Poppy Cat Utilizes Social Media To Connect Online Presence To Television Series

Poppy Cat, a top-rated pre-school television series based on Lara Jones’ bestselling books, is using social media to connect with its fan base and their parents.

By partnering with the Sprout Channel and its Sunny Side Up Show, Poppycat has been able to create engaging and exciting content for fans across all platforms. ‘Dress Up Week’ on Sprout ran at the end of October to tie in with Halloween. Sprout’s Sunny Side Up team used specific Poppy Cat episode themes as part of their social media dialogue and linked back to the television show by having Poppy Cat character Egbert dress up in every episode.  This included the presenters of The Sunny Side Up Show, Kelly and Chica, dressing up like explorers following the “Mt. Zuzu” episode of Poppy Cat. Additionally, Kelly and Chica made a pearl bracelet pattern game inspired by the “Pearl Hunt” episode of Poppy Cat.

Other social media initiatives included adding an album to the Poppy Cat Facebook page that featured the Halloween costume competition winners:  http://on.fb.me/YRBcc3 and spreading the word through Twitter as well.  Sprout retweeted and shared the album as well.

In addition, Sprout is running an exclusive promotion for Poppy Cat fans on Facebook where fans can download the Poppy Cat app at a special price of 99 cents.  Additionally, Sprout will offer their Facebook fans exclusive, never-before-released tips for the Poppy Cat game.

Visit Poppy Cat’s Facebook & Twitter pages for more information.

Social media is a fantastic way for a brand to connect with the audience and provide fans additional ways to enjoy their favorite characters and storylines.

Poppy Cat Announces First App

The Joester Loria Group is excited to share that Coolabi and Studio Lidell have partnered to create a Poppy Cat digital app, set to launch this August. Like the book series and television series of the same name, the app will target the developmental needs of pre-school aged children and encourage learning through the interactions and adventures of its lovable characters.

Poppy Cat is a top rated pre-school series based on Lara Jones’ bestselling books series. The show airs on Sproutand NBC’s Saturday Morning Kids Block in the US and Nick Jr. in the UK with its first wave of licensed consumer products including toys, books, and apparel rolling out in the UK.

Kidscreen covered Poppy Cat’s latest licensing deal and we look forward to sharing more news about this growing property soon.

Licensing Expo 2012

Last week was one of the licensing industry’s most important annual events, Licensing Expo 2012. The show was held in Las Vegas, Nevada where professionals ranging from licensors to retailers met to show the latest trends, products, properties and exciting developments.

The Joester Loria Group hosted the first ever licensing summit for The World of Eric Carle, where retailers, publishers, agents and licensees from 4 continents were in attendance. Initiatives for continued global growth include new style guides, retail alliances, and the introduction of museum quality collectibles based on the art of Eric Carle. Plans for the 45th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar in 2014 are also underway.

For Annoying Orange, JLG hosted a screening of the first two 11 minute episodes of the new TV series, which airs on Cartoon Network. The screening came as news arrived that the premier episode had won its time slot on Monday, at 8.30 pm and delivered outstanding ratings and an audience of 2.6 viewers. The success of the series has solidified the enormous buzz around the property.

Poppy Cat, currently a top rated pre-school series on Sprout, was also buoyed by good news. The series was selected to air on the NBC kids block on Saturday mornings beginning July 2012. In the UK, Poppy Cat product hits major retailers this holiday season.

Kellogg’s unveiled its revamped licensing program under the management of newly appointed Joester Loria Group at the show. Fueled by great assets including iconic characters, unparalleled brand power, vintage archives, anniversaries such as Pop Tarts 50th in 2014 and flavor profiles for potential food extensions, Kellogg offers exceptional licensing and brand extending opportunities.

The Joester Loria group previewed Dew Tour action sports gear including skateboards for the first time at Licensing Show. Dew Tour, the world’s largest action sports event, will introduce branded sporting goods by Ballard for action sports enthusiasts in 2012 with apparel to follow in 2013.

Pepsi brands licensing for Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sobe, Mountain Dew, and Aquafina continues to grow with new categories, licensees and retail initiatives.

Additionally, the Joester Loria Group highlighted exciting new Discovery Commerce initiatives. For River Monsters, a robust collection of fishing rods & reels and apparel; For Discovery Expedition, luggage by Delsey and a range outdoor gear and for Animal Planet, a growing line of pet product. Animal Planet pet treats and wet grooming round up the fastest growing brand in pet products.

JLG also unveiled exciting licensing plans for Oxford University, the world’s most prestigious educational institution, and presentedthe extraordinary creative assets developed from Oxford’s vast archives.

We enjoyed meeting so many of you at Licensing Expo, and look forward to more trade shows and networking events in the near future.

Here are a few photos from the World Of Eric Carle section of our booth:

Poppy Cat and Lazy Town Join NBC

NBC has welcomed British sensations Poppy Cat and Lazy Town into its programming family. Beginning July 7, 2012, Sprout will program a three-hour pre-school block featuring both series that will air on NBC, reaching over 110 million homes. Both Poppy Cat and Lazy Town address the developmental needs of 2-5 year olds and promote learning in fun, innovative ways through their lovable characters’ adventures. The series will now be brought into more than 110 Million US homes.