Planeta Junior Expands to Czech Republic

Toward the end of last month, kid's media and communications group Planeta Junior (Barcelona, Spain) announced the opening of a new office in Czech Republic to further service the eastern European territories on its radar. Planeta Junior has high-functioning branches operating in Portugal, Italy, and France, and is a growing player in the business of animation licensing, TV and home video distribution, and on some occasions, production as well. The company's new office in the heart of Prague looks to contribute to these established practices.

For a dozen year now, Planeta Junior has grown in active and influence regarding the central and eastern European consumption of children's entertainment. Animation currently topping the company's list of titles include action series Radakai: Conquer the Kairu, preschool romp Zou, adventure comedy The DaVincibles, and Studio 100 items Vicky the Viking and Maya the Bee. Planeta Junior manages assorted licensing rights for these and several other titles for Spain, Portugal, France, and Greece. The opening of an office in Prague, Czech Republic, will reportedly allow for greater flexibility in emerging markets.

from Egyxos

According to Planeta Junior, the new office will further open up countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania to the company. Additional markets across Europe to keep an eye on include Croatia, Bulgaria, Albania, the Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and greater Turkey. Another new office will open in Moscow, Russia, before the end of 2012.

Animation properties facilitated by Planeta Junior, in these territories, will include a number of fresh titles, including the fantasy/adventure cartoon Egyxos, upcoming book adaptation Camille, and magical girl series Magiki.

Egyxos is a sharp adventure title about feuding demigods in the times of Egyptian rule.

Two brothers battle over the near-infinite power left to them by their father; their armies, one of light and the other of shadow, tear through one another in a war of attrition that could last several lifetimes.

Egyxos is set for planned availability by 2013, supported by the release of a trading card game. Planeta Junior already manages the licensing rights for Egyxos for Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, and Greece; territories for television is worldwide. Camille is a forthcoming TV series based on the popular children's picture books published in France and throughout Europe. Camille, frequently accompanied by her teddy bear Nounurs, is a little girl who is big on fun (not so much on bedtimes and bathtimes).

The line of books, of which there are dozens, cover everything from trips to the pool, "bad words," angry parents, birthdays, nightmares, and doctor visits. Licensing and TV rights for Camille include much of Europe plus Turkey and CIS

from Camille

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Following the release of collectible cards sold at kiosks back in 2009, Magiki targets girls with an affinity for fairies, princesses, unicorns, and talking dolphins.

Planeta Junior licenses Magiki (available in 2013) to Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, and Greece. In the preschool series, friendship, happiness, and camaraderie are the main story notes.

Planeta Junior's new office in Prague will be under the guidance of Majka Kadlecova (Sales Manager), who will report to the company's Managing Director, Ignacio Segura, and International Commercial Director, Erwann Chabot. Planeta Junior was established a dozen years ago by content heavyweights Grupo Planeta (Spain) and DeAgostini (Italy).