BKN, the Frankfurt and London listed global animation company engaged in the distribution and marketing of animated children’s television program and related consumer products, has signed an exclusive license with Zorro Productions, Inc. (ZPI) to produce and distribute globally animated series and films based on the classic property Zorro, it was announced recently by Allen Bohbot, BKN Group CEO and John Gertz, ZPI President.
BKN will begin production immediately, budgeted at approximately US$8.4 million for the first series and direct-to-DVD film, on an all-new contemporized version of Zorro in animation tentatively entitled Zorro- Generation Z.
A departure from the classic Zorro set in the early 1800’s, BKN’s high quality animated updated version sets Zorro in the present, with modern-day themed adventures in a fast paced format.
While we all love and respect the many incarnations of Zorro we have come to know over the years, we think a timely update would be an interesting addition to the history of this most famous of legends’ explains Rick Ungar, Executive Producer.
Adding And so, our Zorro will be a young man entering his first year of University. He’ll fight for the underprivileged and the disadvantaged citizens of a mythical, modern day city resembling Los Angeles and he’ll do it on a very cool black motorcycle called the Tornado-Z. Zorro’s crime fighting tools will include a Z-Pod, a Z-phone, and other surprises befitting of a modern day hero. Expect interesting new renditions of established Zorro characters along with some new additions, including a fellow female freshman who also rides the night in a black cape. It’s new, exciting, and, above all it’s Zorro the Fox!
BKN will be handling all TV and DVD distribution as well as merchandising and licensing all of the elements in the project worldwide. BKN has begun discussions with global broadcast, DVD and licensing industry partners and retailers and anticipates that the company will begin signing meaningful contracts shortly leading up to the MIP Convention in April 2006 in Cannes and the International Licensing Show in NY in June 2006 where the Company has secured a large presence. BKN is planning a strong marketing and advertising campaign for the brand targeting the trade and consumers for this major launch supported in part by toys, videogames and on-line activities.
We have chosen BKN for their proven ability and experience in producing high quality animation and for their extensive distribution network globally. Zorro is a classic character that deserves that type of commitment and we believe that this new version, which will reach kids in an exciting way, will be very successful, stated Gertz.
This is an unbelievable opportunity and we are honored to have been chosen by ZPI, said Bohbot. Subject to our contractual performance, we have secured perpetual rights to all episodes and films that we produce as well as a 15-year exclusive license to licensing and merchandising and making more episodes and films. We expect Zorro- Generation Z to positively impact fiscal 2006 and more significantly fiscal 2007. Accordingly, as our production slate is quite full, we will move the Kong-The Next Generation project to 2007 from 2006 which assures strong visibility for the business for nearly 24 months.
The Company is planning on producing a minimum of 26 episodes for initial broadcast plus a direct-to-DVD film but if the market response continues to be positive, this commitment may be increased to a combined 39 episodes.
