Since the launch of ESM, the company has built an ecosystem to serve kids’ brands, which has already generated success. As a diversified entertainment group, ESM focuses on fan engagement and direct-to-consumer reach. The Epic group of companies represents Canadian, Quebecois, and international creators and brands and endeavours.
Epic Story Distribution has a strong track record with over 14 animated series either produced or in production. Their content has been sold (Epic Story Distribution) and launched in more than 135 countries and territories, reaching global audiences through digital platforms.
The company’s CAVCO accredited YouTube Channel, ‘Epic Story Junior’, serves as a central platform for many of Epic’s IPs, such as Bubble’s Hotel, Piper’s Pony Tales, Luna Chip & Inkie, as well as third-party properties like OmNom and Clawlolo, amassing over 100 million views.
Additionally, ESM’s subsidiary, Night Market Games, has achieved over 100 million downloads with its kids’ games, including titles for Beyblade and WildBrain’s Slugterra.
Freeground, the Roblox development studio under ESM, has successfully launched six experiences and garnered more than 10 million visits. Moreover, ESM has recently introduced a new series, ‘Wild Manes’, in collaboration with Jakks Pacific, with a horse-themed entertainment IP available on YouTube and a corresponding Roblox experience from Epic’s Freeground.
Furthermore, Epic has expanded its reach into the toy market with the launch of Epic Story Toys, featuring products for its IPs, including Bubble’s Hotel and Piper’s Pony Tales, as well as for WildBrain’s Slugterra. Lastly, the company has ventured into e-commerce, making its products accessible on platforms such as Amazon.com and Shopify.
Ken Faier said:
Steve’s vision and leadership has been crucial to our growth, and his appointment comes at a key moment in our journey to bring epic content and experiences to fans around the world. Steve has always had innovation in his DNA and throughout his career. For Steve, good enough has never been his mantra. We are stronger together.
As Co-CEOs, Steve and Ken will aim to strengthen collaboration between the Anglophone and Francophone sectors of Canada, particularly in the field of children’s entertainment and 360-degree strategy. Steve will continue to be based in Quebec City, Canada, and he will also remain CEO of Epic Story Media’s sister company, Epic Storyworlds. The two companies continue to operate collaboratively across projects with a focus on the benefits for creators and brand owners, which is at the heart of Epic’s mission.
Steve Couture added:
I’m excited to continue shaping the group’s activities, while leading strategic initiatives in both Canada and with many of our partners internationally. Our industry has been going through a very disruptive period as kids have broadened the ways they consume content and this is something we think about every day. Launching our Roblox game development studio, Freeground, and our 2D animation studio, Loomi Animation, is evidence of how we have been working together over the last few years. This has been and will continue to be a true collaboration – two companies working together to be a stronger and more agile force.
Previously, Steve was the Founder and CEO of Frima, growing the company to reach an audience of over 100 million kids through gaming experiences. Frima’s electronic lab contributed to creating connected toys and game experiences for major toy companies, including Lego, Mattel and Hasbro, and its animation and VFX branch, Frima FX, worked across several global blockbusters.
