International production studio, rights business and channel operator Blue Ant Media has agreed to a multi-faceted partnership with Pluto TV, which includes the launch of two Blue Ant-owned and operated FAST channels, Love Nature and Homeful, and a multi-genre content licensing package for the free streaming platform in the US.
The deal marks the first Blue Ant Media FAST channel launch on Pluto TV in the US, expanding an existing channel partnership across Canada, the UK, Latam and EMEA for channels, Homeful, HauntTV, NatureTime, Declassified, Love Pets and Total Crime.
“The launch of Love Nature and Homeful on Pluto TV in the US marks an important milestone for these premium brands as we expand their footprint across an even larger, engaged streaming audience in this key market,” said Carlyn Staudt, EVP, global channels and streaming, Blue Ant Media. “We’re thrilled to grow our existing global partnership with Pluto TV as a significant platform in the success of our global channels strategy.”
Love Nature and Homeful will launch on Pluto TV in the US at the end of October. Love Nature’s line up includes shows like Wildlife ER while Homeful content includes Mike Holmes’ catalogue of home series and specials – such as Holmes on Homes (Seasons 1-7).
In a separate development, another leading Canadian studio WildBrain is partnering with Pluto TV to launch the first-ever single-IP Pokémon FAST channel on October 22. Lara Ilie, VP AVOD and FAST at WildBrain, said: “FAST presents an ideal opportunity to grow audiences for brands like Pokémon—ones with deep content libraries that are loved by kids and families around the world. We’re thrilled to work with Pluto TV to share Pokémon, along with Strawberry Shortcake and Inspector Gadget, with their community of fans.”
Additionally, October 22 will also see the launch of two new FAST channels on Pluto TV, Strawberry Shortcake & Friends and Go Go Gadget!, centred around WildBrain brands, Strawberry Shortcake and Inspector Gadget. The channels will also feature other brands, including Rainbow Ruby on Madeline on Strawberry Shortcake & Friends, and Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, Archie, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Super Mario Brothers on Go Go Gadget!.
WildBrain operates FAST channels for more than 20 brands, including Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Caillou, Inspector Gadget, Degrassi, Slugterra, Pokémon, Sonic, Super Mario. Additionally, its in-house media solutions team provides strategies for advertisers and brands to reach kids and family audiences across FAST, AVOD, and gaming.
