Halifax, NS – 10 January 2007 – DHX Media Ltd. (AIM & TSX ticker: “DHX”), a leading independent international producer and distributor of television programming and interactive content, is pleased to announce that PBS KIDS® will begin broadcasting a second season of 13 half-hour shows of the award-winning preschool series Franny's Feet in February in key US broadcast markets including New York and Philadelphia.
DHX Media also announces the pre-sale and commencement of production of a new animated series, Gizmo, to YTV Canada.
Franny's Feet, produced by DHX Media’s DECODE Entertainment unit in association with public television station Thirteen/WNET New York, debuted in the U.S. on PBS KIDS last summer and has become a smash hit for four-to-seven year-old's. During its first season in the U.S., Franny's Feet built on its international success by ranking No. 1 in the PBS weekend lineups in Seattle, St. Louis and New York, and also performed well in other key markets such as Philadelphia, Kansas City and Cincinnati.
“Kids are really drawn to Franny – she’s a spunky, adventurous girl who is a great role model for both boys and girls,” said Sandra Sheppard, executive producer and director of children’s and educational programming for PBS member station, Thirteen/WNET.
The series’ popularity has already resulted in a major licensing deal with PLAYSKOOL, a division of Hasbro, Inc, which is now at the long form contract stage, as previously announced. Under the agreement, PLAYSKOOL would be the worldwide master toy and game licensee for the critically acclaimed show, with the first Franny's Feet toys and games set to launch in 2008. The agreement is expect to close shortly.
Gizmo Pre-sale to YTV Canada
DHX Media’s DECODE Entertainment unit has also pre-sold and commenced production on 26 x half-hour episodes of a new animated series for YTV Canada, Gizmo. DHX has worldwide distribution rights for this animated Canada/Hong Kong/Singapore treaty co-production series to be delivered in fall of 2007. The deal for Gizmo follows on a recent agreement with YTV to produce the multi-platform property, Urban Vermin.
DHX Media Chief Executive Officer Michael Donovan, commented: “We are delighted that Franny’s Feet continues to gain momentum in the important US market, particularly in light of its pending worldwide toy licensing deal. Gizmo’s pre-sale offers an indication of the distribution potential for one of our earlier stage kids’ series, and of the company’s ability to attract co-production partners from around the world.”
For more information, please contact:
DHX Media Ltd.
Dana Landry – Chief Financial Officer
David A. Regan – EVP Corporate Development & Investor Relations
+1 902-423-0260
AIM Nominated Advisors: Canaccord Adams Limited
Neil Johnson
Erin Needra
+44 (0) 20-7050-6500
About DHX Media Ltd.
DHX Media Ltd. is a leading international producer and distributor of television programming and interactive content with an emphasis on children, family and youth markets. DHX Media Ltd. shares trade on AIM and are listed on the TSX, the Toronto Stock Exchange. DHX Media’s production companies, Decode Entertainment and Halifax Film, are the producers or co-producers of 11 original television series or theatrical releases currently commissioned for production and maintain a growing library of over 1,100 half-hours of children and youth-oriented television productions. www.dhxmedia.com
Disclaimer
Certain statements herein may constitute forward-looking statements, including those identified by the expressions ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘could,’’ ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘believe,’’ ‘‘plan,’’ ‘‘estimate,’’ ‘‘potential,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘intend’’ and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its Management. These statements reflect the Company’s current expectations and are based on information currently available to Management. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, including the matters discussed under ‘‘Risk Factors’’ contained in the Company’s prospectus dated May 12, 2006. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.