Thunderbird grabs media, consumer products rights to Mittens & Pants

Canadian preschool series Mittens & Pants

Thunderbird Distribution, the sales arm of Vancouver-based Thunderbird Entertainment Group, has acquired global media rights (excluding Canada and the UK) and consumer products rights to Canadian preschool series Mittens & Pants.

The 39×7’ series, produced by Toronto-based prodco Windy Isle Entertainment, was commissioned by Canadian public broadcaster CBC and its streaming service CBC Gem earlier this year and is set to debut in the fall.

Sky has pre-bought the live-action series in the UK, where it will premiere on the Sky Kids on-demand platform, also in the fall.

Created by Windy Isle Entertainment CEO Phil McCordic, the show follows best friends Mittens the kitten and Pants the puppy as they go on action-packed adventures in the all-animal town of Kibble Corners.

“Over the last 18 months, our new distribution team has been focused on financing and distributing productions created by Thunderbird’s kids and family and scripted divisions. We are now also looking to invest in more exceptional commercial properties created by other extraordinary producers,” said Richard Goldsmith, Thunderbird president of global distribution and consumer products.

“With media distribution, consumer products and marketing under one roof, Thunderbird Distribution is looking for content that can both entertain audiences globally, and also develop into brands that are beloved by fans.”

The series was produced with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, with the assistance of Ontario Creates and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. The Shaw Rocket Fund also participated in the financing of the show.