Nerd Corps Entertainment has partnered with the Chinese production and distribution company Ciwen Media Group to bring the Slugterra brand to China.

Ciwen will manage all aspects of the boys’ action property in the region including merchandise, consumer products, TV rights and non-exclusive digital media. Additionally the two partners are planning to co-develop new “Slugterra” content in 2014. New content slated for development includes a 90-minute movie slated for theatrical release in China, with deals in the works for North American and worldwide releases.

“The children’s animation market in China is growing rapidly, and we hope to grow as creators along with it,” says Ken Faier, president, Nerd Corps Entertainment. “This partnership with Ciwen offers us an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese storytelling traditions, evaluate children’s media consumption habits, explore new platforms for content distribution and gain valuable insights for developing and co-developing new content to build truly global kids’ properties that also work on a local level. We see this as a true partnership with opportunities not only for Slugterra, but potentially future properties as well.”

“Slugterra” airs on Disney XD and free-to-air TV in 170-plus territories (including Hong Kong and Taiwan), and is supported by a full toy line, online and mobile interactive content and a worldwide consumer product program.