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'{{Short description|Defunct American production company}} {{About|the animation studio|the atmospheric phenomena|22° halo}} {{Infobox company | name = Sunbow Entertainment, LLC | former_name = Sunbow Productions (1980–1995)<ref>{{cite web|title=Sunbow Productions changed its name|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/95-OCR/BC-1995-03-20-OCR-Page-0077.pdf#search=%22sunbow%20productions%22|periodical=Broadcasting|publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc.|via=World Radio History|page=77|date=March 20, 1995|access-date=April 28, 2022}}</ref> | logo = Sunbow Entertainment logo.png | logo_size = 200px | logo_caption = Final logo used from 1999 to 2005 | industry = [[Television production]]<br />Animation production<br />[[Animated films]] | fate = Dormant, folded into [[TV-Loonland AG|TV-Loonland]] | founded = {{Start date and age|1980|6|23}} | founder = [[Griffin-Bacal Advertising]] | defunct = {{End date and age|2009|10|21}} | successor = [[Sony Pictures Home Entertainment]]<br />Library:<br />[[Hasbro Entertainment]]<br />[[Studio 100]] | location_city = [[New York City]] | location_country = United States | key_people = Tom Griffin<br />Joe Bacal | parent = [[Griffin-Bacal Advertising]] (1980–1998)<br />[[Sony Wonder]] (1998–2000)<br />[[TV-Loonland AG]] (2000–2005) | subsid = | divisions = Sunbow Productions International }} '''Sunbow Entertainment''' (known as '''Sunbow Productions''' until 1995) was an American [[animation studio]] and distributor, founded on June 23, 1980, and owned until May 4, 1998, by [[Griffin-Bacal Advertising]] in [[New York City]] and in the [[United States]]. Griffin-Bacal's first animations were animated commercials for [[Hasbro]]'s [[G.I. Joe]] toy line. The success of the animated commercials led partners Tom Griffin and Joe Bacal to form the company. Due to their close working relationship with Hasbro, Sunbow came to be recognized as the toy giant's unofficial television arm. == History == === Beginnings and partnerships with Hasbro and Marvel Productions (1980–1992) === [[File:Sunbow Productions logo 1983.jpg|230px|thumb|left|Sunbow Productions logo used from 1983 until 1994.]] Sunbow is noted for many cartoons aired during the 1980s. Most of their work was co-produced with [[Marvel Productions]]. Although it is not limited to Hasbro's various toy lines its reputation is linked to the cartoon series tied to them. Its animation was initially produced by the Japanese animation studio [[Toei Animation]], supplemented by the South Korean animation studio [[AKOM]] later on. By 1987, most of Hasbro's toy lines were losing money and internal struggles forced the company to end popular series such as ''[[Jem (TV series)|Jem]]'', ''[[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1983 TV series)|G.I. Joe]]'' and ''[[The Transformers (TV series)|Transformers]]''. Two of Sunbow's animated movies, ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and ''[[My Little Pony: The Movie (1986 film)|My Little Pony: The Movie]]'', flopped at the box office, forcing a third project, ''[[G.I. Joe: The Movie]]'', to be released [[Direct-to-video|directly to video]]. It also led to end the partnership with Marvel Productions in late 1980s. Sunbow also worked with [[TMS Entertainment]] with Hasbro's ''[[Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light]]''. === Troubles with original material (1992–1998) === In a bid to produce original material, Sunbow produced several cartoons through the early 1990s such as ''[[The Tick (1994 TV series)|The Tick]]'' and ''[[Conan the Adventurer (animated series)|Conan the Adventurer]]''. Only ''The Tick'' managed to gain popularity and critical acclaim. === Sony Wonder ownership (1998–2000) === On May 4, 1998, [[Sony Wonder]], a division of [[Sony Music]], bought Sunbow Productions<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Schneider |first1=Michael |title=Sony Wonder gets animated |journal=Electronic Media |volume=17 |issue=19 |date=May 1998 |page=75 }}</ref> in order to expand to more original programming for their television division. On May 1, 1999, Sunbow took over European distribution of Sony Wonder's TV IPs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/1999/05/01/25314-19990501/|title=Sunbow takes Sony Wonder product to market}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sony buys Sunbow|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/98-OCR/BC-1998-05-04-OCR-Page-0114.pdf#search=%22sunbow%20entertainment%22|periodical=Broadcasting|publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc.