Discovery International announced the launch of Discovery Kids Media (DKM), a new unit created to develop, commission, co-produce and distribute kids animated and live-action content for both linear and digital platforms.
Carolina Lightcap, EVP and Chief Content Officer for DLA/USH, will add to her responsibilities the leadership of DKM as general manager.
Additionally, Danielle Davies joined the company as VP, Kids Content Partnerships and Revenue for Discovery Kids Media. Davies will be responsible for leading the exploitation of all titles created by DKM, as part of Discovery International’s program sales and consumer products team.
“With over 20 years in the Latin America market, Discovery Kids has had long-standing success as the leading pay-TV network for preschoolers and continues to grow in the region. Discovery Kids Media creates content with a unique creative vision for DK in Latin America and partners around the world. We are very excited to have Danielle join our team. Her vast expertise in the entertainment distribution industry will now allow us to take our productions to international markets,” said Lightcap.
Among the productions that DKM will distribute are:
• Mini Beat Power Rockers, produced by Juan José Campanella’s MundoLoco in English, and also available in Spanish and Portuguese.
• Big Top Academy, produced by Apartment 11 Productions in association with DK and TVOkids, in collaboration with Cirque Du Soleil Images, was shot in Montreal in English and is also available in Spanish and Portuguese.
•Zu & Her Zoo, live-action series produced by Boutique Films, was shot in Portuguese and is also available in English and Spanish.
In addition, DKM currently has over 15 projects in development. DK has been active in co-productions with companies such as eOne Family, Zodiak Kids, and TV Pinguim, among others.
The DKM team will also manage Discovery’s participation in joint venture agreements for kids productions, such as the recently announced redknot, a joint venture between Discovery and Nelvana.
redknot just announced greenlights for two animated series: The Dog & Pony Show, created by Josh Selig, and Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe, based on the acclaimed Kids Can Press graphic novels, written and illustrated by Ashley Spires.