievous world into a fresh, high-energy viewing experience. It features new episodes, fan-favourite moments, and themed programming stunts, all designed to stand out from regular broadcasts.
Adding extra sparkle to the celebration, popular comedian Kiku Sharda has joined the campaign. He anchors the integration with a lively rap track titled ‘Shin chan ka YAY! Dhamaal’, infusing contemporary music and humour into the beloved series.
Sony YAY! business head of kids and animation Ambesh Tiwari said, “Over the past 20 years, Shin chan has built a strong and enduring connection with audiences in India. With ‘House of Masti’, we are celebrating this milestone through a differentiated, campaign-led experience. Kiku Sharda and the rap track add a fun, high-energy layer that will resonate with today’s kids and families.”
Starting 27 April, viewers can enjoy the World Television Premiere of Shin chan along with new episodes and an exciting lineup of blockbuster movies on Sony YAY!.
By blending nostalgia with fresh, engaging content, Sony YAY! is ensuring that the cheeky, laughter-filled adventures of Shin chan continue to entertain and connect with new generations across the country.
In a world full of serious cartoons, Shin chan remains delightfully naughty and with ‘House of Masti’, Sony YAY! is making sure his brand of chaos stays as fresh and fun as ever. Get ready for some serious masti!
