ZDF STRIKES DEAL WITH GO-N PRODUCTIONS

ZDF Studios, the distributor (VOD/TV) for Simon Super Rabbit in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, has also secured the merchandising rights for those countries from leading animation prodco GO-N Productions.

With Season 5 scheduled for delivery early next year, the long-running preschool animated series will total 260 episodes, seeing Simon Super Rabbit fast becoming one of the most popular IPs loved by kids and their parents worldwide.

GO-N’s recently announced presales for the new season include SVT (Sweden), RTS (Switzerland), DR (Denmark), Cartoonito (Warner Media) in Italy, HOP (Israel), VRT (Belgium), and Télé-Québec (Canada). Whilst in Germany, Simon Super Rabbit has been on air on KiKA since mid-July, with ZDF joining in at the end of August. It is also available 24/7 on both channels’ popular media libraries.

Based on the best-selling books (5.5 million sold worldwide) by the American author Stephanie Blake, since launching in 2017, Simon Super Rabbit has seen exponential growth, becoming a phenomenal perennial and iconic brand that has been embraced by kids worldwide. Currently broadcasting in 150 territories, the series has also clocked up 3.5 billion+ views, and 8 million+ subscribers on YouTube alone.

Simon Super Rabbit is a delightful story about a super energetic and mischievous little rabbit who exudes all the vitality of childhood. Simon is at an age when little rabbits (and indeed children!) are starting to come into their own – challenging relationships with parents, embarking upon school life, learning about the world in general. Thanks to his character and key values: joy of living, modern family life, positive education, brotherhood, friendship, playing, competition and fair play, a sense of wonder, respect for nature, and curiosity about everything!

Kerstin Jungmann, Director Licensing and Merchandising, ZDF Studios commented: “GO-N Productions has created a wonderful, much loved series with Simon Super Rabbit. As their distributor for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, we are pleased to further cement our relationship with the company as their L&M partner in the region.”

Eric Garnet, Co-Founder, GO-N Productions said: “2024 has been an exciting year for GO-N since becoming part of the Federation Studios group of businesses. As we enter a new phase of growth on the L&M side of Simon Super Rabbit, we are delighted to have ZDF Studios on board, a trusted partner whose reputation and expertise in those countries is top and highly recognized, and who is going to be a great help in boosting the development of the brand.”

The Simon Super Rabbit international brand licensing program has seen a broad range of merchandise produced across key territories and has featured plush toys, activity books, jigsaw puzzles, photo albums, baby mats, figurines, magazines, party inflatables, and more.

Since GO-N Productions joined Federation Studio’s group of companies, Federation Kids & Family now handles worldwide TV sales.