LONDON and BEIJING, Feb. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
First time a Mattel-owned brand to release theatrically in China
'Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure' to screen in 5,000 theatres nationwide
MATTEL, Inc., the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, and HIT Entertainment, one of the world's leading pre-school entertainment companies and a subsidiary of Mattel, has today announced its latest CGI feature length Thomas & Friends™ special Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure will debut in 5,000 cinemas across China on the 20th February 2016.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160203/329167 )
This is the first time a Mattel-owned brand has seen a theatrical release in China, and will be the first non-native children's movie of the Chinese New Year to be released in cinemas. The exciting debut of Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure, which has been specially dubbed in Mandarin, comes after two years of planning and will screen in cities countrywide including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Chengdu and Shenyang. A blue carpet premiere is planned for the 18th February in Shanghai.
Peter Broegger, MD of Mattel APAC said: "This is a historic and unprecedented moment in the development of the Thomas & Friends franchise in China. The reach and scale of this theatrical release means we can engage with families and children in a whole new way by bringing Thomas to the big screen across the country."
Christopher Keenan, VP Global Content & Executive Producer, HIT Entertainment, added: "One of the great joys of producing Thomas & Friends is the opportunity to introduce unique and engaging characters. We look forward to our Chinese audience's reaction to Thomas' new foes and friends in 'Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure!'"
The feature length film, which will be distributed by Huaxia Film Distribution Co. Ltd in China, was produced to commemorate the recent 70th anniversary of Thomas the Tank Engine™ which was created by the British Rev. Awdry in 1945 and today is enjoyed by families in more than 300 territories and in over 40 languages. The film Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure sees Thomas on a spectacular new adventure that takes him to a new part of Sodor on a curious treasure quest that introduces a host of new characters and songs, all while teaching children about valuable life lesson like Friendship and Problem Solving.
Thomas & Friends TV series is available in China through all major digital platforms including iQiYi, YouKu, QQ, SoHu, LeTV, TMall Box, BesTV among many others. The brand is available in a variety of formats and products including live events, consumer products, publishing and digital radio. Please visit thomasandfriends.cn for more information.
Notes to Editors:
About Thomas & Friends
Thomas the Tank Engine™ was created by a father for his son 70 years ago and today is enjoyed by families in more than 300 territories and in over 40 languages. The No.1 blue engine and his friends invite children to enter a world of imagination through the tracks of a train and the words of a story. Children embark on adventures with their engine friends while experiencing timeless life lessons of discovery, friendship and cooperation. Thomas & Friends makes tracks to great destinations on PBS KIDS® and Sprout® in the US and on Five's Milkshake! and Nick Jr in the UK. Downloadable episodes are available through iTunes. For more information about the world of Thomas the Tank Engine™ and his friends, please visit http://www.thomasandfriends.com
About HIT Entertainment
HIT Entertainment is one of the world's leading pre-school entertainment companies, specialising in building powerful brands based on engaging stories. HIT Entertainment's world-class portfolio includes Thomas & Friends®, Mike the Knight™, Fireman Sam®, Bob the Builder™, Barney®, Angelina Ballerina®, Pingu® and Rainbow Magic®.
HIT Entertainment excels at creating and building globally successful brands which capture the hearts and imaginations of pre-schoolers and their families. This is achieved through exceptional storytelling in multiple formats, enhanced by creating high quality character-based products and experiences with best-in-class partners. HIT Entertainment's lines of business span television and home entertainment production, content distribution, digital media and live events and attractions. HIT Entertainment, a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc., has operations in the UK, US, Canada, Hong Kong and Japan. For more information visit http://www.hitentertainment.com
About Mattel
The Mattel family of companies (Nasdaq: MAT) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. Mattel's portfolio of best-selling brands includes Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever produced, Hot Wheels®, Monster High®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends® and Fisher-Price® brands, including Little People® and Power Wheels®, MEGA® Brands, including MEGA BLOKS® and RoseArt®, as well as a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. In 2013, Mattel was named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere Magazine and in 2014 ranked No. 5 on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel's companies employ nearly 30,000 people in 40 countries and territories and sell products in more than 150 nations. At Mattel, we are Creating the Future of Play. Visit us at http://www.mattel.com, http://www.facebook.com/mattel or http://www.twitter.com/mattel
