WildBrain Family International Limited, operating as WildBrain London (formerly WildBrain and WildBrain Spark), is a British multi-channel network owned by Canadian media company WildBrain (formerly DHX Media). It distributes and produces preschool and children's video content for YouTube and other digital platforms. The division officially launched in 2016; it reuses trademarks associated with Wildbrain Entertainment, an animation studio that had been acquired by DHX.[1] It maintains offices in London.
 | |
| WildBrain London | |
| Formerly | WildBrain (2016–2019) WildBrain Spark (2019–2024) |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
| Industry | Digital media |
| Predecessor | Wildbrain Entertainment |
| Founded | 25 April 2016 |
| Headquarters | , England |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Parent | WildBrain |
| Divisions | WildBrain Digital Studios |
| Website | www |
 | |
| 1968 | FilmFair London is founded |
|---|---|
| 1971 | DIC Audiovisuel is founded |
| 1972 | Strawberry Shortcake brand is first developed |
| 1974 | CPLG is founded |
| 1976 | CINAR and Colossal Pictures are founded |
| 1982 | DIC Enterprises is founded |
| 1984 | Ragdoll Productions is founded |
| 1987 | DIC Audiovisuel closes |
| 1988 | Studio B Productions is founded |
| 1992 | Epitome Pictures is founded |
| 1993 | DIC Enterprises becomes DIC Entertainment |
| 1994 | Wild Brain is founded‚ and Red Rover Studios is founded, DIC Entertainment brands as The Incredible World of DIC |
| 1995 | Platinum Disc Corporation is founded |
| 1996 | CINAR buys FilmFair's library |
| 1997 | Decode Entertainment is founded |
| 1999 | Wild Brain acquires Colossal Pictures' employee base |
| 2002 | Nerd Corps Entertainment is founded |
| 2004 | Halifax Film Company is founded, CINAR rebrands as Cookie Jar Group |
| 2005 | Platinum Disc Corporation merge as Echo Bridge Home Entertainment |
| 2006 | Decode and Halifax Film merge as DHX Media, DIC acquires CPLG, and Ragdoll Worldwide is formed with BBC Worldwide |
| 2007 | DHX Media buys Studio B Productions and Wild Brain becomes Wildbrain Entertainment |
| 2008 | Cookie Jar Group absorbs DIC and House of Cool absorbs Red Rover Studios |
| 2010 | DHX Media buys Wildbrain Entertainment‚ and Peanuts Worldwide is founded |
| 2011 | Decode Entertainment and Red Rover Studios closes |
| 2012 | DHX Media buys Cookie Jar Group |
| 2013 | DHX Media acquires Ragdoll Worldwide’s back catalogue |
| 2014 | DHX Media buys Epitome Pictures, Nerd Corps, and Echo Bridge Home Entertainment's family content library, as well as Family, the Canadian English-language version of Disney Junior, the Canadian French-language version of Disney Junior, and the Canadian version of Disney XD; Cookie Jar Group is absorbed |
| 2016 | The WildBrain multi-channel network launches and Studio B and Nerd Corps merge as DHX Studios |
| 2017 | Wildbrain Entertainment closes; DHX Media buys Peanuts Worldwide and Strawberry Shortcake |
| 2018 | Halifax Film becomes Island of Misfits |
| 2019 | DHX Media rebrands as WildBrain, Epitome Pictures closes, and the WildBrain MCN becomes WildBrain Spark |
| 2020 | CPLG becomes WildBrain CPLG |
| 2021 | Echo Bridge folds into SP Distribution |
| 2023 | WildBrain acquires House of Cool |
| 2024 | WildBrain Spark merged into its parent company as WildBrain London |
The division is responsible for distributing pre-existing material and creating original animated and live-action shorts based on properties owned by its parent company and partners. WildBrain Spark also manages the YouTube presence for a number of external brands and businesses, including Beyblade Burst, Bing, Larva, Moomins, Mr. Bean Animated, Outfit7, Playmobil, The Smurfs, NBCUniversal, Turbozaurs and Warner Bros. Discovery, among others.[2][3][4][5][6][7]
