Mijos @ Home Video.

First Family Entertainment and HomieShop will produce a series of computer animated DVDs based on HomieShop’s popular Mijos urban toy line, it was announced by First Family Entertainment Chairman Dean Valentine and HomieShop founder David Gonzales. Through it’s exclusive deal with First Family, MGM Home Entertainment will release the DVDs.

Since their introduction in 2000, well over 10 million Mijos (Spanish for “my children”) have been sold, first as figurines through vending machines and neighborhood bodegas in Hispanic markets throughout the US and now as toys through major retailers like Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Target.

The Mijos’ popularity already has expanded beyond the world of toys. Gonzales, the Bay Area artist and toy designer who created the characters, has written four Mijos books for children’s publishing powerhouse Scholastic.

Craig Bartlett and Joseph Purdy, whose combined credits include such hit animated series as “Hey Arnold!” “Recess,” “Arthur” and “Rugrats,” will write the screenplay. Production on the first DVD is expected to begin in the first
quarter of 2005.

“For years people have asked me when they would be able to see “Baby Boy,” “Spooky,” “Lil Dre,” and the rest of the Mijos characters do their thing,” said Gonzales. “Thanks to First Family and the proven talent they bring to the table, my characters will finally be able to walk, talk and act as cool as they look.”

“We believe there is an untapped market for family entertainment which speaks directly to the Hispanic community and we are excited to bring this popular brand to life,” said Valentine.