Funrise Launches New IP and Entertainment Division, Appoints Rich Magallanes as Sr. Vice President Development & Production

Sr. Vice President Global Brand Marketing, Randy Shoemaker, To Oversee Franchise Management and Content Distribution

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Dec 06, 2018, 07:30 ET

VAN NUYS, Calif., Dec. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Funrise, Inc. announced today the appointment of Rich Magallanes as Sr. Vice President, Development & Production for the company's new IP and entertainment division. In this new role, Magallanes will lead Funrise's content development and production for the company's entertainment properties starting with Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty, in which Magallanes will continue to act as show runner/creator. The animated series is currently in production and scheduled to debut in 2019. Additionally, Magallanes will lead in the conception of new creative projects, forge new production partnerships and identify and vet potential content acquisitions.

Current Sr. Vice President Global Brand Marketing, Randy Shoemaker, will also oversee Funrise's franchise management and global content distribution for original IPs, in addition to his current responsibilities.

Magallanes' career spans over 20 years in domestic and international studio production. Prior to joining Funrise, he oversaw the entire development slate and production of several shows at Saban Brands, including: Luna Petunia, Treehouse Detectives, Glitter Force and several others. Magallanes spent his former years at Nickelodeon, as the Senior Vice President of Current Series and Production, where he supervised production on a number of their top animated series, including SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, Sanjay and Craig and Breadwinners, among many others.

During his time at Nickelodeon, he also co-developed the highly successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Tuff Puppy television shows, among others. Magallanes was also the Creative Executive integral in the DreamWorks partnership for Penguins of Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and Monsters vs. Aliens.

"Rich is a great addition to the Funrise executive team and a perfect fit to lead our new IP division," said King Cheng, Chief Executive, Funrise. "Developing our own IP and entertainment properties is a strategic initiative for Funrise, and we are lucky to land such a talented and experienced individual. With Rich's vast experience in developing kids content, we are confident he will not only deliver an amazing new show in Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty, but will also develop strong new IPs for Funrise."

"Funrise is an exciting and innovative company, and I'm excited to be an integral part of their future growth," said Magallanes. "I look forward to working with this passionate team and Funrise's best-in-class partners to continue to create fantastic programming for kids and brand experiences that fans are going to love."

About Funrise

Funrise is a global innovator and industry leader in the design, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of toys and games worldwide. Delivering fun for kids of all ages, Funrise creates toys and games for high-profile brands including TONKA®, GAZILLION®, HERODRIVE™, SUNNY BUNNIES™, WONDER PARK™, and is the creator, producer and brand owner for the upcoming animated TV series RAINBOW BUTTERFLY UNICORN KITTY™.

Funrise is headquartered in Van Nuys, CA, with additional U.S. offices and showrooms in Minneapolis, MN and Bentonville, AR, and international offices in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Australia and Hong Kong. Funrise is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Matrix Holdings Limited.

SOURCE Funrise, Inc.