In September 2019, DHX Media changed its name to WildBrain, citing strong brand recognition stemming from the MCN. Concurrently, the MCN was renamed WildBrain Spark.[8]
In November 2023, WildBrain Spark merged into its parent company under its YouTube network business in London, along with Digital Studios and Media Solutions, and it was completed in January 2024 with Kate Smith appointed as Executive Vice-president for Audience Engagement.[9]
Productions
edit- Akedo: Ultimate Arcade Warriors (2021–present) (produced with Moose Toys)[10]
- Animal Mechanicals (2019)[11]
- BFF Bright Fairy Friends (2020–2022)[12]
- Boy & Dragon (2019–present)[13]
- Brum[broken anchor] (2016)
- Brum & Friends[broken anchor] (2017–present)
- Caillou: New Adventures (2017–present)[14]
- Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets (2020–present)[15]
- DJ Lance and the Upbeat Retreat! (2017–2018)[16]
- Eena Meena Deeka (2020–present) (season 3) (produced with Cosmos-Maya)[17]
- The Ellie Sparkles Show (2017)[18]
- Emojitown (2021–present) (produced with Emoji Company)[19]
- Hairdorables (2018–2020)[20]
- Hydro and Fluid (2018–present) (season 2) (produced with Alopra)[21]
- Johnny Test: The Lost Web Series (2020)[22]
- Kiddyzuzaa Land (2018–2019)[23]
- Kiwi & Strit (TBA) (season 3) (produced with Copenhagen Bombay)[24]
- Peanuts (2018–present)[25]
- Polly Pocket (2018–present)[26]
- Popeye's Island Adventures (2018–2019)[27]
- Slugisodes (2020) (produced with Epic Story Media)[28]
- Strawberry Shortcake (2018)
- Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City (2021–present) (produced by WildBrain Studios)
- Super Binks (2020–2021) (produced with Park Star Media)[29]
- Through the Fairy Door (2019)[30]
- Tiddlytubbies (2018–present)[31]
- Teletubbies: Let's Go! (2022–present)[32]
- Tulipop (2017–2019)[33]
Programs streaming on YouTube
edit- Action Man (1995–1996)
- The Adrenaline Project (2007–2009) (Thru Marblemedia's MarbleKids channel)
- The Adventures of Paddington Bear (1997–2000)
- Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (1993–1996)
- The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990)
- Alva's World (2021–present)
- Alienators: Evolution Continues (2001–2002)
- Animal Mechanicals (2008–2011)
- Archie's Weird Mysteries (1999–2000)
- Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1992–2000)
- AstroLOLogy (2018–present)
- Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom (2008–2013)
- Being Ian (2004–2008), (Thru Nelvana's Keep it Weird (Film) and Treehouse Direct (final season) channels)
- Beyblade Burst (2015–present)
- Billy Bricks (2016–present)
- Bing (2014–2019)
- Bo on the Go! (2007–2011)
- Bob the Builder (1999) (1999–2011)
- Bob the Builder (2015) (2015–2018)
- Boohbah (2003–2006)
- Braceface (2001–2004), (Thru Nelvana's Keep it Weird channel for 13 episodes)
- Brave Bunnies (2021–present)
- Brum (1991–2001)
- Busytown Mysteries (2007–2010)
- The Busy World of Richard Scarry (1994–1997)
- Caillou (1997–2010)
- Captain N: The Game Master (1989–1991)
- Cave Club (2020–2021)
- Chip and Potato (2018–present)
- Chuggington (2008–present)
- Class of the Titans (2005–2008), (Thru Nelvana's Retro Rerun channel)
- Curious George (2006–2022)
- The Deep (2015–present)
- Degrassi High (1989–1991)
- Degrassi Junior High (1987–1989)
- Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–2015)
- Dennis the Menace (1986–1988)
