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The Studio100 Media GmbH and the Waldemar Bonsel-Foundation entered into a buyout agreement on the continuing use of the rights to Maya the Bee. Studio100 Media had already acquired the exploitation rights for TV, video, Video on Demand, and Merchandising to all 104 episodes of the original animated series produced back in 1975 and the animated feature film from 1977. The new agreement grants Studio100 Media the additional rights to develop, produce and exploit an unlimited number of new episodes, series and feature films, remakes, stage shows, and theme parks to the character Maya the Bee and the original content of the books written by Waldemar Bonsels. The Bonsels Foundation keeps the publishing rights to the original books. Within the last three decades, Maya the Bee has become a cult character. She enjoys an average awareness level of more than 90 percent across Europe and her popularity spans generations of children and adults alike. The animated series of the same name made its German TV debut in 1976 and has been broadcast by countless national and international TV channels ever since. The successful TV show is based upon the worldwide bestselling books by Waldemar Bonsels, first published in 1912 and translated to more than 40 languages. Patrick Elmendorff, managing director, Studio100 Media: “To acquire a classic cult character like Maya the Bee is a great success for Studio100 Media. We are thrilled by the buyout agreement with the Waldemar Bonsels Foundation. Maya the Bee enjoys wide popularity. Owning the rights to such a famous brand allows us to exploit the potential of the nation’s most beloved bee beyond Germany and on international markets.” Ralf Kirberg, chairman of the Waldemar Bonsel Foundation in Munich, expresses best wishes and believes that Studio100 Media will be able to tie in with more than 30 years unceasing popularity of the TV show and additional productions. He is delighted that Studio100 Media is interested in continuing Waldemar Bonsels’ lifework. |
