India’s Toonz Animation expands into NZ with dedicated branch launching
Skwigly
Toonz Entertainment, a preeminent content and animation company which incorporates flagship division Toonz Animation in India, is setting up a dedicated subsidiary office in Auckland, NZ, to further the presence of its brands and partnerships in New Zealand and Australia. It will be headed by Mark Nicholls, newly appointed Director of Toonz Entertainment, New Zealand.
The new operation will exploit existing and future animated and live-action IP, forging strategic production, licensing, retail and technology partnerships in the region. It will also support the Toonz development pipeline and help to incubate and cross-pollinate ideas specifically for these markets.
Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media Group said: “This is a significant opportunity for Toonz. New Zealand and Australia are key markets for our properties and we believe that there is considerable potential in having a dedicated operation on the ground to help to maximise our presence in the region and establish mutually beneficial partnerships.”
Mark Nicholls, Director of Toonz New Zealand added: “It’s the ideal time to grow a business in New Zealand which is experiencing strong economic growth. The country has substantial talent, resources and a supportive government committed to growing the entertainment production sector. With this new base, Toonz will be able to maximise the synergies across Asia, New Zealand and Australia as well as offering opportunities to local businesses.”
Toonz New Zealand plans to take off with the launch of a new retail product. This product is designed by the expert design and research team in Toonz, and will be released in the New Zealand and Australian markets.
The setting up of Toonz Entertainment, New Zealand, follows the closing of the company’s acquisition of Spain’s Imira Entertainment which furthers its penetration into Europe and Latin America and sees the company securing a strong presence in major markets globally.