For
Immediate Release
PANGEA STRIKES
AGAIN:
ZORRO MEETS BKN!
Creative development
salon, entertainment partner & licensor ride into action!
________________________________________________________
BERKELEY,
CA -- February 7, 2006 Ð Fresh off their continuing successful ride developing the classic
Zorro merchandise plan for toy giant Giochi Preziosi, PANGEA Corporation has
teamed up Executive Producer Rick Ungar and the mighty global animation
company, BKN International AG together with Zorro Productions. The exclusive
deal grants BKN the license to produce and distribute an all-new animated
series, as well as direct-to-DVD films based on the Zorro property. The 26
animated TV episodes and first DVD release are budgeted at $8.4 million and
will launch in the Fall of 2007.
ÒPANGEA
is like one of the family,Ó noted John Gertz, CEO of Zorro Productions. ÒWith
Rick Ungar and Allen BohbotÕs powerhouse network, coupled with PANGEAÕs
creative input, they have effectively brought us a dream deal, which we are excited to launch on the tail of our recent live action feature film from Sony.Ó
The new series, tentatively titled Zorro: Generation Z, places Zorro in the modern
world, with all the updates necessary to make him a timely hero linked to one
of historyÕs most famous and legendary action heroes. ÒPANGEA delivered amazing
development in our classic toy line, which extended story and character in ways
we never before imagined. WeÕre convinced this new concept will inspire and
capture the spirit of Zorro for this new generation of kids,Ó Gertz said. ÒWe
are thrilled with PANGEAÕs involvement. John Schulte , John Besmehn and Cheryl
Ann Wong put their souls into their work and are among the finest developers
weÕve worked with,Ó added Gertz.
Executive
producer Rick Ungar noted, ÒWhile we all love and respect the many incarnations
of Zorro, our Zorro will be a young man entering his first year of university.
HeÕll fight for the underprivileged and the disadvantaged citizens of a
mythical, modern-day city resembling Los Angeles and heÕll do it on a very cool
black motorcycle called the Tornado-Z. ZorroÕs crime fighting tools will include a Z-Pod,
a Z-phone, and other surprises befitting of a modern day hero.Ó
ÒDevelopment
on the show has been fresh and focused,Ó stated John Schulte, one of the
principals of PANGEA. ÒWhen a good team gets together, it makes all the
difference in the world while creating new entertainment and product. We feel
very grateful and honored to be part of the team Ð and such a rich property.Ó
ÒThe
showÕs gonna be awesome Ð itÕs gonna be among the most compelling Zorro
properties ever developed!Ó declared Besmehn, one of three principals of
PANGEA.
BKN
will be handling all TV and DVD distribution as well as merchandising and
licensing. BKN Group CEO Allen Bohbot noted, ÒSubject to our contractual
performance, we have secured perpetual rights to all episodes and films that we
produce as well as a 15-year exclusive license to licensing and merchandising
and making more episodes and films.Ó Accordingly, the Frankfurt- and
London-listed company promises a big push for "Zorro" at April's Mip
TV mart in Cannes.
Zorro Productions Inc. controls the worldwide trademarks and copyrights
in the name, visual likeness and the character of Zorro, the Spanish California
hero created in 1919 by Johnston McCulley. John Gertz, President, and Sandra
Curtis, Senior Vice President, have been guiding the brand for over twenty
years through major films, television, stage productions, publishing projects
and promotions in addition to hundreds of licensed products. The corporate
offices are located in Berkeley, California. www.zorro.com
PANGEA Corporation is a unique privately-held creative development
salon, specializing in entertainment origination and merchandising integration.
PANGEA provides its clients intellectual development and a full array of
creative services for entertainment, toy and licensing application. The company
and the principals, John C. Besmehn, John Schulte and Cheryl Ann Wong are based
in Dana Point, CA. www.PangeaCorp.com
BKN
International AG is a global
animation company engaged in the distribution and marketing of animated
children's television programmes and the marketing of related consumer products
in all forms. BKN owns the rights to many successful global brands including Legend
of the Dragon, Kong King of
Atlantis, Dork Hunters from
Outer Space and U.B.O.S. and has a catalogue containing over 800 hours of
programming.
The
Company is currently listed on the Deutsche Bšrse and London Stock Exchange and
it operates all over the world with offices in London, Cologne, New York and
Singapore. BKN has successfully negotiated distribution deals in over 80
countries and territories in the children's programming market.
BKN is committed to
providing quality entertainment to children around the world. http://www.bknkids.com/
Media Contact:
Cheryl Ann Wong
949.633.8665
To see PANGEAÕs work on
the classic Zorro toy line: http://www.zorro.com/img/product/GiochiGallery/index.html