- Dino Ranch (2021–present)
- DinoSquad (2007–2008)
- Dipdap (2011)
- The Doodlebops (2005–2007)
- Double Dragon (1993–1994)
- The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy (2020–present)
- Fimbles (2002–2004)
- Fireman Sam (1987–present)
- The Fixies (2010–present)
- Franny's Feet (2003–2010)
- Gadget Boy & Heather (1995–1998)
- Gaming Show (In My Parents' Garage) (2014–2016)
- Hero Dad (2019–present)
- Heroes of Goo Jit Zu (2019)
- The Hoobs (2001–2003) (Thru Jim Henson's Family Hub channel)
- Horrid Henry (2006–2019)
- Horseland (2006–2008)
- Hot Wheels: Battle Force 5 (2009–2011), (Thru Nelvana's Cartoon Power Up channel)
- In the Night Garden... (2007–2009)
- Inspector Gadget (1983–2018)
- Instant Star (2004–2008)
- Johnny Test (2005–2014)
- Jungle Beat (2003–present)
- Kid vs. Kat (2008–2011)
- The Kids of Degrassi Street (1979-1986)
- Kongsuni and Friends (2014–present)
- Kung Fu Dino Posse (2010–2011)
- The L.A. Complex (2011–2013)
- Larva (2011–present)
- LazyTown (2004–2014)
- The Legend of Zelda (1989)
- Lego Dreamzz (2023–present)
- Lego Friends (2012-present)
- Liberty's Kids (2002–2003)
- The Little Lulu Show (1995–1999)
- Little People (2016–2018)
- M.A.S.K. (1985–1986)
- Madeline (1993–2001)
- Mona the Vampire (1999–2006)
- Monster Math Squad (2012)
- Mr. Bean: The Animated Series (2002–present)
- Mummies Alive! (1997)
- Ninjago (2011–2022)
- Open Heart (2015)
- Paw Patrol (2013–present)
- Peppa Pig (2004–present)
- Pingu (1990–2006)
- Pip and Posy (2021–present)
- Pole Position (1984)
- Rainbow Ruby (2016–2020)
- Rev & Roll (2019)
- Ricky Zoom (2019–present)
- Roary the Racing Car (2007–2010)
- The Roly Mo Show (2005–2006)
- Sabrina: The Animated Series (1999)
- Simon's Cat (2008–present)
- Slugterra (2012–2016)
- The Smurfs (1981) (1981–1989)
- The Smurfs (2021) (2021–present)
- Sonic The Hedgehog (1993-1994)
- Sonic Underground (1999)
- Space Ranger Roger (2017)
- Spookiz (2014–present)
- Strawberry Shortcake (2003–present)
- Street Sharks (1994–1997)
- Sunny Bunnies (2015–present)
- The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! (1989)
- Supernoobs (2015–2019)
- Super Why! (2007–2016)
- Super 10 (2022–present)
- Talking Tom & Friends (2012–present)
- Teletubbies (1997–present)
- Tobot (2010–2016)
- Topsy and Tim (2013–2015)
- Twirlywoos (2015–2017)
- Turbozaurs (2019-present)
- Waffle the Wonder Dog (2018–2020)
- Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego? (1994–1999)
- Woody Woodpecker (1957–present)
- Yo Gabba Gabba! (2007–2015)
References
edit- ^ Dickson, Jeremy (April 26, 2016). "DHX Media unveils online kids net WildBrain". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ McLean, Thomas (June 14, 2018). "WildBrain and 'Beyblade Burst' Let It Rip on YouTube". Animation World Network. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ Whyte, Alexandra (February 12, 2018). "WildBrain teams up with Cyber Group Studios". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ Foster, Elizabeth (April 11, 2017). "WildBrain to shape Larva's YouTube presence". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ Franks, Nico (August 12, 2019). "WildBrain to oversee Moomins on YouTube". C21 Media. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ Tuchow, Ryan (January 31, 2019). "WildBrain adds Smurfs, Playmobil to portfolio". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ Dickson, Jeremy (January 5, 2017). "Turner Kids YouTube channels get leg up from WildBrain". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ "DHX rebrands as WildBrain". Kidscreen. 2019-09-23. Retrieved 2019-12-02.
