What does dhx media stand for?

The DHX name derives from the combination of the names Decode and Halifax from the 2006 merger between Decode Entertainment and Halifax Film Company.

WildBrain Ltd. (formerly known as DHX Media, Ltd.) is a Canadian media, animation studio, production, and brand licensing company, mostly associated as an entertainment company. The company is known for owning the largest library of children's television programming,[6] which is distributed through its multi-channel network, WildBrain Spark, and a group of Canadian specialty television channels.

DHX was founded in 2006 when the entertainment entrepreneurs Michael Donovan and Steven DeNure gained control of Decode Entertainment and the Halifax Film Company.

In 2006, the Toronto-based Decode Entertainment and Halifax-based Halifax Film Company merged so that the newly merged company would be named the Decode-Halifax Film Company. The newly public company known as DHX Media, began trading in 2006, because the name, "DHX", is an acronym for the combination of the names Decode and Halifax.[7][8]

A reverse merger deal with Entertainment One was considered in 2008, but was dropped.[9] On March 25, 2008, DHX Media acquired Bulldog Interactive Fitness.[10] On September 8, 2010, all related subsidiaries and divisions were rebranded under the label DHX Media.[11] On September 14, 2010, DHX Media acquired the American animation studio Wildbrain Entertainment.[12]

On August 20, 2012, it was announced that DHX Media would acquire Cookie Jar Group for CA $111 million, a deal which would make DHX the world's largest independent owner of children's television programming.[13][14] The acquisition was completed on October 22, 2012.[6]

In May 2013, DHX introduced three premium, subscription-based channels on YouTube; DHX Junior, DHX Kids, and DHX Retro. DHX's then executive chairman Michael Hirsh stated that the offerings were meant to leverage the company's library and the growth of digital distribution in the children's television market. DHX was among the first 30 content partners for YouTube's premium channel platform.[15][16]

On September 16, 2013, DHX acquired Ragdoll Worldwide—a joint venture between British production company Ragdoll Productions, BBC Worldwide and an investment group that managed and licensed Ragdoll Productions' properties (such as Teletubbies) outside the United Kingdom.[17]

On November 28, 2013, DHX announced that it would acquire four children's specialty television channels from the former Astral Media for CA$170 million, consisting of Family Channel, Disney Junior (English), Disney Junior (French), and Disney XD. The networks were being sold as a condition of Bell Media's 2013 acquisition of the remainder of Astral Media's assets; its purchase of the networks marked DHX's first foray into television broadcasting.[18][19] The deal was approved by the CRTC on July 24, 2014, and closed on July 31, 2014.[20] The channels were incorporated into a new unit, DHX Television.[21]

In early 2014, DHX Media acquired Epitome Pictures, the producers of Degrassi, but Epitome did not own international distribution rights. In November, DHX purchased 117 children's and family titles from US distributor Echo Bridge Home Entertainment. The acquisition comprised about 1,200 half-hours including the international distribution rights to Degrassi, as well as Instant Star and The L.A. Complex (two other Epitome productions), as well as distribution rights to an additional 34 series. Other shows in the purchase included Lunar Jim, Beast Wars: Transformers and Cookie Jar's Emily of New Moon.[22] Nerd Corps Entertainment, a computer animation studio founded by former Mainframe Entertainment producers Asaph Fipke and Chuck Johnson, also the makers of Slugterra, was acquired by DHX Media on December 24.[23]

In April 2015, Corus Entertainment announced that it had acquired Canadian rights to the program library of Disney Channel and its associated brands as part of a deal with the Disney–ABC Television Group; DHX's existing deal with Disney, which covered programming across the four DHX Television services, ended in January 2016. DHX's Disney-branded channels were re-branded as Family Jr. and Télémagino[24][25][26] in September 2015.

In August 2015, DHX reached an output deal with AwesomenessTV; the deal includes rights to its programming for Family Channel, along with plans to co-develop new, original content for DHX to distribute and merchandise internationally.[24][27] In December 2015, DHX reached an output deal with DreamWorks Animation, which included Canadian rights to its original animated television series, and a pact to co-produce 130 episodes of animated programming for the Family networks, with DHX handling Canadian distribution and DreamWorks handling international distribution.[28] Also that month, DHX established a development deal with Mattel to co-develop and handle global sales for content in the Little People and Polly Pocket franchises, as well as HiT Entertainment properties owned by them such as the Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam franchises, including television and digital video programming.[29]

In April 2016, DHX Media announced the formation of a new London-based multi-channel network under the WildBrain name.[30] On September 21, 2016, DHX cut a deal with Air Bud Entertainment (founded by Robert Vince) distribute the Air Bud library of 15 films, including the newest Air Bud production Pup Star.[31]

On May 10, 2017, DHX announced that it had acquired the entertainment division of Iconix Brand Group for US$345 million. The purchase gave DHX full ownership to the Strawberry Shortcake franchise and, more prominently, an 80% majority stake in Peanuts Worldwide.[32]

