TF1 Takes on ‘Julius Jr.’

French broadcaster TF1 has picked up Saban Brands’ new animated preschool series, “Julius Jr.” and TF1 Licences will serve as the brand’s official licensing agent in the region.

“We are thrilled to be working with not only TF1’s broadcast distribution department, but also with the fantastic licensing and merchandising team to build a robust Julius Jr. consumer products program in France,” says Kirk Bloomgarden, senior vice president, global consumer products, Saban Brands.

The deal was negotiated by the series’ international distributor MarVista Entertainment.

“We knew from the buyers’ response at MIPJunior last year, where ‘Julius Jr.’ was the most screened program, that we had a hit property on our hands,” says Fernando Szew, chief executive officer, MarVista Entertainment. “In addition to being a fresh, bright, fun and engaging series for preschoolers, ‘Julius Jr.’ also brings an established fan base and the phenomenal support of the Saban Brands’ global consumer products team.”

The series includes 26, half-hour episodes and will make its worldwide debut this fall on Nick Jr. in the U.S. and begin broadcasting on TF1 shortly thereafter.