Cyber Group Studios, a producer and distributor of animated programs for kids and families, best known for its award-winning preschool show Gigantosaurus, will introduce a new line of series-inspired toys from master toy licensee United Smile that is being created by multi-award-winning toy designer Darren Lee Phillipson of design_lead_play_.
The new Gigantosaurus toys will be presented for the first time by United Smile at the Los Angeles Toy Preshow starting on 13 September. To develop the assortment, United Smile tapped Phillipson and his consultancy, design_lead_play_, an LA-based company that designs and develops products and IP in the kids’ entertainment and gaming space. The new Gigantosaurus toys will launch globally in spring 2023.
United Smile’s debut Gigantosaurus toy range includes an innovative collection of figurines, playsets, vehicles, and tech toys for children ages three to six years. The new products will be available through a global network of distributors.
design_lead_play_ founder and toy and content development architect Darren Lee Phillipson said, “I am thrilled to be partnering with United Smile and Cyber Group Studios on the Gigantosaurus toy line. We have come up with some amazing features and play patterns to take the Gigantosaurus experience to a whole new level, and I’m extremely excited to see United Smile bring these incredible concepts to life.”
United Smile president Josue Rosenzweig said, “design_lead_play_ designed an amazing toy line, which combines the great content of this standout series and the play value of the toy line. We are delighted to transform these ideas and prototypes into full range of must-have toys.”
Cyber Group Studios VP of international licensing and marketing Bruno Danzel d’Aumont said, “design_lead_play_ has done an amazing job designing a toy range that reflects the DNA of the series as well as its emotion and fun. Kids will be completely immersed in the imaginative world of Gigantosaurus each time they play with this new collection.”
The fan-favourite comedy adventure series is currently streaming worldwide on Disney+ and Netflix and airing around the world on major channels such as Disney Junior (worldwide), France Télévisions, RAI YOYO (Italy), Tiny POP (UK), Super RTL (Germany), RTVE – Clan (Spain), CCTV (China), TV Azteca (Mexico), and NHK (Japan), among others.
Loved by children around the world for its compelling storylines and gorgeous visuals, Gigantosaurus has earned impressive honours, including the Pulcinella Award for Best TV Series, Common Sense Media Award, and National Parenting Products Award. It also won the 2021 Export Award for Animation for having the best sales records worldwide.
Based on Jonny Duddle’s book published by Bonnier Books UK Ltd, which has sold over 600,000 copies worldwide, the animated series Gigantosaurus follows the adventures of four young dinos – Rocky, Bill, Tiny, and Mazu – as they go on quests to explore their world, face their fears, work together to solve problems, learn more about the mysterious Gigantosaurus himself – and have lots of fun all along the way. The larger-than-life series incorporates more than 40 real dinosaur species as well as realistically-rendered flora and fauna that are true to the time period.