Aardman to Manage Global Licensing Rights for ‘Pop Paper City’

Aardman animation studio has confirmed its licensing partnership with LoveLove Films to manage the licensing and retail program of “Pop Paper City,” a new preschool adventure craft show aimed at four- to six-year-olds that encourages “doing as well as viewing.”  The new show will premiere on Milkshake! in the U.K. later this year with a global rollout to follow. 

Aardman has appointed Val Fry of Fryday Brands to manage the brand in the U.K., supported by Caroline High of Caroline High Consultancy, who will bring preschool licensing experience and spearhead the development of the consumer products program for the brand. 

“The last couple of years have seen a huge uptake in crafts and ‘Pop Paper City’ taps into this trend, from all the colorful environments that are part of the world, to the exciting crafts made in every episode, to the characters themselves,” says Georgina Hurcombe, producer and managing director, ‘Pop Paper City.’ “There is huge potential when it comes to ‘creative play’ and what the child audience can recreate at home as well as the exciting opportunities across the toy, stationery, tabletop games, gaming and the publishing sectors.” 

Aardman, with representatives Fry and High, will focus initially on securing key partners in toy and publishing categories before extending the reach into multiple licensed categories. 

“We see real potential in ‘Pop Paper City’ and are delighted to have extended our partnership with LoveLove films to manage the global licensing rights alongside content distribution and a strong YouTube and digital strategy,” says Rob Goodchild, commercial director, Aardman. “Val and Caroline have a wealth of experience with preschool properties, and we look forward to working with them to build a strong licensing program in the U.K.” 

“Pop Paper City” hits screens later this year.