|via=World Radio History|page=110|date=May 4, 1998|access-date=April 28, 2022}}</ref> === TV-Loonland ownership, dormancy and closure (2000–2009) === On October 3, 2000, German-based company [[TV-Loonland AG]] purchased Sony Wonder's television business assets including Sunbow Entertainment.<ref>{{cite web|last=Meaux |first=Francoise |url=https://www.screendaily.com/mipcom-tv-loonland-acquires-sony-wonder/403799.article |title=MIPCOM: TV-Loonland acquires Sony Wonder {{!}} News {{!}} Screen |publisher=Screendaily.com |date=2000-10-03 |access-date=2016-01-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Variety Staff |url=https://variety.com/2000/digital/news/tv-loonland-buys-up-sony-wonder-units-1117787193/ |title=TV Loonland buys up Sony Wonder units |publisher=Variety |date=2000-10-03 |access-date=2016-01-18}}</ref> In exchange for the purchase, Sony Wonder retained US distribution rights to the Sunbow catalogue. Previously, [[Rhino Entertainment]] owned the U.S. home video distribution rights to the Sunbow catalogue. The rights then changed hands to Sony Wonder with its acquisition of the catalogue. On September 5, 2001, the company announced a co-production deal with Rumpus Toys to produce ''[[Kappa Mikey]]'', with TV-Loonland holding worldwide and home video distribution rights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/sunbow-and-rumpus-produce-kappa-mikey-series|title=Sunbow and Rumpus to Produce Kappa Mikey Series}}</ref> On May 29, 2002, the project was picked up by [[Noggin (brand)|Noggin]] for its teen-oriented programming block [[Noggin (brand)#The N|The N]].<ref name="awn2002">{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/sunbow-and-noggins-n-co-develop-kappa-mikey|title=Sunbow and Noggin's The N to Co-Develop Kappa Mikey|work=[[Animation World Network]]|date=May 29, 2002|last=Godfrey|first=Leigh|quote=Sunbow Entertainment and The N, Noggin's new network for tweens, have signed a co-development deal for the anime comedy KAPPA MIKEY.}}</ref> Noggin/The N signed a co-development deal for the series,<ref name="c21media2002">{{cite web|url=https://www.c21media.net/the-n-comes-onboard-sunbows-kappa-mikey/|title=The N comes onboard Sunbow's Kappa Mikey|work=C21Media|date=May 23, 2002|last=Fraser|first=Fiona}}</ref> For unknown reasons, Sunbow and TV-Loonland would later silently pull out of the deal, with the final produced show having no involvement with the two companies. On October 12, 2001, Sunbow announced a co-development deal with [[Nickelodeon]] to produce ''[[Skeleton Key (comics)|Skeleton Key]]'', an animated series based on a comic book of the same name<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/sunbow-and-nick-develop-skeleton-key|title = Sunbow and Nick to Develop Skeleton Key}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ninthart.com/display.php?article=210 |title=Ninth Art - Hold the Front Page: An interview with Andi Watson |website=www.ninthart.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020704044043/http://www.ninthart.com/display.php?article=210 |archive-date=4 July 2002 |url-status=dead}}</ref> for an initial run of 13 episodes. However, the series never materialized. On November 6, production on TV special ''Donner'' was completed (originally started in June 2001<ref>[http://www.di-o-matic.com/press/success/donner.html "A Half-Hour Christmas CG Cartoon"]</ref>), and aired as planned on December 1, on [[Freeform (TV channel)|ABC Family]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.c21media.net/news/abc-family-wraps-up-sunbow-cgi-show-for-xmas/|title=ABC Family wraps up Sunbow cgi show for Xmas}}</ref> On April 10, 2002, the studio announced two additional projects - ''The Many Adventures of Johnny Mutton'', and ''Mr Stick & Slug Boy''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.c21media.net/news/sunbow-options-two-new-toons/|title = Sunbow options two new toons}}</ref><ref name="Sunbow to adapt Gaiman book">{{Cite web|url=https://www.c21media.net/news/sunbow-to-adapt-gaiman-book/|title = Sunbow to adapt Gaiman book}}</ref> Another pickup came on October 8 with a television adaptation of the book ''[[The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish]]'' in development;<ref name="Sunbow to adapt Gaiman book"/> however, none of these projects would come into fruition. After the announcement that ''The Cramp Twins''<nowiki>'</nowiki> second season would be produced by fellow-Loonland owned studio Telemagination on October 23, 2002,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/cramp-twins-picked-second-season|title=The Cramp Twins Picked up for a Second Season}}</ref> Sunbow later became dormant after their existing projects were shelved, although they still remained as a company until at least 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv-loonland.com/aboutus_companies.php4#6 |title=TV-Loonland |website=www.tv-loonland.