March 2011

Bob the Builder Finds Permanent Amusement Home at SplashDown Waterpark

SplashDown Beach Waterpark in Fishkill, N.Y. will soon feature the first permanent Bob the Builder amusement attraction in North America, as part of a new deal between the waterpark, Mega Funworks, Inc., and Hit Entertainment. The 1,600-square-foot Bob attraction, Splash Works, will open May 28 during Memorial Day weekend.

Splash Works, a themed spray and play area, is geared toward children ages 1-5, and will contain more than 50 interactive features, including a Bob’s tool shed play structure, two slides, tipping buckets, tot bounces, dancing water, geysers, and more. In addition, Bob the Builder meet and greets will be available daily at the park.

For more information on Splash Works or SplashDown Beach, visit www.splashdownbeach.com

Sailor Moon is Back in Europe

Munich-based brand management and media company m4e AG is adding Sailor Moon to its portfolio after the property’s more than five-year television break in the region. On behalf of Japanese rights holder Toei Animation Co. Ltd., m4e AG will exploit an extensive package of rights (free and pay TV, home entertainment, licensing and merchandising) in German-speaking territories.

Based on the manga series by Naoko Takeuchi, Sailor Moon was first produced by Toei Animation (One Piece, Dragonball Z, Digimon) in 1992 and was broadcast for five seasons with a total of 200 episodes. Supported by a completely new style guide, the European re-launch of the brand started last fall in Italy, and first products from a toy line were available in Italian stores for the holiday season. A second similar phase is planned for the Iberian, Scandinavian, and German markets.

Enjoy the Sailor Moon English opening above.