Banijay UK's "Simon’s Cat" confirmed plans to launch special content and products to celebrate its 15th anniversary, in collaboration with Banijay Brands. "It brings me immense joy and privilege to be celebrating 15 years of Simon’s Cat," Simon Tofield, creator of Simon’s Cat said. "We have grown from a single animation into a global brand with a fantastic and supportive community of fans all around the world. I can’t wait to see what the next 15 years bring for our global superstar feline!”
Created by award-winning illustrator, animator and director, Simon Tofield, "Simon’s Cat" was first viewed upon becoming available on YouTube in 2008. Since then, the brand has garnered worldwide recognition, gaining more than 3 billion online views and 21 million fans across TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. "In March 2008, illustrator Simon Tofield uploaded his first ever video to YouTube…a self-taught animation project inspired by his beloved cat Hugh," the company recently stated. "That video Cat Man Do became a viral sensation, which 15 years later, has amassed an eyewatering 65 million views on that one film alone, and spawned a globally- loved brand that enjoys incredible success, from a catalogue of online content to gaming, publishing and consumer products."
In light of its success, the brand will release a compilation of its most successful classic films, reimagined in color this months, as well as a new Simon’s Cat website, with games, comics, and films. The company will also offer an exclusive signed print of bespoke artwork by Simon Tofield; host a special Q&A session with Simon answering questions from fans on the official social channels, and a scheduled merch drop, including free giveaways; and later this year, release an exclusive set of 15th anniversary pins.
"Simon’s Cat" has garnered global commercial success across multiple categories. It was recently announced that Tactile Games has taken the long- term gaming rights for the brand, following the popularity of mobile titles Simon’s Cat: Crunch Time, Simon’s Cat: Pop Time and Simon’s Cat: Story Time, which have amassed more than 20 million downloads worldwide."It is wonderful to mark this milestone with special products that the fans will love," Alice Bernardi, Director, International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands said. "The instantly recognisable, iconic animation, coupled with a huge social following makes Simon’s Cat a very strong and desirable IP that works incredibly well across all corners of the licensing industry.”