JAKKS Pacific Launches Studio JP Content Development Division in Joint Venture with China-Based Meisheng’s Rising Anime Studio
SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Leading U.S. toy and consumer products manufacturer JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
(NASDAQ: JAKK) today announced the launch of a newly formed business
unit, Studio JP, a division dedicated to creating and developing
original, multiplatform computer-generated animated content, in a joint
venture with China’s Meisheng Cultural & Creative Corp.’s animation
studio Rising Anime. Studio JP will drive the creative storytelling
process with JAKKS and Meisheng jointly owning the content. JAKKS will
have merchandising rights for kids’ consumer products in all markets
except China, which Meisheng will spearhead through the companies’
existing distribution joint venture, JAKKS Meisheng Trading (Shanghai)
Ltd.
“We have best-in-class creative partners with Meisheng, a recognized
name in Chinese entertainment, and we are thrilled to expand our
partnership in this genre. Developing original content is essential for
us to further build and grow JAKKS’ portfolio of owned properties in new
and existing categories,” said Stephen Berman, Chairman and CEO of JAKKS.
Studio JP will introduce high-quality, kid-friendly, computer-generated
animated content including new short-form series and original shows,
while exploring JAKKS’ library of intellectual properties to re-launch
brands with compelling stories for today’s kids. Studio JP’s mission is
to create, identify and foster original content to support JAKKS’
proprietary brands with compelling and engaging narratives and
characters. Studio JP will be responsible for script development, story
boards, character and visual development, production and distribution.
Berman stated, “We know kids today expect content in all forms of
entertainment across many media platforms. At the same time, the
entertainment landscape has changed dramatically in the last few years
with new distribution models. These trends have created new
opportunities for JAKKS to deliver content to kids where they want it
and when they want it.”
“We have great expectations for our Studio JP joint venture,” said Zhao
Xiaoqiang, President of Meisheng Culture & Creative Corp. “We have
created a leading entertainment industry ecosystem that is
cross-platform and cross-border. This new joint venture will generate
all new original rich-content that is adaptable to all current and
future platforms. Through Meisheng’s established industry channels, this
high-quality content can be fully distributed in all media.”
For a look at Studio JP click here.
About Rising Anime
Rising Anime, a subsidiary of Meisheng Culture & Creative Corp., is a
leading company among the new breed of China’s animation industry.
Rising Anime concentrates on creating original animated series and
films. Its works have been well-received and popular among Chinese
children, which has helped Rising Anime to establish its influential
foundation in China’s animation industry. Through the partnership with
JAKKS Pacific, both parties will explore new creative elements and
narration methods to support their brands.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer, manufacturer
and marketer of toys and consumer products sold throughout the world,
with its headquarters in Santa Monica, California. JAKKS Pacific’s
popular proprietary brands include BIG-FIGS™, XPV®, Max Tow™ and
Friends, Disguise®, Moose Mountain®, Funnoodle®, Maui®, Kids Only!®, as
well a wide range of entertainment-inspired products featuring premier
licensed properties. Through JAKKS Cares, the company’s commitment to
philanthropy, JAKKS is helping to make a positive impact on the lives of
children. Visit us at www.jakks.com and
follow us on Instagram (@jakkstoys),
Twitter (@jakkstoys)
and Facebook (JAKKS
Pacific).
©2016 JAKKS Pacific, Inc. All rights reserved.
Contacts
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
Sara Rosales Montalvo, 424-268-9363
SaraRM@jakks.net
