18 Jun 07

Coolabi signs major publishing deal for Scarlett and Crimson

Simon and Schuster take international rights for the New Kids in the Black

Simon and Schuster has acquired the publishing rights for Coolabi’s exciting new girls’ property Scarlett and Crimson.

The publishing giant will launch a range of Scarlett and Crimson titles in the US, the UK, Canada, and other English-language territories. The first titles should be in the shops for Summer 2008.

Coolabi’s Head of Licensing Janet Woodward says: “This is a very exciting deal and we are thrilled to be working with a company that has such a range and depth of experience and expertise as Simon and Schuster.”

A joint venture between Coolabi and The Ged Backland Studio, Scarlett and Crimson are the very opposite of trendy fashion dolls. Defiantly trailing a cloud of melancholia in their wake they are proud to proclaim “We don’t do happy”. Scarlett and Crimson are the new kids in the black, a couple of Goth friends who share a passion for a sort of fashion which is all their own. Distinctly darq and daringly different they are ready to win over the hearts and minds of young girls.

The books will be written by Bobbi JG Weiss and David Cody Weiss who have a huge amount of experience in the field with graphic novels, novelisations, picture books, activity books, and video games for companies such as Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros and DC Comics.

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Janet Woodward says the books will reflect the cutting edge feel of the characters and their fans and creator Ged Backland will be heavily involved, contributing to all aspects of the development.

Says Woodward: “We are looking at incorporating blogs, graphic novels and other contemporary elements that will appeal to our target audience of 8 – 12 year old girls. Although the books will be set in America, they will also introduce a new character, a young English boy called Pepper.”

The Simon and Schuster deal is the latest announcement in a licensing strategy that goes from strength to strength. It comes after the signing of a greetings card licence with Danilo.

Says Janet Woodward: “The Scarlett and Crimson brand is being carefully managed and there are a number of deals in key areas in the pipeline. I am confident we can expect more announcements in the near future as our licensing programme gathers momentum.”