Global animation studio One Animation has partnered with Chinese media conglomerate CMC Inc. announce the opening of multiple family entertainment centres (FECs) based on the popular children’s TV show “Oddbods.”
The first of these centres, a 1,270-sq. metre attraction, was launched in Xi’an, China, on November 30. This children’s play space is located in the recently developed Creative Circle mall. It is one of the first zones of the project to be completed.
Oddbods has a massive fan following on YouTube with 4.2 billion views, out of which one billion views are from Chinese viewers.
According to Li Xie, VP of CMC Inc., CMC has identified that there is a lack of parent-child theme parks in China, and they believe that Oddbods is the perfect brand to fulfil this purpose with its viewership in 180 countries worldwide.
Mr. Xie stated, “CMC will kick off the first Oddbods FEC in mainland China, where children and parents can experience Oddbods in a fun, unique and highly engaging way.”
He also added that this partnership is the first step in a potentially deeper collaboration between One Animation and CMC. Furthermore, it is also a significant step for CMC’s location-based entertainment strategy.
The Oddbods centre will feature sand and ball pits, train rides, a party room, trampolines, and a widespread toddler playground. The centre also features a food station where kids can take a break after playing and have delicious snacks.
The interactive, power-packed experience also includes a storytelling zone where kids can get further entertained with an Oddbods storytime session. In addition to this, the themed centre also features an Oddbods shop where visitors can shop for memorabilia featuring the characters from the TV show or enjoy browsing through the merchandise.
The collaboration, which was brokered by Shanghai-based Pearl Studio and CMC Inc, also includes plans to launch 14 additional FECs over the course of the next eight years, with the latest plan to open the next one in Chengdu by early 2020.
Sharing her excitement about the partnership, One Animation’s VP consumer products, Pauline Hiu, stated: “We pride ourselves on creating fun and memorable experiences for kids and families through strong storytelling and heart.”
She further added that partnership with CMC is the perfect way to bring Oddbods to China, and they are looking forward to bring this energetic, entertaining and immersive world of Oddbods to this part of the world.