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071115203453/http://www.tv-loonland.com/aboutus_companies.php4#6 |archive-date=15 November 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 29, 2007, Sony Music Entertainment announced they would shut down Sony Wonder, leaving the US deal under limbo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=7039|title=Transformers DVD news: Report Says Studio with "Transformers" License is Shutting Down - TVShowsOnDVD.com|work=tvshowsondvd.com|access-date=19 July 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070329152403/http://tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=7039|archive-date=29 March 2007}}</ref> However, on June 20, 2007, it was announced that Sony Wonder had been moved into [[Sony Pictures Home Entertainment]], which eventually it renamed as Sony Pictures Family Fun in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|author=Variety Staff |url=https://variety.com/2007/digital/news/sphe-absorbs-wonder-label-1117967342/SPHE |title=SPHE absorbs Wonder label |publisher=Variety |date=2007-06-20 |access-date=2016-01-18}}</ref><ref name="Animation World Network">{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/sony-home-ent-takes-over-sony-wonder |title=Sony Home Ent. Takes Over Sony Wonder &#124; Animation World Network |publisher=Awn.com |date=2007-06-21 |access-date=2016-01-18}}</ref> However, the Sunbow licenses were not included in the purchase. On May 14, 2008, [[Hasbro]] announced that it had obtained the rights to all the Sunbow Productions animated series based on Hasbro properties for $7 million. This includes ''[[The Transformers (TV series)|Transformers]]'', ''[[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1983 TV series)|G.I. Joe]]'', ''[[My Little Pony (TV series)|My Little Pony]]'', ''[[Jem (TV series)|Jem and the Holograms]]'', and many more.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hasbro Reacquires Sunbow Cartoons|url=https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/12571/hasbro-reacquires-sunbow-cartoons|access-date=6 April 2013 |newspaper=ign.com|date=May 15, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Arnold |first=Thomas K. |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/industry-sonywonder-dc-idUSN1321108620070314 |title=Kids label Sony Wonder going under: sources |publisher=Reuters |date=2007-03-13 |access-date=2016-01-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Arnold |first=Thomas K. |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sony-ceases-wonder-label-131986 |title=Sony ceases Wonder label |publisher=Hollywood Reporter |date=2007-03-14 |access-date=2016-01-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Ryan Ball |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/home-entertainment/sony-wonder-closing-shop/ |title=Sony Wonder Closing Shop? |publisher=Animation Magazine |date=2007-03-15 |access-date=2016-01-18}}</ref> These titles are currently managed as part of the [[Hasbro Entertainment]] library. TV-Loonland filed for bankruptcy on February 19, 2005;<ref name=THRBankrupt>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tv-loonland-files-bankruptcy-protection-92162|title=TV Loonland files for bankruptcy protection|author=Scott Roxborough, AP|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=9 December 2009|access-date=19 July 2015}}</ref> its catalogue was acquired by German distributor Made 4 Entertainment on December 9, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2011/04/05/m4e-acquires-tv-loonland-content-library/|title = M4e acquires TV Loonland content library}}</ref> In February 2017, Belgian production company [[Studio 100]] purchased a majority stake in m4e.