Kids

UK animation producer Lupus Films has partnered with digital specialist 8 Lions Entertainment to launch and grow the global YouTube presence of its preschool series The Hive, as part of a broader strategy to extend the lifecycle and international reach of its IP.

Under the agreement, 8 Lions will manage the full YouTube strategy for the brand, including channel launch and operations, distribution planning, audience development, localisation and long-term optimisation. The initiative aims to position The Hive within a structured, multi-territory digital ecosystem designed to drive sustained engagement and new revenue opportunities.

The rollout will include the launch and management of dedicated channels in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French and German. To accelerate international growth, multi-language audio tracks will also be introduced in Arabic, Turkish, Polish and Italian, enabling the property to scale rapidly across multiple regions.

The partnership reflects the growing importance of YouTube as a primary platform for premium children’s content. Increasingly, traditional studios are treating the platform not only as a promotional tool but as a core distribution and brand-building environment capable of supporting long-term franchise value.

“Lupus Films is one of the UK’s most respected independent animation studios, with a reputation for beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant storytelling,” said Jiella Esmat, Founder of 8 Lions Entertainment. “We’re excited to collaborate with such a talented team to bring this much-loved property to global audiences on YouTube and support the long-term growth of The Hive.”

Camila Deakin, Co-Founder of Lupus Films and producer of the series, said the partnership would play a key role in the company’s digital strategy. “8 Lions’ expertise in building brands on digital platforms will allow us to reach new audiences and develop valuable commercial opportunities, which is essential in today’s competitive market,” she said.