Brazil’s SBT acquires ZAG’s Ghostforce
SBT has finalized a partnership with global independent animation studio ZAG for the original comedy-action series for kids and families, Ghostforce. The cartoon premiered Saturday, August 19, at 9 a.m., on the program Saturday Animated. The announcement was made by Carolina Scheinberg, SBT’s New Business Manager,and Maria Doolan, Head of TV Content, ZAG. In addition to being shown on free-to-air television, Ghostforce will be available from August 2023 on SBT VIDEOS, the station’s free platform.
The new agreement will broaden the distribution in Brazil for this high-stakes 52 x 11-minute cinematic CG-animated series. The plot features the story of three elementary school students who secretly form a superhero team – the Ghostforce – to fight the ghosts of New York City!
“Ghostforce has already found a solid and enthusiastic fan base in Brazil since its debut last year on a closed channel, where it is among the platform’s best programming for children ages four to eight. We are excited to reinforce the reach of this popular series with its availability in partnership with our new partner SBT,” comments Doolan.
“Ghostforce boasts cinematic-quality animation, and we know that kids all over the world are enjoying the stories of these ordinary kids who become extraordinary heroes battling a host of iconic villains. We are delighted to add this inventive series to our children’s programming line-up,” adds Carolina Scheinberg.
In the global market, Ghostforce has launched in most European countries, becoming the market leader in various kids’ target groups, with single airings reaching up to 40.9% share among all kids ages 3-14 and 51.2% among kids 6-9! In France, where the series debuted on TF1 in August 2021, Ghostforce achieved an audience share of over 35%. In the U.S., Ghostforce is available on Disney XD. The series is also available across Japan, India, CIS, and the Middle East on Disney Channel.
“Since launching last summer in Brazil, Ghostforce has earned spectacular ratings and this is translating into demand for consumer products,” added Angela Cortez, ZAG’s vice president of licensing and retail for Latin America and Canada. “We look forward to bringing the characters to life through quality merchandise so that fans of the series can further engage with the brand for the first time in Latin America.”
Novabrink, ZAG’s strategic partner in the region, is launching 18-inch dolls of the Ghostforce heroes and villains, as well as Halloween costumes. Xalingo, a leading developer of products and toys that aid in children’s social and intellectual development, is debuting a line of products made of wood, including board games, puzzles, activity sets, coloring activities, memory games, and dominoes. Other licensing partners on board include Dermiwil for bags, backpacks and lunchboxes; Lolla Sorvestes for ice cream, and the company C+E, creators of experiences.