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.licenseglobal.com/industry-news/studio-100-takes-stake-m4e|title = Studio 100 Takes Stake in m4e|date = 6 April 2018}}</ref> == Productions == === Television === {| class="wikitable sortable" style="width: auto style="width:100%; table-layout: fixed" !style="width:10%;"|Show !style="width:10%;"|Year !style="width:10%;"|Network !style="width:40%;"|Notes |- |''[[The Great Space Coaster]]'' |1981–1983 |rowspan=8|Syndication |Co-production with [[Metromedia|Metromedia Television]] |- |''[[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1983 TV series)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'' |1983–1986 |Based on the Hasbro toyline of the same name. Co-production with [[Marvel Productions]]<ref name="vty"/> |- |''[[The Transformers (TV series)|The Transformers]]'' |1984–1987 |based on the Hasbro toyline of same name. Co-production with Marvel Productions<ref name="vty">{{cite news|last1=Gelman|first1=Morrie|title=Sunbow Takes To Marvel Like Duck To Water In Animation|url=https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ehenm6Qnx2g/TpcQJrcCJII/AAAAAAAAAgA/77b39kyZftM/s1600/variety25-2.jpg |access-date=October 18, 2011 |periodical=Variety|publisher=Cahners Business Information|date=September 17, 1986 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214162145/http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ehenm6Qnx2g/TpcQJrcCJII/AAAAAAAAAgA/77b39kyZftM/s1600/variety25-2.jpg |archive-date=February 14, 2012 |page=81 |format=jpeg |url-status=dead }}</ref> |- |[[Super Sunday (TV series)|''Super Sunday'' (aka ''Super Saturday'')]] * <small>''[[Jem (TV series)|Jem and the Holograms]]''</small><ref name="sst">{{cite web|last1=Swenson|first1=John|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1987-12-22-8702130145-story.html |title=Cartoon Character Puts Singer Into Spotlight |newspaper=[[Sun Sentinel]]|agency=[[United Press International]] |publisher=Tribune Publishing |date=December 22, 1987 |access-date=February 24, 2017}}</ref> * <small>''[[Inhumanoids]]''</small><ref name="cbr">{{cite web|first1=Tim |last1=Webber |url=https://www.cbr.com/moving-pictures-15-cartoon-superheroes-who-jumped-to-comic-books/ |title=15 Cartoon Superheroes Who Jumped To Comic Books |website=[[Comic Book Resources]]|date=December 10, 2016 |access-date=February 24, 2017}}</ref> * <small>''[[Robotix]]''</small> * <small>''[[Bigfoot and the Muscle Machines]]''</small><ref name="cbr0">{{cite news|last1=Imbesi|first1=Pete|title=15 CLASSIC Cartoons Marvel SECRETLY Produced|url=https://www.cbr.com/15-cartoons-you-didnt-know-marvel-produced/|access-date=February 16, 2018|website=Comic Book Rescoures|date=May 5, 2017}}</ref> |1985 |based on the Hasbro toyline of the same name. Co-production with Marvel Productions<ref name="vty"/> |- |''[[Jem (TV series)|Jem and the Holograms]]'' |rowspan=3|1986 |based on the Hasbro toyline of the same name. Co-production with Marvel Productions<ref name="sst"/> |- |''[[Inhumanoids]]'' |based on the Hasbro toyline of the same name. Co-production with Marvel Productions<ref name="cbr"/> |- |''[[My Little Pony (TV series)|My Little Pony 'n Friends]]'' * <small>''[[The Glo Friends]]''</small> * <small>''[[MoonDreamers]]''</small> * <small>''[[Potato Head Kids]]''</small> |based on the Hasbro toyline of same name. Co-production with Marvel Productions;<ref name="vty"/> first half of the show was My Little Pony while the second half was a [[wheel series]]<ref name="cbr0"/> |- |''[[Bucky O'Hare and the Toad Wars!]]''<ref name="sr">{{cite news|last1=Reddish|first1=David|title=15 Animated Superhero TV Shows You Completely Forgot About|url=https://screenrant.com/animated-superhero-tv-shows-you-forgot-about-unknown/?view=all|access-date=February 24, 2017|website=[[Screen Rant]]|date=September 1, 2016}}</ref> |1991–1992 |co-production with Abrams/Gentile Entertainment, [[Continuity Comics]], IDDH, and Marvel Productions |- |''[[My Little Pony Tales]]'' |1992 |[[The Disney Channel]] |based on the Hasbro toyline of the same name. Co-production with [[Graz Entertainment]] |- |''[[Conan the Adventurer (animated series)|Conan the Adventurer]]'' |1992–1993 |Syndication |co-production with Graz Entertainment (Season 1), [[Créativité et Développement|Créativité & Developpement]] (Season 2) and AB Productions (Season 2) |- |''[[Conan and the Young Warriors]]'' |1994 |[[CBS]] |co-production with Graz Entertainment |- |''[[The Tick (1994 TV series)|The Tick]]'' |1994–1996 |[[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] |co-production with Graz Entertainment and [[Fox Kids|Fox Children's Productions]]. Currently owned by [[The Walt Disney Company]] through [[BVS Entertainment]] |- |''[[The Mask: The Animated Series]]'' |1995–1997 |CBS |co-production with [[Film Roman]], [[Dark Horse Entertainment]] and [[New Line Television]]. Currently owned by [[Warner Bros.]] |- |''[[Littlest Pet Shop (1995 TV series)|Littlest Pet Shop]]'' |1995 |rowspan=2|Syndication |based on Hasbro toyline. Co-production with Créativité & Développement, and AB Productions. Currently owned by [[Mediawan