NICKELODEON PARTNERS WITH LAFIG BELGIUM AND IMPS TO AIR “THE SMURFS” WORLDWIDE

Nickelodeon and LAFIG Belgium and IMPS, the worldwide licensors for “The Smurfs,” have initiated a partnership to release a new, original CG-animated series. The deal grants Nickelodeon licensed global rights to “The Smurfs.” The show is scheduled to debut in 2021 in the U.S., followed by Nickelodeon channels internationally. “I am extremely proud and happy to have Nickelodeon and its fantastic team to represent our Smurf brand both for the broadcast of our beautiful New TV series and as an agent," said Véronique Culliford, Founder & President of IMPS/LAFIG. "I am convinced that we could not have found a better partner to smurf our beautiful blue planet."

"The Smurfs" will be overseen by Layla Lewis, Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships, and Dana Cluverius, Senior Vice President, Current Series Animation. The partnership forms part of Nickelodeon’s strategy to become the largest franchises kids and families love, and expand its growing portfolio of popular properties, such as "SpongeBob SquarePants," "PAW Patrol," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," among many others. “'The Smurfs' is an iconic global franchise that has resonated with audiences for decades,” said Pam Kaufman, President, ViacomCBS Consumer Products. “By partnering with LAFIG, we are able to join our creative forces to bring an all-new line of consumer products across multiple categories to consumers, along with a fresh and original animated series.”

"The Smurfs" was released more than four decades ago and is broadcasted in more than 100 countries today. The show is produced by Peyo Productions and Dupuis Edition & Audiovisuel. It is directed by William Renaud and written by Peter Saisselin and Amy Serafin. “The Smurfs have entertained generations of kids and families globally, and we are thrilled to bring these identifiable characters, their stories and universal themes of cooperation, sharing and caring for their community to Nickelodeon,” Layla Lewis, Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships said.

In addition to the content partnership, ViacomCBS Consumer Products (VCP) will manage consumer products licensing for The Smurfs property across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia. VCP is seeking new promotional partners and merchandisers in select categories and territories for the brand, as well as a new product line for "The Smurfs." The categories include toys, stationery, apparel and accessories, home, consumer packaged goods, and others, all scheduled to retail in 2022.