DLA Piper represented StoryBots, a children's educational media brand, in its acquisition by Netflix, Inc.

StoryBots launched an animated show called "Ask the StoryBots" on Netflix in 2016, which uses 3D, 2D, claymation, stop motion and live action to answer children's questions, often bringing on celebrity guest stars. The show has won five daytime Emmy awards, including two in 2019.

Under the terms of the transaction, StoryBots' creators Gregg and Evan Spiridellis will produce more original content, including series and short-form specials. Netflix's interest in StoryBots derived from its increasing push to expand educational content.

The transaction is only the third acquisition in Netflix's history. The streaming site bought Millarworld, a comic book publishing firm, in 2017, and acquired ABQ Studios, a TV and film production facility in New Mexico, last year.

The DLA Piper team representing StoryBots on all aspects of the transaction was led by partner Tom Ara, co-chair of the firm's Entertainment Transactions and Finance practices, and included partners Eric Hagen, David Markman, co-chair of the Entertainment Transactions practice, and Robert Sherman, co-chair of the Entertainment Finance practice; and associates Daniel Zar and Erica Dixon (all of Los Angeles).