Its vision, says DC Thomson, is to become the number-one choice for 7 to 10-year olds for boredom-busting entertainment, spreading big laughs and fun-loving rebellion globally.
Beano Studios aims to create, curate and deliver a huge range of entertainment for kids across multiple touchpoints, including new film and TV programmes, a digital platform, live theatrical experiences, consumer products and popular comic and annual.
The heart of the offer will be a new digital entertainment network launching in Autumn 2016, packed with funny, rebellious and imaginative content true to the spirit of The Beano.
Emma Scott, CEO of Beano Studios said: “A load of naughty irreverence and rebellion goes a very long way to spark children’s imaginations and Beano has delivered a funny antidote to the boring grown-up world for almost 80 years. We know the imaginations of 7 to 10-year olds exceptionally well and now Beano Studios are reimagining that spirit to cater to the rich and multi-faceted way kids enjoy entertainment today.
“In a world that’s increasingly controlled and where kids are barely allowed to play outside anymore, the world needs the Beano spirit more than ever.
“From a parents’ point of view, the digital space has become a wild west of unpredictable environments where children might be pressured to grow up too quickly. Only 18% of parents feel there are enough safe, good quality digital destinations for kids1.
“We're here to change that. To build a safe, trusted world full of cheekiness and energy where kids can be themselves, have fun and live in the moment.”
Launching in Autumn 2016 with an entirely new Beano.com as its hub, and working across YouTube and PopJam, the network will be available on all devices to cater to children’s increasing appetite for digital entertainment: 65% of 6-12 year olds are online every day and the majority (73%) are accessing the internet using tablets, say the publishers.
James Neal, Director of Content said: “Beano Studios is different to anything currently available for kids. We’re all about big and bold entertainment aimed at 7-10. Whilst there are a lot of entertainment options for early teens and grown-ups, with social networks and content from broadcasters and vloggers alike, there is no single digital destination for children aged 7-10.
“Beano.com is bridging this gap and will offer the kind of rebellious, innovative content that interests children today in an environment parents can trust. Everything will be safe, whilst pushing the envelope, quite a lot… like a fun but trusted babysitter who lets the kids stay up a bit late.”
According to DC Thomson, Beano Studios has its own editorial team combining the best of kids ‘know how’ from the comic in addition to securing key talent from family and entertainment networks like DreamWorks, Channel 4, Radio 1 and Disney. As well as a totally fresh take on The Beano characters people know and love, they will be creating, commissioning and curating an array of new content designed to embrace the Beano spirit of everyday rebellion, imagination and big laughs. Everything from involving video stories to light-touch news, listicles, games and inspiration for kids to unleash their imagination, get outside and explore.
And marking its first landmark longer form TV production, Beano Studios is working with global broadcast partners to create a brand new take on the mischievous character of Dennis in all new Dennis and Gnasher – Unleashed!
The Beano Comic will stay true to its classic comic-strip roots with a refreshed approach and more wide-ranging characters. Beano Studios is currently also exploring plans to take Beano characters to bigger screens and stages worldwide. It will continue to evolve as kids’ needs change, while living up to Beano’s heritage, so that every generation continues to laugh with Beano, says DC Thomson.