On October 2, 2017, the company announced that it was evaluating strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, following a review of its finances. DHX's debt had increased following the Iconix acquisition, and the company reported a net loss of CA$18.3 million during its fiscal fourth quarter.[33] On May 14, 2018, DHX announced that it would sell a 39% stake (approximately 49% of its total ownership) in Peanuts Worldwide to its Japanese licensee Sony Music Entertainment Japan for US$185 million. The sale would be used to help cover DHX's debt.[34][35]

On September 24, 2018, DHX announced that it had concluded its strategic review and decided against selling the company, and that it planned to prioritize investments into digital content (including short-form digital content for WildBrain, and premium long-form content intended for platforms such as Amazon Video and Netflix), rather than television, to reflect changes in viewing habits. On the same day, the company also reported a revenue of CA $434.4 million for its fiscal 2018 (up from CA $298.7 million in its fiscal 2017).[36] In November 2018, DHX announced the sale of its Halifax animation studio to IoM Media Ventures, a new company led by former DHX CEO Dana Landry. The Halifax animation studio had been operating on a loss. The sale was completed on December 21, 2018.[37][38][39]

In February 2019, the company announced plans to consolidate its operations into two internal subsidiaries for "improved focus and strategic flexibility", focused on studios and networks, and digital respectively. During its investors' call, then CEO Michael Donovan stated that the company had slightly downsized its slate of productions to "focus on the shows we think have the greatest potential, particularly with respect to consumer products".[39]

In August 2019, former Marvel Entertainment CEO and founder of Classic Media (now DreamWorks Classics) Eric Ellenbogen was named the new CEO of DHX Media.[40] On September 23, 2019, DHX Media announced a reorganization, including CFO Doug Lamb stepping down and being replaced by existing COO Aaron Ames, and the addition of a new "brand director" position. In addition, DHX began trading as "WildBrain", building upon its multi-channel network of the same name (which was subsequently renamed to "WildBrain Spark"). Company president Josh Scherba explained that the name was "synonymous with creativity, imagination and innovation", and symbolized the company's efforts to achieve stronger collaboration and integration between its businesses. DHX shareholders officially approved the change in corporate name during its annual shareholder meeting in December.[41][42]

On February 3, 2022, WildBrain acquired distribution, production, and licensing rights to the Jay Ward Productions portfolio; both companies will create new content based on the portfolio. The deal excluded co-productions from the Bullwinkle Studios venture that was operated by DreamWorks Classics before the new deal was made.[43]

WildBrain announced its intent to acquire Toronto-based animation studio House of Cool for CA$18.3 million on March 29, 2023.[44]

In 2014, DHX entered the specialty television industry with its acquisition of Family Channel and three other Disney-branded television networks from the former media company Astral Media.

The DHX name derives from the combination of the names Decode and Halifax from the 2006 merger between Decode Entertainment and Halifax Film Company. Studio B Productions was acquired by DHX Media on December 25, 2007. On March 25, 2008, DHX Media acquired Bulldog Interactive Fitness. On September 8, 2010, all related subsidiaries were rebranded under the label DHX Media. On September 14, 2010, DHX Media acquired WildBrain.

On August 20, 2012, it was announced that DHX Media would acquire Cookie Jar Group for $111 million, a deal which would make DHX the world's largest independent owner of children's television programming. The acquisition of Cookie Jar Group by DHX Media closed on October 22, 2012.

On November 28, 2013, DHX announced that it would acquire four children's oriented specialty television channels from the former Astral Media for $170 million, consisting of Family Channel, Disney Junior, Disney Junior (French), and Disney XD. The networks were being sold as a condition of Bell Media's 2013 acquisition of Astral Media; its purchase of the networks marks DHX's first foray into television broadcasting. The deal was approved by the CRTC on July 24, 2014, and closed on July 31, 2014.

In April 2014, DHX Media acquired Epitome Pictures, the producers of Degrassi, but Epitome did not own international distribution rights. In November 2014, DHX Media has acquired a library of children’s and family television series, feature films and television specials, including international distribution rights to Degrassi, Instant Star and The L.A. Complex series, from Echo Bridge Entertainment and its subsidiaries. The acquisition adds approximately 1,200 half hours to DHX’s existing library of more than 10,000 half hours, further cementing its position as owner of the world’s largest independent library of children’s and family shows. The international rights acquired for Degrassi, The L.A. Complex, and Instant Star, apply to approximately 600 half hours of content in DHX’s catalogue and consolidates all rights for these series under DHX ownership, following its acquisition of producer Epitome Pictures earlier this year. In total, the acquired slate consists of outright ownership of 117 titles, and distribution rights for an additional 34 titles. Other series in the deal include Lunar Jim and Beast Wars: Transformers, and Emily of New Moon.

In December 2014, DHX Media will acquired Nerd Corps Entertainment which will be finalized on December 24.

