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

warbaby@PangeaCorp.com

 

To see PANGEAÕs work on the classic Zorro toy line: http://www.zorro.com/img/product/GiochiGallery/index.html