What Decode Entertainment Does

It's a common question in the world of media and entertainment: What Decode Entertainment Does? Unraveling the Legacy of a Canadian Powerhouse. Many people recall the name, perhaps from the opening credits of a favorite childhood show, but the full scope of its work and its evolution can be a bit of a mystery.

If you've ever wondered about the company behind some of the most memorable animated and live-action children's series, you're in the right place. While Decode Entertainment as a standalone entity is no longer active in its original form, its influence and productions continue to resonate. This article will take you on a journey through its history, detailing what Decode Entertainment did, its significant contributions to the entertainment landscape, and how its legacy lives on today.

The Genesis of Decode Entertainment: A Pioneer in Children's Content

Decode Entertainment was a Canadian production company that made a significant mark on the global children's entertainment scene. Founded in 1997 by Steven DeNure, Neil Court, and John Delmage, the company quickly established itself with a clear mission: to create inventive and captivating content primarily for young audiences worldwide.

From its inception in Toronto, Canada, Decode Entertainment focused on high-quality family and children's programming for television and other media. This dedication to a specific niche allowed them to hone their craft and become a recognized name in the industry.

What Decode Entertainment Did: A Legacy of Beloved Shows

Decode Entertainment was a prolific producer of both animated and live-action children's shows, many of which became household favorites. The company was known for its ability to craft characters and stories that resonated deeply with children, often subtly delivering important life lessons within engaging narratives.

Some of the notable animated series that Decode Entertainment produced include:

• Angela Anaconda (1999–2002): A distinctive animated series known for its unique blend of computer animation and photo collage, which helped cement Decode Entertainment's position as a prominent player in the children's television market.
• Franny's Feet (2003): A popular preschool series that took young viewers on adventures as Franny's magical shoes transported her to different places.
• Clang Invasion (2007): An animated comedy about three alien robots who crash-land on Earth.

On the live-action front, Decode Entertainment also delivered several critically acclaimed and popular shows:

• The Zack Files (2000–2002): A series about a teenager who experiences various paranormal phenomena.
• The Hoobs (2001–2002): A co-production with The Jim Henson Company, this educational series for preschoolers aired in the UK and internationally.
• Radio Free Roscoe (2003): A teen series that garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards, including a Gemini Award for Best Youth Series.
• Naturally Sadie (2005–2007): A show following the life of a curious teenager who observes and decodes the world around her.

These productions showcased Decode's innovative approach and commitment to diverse storytelling for various age groups, from charming programs for preschoolers to thrilling adventures for older kids.

Beyond Production: Distribution and Industry Influence

Beyond just creating content, Decode Entertainment also understood the importance of effectively bringing their shows to audiences. In 1999, the company launched its own distribution arm to manage its growing slate of productions. This strategic move allowed them to control the international exploitation of their burgeoning content library, ensuring their shows reached children around the globe.

The company's focus on building a strong library of children's and family programming proved to be a valuable asset, contributing significantly to its standing in the international marketplace. Decode Entertainment's success demonstrated the viability of independent Canadian production in a competitive global industry.

The Evolution: From Decode Entertainment to WildBrain

The story of Decode Entertainment is also one of growth and strategic evolution within the dynamic entertainment industry. In 2006, Decode Entertainment merged with The Halifax Film Company to form a new, larger entity: DHX Media. This merger was a significant milestone, creating one of the largest independent producers and distributors of children's content.

Following the merger, Decode Entertainment became a subsidiary of DHX Media, and its distribution rights for shows were integrated into the larger company. By 2010, all DHX Media subsidiaries, including Decode Entertainment, were rebranded under the DHX Media name. Production at the former Decode offices ceased by 2011, marking the end of Decode Entertainment as a distinct operating unit.

DHX Media itself later underwent a rebranding and is now known as WildBrain. WildBrain continues to be a global leader in children's entertainment, benefiting from the extensive library and foundational work established by companies like Decode Entertainment.

Conclusion

So, what Decode Entertainment did was lay crucial groundwork in the children's media landscape. While the company no longer operates under its original name, its spirit and creative output live on through WildBrain. Decode Entertainment was a pioneer, responsible for shaping the childhoods of many through its imaginative and often educational programming. Its journey from a dedicated production house to a foundational part of a major global entertainment company highlights the ever-evolving nature of the industry.

If you enjoyed learning about Decode Entertainment's contributions, we encourage you to explore the current offerings of WildBrain and see how the legacy of quality children's content continues to thrive. What was your favorite Decode Entertainment show? Share your memories in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Decode Entertainment still an active company?

No, Decode Entertainment is no longer an active standalone company. It merged with Halifax Film Company in 2006 to form DHX Media, which was later rebranded as WildBrain.

What kind of shows did Decode Entertainment produce?

Decode Entertainment primarily produced children's animated and live-action television series. Their catalog included a variety of genres, often with a focus on engaging storytelling and educational value.

What happened to Decode Entertainment's shows?

The shows originally produced by Decode Entertainment are now part of the extensive content library of WildBrain, the successor company to DHX Media. They are distributed and managed under the WildBrain umbrella.

What is DHX Media?

DHX Media was the company formed in 2006 by the merger of Decode Entertainment and Halifax Film Company. It became a major independent producer and distributor of children's content and was later rebranded as WildBrain.