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NEW GRUFFALO AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE TAKES UP RESIDENCE AT CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Announcement posted by Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary 01 Mar 2019

For the first time in Australia, through a partnership with Magic Light Pictures, The Gruffalo will come to life at National Trust Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (NTCWS) via The Gruffalo Trail experience and a new augmented reality app, just in time for the
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Manager Michael Kelly said this iconic character will bring joy to thousands of kids at the Sanctuary, in an Aussie-first, that utilises augmented reality (AR) technology in a natural environment.
 
“We have been working with Magic Light Pictures to create our brand-new outdoor experience; one that will give kids the chance to see much-loved characters come to life in a new way. 
 
“This initiative sees us combining state-of-the art technology with nature, keeping the kids active and entertained at the same time.”
 
The Gruffalo Trail is free with entry and families can download the complimentary Gruffalo Spotters app and follow clues through an interactive trail.  For those wanting to step away from technology, there are heaps of fun interactive experiences along the trail to enjoy.
 
“The self-led trail will be packed with fun facts about the characters from the book. Once you have spotted the characters, the app will bring them to life in 3D animation.”
 
The app allows you to take photos next to the characters which are then automatically added to your gallery.  This makes it easy to share your favourite pictures via social media using the hashtag #GruffaloSpotter.
 
The Gruffalo picture book has sold more than 13.5 million copies worldwide, and has been portrayed on stage, in an Oscar nominated film and now in augmented reality. The much-loved children’s book celebrates 20 years this year.
 
“We hope that families with young children will enjoy visiting the Sanctuary for an exciting adventure like no other, and one that they can only experience here on the Gold Coast,” Michael said.
 
The Gruffalo  licensing deal with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was brokered by Australia’s Merchantwise Licensing on behalf of Magic Light Pictures. 
 
 
The Gruffalo Trail and The Gruffalo Spotters app launches at National Trust Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on 5 April 2019.  The Gruffalo Spotters app is free to download.
 
For more information visit
www.currumbinsanctuary.com.au/The-Gruffalo-Trail
 
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About The Gruffalo
The Gruffalo was initially published in 1999 by Macmillan Children’s Books and this year celebrates its 20th Anniversary.  The book was written by writer and playwright Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, and tells the story of a mouse, the protagonist of the book, taking a walk in a European forest. The book has sold over 13.5 million copies, has won several prizes for children's literature, and has been developed into plays on both the West End and Broadway and even an Oscar nominated animated film by Magic Light Pictures. 

The Gruffalo is distributed in Australia by Macmillan.

The Gruffalo Stage Show is also touring nationally with shows scheduled at HOTA Home of The Arts on March 7 & 8.
About Magic Light Pictures. 

Founded in 2003 by producers Martin Pope and Michael Rose, Magic Light Pictures makes imaginative entertainment for audiences, families and children worldwide.

The company creates high quality films and products and has built the wonderful Gruffalo brand based on the best-selling books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The company directly manages production, licensing, global distribution and marketing and runs an international merchandising programme with over 40 licensees and 350 products.

Recent productions include Oscar nominated and BAFTA winning animated specials ‘The Gruffalo’, ‘Room on the Broom’ and ‘Revolting Rhymes’. ‘Zog’ premiered on BBC1 at Christmas 2018.  Magic Light is currently developing it’s first two animated series for pre-school, together with a slate of live action family dramas.
 
All interview and photo opportunity enquiries:
 

Karen Smith, M10 Collective | Ph: 0407 527 366 | email: karen@m10.com.au
Amy Stalinescu, M10 Collective | Ph: 0411 789 195 | email: amy@m10.com.au