Upv Teams With U.k. Kids' Tv Producer

Universal Pictures Video (UPV) has sealed a four-year distribution deal with noted British children's TV producer Entertainment Rights that will cover the U.K. and Ireland.

Formerly called Sleepy Kids and best-known for the Budgie the Little Helicopter series penned by Sarah Ferguson, Entertainment Rights has also launched its own video label, Right Entertainment. The new unit will release product later this year from its library of 300 hours of programming.

Highlights from the library include children's favorites Basil Brush, Beany and Cecil, Tangerine Bear, Cubeez, Dr. Otter, Harvey Toons, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Titch, Friendly Monsters, Katie and Orbie, and Gerry Anderson's Lavender Castle.

"We have a wealth of expertise in the kids' market and look forward to working closely with Entertainment Rights," says Universal Pictures Video U.K chairman Eddie Cunningham. "They have built up an incredible catalog of kids' brands in a very short time, and we are extremely optimistic about the potential of this partnership." Cunningham calls the library an "impressive programming portfolio."

a leader in Kids' video

Entertainment Rights product will be added to UPV kids' lineup, which includes Maisy, The Land Before Time, Fun Song Factory, Robot Wars, Clangers, Bagpuss, Ivor the Engine, The X Men, and Beast Wars. UPV has also introduced Barney and Power Rangers into the territory.

The deal will establish the company as a leading children's video supplier, Entertainment Rights chief executive Mike Heap says: "Universal has unrivaled experience in sales and distribution, and I expect our home entertainment division to become a major contributor to our profitability." Heap came to Entertainment Rights after a stint as managing director at Warner Home Video U.K.

In addition to producing children's programming, Entertainment Rights bought Link Licensing recently and owns Cardiff-based animation studio Siriol Productions.