Studio 100 Media and Sony Music Germany Extend Long-Term Partnership in Audio Entertainment

Studio 100 Media, a renowned international independent studio specializing in children's and family entertainment, and Sony Music Entertainment Germany, have solidified their strategic partnership for audio entertainment products, aiming for a lasting collaboration.

This extended licensing agreement empowers Sony Music to continue utilizing audio play rights from Studio 100 Media under their kids and family label, Europa. The partnership's focus on transitioning Studio 100 Media's impressive portfolio into the digital age will persist.

Sony Music Entertainment, through its Europa label, stands as the dominant force in the German-language children's audio play segment, boasting a remarkable 53 percent market share. These audio plays, a concept less familiar outside of Western Europe, are typically 40 to 45 minutes in duration. They are characterized by the inclusion of voice actors for each character, immersive sound effects, and captivating music, setting them apart from conventional audiobooks where a single narrator reads the story.

The agreement will encompass a library of timeless TV classics, modern CGI series, and feature films derived from Studio 100 Media's extensive catalog. Over the past four years, Europa has introduced a program featuring beloved brands such as "Maya the Bee," "Heidi," "Vic the Viking," "Nils Holgersson," "The House of Anubis," and "Pippi Longstocking." Furthermore, Europa has expanded its offerings to include new Studio 100 Media brands as audio plays, with titles like the adventure-comedy "100 percent Wolf." The licensing contract encompasses both physical and digital exploitation within Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Martin Krieger, CEO of Studio 100 Media said, "Sony Music has effectively ushered our classic and contemporary brands into the digital realm. I am delighted that Maya, Vic, Pippi, and many other beloved characters can now be found on all major digital platforms, delivering exceptional entertainment experiences for children and their families. The synergy between our two companies has already borne fruit, and we eagerly anticipate our ongoing collaboration in delivering high-quality children's entertainment."

André Mühlhausen, Senior VP of the Commercial Division, GSA, Sony Music said, "The Studio 100 catalog comprises timeless classics and a multitude of strong contemporary brands. I am confident that our combined efforts will continue to offer compelling content in the German-language audio play market in the years ahead. Sony Music Entertainment maintains its leadership position in the children's audio play segment, secured through enduring strategic partnerships like this one with Studio 100 Media."

Joachim Knödler, Head of Licensing at Studio 100 Media, emphasized the partnership's reliability and achievements, affirming a commitment to further expand the catalog with innovative themes and brands in the future.

Arndt Seelig, Vice President of Family and Home Entertainment at Sony Music said, "In the past four years, our team has introduced over 500 hours of 30-minute children's entertainment from Studio 100 Media. With 132 releases so far, including 89 at the outset, we have efficiently integrated Studio 100 Media's extensive content into the Europa catalog and brought it into the digital age. Recent additions include cinema audio plays like 'Vic the Viking' and 'Maya the Bee,' as well as two new, exclusive audio play stories featuring Maya and her friends. With the recent 'Heidi' nostalgia box and the endearing production centered on the character Freddy Lupin, the werepoodle from '100 percent Wolf,' we have consistently upheld our commitment to delivering high-quality and heartfelt children's narratives. I eagerly anticipate the introduction of many new and captivating brands in the future."