Thematics]] |- | ''[[G.I. Joe Extreme#Animated series|G.I. Joe Extreme]]'' |1995 |based on Hasbro toyline. Co-production with Gunther-Wahl Productions and Graz Entertainment |- |''[[Salty's Lighthouse]]'' |rowspan=4|1997 |[[TLC (TV network)|TLC]] | |- |''[[The Crayon Box]]'' |Syndication |co-production with [[The Chiodo Brothers|Chiodo Bros. Productions]], [[Random House Studio]], and [[PolyGram Television]] |- |''[[Deepwater Black]]'' | |International distribution only. |- |''[[Student Bodies (TV series)|Student Bodies]]'' |[[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] |Season 1 international distribution only. Produced by [[Telescene]] and [[20th Television]] |- |''[[The Brothers Flub]]'' |1999–2000 |[[Nickelodeon]]<br />[[Super RTL]] |co-production with [[Ravensburger|Ravensburger Film + TV]], Videal and [[Sony Wonder Television]] |- |''[[Fat Dog Mendoza]]'' |rowspan=2|2000 |[[Cartoon Network (British and Irish TV channel)|Cartoon Network]] |co-production with [[TV-Loonland AG|TMO-Loonland]], [[Cartoon Network Europe]] and [[Sony Wonder Television]] |- |''[[Generation O!]]'' |[[The WB]] ([[Kids' WB]]) |co-production with RTV Family Entertainment and [[Sony Wonder Television]] |- |''[[The Cramp Twins]]'' |2001–2004 |[[Cartoon Network (British and Irish TV channel)|Cartoon Network]] |co-production with [[TV-Loonland AG]] and [[Cartoon Network Europe]]. Series 2 was produced by Telemagination |} === Specials === * ''[[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1983 TV series)|G.I. Joe: The Revenge of Cobra]]'' (1984) (co-production with Marvel Productions) * ''[[The GLO Friends Save Christmas]]'' (1985) * ''[[Five Faces of Darkness|Transformers: Five Faces of Darkness]]'' (1986) (co-production with Marvel Productions and [[AKOM]]) * ''[[Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light]]'' (1987) (co-production with [[TMS Entertainment]]) * ''[[The Return of Optimus Prime|Transformers: The Return of Optimus Prime]]'' (1986) (co-production with Marvel Productions) * ''[[List of The Transformers episodes#Season 4 (1987)|Transformers: The Rebirth]]'' (1987) (co-production with Marvel Productions) * ''[[Sgt. Savage and his Screaming Eagles]]'' (1994) (''[[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'' spin-off) (co-production with Graz Entertainment) === Original specials === {|class="wikitable sortable" |- !Airdate !Title !Network !Notes |- |style="text-align:right;"|October 25, 1983 |''[[The Charmkins]]'' |syndication |based on Hasbro toyline of same name |- |style="text-align:right;"|April 14, 1984 |''[[Rescue at Midnight Castle|My Little Pony: Rescue at Midnight Castle]]'' |syndication |based on Hasbro toyline of same name |- |style="text-align:right;"|March 23, 1985 |''[[My Little Pony (TV series)#Original standalone episodes|My Little Pony: Escape from Catrina]]'' |syndication |based on Hasbro toyline of same name |- |} '''Hasbro properties''' : Note: All programs based on [[Hasbro]] properties are co-productions with Marvel Productions. These programs are owned by [[Entertainment One]]. === Theatrical films === {|class="wikitable sortable" |- !Airdate !Title !Notes |- |June 20, 1986 |''[[My Little Pony: The Movie (1986 film)|My Little Pony: The Movie]]'' |with Marvel Productions<ref name="vty"/> |- |August 8, 1986 |''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' |with Marvel Productions<ref name="vty"/> |- |1986 |''[[Inhumanoids: The Movie]]'' DTV |with Marvel Productions<ref name="vty"/> |- |April 20, 1987 |''[[G.I. Joe: The Movie]]'' DTV |with Marvel Productions<ref name="vty"/> |} === TV specials === * ''The Secret World of the Very Young'' (1984) * ''Donner'' (2001, in cooperation with [[Rainbow Studios]] and TV-Loonland AG) == References == {{Reflist}} {{Hasbro cartoons mid 80s}} {{Marvel Action Universe}} {{Animation industry in the United States}} {{Authority control}} {{Portal bar|Companies|United States|New York City|New York (state)|Television|Film|1980s}} [[Category:Sunbow Entertainment| ]] [[Category:1980 establishments in New York City]] [[Category:2004 disestablishments in New York (state)]] [[Category:American companies established in 1980]] [[Category:American companies disestablished in 2004]] [[Category:Mass media companies established in 1980]] [[Category:Mass media companies disestablished in 2004]] [[Category:American animation studios]] [[Category:Marvel Comics animation]] [[Category:Companies based in New York City]] [[Category:1998 mergers and acquisitions]] [[Category:2000 mergers and acquisitions]] [[Category:Television production companies of the United States]]'