The show continues to gain momentum across Europe, a territory in which ITV believes it has the potential to become one of the most popular boys's properties.
ITV Studios Global Entertainment has detailed its plans to launch Thunderbirds Are Go merchandise programmes across France, Benelux and the Nordics.
The move come as the new show continues to gain momentum across Europe, a territory in which ITV believes it has the potential to become one of the most popular boys’ properties.
The CGI animated series has been drawing strong ratings across the three markets where ITV now plans to launch a master toy line from Vivid in September this year.
The first lines to be launching will be Vivid’s Tracy Island interactive playset, a Supersize Thunderbird 2 playset and Tracy brothers action figures. The roll out will be supported by comprehensive marketing across the region including TV advertising, digital and PR.
To drive the line in France, Vivid’s toy line will benefit from an exclusive launch with Toys R Us that will include back to school catalogue offers, website banners and a gift with purchase promotion throughout the Christmas period.
Meanwhile, ITVS GE is also working with licensing agents in France, Benelux and the Nordics to grow local consumer products programmes.
In France, Hachette Livre has been appointed the master publisher and will be launcing its first Thunderbirds Are Go storybook under its Biblioteque Verte collection this autumn.
Kid’Abord has been signed for a collection of back to school, stationery and bags for launch in 2017.
In the Benelux territories, Thunderbirds Are Go now airs in the Netherlands on Zapp and in Belgium on Ketnet, while Spin Master will debut its popular Ait Hoggs collection in Benelux from September.
Meis & Maas has signed as master publishing partner and will launch a range of books and magazine formats in 2017, while Jacob is on board is on board for a range of boys’ bags inspired by the show.
In the Nordics, the series now airs in Norway on NRK Super, in Sweden on Barnkanalen, in Finland on Juniori and in Denmark on Ramasjang and Ultra.
“We’re delighted to see Thunderbirds Are Go attracting a loyal fan-base across Europe and generating a great deal of interest from local partners and retailers too,” said Trudi Hayward, SVP head of global merchandise at ITVS GE.
“There’s much more to come from the brand and these latest developments underline its potential to become one of the most popular boys’ properties in Europe.”