Zagros Film Company is recognized as the largest and most successful animation producer in Iran and is one of the leading animation producers in Iran with successful experiences in brand sponsorship. This Iranian production company specializes in branding through animation, and its general goal is to ensure brands are seen within inspiring stories for the next generation.

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Founder and Illustrious Records

The management and direction at Zagros Film Company are handled by Maziar Mohammadi Nejad. He is the most celebrated producer and director, possessing over a quarter-century of experience in making animated feature films, TV series, and storytelling for children:

  • In 2001, he directed the short film “What Remained,” which was selected as the second-best animated production of Islamic countries that same year, after Saudi Arabian television.
  • Mohammadi Nejad began production on the feature film “Haft Rang” (Seven Colors), the first Iranian 3D cinematic animation, based on a screenplay by Hamidreza Hafezi, starting in 2002 and finishing in 2005.
  • He has produced and directed numerous collections, including the 60-episode animated series “Jazireh Chalak” (Chalak Island) for Fars Central Broadcasting, produced “Dasht e Babouneh” (Daisy Field) (both in 2009), produced the 26-episode TV series “Baba Darya” (Sea Dad) for the Persian Gulf Center, and directed the 3D animated series “Shahr e Raz” (City of Secrets) (400 minutes for Saba Animation Center, between 2011 and 2014).
  • He has earned awards, including the Golden Butterfly for Best Director at the 21st and 22nd International Festival of Films for Children and Youth (2007 and 2008).

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Key Capabilities in Production and Animation Branding

Zagros Film completes its projects with high quality and according to global professional standards and its works are distributed through media platforms, TV networks, and online streaming services (such as Namava).

The main advantage of advertising with animation from Zagros Film’s perspective:

  1. Permanence in the Audience’s Mind: This approach creates lasting magic in the audience’s mind and can transform the brand into an emotional story that is conveyed to audiences for many years.
  2. Connection with Family: Due to its engaging and entertaining nature, animation is a suitable tool for transferring educational messages in advertising. These messages are conveyed in an engaging and digestible manner to children and parents (who are the main purchasing decision-makers).
  3. High Effectiveness and Low Cost: Using animation sponsorship can reduce the cost of broadcasting commercial teasers to zero. Media outlets themselves are willing to broadcast animation to increase viewership, and the brand can publish the sponsored film on digital platforms, applications, and satellite networks. Consequently, advertising effectiveness is multiplied while remaining low-cost.

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Innovative Sponsorship Models

Zagros Film offers collaboration and investment opportunities in the form of sponsorship models that go beyond traditional advertising:

  1. Screenplay Sponsorship (The Magic of Branding):

◦ This is a creative and unique approach that allows professional animation writers to craft the stories of the feature film or series episodes in such a way that the company’s brand or products profoundly impact the hearts and minds of millions of viewers and create a sustainable connection.

  1. Character Sponsorship (Mascot):

◦ The brand character (mascot) appears as one of the main characters in the animation, and the brand name is directly incorporated into the story.

  1. Product Placement:

◦ The company’s products or services are integrated into the story in a creative and natural way.

◦ The brand logo is displayed on the product or packaging in relevant scenes.

◦ The sponsor can provide limited input on the screenplay and the execution of the scene they have sponsored.

◦ The sponsor is permitted to broadcast and advertise only that specific scene and can use it in their company’s advertisements.

  1. Title Sponsorship (Program presented by):

◦ The name or brand of the sponsor is introduced as the title of the film or series (e.g., “Season One, Sponsored by [Brand]…”).

◦ The brand name and logo are included at the beginning of the film and in all advertisements, posters, billboards, official websites, social networks, and news releases.

  1. Merchandising and Subsidiary Income:

◦ Popular animation characters become the source of inspiration for producing various ancillary products (merchandising). These products include mobile and board games, children’s clothing, stationery, school supplies, T-shirts, hats, and even birthday themes.

◦ Merchandising is designed and launched with the goal of brand development and generating supplementary income and sustained growth.

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Case Study: Sunich Kids Brand Success

The successful collaboration between Alifard Company (owner of the Sunich Kids brand) and Zagros Film is a clear example of the effectiveness of this approach:

  • Background: Sunich Kids products were formulated specially, without preservatives and without added sugar, and had the approval of the Ministry of Health, but to succeed in the market, the brand needed a creative way beyond traditional advertising to enter the hearts and minds of children.
  • Series Creation: This collaboration resulted in the creation of the 20-episode animated series “Jazireh Shad Sunich” (Sunich Happy Island), which was released on platforms such as Namava.
  • Content and Branding Results: Instead of direct advertising, the series engaged children with happy, educational, and engaging stories, conveying educational messages about consuming healthy and preservative-free Sunich products to children and parents. The cartoon characters became a part of children’s lives, and their images were printed on Sunich Kids juice packaging, leading to extraordinary and extensive sales across Iran.
  • Cost and Return on Investment: The cost of making one full season of this animated series was less than the cost of producing and broadcasting one 30-second TV teaser, but its effectiveness was multiplied many times over.
  • Brand Expansion: In addition to direct sales, the popular characters in the animation inspired the production of various ancillary products, including games, clothing, and stationery, with the aim of brand development and generating supplementary income.
  • Physical Space: Based on this series, Alifard Company implemented a physical space called “Sunich Happy Island” at the Tehran Book Garden, allowing children to enjoy the space inspired by the animation and learn about the recycling process of Sunich Kids packaging.

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Ongoing Projects and Outlook

Animated Feature Film “The Battle with the Crab”:

  • Directed by Maziar Mohammadi Nejad, this work is “A Journey for Hope” and a fable for children and adults.
  • The film tells the story of a child with cancer who goes on an imaginary sea voyage to defeat the Crab (which symbolizes cancer) and regain his hope.
  • During this journey, he is accompanied by a group of sailors (Fesghol, Toutou, Happy Hip, Jooti, and Delfi), each of whom is struggling with fear or major life problems (like battling illness).

Confidential Opportunities: Information on other projects currently under construction and offering sponsorship opportunities is confidential and provided only to verified brand managers.

Working Hours: The Zagros Film Studio is open on weekdays (Saturday to Wednesday) from 08:00 to 16:00 and on weekends (Thursday to Friday) from 08:00 to 12:00.