Mondo TV Group, one of the largest European producers and distributors of animated content, and a licensing agent for many major international brands, has announced that it has been appointed by brand owner Monster Studio to represent licensing for the hit Korean show Bread Barbershop in the Italian market.
Already a success in Italy, where it launched at the end of 2020 on Discovery Italia free-to-air children’s television channel K2, the 3D animated comedy series for kids aged 6-9 is a makeover show – with a difference. All the characters are different kinds of cake and dessert. They come to master craftsman Bread, a renowned cake decorator, in the hope he will use his skills to change their appearance for the better.
A wealth of supporting characters, including clumsy but lovable Wilk, grumpy receptionist Choco, Sausage, Hamburger, Butter and, of course, a lot of hilarious customers, along with jokes, music and action, keep the comedy and energy levels high.
In Italy, Bread Barbershop ranked first among kids’ FTA commercial channels on the target 4-14 from September 2021 to March 2022.
“In Bread Barbershop, while the main character gives life-changing makeovers that will put any customer in an amazing mood, one always learns that at the end of the day each of us is special in our own unique way,” says Sandro Sgrulloni, Programming & Content Acquisition Senior Manager, Warner Bros Discovery. “We’re delighted that this series has become one of the most appreciated titles on K2, as it fully reflects our mission to promote diversity and inclusion in an accessible, fun way. That’s why we believe our channel is the place to be for Bread Barbershop.”
Bread Barbershop has also been one of the best-performing shows on pay TV channel DeAKids since its launch at the beginning of 2022. It also boasts well over 1.5 million followers on TikTok, tens of millions of views on YouTube, and a top 10 placing on Netflix, where the first two seasons are now streaming. After the success of series one (39 x 7’) and series two (26 x 11’), series three (26 x 11’) will arrive in English-speaking markets later this year.
In its home market, Korea, Bread Barbershop has already inspired a number of successful product lines. Mondo TV, whose licensing division has successfully built a number of major overseas brands in the Italian market, is now developing a licensing campaign across a wide range of categories including toys, games, books, food and other products.
Matteo Corradi, Mondo TV President and CEO, says: “Bread Barbershop is engaging, colourful, clever and very funny. It’s also highly original – there’s no other show quite like it. This an ideal time to pursue licensing opportunities in an Italian market that has clearly embraced the show and its characters. We’re delighted that Monster Studios has appointed us to manage licensing for this unique property in Italy.”
Hyun Ah Ko, Chief of International Business, Monster Studio, says: “We’re thrilled to be working with Mondo TV on building a licensing programme for Bread Barbershop, and certain that it will be as much of a merchandising success as it has already been a broadcasting success on K2. We are now developing toys, books and other products for fans of Bread Barbershop, which we expect to be a lasting success in Italy.”