- ^ "WildBrain restructures its exec ranks to serve streamlined business". Kidscreen. 2023-11-08. Retrieved 2024-05-26.
- ^ "MOOSE TOYS DELIVERS A TRIPLE THREAT WITH NEW 'AKEDO' FRANCHISE COMBINING ACTION FIGURES, BATTLING AND COLLECTABILITY". WildBrain (Press release). Los Angeles. June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
- ^ @WildBrain_spark (May 31, 2019). "The brand new and reimagined 'Animal Mechanicals' is back in 3D! The new series is launching this Saturday. This robot slapstick comedy is perfect for kids between the ages of 3 and 6. Watch tomorrow on our channel!" (Tweet). Retrieved October 1, 2019 – via Twitter.
- ^ Hutchins, Robert (September 4, 2020). "WildBrain Spark teams with Funrise Toys to develop online content for its collectable doll brand BFF Bright Fairy Friends". Licensing.biz. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
- ^ Mitchell, Ben (August 28, 2019). "WildBrain launches original hand-drawn series 'Boy & Dragon'". Skwigly. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
- ^ "Caillou's New Adventures". Amazon.com. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ "CRAYOLA LAUNCHES NEW SEASON OF DIGITAL-FIRST CONTENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WILDBRAIN SPARK". Crayola (Press release). Easton: WildBrain. September 22, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
- ^ @WildBrain_spark (January 16, 2018). "Check out the first episode of our new show DJ Lance and the Upbeat Retreat! The beat is infectious in this one ... 🎵🎵🎵 Show it to your kids, they'll love it" (Tweet). Retrieved October 1, 2019 – via Twitter.
- ^ Ash, Rebecca (October 6, 2020). "WildBrain Spark and Cosmos-Maya in Partnership for Eena Meena Deeka". Total Licensing. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ "The Ellie Sparkles Show". WildBrain Spark. YouTube. July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 31, 2022.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (May 5, 2021). "Clip: emoji brand, WildBrain Launch New IP 'emojitown'". Animation Magazine. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ Buckley, Madeleine (September 27, 2018). "WILDBRAIN TO PRODUCE ORIGINAL HAIRDORABLES CONTENT FOR JUST PLAY". Toybook. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (June 5, 2018). "WildBrain Launching Its First Co-Pro 'Hydro and Fluid' on YouTube". Animation Magazine. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ "The League of Johnnys -Johnny Test: The Lost Web Series". WildBrain Spark. YouTube. May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
- ^ "WildBrain Celebrates the Launch of Kiddyzuzaa Land". WildBrain Spark. WildBrain. March 15, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (February 5, 2021). "WildBrain Spark Teams with Copenhagen Bombay for 'Kiwi & Strit' S3". Animation Magazine. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ @WildBrain_spark (August 13, 2018). "We're incredibly proud to have worked on a brand new 2D animation for classic cartoon, Peanuts, featuring Charlie Brown and Lucy. Check out the first episode on YouTube" (Tweet). Retrieved October 1, 2019 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Polly Pocket 🌈Animated Episodes". WildBrain Spark. YouTube. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ Amidi, Amid (December 3, 2018). "Popeye Is Back...But You'll Wish He Weren't". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ Pinto, Jordan (September 20, 2019). "Epic Story, DHX build out Slugterra universe". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ Hutchins, Robert (September 9, 2020). "WildBrain Spark teams with Park Star Media to develop Super Binks digital series based on the popular Korean toy line". Licensing.biz. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
- ^ Deegan, Gordon (July 27, 2019). "Game changer: Irish Fairy Door cartoon launched". Irish Independent. Mediahuis. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ Smith, Kate (June 6, 2019). "How WildBrain made it 'YouTube Time' for Teletubbies". Preschool News. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ "WildBrain says Teletubbies, Let's Go! In CG-animated preschool spin-off".
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (May 2, 2017). "WildBrain Creating 'Tulipop' Webtoon & Channel". Animation Magazine. Retrieved October 1, 2019.