Decode Entertainment was established 1997 by Neil Court, Steven DeNure and John Delmage. Decode produced such shows as Radio Free Roscoe, Naturally, Sadie, The Zack Files, Angela Anaconda, Undergrads, The Hoobs, Chop Socky Chooks, Waybuloo, Bromwell High, Planet Sketch, The Adrenaline Project, Be the Creature, The Blobheads, Grandpa in My Pocket, Dragon Tales, How to Be Indie, The Latest Buzz, Our Hero, That's So Weird, Clang Invasion, Delilah and Julius, Dudson's Modern Tales, Freaky Stories, Girlstuff/Boystuff, Kid vs. Kat, King, Rastamouse, Naughty Naughty Pets, Little Angel Nursery Rhymes, Olliver's Adventures, Rainbow Fish, The Side Show Christmas, Urban Vermin, Watership Down, Little Ninjas Karate, What About Mimi?, Animal Mechanicals, Bo on the Go!, Dirtgirlworld, Franny's Feet, The Mighty Jungle, Poko, Poppets Town, The Save-Ums and Plumo's Mysteries. It currently co-produces Super WHY! with New York City-based Out of the Blue Enterprises for PBS Kids in the USA and Kids' CBC in Canada. It also distributes The Chica Show on NBC Kids in the USA & PBS Kids Sprout in Chicago & Australia. It currently co-produces Emma's Theatre for Disney Junior in the USA & Kids' CBC in Canada.

Halifax Film Company was established by former Salter Street Films executives Michael Donovan and Charles Bishop in May 2004. The company produced such television shows as the satirical comedy This Hour Has 22 Minutes (begun as a Salter Street production); children's stop-motion series such as Poko and Lunar Jim; CGI productions such as Bo on the Go!, The Mighty Jungle and Animal Mechanicals; as well as the dramas The Guard and North/South.

DHX Brands was launched on June 6, 2014. The new division focus all activity around the company’s core slate of high-profile licensed properties under the DHX Brands banner, bringing together licensing, brand management and creative services teams.

DHX Television was formed on July 31, 2014 through DHX's acquisition of four children's specialty channels that were previously owned by Astral Media, including Family Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior (English) and Disney Junior (French).

Founded in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1988, Studio B Productions was a Canadian animation studio which was acquired by and became a subsidiary of DHX Media on December 4, 2007. After the DHX rebranding on September 8, 2010, the studio is now credited as DHX Media/Vancouver in closing credits and uses DHX Media's generic production logo. The Studio is behind the 2007 remake of the 1960s animated series George of the Jungle, the PBS Kids series Martha Speaks, and more recently, Hasbro Studios' My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic and Pound Puppies, as well as other shows that broadcast on YTV in Canada and various networks in the United States.

WildBrain (stylized as W!LDBRAIN) is an entertainment company that develops and produces television programming, motion pictures, commercial content and licensed merchandise. Started in 1995, they have offices in Los Angeles and New York.

Cookie Jar Group was founded in 1976 by Ronald Weinberg and Micheline Charest as Cinar, an American film distributor. It later relocated to Montreal and began producing children's television programming. The company became embroiled in scandal, and was bought out in 2004 by a consortium led by Nelvana co-founder Michael Hirsh, and its name was changed to Cookie Jar Entertainment (later amended to Cookie Jar Group). Cookie Jar was sold to DHX in 2012, and was renamed "DHX Cookie Jar Inc." as a result. Cookie Jar held a library consisting of 6,000 half-hours of content; in addition to its own productions, it also included those of the British FilmFair and the American DIC Entertainment. Among its best-known properties are Caillou and Inspector Gadget.

Ragdoll Worldwide was a joint venture between Ragdoll Productions and BBC Worldwide that manages and exploits Ragdoll programming including Teletubbies, Brum, Rosie and Jim, Boohbah and In the Night Garden. It was bought on September 16, 2013 for $27.7 million from BBC Worldwide and Ragdoll.

Epitome Pictures, a Canadian company founded by Linda Schuyler, was acquired by DHX Media on April 3, 2014. It is best known for creating Degrassi.

Nerd Corps Entertainment, a Canadian animation studio founded by former Mainframe Entertainment Producers Asaph Fipke Howy Parkins and Chuck Johnson, will be acquired by DHX Media on December 24, 2014.

Little Angel Nursery Rhymes [2010-2011]

Studio B(Kids Channel)

(also includes productions from CINAR, the company's former incarnation)

(also includes productions by CINAR and FilmFair)

Theaterical

Direct-to-video Movies and TV Movies

(also includes productions from CINAR, the company's former incarnation)

TV Toons to Go is fully loaded with over hours of fun across 110 episodes from popular TV shows spanning 10 DVDs housed in an awesome tin travel case! Kids of all ages will enjoy laughing, learning, solving mysteries and going on adventures with all of their favorite cartoon characters including the fun and feisty Heathcliff, Archie and the gang of Riverdale High, the girls of Horseland, the ever-busy Huckle Cat and Lowly Worm, the travelling Buster plus hundreds more in this incredible collection of favorite animated TV shows. From tracking down the whereabouts of the illusive Carmen Sandiego to watching the wild antics and explosive experiments of Johnny Test and his dog Dukey, it’s non-stop amusement for the whole family to enjoy!

Plus:

Plus:

Plus:

Plus:

Plus:

Plus:

Plus:

Plus: