New kids SVoD app secures eOne content

A new kids-focused on-demand app is launching in the UK later this month and has secured Entertainment One Family series including Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom for its debut.

SVOD service Hopster was first unveiled at MIPJunior this year and has secured a batch of deals for shows such as Babar and the Adventures of Badou, Little Bear, Max & Ruby, SuperWhy, Paddington Bear, Monster Math Squad, 64 Zoo Lane and Louie.  

It has now added Ben & Holly, Humf and Tractor Tom from eOne Family in a deal comprising a total 180 episodes.

The app targets kids aged 2-6 and comes from former Viacom International Media Networks Russia general manager Nick Walters. Its management includes Sander Striker from Vdio, Joost and Apache; Mahesh Ramachandra who has worked for the UK’s Galleon Entertainment; and Bradley Archer, also a former Nickelodeon executive.

Hopster has also today announced the additions of Tate Kids editor Sharna Jackson as its creative director and another former Nick exec Adam-James Foulkes as producer for its games division.

The Hopster advisory board includes Nick UK’s former managing director Howard Litton, investor Peter Read, president and CEO of Pearson English Bhavneet Singh and Tony Orsten of twofour54 and Paramount Pictures.