Genius Brands International is taking advantage of new media avenues by launching its new music and fashion-driven animated property SpacePOP exclusively on YouTube. The first six episodes are available now on the SpacePOP YouTube Channel, with two new videos to be added each week and roll out across other digital platforms including Toon Goggles, PopJam, BatteryPOP and Kid Genius on Xfinity on Demand. Music will also be available on iTunes and Spotify thanks to Sony Music, and this fall a merchandise line launches at retail.
SpacePOP is comprised of over 100 serialized adventures featuring original music woven into a narrative that follows five teenage princesses who disguise themselves as musicians and form a band while they secretly plot to vanquish an evil Empress who is seeking to enslave the galaxy. SpacePop offers a colorful blend of music, fashion, beauty, friendship and intergalactic adventures resulting in an engaging lifestyle brand.
The series’ development and production team includes content writer Steve Banks (head writer and story editor, SpongeBob SquarePants) and character designer Han Lee (Pink Fizz, Bobby Jack). Multiple Grammy Award-winning producer and music veteran Ron Fair and singer songwriter spouse Stefanie Fair created the original theme music; and veteran music producer and composer John Loeffler writes original songs.
In addition to the video launch, the “Summer of SpacePOP” will also bring the property to the YouTube Kids’ Reading Program with music videos and kinetic text videos with excerpts from the upcoming book (July 26 from Macmillan’s Imprint). GBI has also lined up a number of digital marketing initiatives: Popular YouTube stars showcasing the brand on their channels; SpacePOP-themed posts and activities as well as webisodes on the PopJam app; and theme online writing challenges on the Storybird platform; SpacePOP duets on Musical.ly .The launch of a dedicated website, SpacePOPGirls.com, will serve as the definitive online resource for all brand initiatives and promotions.
GBI continues to expand upon the SpacePOP brand’s L&M program in collaboration with partners throughout North America, including Taste Beauty (beauty and bath products), Bare Tree Media (emoticons), Canal Toys (craft and activity kits), Yowie Group, Ltd. (confections), Jaya Apparel (apparel), H.E.R. Accessories (accessories), and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. SpacePOP products ranging from apparel and accessories, to beauty, cosmetics, candy, books and music will be available at select Claire’s and Kohl’s starting in October.