Official Bavaria Sonor Licensing (BSL) press release:
Bavaria Sonor Licensing becomes Licensing Agency for “The Smurfs”
“The Smurfs” first appeared in 1958 in the Belgian magazine “Spirou” as part of a comic series set in the Middle Ages. Today, the blue, dwarf-like characters are represented in all media worldwide. The stories about Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy Smurf and many more have already been told in TV series, radio plays and feature films. Their comics are available in close to 90 countries, and the TV series is broadcast in a hundred countries. Many toy figures have become sought-after collector’s items. In the music sector, “The Smurfs” are established as a brand with their own albums and musicals. According to the license holder IMPS, the global brand awareness is 95 percent.
In 2021, for the first time in over 30 years, Peyo’s beloved characters will be making a high-profile TV comeback with a brand-new dynamic 3D series. An explosive package full of adventure and humour for the whole family to enjoy!
Ivica Maracic, Licensing & Sales Director Bavaria Sonor Licensing: “BSL smurfs! We are very proud to be able to market this cult brand. ‘The Smurfs’ have been delighting young and old for generations. We are looking forward to realizing exciting and blue licensing cooperations together with IMPS!”
Véronique Culliford, President & Founder of IMPS / LAFIG and daughter of Peyo: “We’re thrilled to have Bavaria Sonor Licensing on board to maximize the value of The Smurfs brand across a broad range of consumer products that will embody the colourful world of The Smurfs. Bavaria Sonor Licensing is known for their powerful and passionate approach. With the New TV series on its way, our new partnership is happening at a very exciting moment.“
About Bavaria Sonor Licensing
Bavaria Sonor Licensing (BSL) is the in-house licensing agency of Bavaria Media GmbH, a subsidiary of Bavaria Film GmbH. BSL represents the brands “PLAYMOBIL”, “Masha and the Bear”, “Care Bears”, “Moomins”, “Panini”, “Janosch” as well as “Bud Spencer” and “Terence Hill” among many others.
About IMPS / LAFIG (International Merchandising Promotions & Services) – “The Smurfs”
IMPS is the official licensor of the little blue-skinned characters “The Smurfs”. Over the years, IMPS (since 1984) have worked in close collaboration with their agents worldwide to develop successful licensed merchandising programs, retail- and co-branded promotions, publishing activities, broadcasting deals, theme parks, family entertainment centers, live shows, video games, online games, and Smurf music that have secured the everlasting success of the Smurfs.
IMPS is run by Véronique Culliford, the daughter of Pierre Culliford, the creator of The Smurfs, who is better known under his pseudonym Peyo.
About The Smurfs New TV Series:
The Smurfs – A Peyo Productions and Dupuis Audiovisuel production, in co-production with KiKA, VRT and RTBF, with the participation of TF1, and with the participation of Wallimage (La Wallonie), of Screen Flanders, of BNPPFFF and with the support of the Tax Shelter of the Belgian Government and the participation of the CNC.
52 episodes / 11 minutes / 3D CGI
© Peyo Productions – Dupuis Edition & Audiovisual – KiKA – VRT – RTBF
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Below is the German (Deutsch) version of the above press release:
Bavaria Sonor Licensing takes over license mandate for “The Smurfs”
– Munich, February 9, 2021 – At the turn of the year, the Bavaria Sonor Licensing (BSL), a division of Bavaria Media GmbH, took over the license mandate for “The Smurfs”. The license holder is the Belgian International Merchandising, Promotion and Services SA (IMPS). The mandate includes Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Kosovo. The BSL sees great licensing potential in the areas of fashion, home & living, promotions and food & beverages in particular.-
“The Smurfs” first appeared in the Belgian magazine “Spirou” in 1958 as part of a comic series set in the Middle Ages. Today the blue, imp-like figures are represented in all media around the world. The stories about Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy Smurf and many more have already been told in TV series, radio plays and movies. Her comics are available in around 90 countries and the TV series is broadcast in 100 countries. Many toy figures have become coveted collectibles. In the music sector, “The Smurfs” have established themselves as a brand with their own albums and musicals. According to the license holder IMPS, global brand awareness is 95 percent.
In 2021, Peyo’s beloved characters will celebrate a high profile TV comeback for the first time in over 30 years with a brand new dynamic 3D series – full of adventure and humor that the whole family can enjoy!
Ivica Maracic, Licensing & Sales Director Bavaria Sonor Licensing: “BSL smurfs! We are very proud to be able to market this cult brand. The Smurfs have been inspiring young and old for generations. We look forward to implementing exciting and blue licensing partnerships with IMPS! “
Véronique Culliford, President and Founder of IMPS / LAFIG and daughter of the “Smurfs” inventor Pierre Culliford: “We are thrilled to have Bavaria Sonor Licensing on board to maximize the brand value of the ‘Smurfs’ across a wide variety of consumer goods that the embody the colorful world of the Smurfs. Bavaria Sonor Licensing is known for its powerful and passionate approach. With the new TV series that is in the starting blocks, our new partnership is taking place at a very exciting time. “
About Bavaria Sonor Licensing
Bavaria Sonor Licensing (BSL) is a division of Bavaria Media GmbH, a subsidiary of Bavaria Film GmbH. The BSL represents brands such as “PLAYMOBIL”, “Mascha and the Bear”, “Care Bears”, “Moomin”, “Panini”, “Janosch”, as well as “Bud Spencer” and “Terence Hill”.
About IMPS / LAFIG (International Merchandising Promotions & Services) – “The Smurfs”
IMPS is the official license holder of “The Smurfs”. Since 1984, IMPS has worked closely with partners worldwide to develop licensed marketing campaigns, advertising campaigns in retail and jointly with other brands, publications, radio placements, theme parks, family entertainment centers, live shows, video games, online games and “Smurfs” music. This ensured the continuous and sustainable success of the “Smurfs”. IMPS is run by Véronique Culliford, daughter of Pierre Culliford, the creator of the “Smurfs”, better known under his pseudonym Peyo.
About The Smurfs New TV Series:
The Smurfs – A production by Peyo Productions and Dupuis Audiovisuel, in coproduction with KiKA, VRT and RTBF, with the participation of TF1, Wallimage (La Wallonie), Screen Flanders, BNPPFFF and with the support of the Belgian Government’s Tax Shelter and the involvement of the CNC.
52 episodes / 11 minutes / 3D CGI
© Peyo Productions – Dupuis Edition & Audiovisual – KiKA – VRT – RTBF
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