By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Family entertainment producer Kenn Viselman has announced an exclusive North American licensing partnership with Mondo TV Studios for its popular series MeteoHeroes.
MeteoHeroes make their broadcast debut in North America on PBS, with an Earth Day Special that will be released on April 22 of this year. Combined with a companion series, Real Superheroes Don’t Wear Capes, the MeteoHeroes official series is planned to premiere on PBS in late summer of 2022.
A video game based on the property called MeteoHeroes – Saving Planet Earth will also be released for Sony PlayStation.
MeteoHeroes is based on a popular series of books. It is about a group of six young superheroes, each of whom represents a different continent and a different natural element. MeteoHeroes is the only children’s series dedicated entirely to environmental issues.
MeteoHeroes has become one of the most successful children’s television series in Italy, Spain and several other countries around the globe.
The deal was brokered by veteran media executive, Emilia Nuccio.
“Kenn Viselman has an unmatched reputation for finding, building and developing hit brands and shows in the North American market,” said Maria Bonaria Fois, CEO of Mondo TV Studios. “His insights into production, distribution, marketing, and brand development will, we are sure, bring MeteoHeroes success in one of the biggest and most competitive kids’ markets in the world. And, of course, he loves the show! We’re delighted to be working with Kenn.”
Viselman says he got involved with the show because he’d seen the enthusiastic reaction it received in European markets.
“In my over three decades of working in the world of Children’s & Family Entertainment, I have never seen a reaction to a kids’ series like I have with MeteoHeroes and let’s face it, I’ve seen some pretty huge reactions,” said Viselman. “The success of the series is its ability to help families deal with children’s increasing climate anxiety and giving the audience hope while speaking to them in a fun and honest way.”
“There is no issue more urgent or germane to children’s lives than climate change and the message that a superhero lives in each of us with the capacity to change the world is one I am thrilled and honored to shout from the rooftops,” Viselman added.
North American distribution and marketing for both the series and the video game will be managed by Viselman’s itsy bitsy Entertainment Company, in partnership with the show’s co-producers Mondo TV S.p.A and weather forecasting centre, Meteo Operations Italia.
Viselman will also serve as showrunner and executive producer of the North American version of the series.