Rio 2016 mascots to have animated series on Cartoon Network

The channel was chosen to produce the cartoon, which will tell the story of Vinicius and Tom, mascots for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Vinicius and Tom, mascots for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, will be the stars of an animated series produced and broadcast exclusively on Pay TV channel Cartoon Network. The partnership between the Rio 2016 Organising Committee and the most watched children’s channel in Brazil has just been announced, and the series Vinicius and Tom – Natural Entertainers will first air on 5 August, exactly one year before the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Through their stories and superpowers, the mascots will connect their audience with the memorable celebration that will take place in Rio de Janeiro next year. The series will contain 32 episodes of two minutes each.

The narrative will accompany the adventures of Vinicius and Tom, in their hectic life in the middle of the Brazilian forests and cities, always inspired by the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements and by Brazilian culture. "Cartoons are part of children’s daily life and we believe that the series Vinicius and Tom – Natural Entertainers is going to attract not only children, but also adults, and will be one of the key pieces so that the mascots, ambassadors of the Rio 2016 Games, remain forever in our memories," said Sylmara Multini, director of Licensing and Retail at the Rio 2016 Committee.

It is the first time in the Americas, and the third time in history, that the Olympic and Paralympic Games mascots will have an animated series. The channel was chosen to stage this ambitious project due to its expertise in content for children and its proximity to and understanding of the infant world.

"We are thrilled that Cartoon Network is the home of Vinicius e Tom - Divertidos por Natureza. It is very exciting and an honour to have been selected to collaborate in the coproduction of the animated series for the Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Barry Koch, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Tooncast Latin America. "The characters have a great affinity with Cartoon Network’s DNA and we are confident that kids and fans will have fun and enjoy the series".

Cartoon Network participated in and won the open competition held by the Rio 2016 Committee to decide the collaborator for the series. The investment of the children’s multi-platform brand Turner in the series will be US$750,000.

For Rio 2016, the mascots are an important communication tool. "They are one of the principal methods of engaging the public with the Games. The cartoon will give them life, reinforcing the emotional link of the public with the event," said Beth Lula, director of Branding at the Rio 2016 Committee.

The series combines the Rio 2016 Licensing Programme and the mascots have a large business potential. The estimate of the Rio 2016 Committee is that they could represent 25 per cent of licensed product Games sales.

An exclusive Vinicius and Tom line is already available from the Rio 2016 online shop, at www.lojario2016.com.br. After the start of the series, a wide range of themed products will be on sale to meet public demand and start to increase retail for the Rio 2016 Games.

THE SERIES

The narrative will accompany the adventures of Vinicius and Tom in their hectic life in the midst of the Rio de Janeiro and Brazilian forests. The series will contain 32 episodes of two minutes each.

THE CHARACTERS

Inspired by Brazilian fauna and flora, the Rio 2016 mascots have various influences from pop culture, with animated and videogame character elements. Their origin combines fiction and reality. Their story tells us that, on the day that Rio was announced as the host city for the Games, on 2 October 2009, the happiness of Brazilians was felt throughout nature and through this wave of energy the mascots were born.

Vinicius

Is the Olympic mascot and represents the diversity of animals in the country. He combines the agility of the felines, the spring of the monkeys and the lightness of birds. He can stretch his arms and legs as much as he likes. This means that he can jump higher, run faster and become even stronger. But he only makes use of his powers for good and becomes angry if someone suggests he uses them in competition. Among their characteristics are a sense of smell, capable of sniffing out adventures, and a sense of hearing that identifies where the most excited fans are. He plays all sports in the Olympic programme, is hyperactive and has friends across the world.

Tom

The Paralympic mascot is a never before seen blend of Brazilian flora. He can transform himself at any time, with determination and joy – because a plant is always moving, growing and overcoming obstacles. He plays all sports in the Paralympic programme and believes there is no barrier he cannot overcome. When he is faced with a, as we say, "hairy" problem, he is capable of taking anything from his hair to resolve it. As an ambassador of the Paralympic Games, he will teach the people to search inside themselves for their very best.

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