WildBrain has partnered with Ukrainian kids’ producer Glowberry to bring the "Brave Bunnies" preschool brand into its portfolio of kids’ and family franchises. Under the terms of the deal, WildBrain has assured the continuation of the series, which was disrupted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “I created Brave Bunnies to help children all over the world communicate with different friends without any fears or stereotypes, respecting the diversity of our world. Each episode of Brave Bunnies shows real-life examples of how to find a unique approach to each person without pressure or changing anyone’s uniqueness," Olga Cherepanova, co- founder of Glowberry and Creative Producer said. "This idea is essential for healthy childhood development. Unfortunately, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Glowberry team faced significant challenges. Many employees were forced to flee Kyiv because of personal safety and the lives of their loved ones. But thanks to the support of partners like WildBrain and Ánima, now we have the opportunity to continue to create and share Brave Bunnies together.
Working in collaboration with Glowberry and the leading Ibero-American animation studio, Ánima, WildBrain will now oversee the global management of Brave Bunnies, leveraging its 360° capabilities across production, distribution and consumer products. Brave Bunnies was created by Cherepanova on the series. WildBrain’s Vancouver animation studio will be co-producing season two of the Brave Bunnies series with Glowberry and Ánima, producers of season one. Delivery of season two is expected beginning in June 2023. “Glowberry is glad to have WildBrain as a partner on board. When such a prominent company lends a hand for a smaller one, especially in a situation as complex as ours, it boosts a project immediately," Cherepanova said. '"Brave Bunnies' is an international project, aired in many countries, so the partnership with WildBrain is a logical and necessary step in our development.
WildBrain will also handle global distribution of all "Brave Bunnies" content, while its dedicated consumer products agency, WildBrain CPLG, will manage licensing and merchandising worldwide. WildBrain’s own Family Jr. channel has picked up "Brave Bunnies" season one for exclusive linear telecast in Canada. Glowberry retains distribution and licensing rights for the brand in Ukraine, while Ánima retains distribution rights in Spain. The three-way partnership, which was facilitated by Big Picture Licensing, sees WildBrain become majority stakeholder in the Brave Bunnies IP, with Glowberry and Ánima as minority stakeholders.
“I’m proud and happy that this project born in Ukraine will now continue to spread around the world helping the next generation develop respect for diversity and build relationships based on co-creation and cooperation rather than on fear and violence," Cherepanova said. "On behalf of the Ukrainian team, I want to express my deep gratitude to all the partners and talented people working together on Brave Bunnies, who have done so much despite the challenges we all faced. We do hope for peace in Ukraine and will do everything possible for a peaceful tomorrow.”
The 2D-animated series targeted at kids aged 2-5, follows the adventures of two curious and inspiring bunny siblings—Boo and Bop—who create joy and excitement in their lives by bravely seeking out new friends, games and experiences. Fostering values of curiosity, creativity, eagerness, openness and responsibility, the series encourages kids to ask the question “What if...?” as they embrace new experiences with “bunny bravery” to learn and grow. “Brave Bunnies is a kids’ property born of tremendous creative vision and has the potential to be a major preschool franchise, having already established a solid foundation with audiences through compelling content and consumer products," Eric Ellenbogen, CEO of WildBrain, said."Following the terrible events in Ukraine this year, we saw it as vital to ensure the future of this wonderful property, and we couldn’t be more pleased now to be collaborating with Olga Cherepanova and her Glowberry team, along with the creative team at Ánima, on the next big adventures for the Brave Bunnies.”