DUDLEY A HIT
By Adnews Staff
Children's program The Adventures of Dudley the Dragon has become a self supporting series. The show has attracted so much investor interest that its Canadian producers don't have to rely on financing by Telefilm Canada for its third season. The show is produced by Breakthrough Films and Television of Toronto, and is broadcast in over 250 markets. Toronto-based Canada Games is introducing Dudley the Dragon toys this month to the Canadian market, and will spend $550,000 by the end of 1996 to promote the products. The company will be selling about 30 different items such as stuffed animals, plastic figures, games and puzzles. Canadian licencee agent is Castle Entertainment of Toronto, which expects a total of 35 licencees by the end of the month. Dudley the Dragon emphasizes environmental and social issues through games and adventure stories. It airs on all educational networks in Canada, and will premier on YTV this fall. In the U.S., Dudley is broadcast on 184 PBS stations, with an additional 60 joining by the end of June.