Studio 100 Expands Classic Brands

Studio 100 is continuing to reboot classic European television series, bringing the new “Maya the Bee” series to Latin American and adding episodes for the CGI re-makes of “Vic the Viking” and “Heidi.”

In effort to appeal to both old and new fans of “Heidi,” especially young girls and women, the company is giving the beloved character, who has been entertaining audiences for more than 30 years, a contemporary feel while staying true to its vintage roots.

The updated style guide uses the Japanese graphic style from the original series and offers bright and refreshing colors, retro patterns, modern graphics to inspire fashion development and special treatments and printing techniques to reinforce the vintage aspect of the brand.

Studio 100 is developing new products using these modern vintage designs, including apparel, accessories, stationery and bags. Key markets include France, GAS, Benelux, Italy, Russia, Middle East, Israel, LatAm, Iberia, Turkey, CEE, Scandinavia and China.

In addition, a number of classic Heidi products are already available at retail, including a global clothing line from Benetton, as well as other lines in Italy and Spain from Oyshio, Sabor and Pull & Bear; and bags and accessories from Le pandorine and Stardust Kids. The brand has also had several consumer partnerships around the world, including customized credit cards in Italy, a themed hotel in Austria and a ski promotion at a resort in Italy.

The new CGI animated series “Maya the Bee” premiered on Disney Junior this fall across all Latin American territories, including Brazil, and the feature film Maya the Bee-Movie is scheduled for 2014. Studio 100 is now planning a slew of consumer products programs to support the show and film.

Already on board in Latin America is IMC as master toy partner, Arkochim for healthcare and Benetton for classic Maya apparel. Branching out even wider, Studio 100 has partnered with Kopa Grupo de Licencias, which has been appointed as the new representative licensing agent in Belize, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Chile. Kopa has already signed on Importadora Bohorques for infant products, including apparel and accessories, in Ecuador.

Studio 100 is also seeking licensing agents in Mexico, Brazil and the remaining Latin American countries not covered by Kopa. 

In 2014, Studio 100 will marking the 40^th anniversary of “Vic the Viking” with a number of anniversary promotions and events throughout the year.

Anchoring the celebration is the launch of new CGI animated episodes of the hit show. Produced by Studio 100 in France and Flying Bark Productions in Australia, the show is set to air in France (TF1), Belgium (Kidz RTL) and the Netherlands (Z@ppelin) this fall.

Studio 100 is planning a major social media campaign across various platforms to support the program, including a dedicated Vic the Viking anniversary Facebook page, website and videos hosted on YouTube. In addition, the company’s Belgian theme park, Plopsa La Panne, began the festivities this summer with a Vic the Viking themed area within the park, featuring two new attractions and a restaurant.