ZINGZILLA TOYS

The new CBeebies show, ZingZillas, will have the UK's under sixes laughing, dancing and making music in the style of ZingZillas. The ZingZilla toys will be made by the major UK toy manufacturer Vivid Imaginations who have been appointed by the BBC as the lead licensee to produce a huge variety of products based on the shows. Senior vice president of the BBC's global licensing department has described the series as a "milestone show" - and we are very lucky to have had a sneak preview of the main characters - Zac, Drum, Tang and Panzee - as well as some of the terrific music-inspired toys that are set to tie in with the show nicely.

With a primate feel and sound, the show (and toys) are designed to be inspirational rather than overly serious or practical. Music will cover all areas of taste - from all out jiving-type tunes to melodies normally reserved for opera lovers. The fantastic music has been composed by Chris Banks and will feature a different guest and genre for every episode. Confirmed artists who will feature on the soundtrack include The Swingle Singers and Elio Pace. Each episode culminates in a big "Zing Off" where the characters play what they have learned!
ZingZillas live on an island the shape of the image shown above - and the various ZingZilla toys will cover all interests including jigsaws, musical plush toys and role-play instruments. We recommend you especially look out for the Dancing Zac and Panzee motorised plush toys and the 12' talking plushes that feature voices and many other different sounds. Vivid Chairman Nick Austin said "We all feel that the music, energy and characterisation in the show will convert strongly into toy sales in 2010 and for many years to come".

ZingZillas toys will eventually be joined by DVDs, magazines, books and other merchandise. For example, Aykroyds and TDP Licensing will be producing nightwear whilst Smith and Brooks will be developing children’s outerwear for the show. There will also be a selection of bath toys, soaps and other accessories from H&A - and posters from Pyramid.
ZingZillas is set to be one of biggest and hottest children's toy brands - and the innovative show will appeal to children all over the world with its tremendous mix of musical styles.

Source: www.toyshopuk.co.uk

LICENCEES GO APE FOR ZINGZILLAS

Today BBC Worldwide announced the stellar line-up of licensees for its rocking new CBeebies commission, ZingZillas. Following the appointment of Vivid Imaginations as the master toy licensee, five more world-class licensing partners have signed-up to produce a range of licensed product, from apparel through to dress-up and toiletries.

ZingZillas is a new musical show produced in-house by CBeebies for the BBC*. The 52 x 22 minute show has just completed production at Pinewood and is set to get pre-schoolers across the country rocking, jumping and jiving to a new beat. BBC Worldwide holds global distribution rights for TV, merchandise, DVD and publishing.

Richard Hollis, Head of UK Licensing for BBC Worldwide Children's and Licensing says: "These new deals are testament to the commitment from the licensing industry to get behind ZingZillas which we believe is truly the next big thing in pre-school entertainment. Early samples of product from Vivid look fantastic and we'll be showing select partners what’s on offer at Toy Fair. We've already had an unprecedented response from retail for listings for this Autumn."

Continuing their work with BBC Worldwide brands, Aykroyds and TDP Licensing has been signed to produce a range of nightwear and underwear, set to hit shelves initially for Autumn/Winter 2010, with a full rollout for Spring/Summer 2011. Smith and Brooks has also been signed to develop children's outerwear for the brand, and to satisfy fans who want to take it one step further, Christy’s will be producing a range of dress-up items, based on the show's primate characters.

H&A has been granted the license to produce toiletries including bath toys, soaps and bathroom accessories. In addition, an agreement with Pyramid will see the production of posters for the show.

Vivid's product line will hit retail in time for Autumn/Winter 2010 and include musically-themed plush, plastics, playsets, role-play, selected outdoor products and games.

NOTES TO EDITORS
* About ZingZillas:

ZingZil"la
Noun

1. A musical sound produced by infusing music with a primate twist
2. Feeling evoked by music; emotional response often associated with fun and energy: I feel like a ZingZilla. Having a ZingZilla time.

Verb

1. To ZingZilla – to play music and create an emotional response: Play that music ZingZilla-style!

Plural –Zillas

1. An energetic bunch of primates that produce a ZingZilla sound.

ZingZillas has been commissioned by CBeebies Controller, Michael Carrington and is a CBeebies in-house production for the BBC. The Series Producer is Tony Reed and the Executive Producers are Alison Stewart and Kay Benbow.

Source: Anna Kingsley, BBC Press Office