Cyber Group Studios, the international producer/distributor of animated series best known for its award-winning preschool show, Gigantosaurus, has appointed licensing agency Retail Monster, LLC, to develop strategic licensing programs in the U.S. for two of its new CG animated kids’ adventure series, The McFire Family, an original production, and Press Start!, based on the best-selling book series from Scholastic.
Cyber Group Studios USA president and CEO Karen K. Miller said, “Retail Monster has a proven track record of success in developing meter-moving consumer products programs, and we look forward to partnering with them to help establish and broaden the opportunities for these two new standout brands.”
Cyber Group Studios chairman and CEO Pierre Sissmann said, “We’re delighted to be working with the licensing and merchandising experts at Retail Monster on both The McFire Family and Press Start!”
Cyber Group Studios International licensing and marketing VP Bruno Danzel D’Aumont said, “Retail Monster has an outstanding reputation for building brands and buzz and we can’t wait to see the positive impact of their work.”
Retail Monster founder and CEO Michael Connolly said, “The McFire Family and Press Start! are very engaging new series and we’re excited to be working with Cyber Group Studios to build best-in-class licensing programs that will resonate with kids and their families across the U.S.,we expect to make partnership announcements very soon.”
The McFire Family (52 x 11) centers on a family of firefighters whose ancestors were the very first firefighters in history. The legacy continues with three siblings, 12-year-old Tom, 10-year-old Sparkle, and 6-year-old Jax, the next generation of super-firefighters, who join their parents and grandpa on exciting rescue adventures. Together, they use cool vehicles and high-tech gear to save the day. The series, for viewers ages six to nine, is created by Sissmann.
Press Start! (52 x 11), picks up where the popular Scholastic book series of the same name leaves off. The show follows the adventures of Sunny and Rue Zaki, a dynamic brother and sister duo who discover a mysterious game controller that gives them the ability to enter the world of their favorite videogame. Inside the game world, they team up with their videogame idol, Super Rabbit Boy, and help him save the world one eight-bit villain at a time. The show, for kids ages four to seven, is developed and executive produced by Emmy-winning writer and showrunner Scott Kraft (PAW Patrol).
