IMPS (International Merchandising, Promotion and Services) appointed WildBrain as the YouTube manager of the iconic Smurfs brand on an exclusive worldwide basis. WildBrain will assume management of 41 existing localized Smurfs channels for IMPS and implement a global strategy to grow The Smurfs’ audience on YouTube and YouTube Kids. This includes optimizing distribution of The Smurfs’ content catalog, beginning with The Smurfs TV series. Adapted by Hanna-Barbera, the series aired on NBC from 1981 to 1989.
The Smurfs brand celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. A new 3-D CGI Smurfs series now in production by Peyo Productions and its co-production partner Dupuis Édition & Audiovisuel.