ABC AND MATTEL ANNOUNCE NEW SERIES 'THE TOY BOX,' BRINGING AMATEUR TOY INVENTORS FACE-TO-FACE WITH THEIR ULTIMATE JUDGES: KIDS
Unique Competition-Style Series Hosted by Eric Stonestreet ('Modern Family')
Winning Toy to Be Made and Distributed by Mattel and Available Immediately
After the Series Finale
ABC and Mattel Creations, the content creation and distribution division of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), have partnered to launch a first-of-its kind primetime television series that brings to life the excitement, drama and creativity of the toy invention process in a fast-paced, high-stakes competition format that will entertain viewers of all ages. Co-developed with Hudsun Media and Electus, "The Toy Box" is set to premiere during the 2016-17 season on the ABC Television Network and will be distributed internationally by Electus International.
"We are thrilled to provide a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the hard work, determination and creativity it takes to run a globally recognized, iconic creations company like Mattel," said Richard Dickson, president and chief operating officer at Mattel. "I'm positive 'The Toy Box' will inspire kids, families and anyone who's ever dreamt of creating the next great toy!"
Hosted by Eric Stonestreet, "The Toy Box" is the ultimate toy-competition series, providing talented designers with the chance of a lifetime: an opportunity to bring their toy concept to life with industry giant Mattel. The toys - and their inventors - are put through a series of trials and tests before facing the ultimate judges: a panel of no-nonsense, toy-loving kids.
Rob Mills, SVP Alternative Series, Specials & Late Night of ABC, said, "'The Toy Box' is a unique and broadly appealing take on the popular competition-style television format, and we believe it will capture the imagination of viewers of all ages. We look forward to launching the series with Mattel, Hudsun Media and Electus this year."
"Along with our partners at Hudsun Media and Electus, we are extremely proud to announce 'The Toy Box,' the first major production project from Mattel Creations," said Catherine Balsam-Schwaber, Mattel's chief content officer. "In addition to being an entertaining and engaging program that kids and families are sure to love, 'The Toy Box' also creates a new opportunity for Mattel to connect with its consumers in an authentic and engaging way."
Each episode of "The Toy Box" will feature expert toy inventors from around the world as they compete for the opportunity to present their creations in the "The Toy Box" season finale. The winner of the final episode wins the ultimate prize: the opportunity to bring their creation to market, with marketing, design and manufacturing support from Mattel. The winning toy design will be available for purchase at retail as the season finale airs, enabling fans of the show to play with the very product they see come to life on "The Toy Box."
"The Toy Box" brings the pressure and drama of competition-style shows to the toy-design process in a format that's sure to thrill kids and families alike," said Michael Rourke, CEO of Hudsun Media. "For the first time, viewers will get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of toy making, as they see what it takes to design the next great American toy."
Chris Grant, CEO of Electus, said, "With its mix of competitiveness, entrepreneurialism and fun, 'The Toy Box' is sure to delight and excite kids, parents and anyone who loves to play. We are excited to bring the program to ABC viewers this season."
About Mattel
Mattel is a creations company that inspires the wonder of childhood. Our mission is to be the recognized leader in play, learning and development worldwide. Mattel's portfolio of global consumer brands includes American Girl(R), Barbie(R), Fisher-Price(R), Hot Wheels(R), Monster High(R) and Thomas & Friends(R), among many others. Mattel also creates a wealth of lines and products made in collaboration with leading entertainment and technology companies. With a global workforce of approximately 31,000 people, Mattel operates in 40 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.
About Electus
Electus is the first integrated multimedia entertainment studio to unite producers, creators, advertisers and distributors under one roof and produce all forms of content for distribution across a variety of platforms around the world, including: broadcast, cable, digital, OTT and various emerging technologies. The company connects advertisers, distributors and content creators early on in the development process, enabling marketers and advertisers to be true partners in campaigns and content creation. Electus International, the global distribution arm of Electus, is responsible for all international sales and distribution for Electus' programming and its studio partners as well as programs and formats from other well-known 3rd party providers. Electus is an operating business of IAC [NASDAQ: IACI]. For more information on Electus, visit www.electus.com.
About Hudsun Media
Hudsun Media is a multi-platform hybrid production company and creative agency based in New York and Los Angeles. Born in the fires of television, Hudsun has evolved into a strategically-minded content machine partnering with networks, MCNs, agencies and brands to create engaging, entertaining and premium content. The Hudsun team consists of a band of producers, writers, editors, directors, shooters, and doers led by Michael Rourke, an Emmy?-nominated veteran television producer with rich experience in developing talent and properties.
About the Disney|ABC Television Group
Disney|ABC Television Group is comprised of The Walt Disney Company's global entertainment and news television properties, owned television stations group, and radio business. This includes ABC Studios, the ABC Owned Television Stations Group, and the ABC Television Network, which provides entertainment and news programming to viewers via more than 200 affiliated stations across the U.S. It also includes Disney Channels Worldwide, a portfolio of 116 kid-driven, family-inclusive entertainment channels, including Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney Cinemagic, Hungama, and Radio Disney brands, as well as cable network Freeform, which targets Millennials. Disney|ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution and Disney Media Distribution round out the portfolio. Disney|ABC Television Group also has equity interests in A+E Networks and Hulu.
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