Founded in 2015 by Lily Wang and Daniel Harjanto Setyawan, BASE provides high quality animation work for clients around the world and employs 270 personnel. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Known for its full-scale creative, production and international distribution capabilities, 9 Story Media Group employs more than 800 staff with operations in Toronto, New York, Dublin and Manchester. Its award winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films, is recognized internationally for hit children’s series such as ‘Doc McStuffins’, ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’, ‘Top Wing’, ‘Octonauts’ and ‘The Magic School Bus: Rides Again’.
Since its inception, BASE has established a solid reputation as a high quality and reliable animation studio. BASE’s production portfolio includes the popular animated television series Sonic Boom and Luna Petunia. In addition, BASE and Brown Bag Films have previously partnered together on the hit Disney series Vampirina.
The acquisition of BASE will enhance 9 Story’s production capabilities, expand its global footprint and increase its worldwide head count to more than 1000 personnel. Co-founders Lily Wang and Daniel Harjanto Setyawan will stay on to lead BASE going forward and will report to 9 Story’s Chief Operating Officer Cathal Gaffney.
Speaking about the acquisition, President & CEO of 9 Story Media Group, Vince Commisso said:
“Our top priority has always been, and will continue to be, producing the best quality animated content across all our studios. Acquiring BASE bolsters our existing studio capacity in Toronto, Dublin and Manchester and enhances our ability to meet the production needs of our clients. We have been extremely impressed with BASE’s caliber of work and are thrilled to welcome the entire BASE team into the 9 Story family.”
BASE Co-Founders Lily Wang and Daniel Harjanto Setyawan added:
“We are delighted to be joining forces with 9 Story Media Group. 9 Story has established itself as a global leader in kids’ entertainment with tremendous strength in production and distribution. We are incredibly proud of the animation we have produced with our talented team in Bali. By joining forces with 9 Story and their studio Brown Bag Films we will benefit from their creative expertise and international infrastructure and continue to produce top quality programs for kids and families around the world.”
The company’s international distribution arm, 9 Story Distribution International, is based in Dublin and represents more than 3,600 half-hours of animated and live-action programming.