COOKIE JAR ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS ITOYS, INC. DOODLEBOPS LEAD TOY LICENSE
iToys to Launch "Doodlebops" Toy Line Fall 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Los Angeles, CA (February 6, 2007) - Preschool pop stars the "The Doodlebops" will now have a brand new line of toys, courtesy of iToys, Inc. Musical instruments, microphones, dance mats and role play toys are just a few of the categories that will anchor this preschool line.
Cookie Jar Entertainment has named iToys the North American lead toy licensee for the mega-popular children's brand, which has captured the hearts of preschoolers and families with their top-rated Disney Channel and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) television show and sold out live performances. This fall, iToys will launch a line of dynamic Doodlebops toys, which will allow kids to become their favorite preschool pop stars.
"Preschoolers everywhere love music and dance and putting on a show. With its colorful characters, pro-social storylines and energy-packed music and dance numbers, 'The Doodlebops' has reached a high level of consumer popularity. A proven ratings winner on Playhouse Disney and in Canada on CBC, 'The Doodlebops' is perfectly poised for further success as a major new toy brand," said George Irwin, Chairman and CEO of iToys.
"Exposure on 'The Today Show,' People magazine, The Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade, 'The Simpsons' and an 80-city US concert tour clearly prove that 'The Doodlebops' are attracting the best possible partners in the entertainment and licensing industries, and we couldn't be more excited," said John Gildea, Senior Vice President of Consumer Products for Cookie Jar Entertainment. "iToys has demonstrated a deep commitment to this growing brand, and we look forward to working together to successfully introduce the 'The Doodlebops' toy line later this year."
In addition to iToys' Doodlebops toys, a complete line of Doodlebops consumer products including DVD's, music CD's, books, games, costumes, apparel and accessories, domestics and more will begin hitting the market this summer.
"The Doodlebops," which made its U.S. debut on Playhouse Disney in April, 2005, combines music and dancing with fun stories to help preschoolers increase their self-confidence, in addition to encouraging physical activity. "The Doodlebops" reinforces pro-social values such as cooperation, teamwork, trying one's best, and facing fears – all conveyed in the fast and fun style by the show's three candy-colored, cartoon-like characters Deedee, Rooney and Moe. The show's storylines are punctuated by the band's rousing performances of original songs, while characters invite preschool-age viewers to sing and dance along. Cookie Jar Entertainment CEO Michael Hirsh is the show's co-creator and executive producer. Jamie Waese is the producer/director. Carl Lenox is the co-creator and musical director.
About Cookie Jar Group
Cookie Jar Group develops, produces, distributes and markets quality products to children, their caregivers, parents and teachers. Cookie Jar Group's products reflect its commitment to providing the best in children's published content, animated and live action programming and innovative educational and entertainment-driven products worldwide. The group of companies consists of Cookie Jar Entertainment Inc. and Cookie Jar Education Inc.
Cookie Jar Entertainment Inc., Cookie Jar Group's entertainment operation, is a leading, global, independent producer, marketing and brand manager of such renowned children's properties as "The Doodlebops," "Caillou", "Spider Riders", "Johnny Test" and "Gerald McBoing Boing". Combining globally-renowned intellectual properties with an industry-recognized management team, Cookie Jar Entertainment Inc. is a market-driven, brand building company that is committed to children first and foremost and is dedicated to the development and production of quality programming that embraces the whole child, with animated and live-action series that entertain, inspire and enlighten children and family audiences worldwide.
About iToys
Formed in 2003, iToys, Inc. recaptures the spirit of the highly-respected Irwin Toy moniker with original toys as well as beloved classics with a 21st century spin, including the award-winning high-tech i-Top spinning top and critically-acclaimed Deal or No Deal electronic games. Led by brothers George and Peter Irwin, toy industry veterans from the venerable Irwin Toy family, iToys is dedicated to recapturing the glory days of Irwin Toy - the Canadian toy company founded by their grandfather - and expanding on the legacy to touch families everywhere. iToys' all-new generation of cutting-edge toys are designed to dazzle and delight children of all ages.
