Guru Studio’s Corey Caplan on creating new original IP and challenges as an independent content studio.
LicensingSource.net takes a temperature check on the global licensing industry, asking licensors and agents based outside the UK to share their highs and lows of 2022, their strategies for a successful 2023, plus the words they’d use to describe business in the year just gone and the new one.
Today, we head to Canada, with Corey Caplan, senior director of international sales, Guru Studio.
“The kids’ content business is going through a period of transition right now. That said, our shows are growing their audience and reach thanks to the strength of great broadcast and licensing partnerships around the world.
Our focus continues to be on creating new original IP with strong character-driven stories. We’re delighted with how well True and the Rainbow Kingdom is performing globally and we’re seeing success in many key markets for our consumer products. It’s also had over 1bn views on YouTube. We’re excited about the launch of the show on Cameo Kids. True was one of a select few properties to be brought onto the platform at launch, together with CocoMelon, Blippi and Thomas the Tank Engine.
We’re also pleased to have acquired worldwide media and L&M rights for the animated adventure series 123 Number Squad from Omens Studios in Singapore. The show is scheduled to launch on Sky Kids and NOW in the UK in early 2023.
Our challenge as an independent content studio is securing funding for new, original IP. On the plus side, the Canadian retail landscape hasn’t been as negatively impacted as some markets overseas.
My word for both 2022 and 2023 is the same: persistence.”
This feature originally appeared in the spring 2023 edition of Licensing Source Book. To read the full publication, click on this link.
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