SeaWorld and Corus Entertainment's Nelvana Announce Franklin and Friends Partnership

Internationally renowned book and TV series character Franklin embarks on new adventures at SeaWorld parks

(December 19, 2012) Orlando, Fla. – SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana announced today a multi-platform partnership that combines the appeal of the popular Franklin and Friends characters with the beloved SeaWorld® brand. Beginning January 2013, the company’s new SeaWorld Kids brand and Nelvana will team up to introduce kids and families to in-park Franklin characters, TV specials, books and merchandise.

Franklin will take up residence at the three SeaWorld parks for the year, where guests will be able to meet this classic character, take photos and get autographs. The parks include:

• SeaWorld Orlando beginning with the “Just For Kids” event January 2013
• SeaWorld San Antonio beginning with the “Just For Kids” event April 2013
• SeaWorld San Diego beginning with the “Spring into Night” event March 2013

Franklin and Friends’ specialty merchandise, much of it exclusive to SeaWorld, will be available in the parks.

SeaWorld and Nelvana are collaborating on two Franklin and Friends on-screen specials which will focus on the natural world.

The SeaWorld Kids brand will be reflected in select Franklin products, including co-branded books published by Corus Entertainment’s Kids Can Press.

Franklin’s addition to SeaWorld Orlando’s Just For Kids event kicks it up a notch. He’ll be found near Pelican Preserve where guests can meet him, take photos and get autographs at select times throughout the day. Just For Kids is a kid-focused festival where little ones can sing, dance and play the day away while watching live performances from family favorite kid-acts. Just For Kids takes place Saturdays, January 12 through February 2, 2013, and is included in SeaWorld admission. The amazing line-up includes: Jan 12: Imagination Movers; Jan 19: Laurie Berkner – SOLO!; Jan 26: Choo Choo Soul with Genevieve; Feb 2: The Kratt Brothers, Featuring the Stars of Wild Kratts.

“Families throughout North America and from around the world look forward to their visits to SeaWorld parks in the U.S., and we are very excited to integrate the Franklin and Friends preschool brand into that experience,” said Colin Bohm, Managing Director, Nelvana. “The theme parks and the new SeaWorld Kids entertainment and merchandising opportunities provide ideal platforms for kids and families to connect with Franklin and Friends.”

“This partnership is a ‘natural’ for us to create fun, family experiences that connect young kids to animals and the world we share,” said Scott Helmstedter, Chief Creative Officer for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “SeaWorld Kids is a brand dedicated to specifically connecting children with animals and nature, and Franklin is an enduring, much-loved animal character that brings adventure to kids. We look forward to working together to create unique opportunities for the Franklin and Friends’ characters to have outdoor adventures and also educate viewers along the way.”