London (June 11, 2014) – Friendly Family Productions today announced that it has chosen Metrostar to develop a classic licensing programme for Little House on the Prairie® in the UK and Ireland.

The campaign, which begins with meetings at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, involves the creation of a lifestyle brand evoking memories of the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder and the classic television adaptation from the 1970s and ‘80s.

Little House on the Prairie is a world-famous and well-loved brand rooted in the stories of an American pioneer family. The books, published in the UK by Egmont, have sold over 60 million copies in 100 countries. Wilder’s stories of her family’s struggles and joys were adapted into one of television’s most successful and long-running series, which was broadcast to families in the UK on ITV and Channel 4. Today, those stories are as charming and engaging as ever.

Little House on the Prairie has been on television for 40 years and is currently broadcast in the UK on the True Entertainment channel and in 33 countries worldwide. Strong DVD sales also demonstrate the ongoing popularity of this evergreen favourite. In addition to the books and TV series, there was a television miniseries and a stage musical. The Little House on the Prairie legacy will continue as Friendly Family Productions is actively developing new entertainment initiatives.

“The timeless stories and characters of Little House on the Prairie resonate with and inspire people of all ages throughout the world,” says Trip Friendly, chief executive officer of Friendly Family Productions. “Parents who grew up with Little House on the Prairie are eager to share its wholesome values with their families. In a complicated world, celebrating the simple joys in life is something we can all appreciate. We are delighted to begin working with Claire Potter and her team at Metrostar to develop an innovative licensing program that will capture the essence of the Little House on the Prairie brand.”

“Little House on the Prairie is a television and literary classic which evokes special childhood memories for its legions of fans. I don’t think there was a little girl around in the 1970s who didn’t want to be Laura Ingalls Wilder. We grew up with her!” says Metrostar Managing Director, Claire Potter. “As adults today, we truly appreciate the simplicity and optimism exemplified by the Little House on the Prairie brand. The values of ‘family’, ‘home’ and ‘vintage America’ give this property a unique appeal and position within the British licensing arena.”