I received a press release about an upcoming show called POWER PLAYERS that will be debuting this year on The Cartoon Network. The show is coming from ZAG America, an indie entertainment studio that has done the hit show “Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir”. We enjoyed that show and the toys for that were pretty cool.
The concept of this show seems like a lot of fun. It follows a young boy named Axel who has the unique ability to transform himself into a toy-sized action hero. He then recruits a team of toy heroes and they have adventures all around the world. This is the perfect embodiment of how kids play. They immerse themselves into their toys and become part of the action. I am excited about it.
The series is being developed by Jeremy Zag, written by Man of Action (Ben 10, Big Hero 6) and co-produced by OnEntertainment, the new series will also include the development of a multi-segment toy line in partnership with Playmates Toys. I can think of no better company to produce these toys. I have been a huge fan of their Ben 10 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys for so long. Below is the full press release with more information.
Big Action, From A Toy’s Eye View
ZAG AMERICA’S “ZAG HEROEZ™: POWER PLAYERS™” TO DEBUT ON CARTOON NETWORK
Playmates Toys Named Master Toy Licensee For Groundbreaking CGI-Hybrid Animated Series
Santa Monica, CA – Feb. 11, 2019 – Today, ZAG America, a global independent entertainment studio specializing in world-class storytelling across TV, film and digital platforms, announced Cartoon Network has secured the broadcast rights to the upcoming animated series, “Power Players” – expected to debut from 2019. Developed by Jeremy Zag, written by Man of Action (Ben 10, Big Hero 6) and co-produced by OnEntertainment, the new series will also include the development of a multi-segment toy line in partnership with Playmates Toys. The action figure and role play will give kids worldwide the chance to immerse themselves in the on-screen action just like the heroes of the show. The launch of the highly anticipated series is the first between ZAG America and Cartoon Network, in addition to ZAG’s first partnership with Playmates Toys.
Cartoon Network has secured the broadcast rights of “Power Players” in the EMEA, APAC, and USA regions. Utilizing groundbreaking CGI-hybrid animation, the action-comedy animation series follows the adventures of Axel, an adventurous boy who transforms into a living action figure, and his unlikely team of toy heroes as they embark on the biggest “small” adventures a kid could ever imagine. “Power Players” is visually stunning animation that truly brings the characters and story to life, as this is the first time this rendering technique has been used in a series format. Tackling BIG challenges and high stakes from a toy’s eye view, the show embraces the pure fun of play while promoting camaraderie and teamwork.
“ZAG is thrilled to partner with the incredible team at Cartoon Network,” stated Liz Grampp, Senior Vice President of Studio and Franchise Marketing, ZAG. “We love their proven success in building audiences with action-comedy formats. They have embraced the high quality visuals that set Power Players apart. In addition, we’re so lucky to have Playmates Toys, who brings a wealth of experience developing boys’ action toys from original IP, growing brands into hot toy franchises with long-term success. Together with our long time collaborators Man of Action and OnEntertainment, we have a strong team behind this break-out storytelling.”
“Playmates Toys is elated to be working with ZAG to bring the heroes of the series to life off-screen,” said Karl Aaronian, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Playmates Toys. “With a deep-rooted history in the boys’ action category, we look forward to developing an innovative line of toys that captures the action and adventure of the series and provides kids with imaginative play experiences.”
“Power Players” follows the adventures of Axel, a seemingly normal boy with the ability to transform into a toy-sized action hero, as he recruits a team of toy heroes and experiences the world around him from an entirely new perspective. When new threats come to life, what dangers can we expect our toy heroes to overcome? Power Players taps into the importance of courage, teamwork and fun to save the day.
About ZAG
ZAG America, LLC is a global independent entertainment studio specializing in world-class storytelling across TV, film and digital platforms. ZAG’s foundation is rooted in compelling characters, limitless imagination, and masterful storytelling infused with original musical scores. The company is home to world-class entertainment properties under the Zag Heroez label, including Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir and the upcoming titles Power Players (2019) and Ghost Force. Founded in France in 2009, visionary director and composer Jeremy Zag further expanded the company to the USA from 2012 to 2017 – establishing a creative headquarters, known as the “Zag Lab”, and the Global Brand Franchise office in Santa Monica, California with a focus on developing content beyond the screen into lifestyle brands covering a broad array of touchpoints.
ZAG America continues to build the company’s legacy beginning with the global animation phenom Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir as the company’s flagship series leading into the establishment of the ZAG HEROEZ brand label. Following the success of Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, ZAG was named “Breakout Studio of the Year” in 2016 by Animation Magazine’s World Animation Network. Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir was also named the 2018 Teen Choice Awards’ “Choice Animated TV Show” winner.
For more information on ZAG and the company’s beloved properties, please go to: www.zag-inc.com.
About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network is Turner’s global entertainment brand and the # 1 animation network in the U.S., offering the best in original content for kids and families with such hits as, Adventure Time, The Powerpuff Girls, Steven Universe, We Bare Bears and The Amazing World of Gumball. Seen in 192 countries and over 400 million homes, Cartoon Network inspires the next generation of creators and innovators by engaging its audience at the intersection of creativity and technology. Its award-winning pro-social initiative, Stop Bullying: Speak Up is an acknowledged and often used resource for kids and adults looking for tools that can assist in dealing with the ongoing issue of bullying.
Turner, a WarnerMedia company, is a global entertainment, sports and news company that creates premium content and delivers exceptional experiences to fans whenever and wherever they consume content. These efforts are fueled by data-driven insights and industry-leading technology. Turner owns and operates some of the most valuable brands in the world, including Adult Swim, Bleacher Report, Boomerang, Cartoon Network, CNN, ELEAGUE, FilmStruck, Great Big Story, HLN, iStreamPlanet, Super Deluxe, TBS, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), TNT, truTV and Turner Sports.
About Playmates Toys
With a history of over 50 years, Playmates Toys is today among the most well-respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in the creation of imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises. Key brands include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ben 10, Super G, Pop Tops and more. From its offices in Hong Kong and California, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.playmatestoys.com.