Genius Brands International Appoints NCircle Entertainment as the U.S. Home Entertainment Partner for New Animated Series, Llama Llama

Circle to Distribute All-New Animated Content for "Llama Llama" Across Multiple Platforms

Following the appointment of Genius Brands International, Inc. "GBI" (otcqb:GNUS) as the exclusive entertainment and consumer products partner for the bestselling Llama Llama book series, NCircle Entertainment has been named by GBI as the exclusive home video partner for the new animated series. The announcement was made today by GBIl's SVP of Global Content Sales, Andrew Berman.

"GBI is excited to bring the beloved Llama Llama family to life in animation for the very first time, and we couldn't think of a better home entertainment partner to work with than NCircle to make it readily available to kids in all formats," said Berman in making the announcement.

"Being very much aware of the adorable Llama Llama books and characters, we're thrilled to partner with Genius Brands in bringing their new animation series to retail," added NCircle's Vice President, Sales, Content and Acquisitions, Mary Flynn. "Author Anna Dewdney and Penguin Young Readers publishing have done a stellar job in developing the readership for the Llama Llama brand, and we're honored to collaborate with Genius Brands on expanding the fan base to home entertainment consumers throughout the U.S."

NCircle will distribute Llama Llama animated content, currently in development at GBI, digitally (VOD, SVOD, EST, DTO) and on DVD. The animated series is slated for debut in 2016.

GBI, who has partnered with Llama Llama author Anna Dewdney and publisher Penguin Young Readers to develop animated content based on the bestselling books, is also developing a comprehensive line of Llama Llama licensed products, including toys, games, apparel, accessories, bedding, and healthy snacks and meals are planned to be available beginning in 2016.

As recently announced, GBI signed Kids Preferred, LLC as the toy licensing partner for Llama Llama, who announced the development for a line of Llama Llama plush toys, puppets, and jack-in-the-boxes launching at retail in 2016.

With 9.4 million units in print, Anna Dewdney's Llama Llama books have all been New York Times bestsellers, with several titles claiming the #1 spot. Her work has been translated into eight languages. Praised as a "geographer extraordinaire of the emotional terrain of preschoolers and their mothers" (Chicago Tribune), Dewdney's soothing tales are synonymous with calming early childhood anxiety. Llama Llama Red Pajama was chosen as Jumpstart's Read for the Record book in 2011, setting the world record for the most reads of a particular book on one day. Dewdney is an outspoken advocate for literacy and many states and non-profits use her books for literacy campaigns and programs, including the Library of Congress.

Recognized for its emotive content, the award-winning Llama Llama series signature characters, family relationships, and content attuned to the issues of young children includes Llama Llama Red Pajama, Llama Lama and the Bully Goat, Llama Lama Time to Share, Llama Llama Misses Mama, Llama Llama Holiday Drama, Llama Llama Mad at Mama, as well as the upcoming Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa.