Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________ to ___________
000-54389
Commission file number
GENIUS BRANDS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
20-4118216
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
8383 Wilshire Blvd Suite 412
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
310-273-4222
(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)
____________________________
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of Exchange where registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
The Nasdaq Capital Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during
the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s
knowledge, in the definitive proxy or information statement incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or amendment to Form 10-K. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a small reporting company. See definition of “large
accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:
Large accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
o
x
o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial
accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 29, 2018 (the last business day of the most
recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $13,400,293, computed by reference to the last sale price of $2.38 for the common stock on the Nasdaq Capital
Market reported for such date.
As of March 30, 2019, there were 10,432,718 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Genius Brands International, Inc.
Table of Contents
Page Number
PART I.
Item 1.
Business
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8.
Item 9.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Item 9B.
Other Information
PART III.
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV.
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
Item 16
Form 10-K Summary
Signatures
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (including the section regarding Management's Discussion and Analysis and Results of Operation) contains forward-looking statements
regarding our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and
similar expressions or variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not deemed to represent an all-inclusive means of identifying forward-
looking statements as denoted in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additionally, statements concerning future matters are forward-looking statements. These statements
include, among other things, statements regarding:
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our ability to generate revenue or achieve profitability;
our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all;
fluctuations in the results of our operations from period to period;
general economic and financial conditions;
our ability to anticipate changes in popular culture, media and movies, fashion and technology;
competitive pressure from other distributors of content and within the retail market;
our reliance on and relationships with third-party production and animation studios;
our ability to market and advertise our products;
our reliance on third-parties to promote our products;
our ability to keep pace with technological advances;
performance of our information technology and storage systems;
a disruption or breach of our internal computer systems;
our ability to retain key personnel;
the impact of federal, state or local regulations on us or our vendors and licensees;
our ability to protect and defend against litigation, including intellectual property claims;
the volatility of our stock price;
the marketability of our stock;
our broad discretion to invest or spend the proceeds of our financings in ways with which our stockholders may not agree and may have limited ability to influence; and
other risks and uncertainties, including those listed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
Although forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K reflect the good faith judgment of our management, such statements can only be based on facts and
factors currently known by us. Consequently, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results and outcomes may differ materially
from the results and outcomes discussed in or anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences in results and outcomes
include, without limitation, those specifically addressed under the heading "Risks Factors" in Item 1A. below, as well as those discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We file
reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and our electronic filings with the SEC (including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form
10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports) are available free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You can also read and
copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You can obtain additional information about the
operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K, except as required by law. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made throughout the entirety of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K, which are designed to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
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Item 1.
Business.
Overview
PART I
Genius Brands International, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is a global content and brand management company that creates and licenses multimedia content. Led
by industry veterans, we distribute our content in all formats as well as a broad range of consumer products based on our characters. In the children's media sector, our portfolio
features “content with a purpose” for toddlers to tweens, which provides enrichment as well as entertainment. New intellectual property titles include the preschool property
Rainbow Rangers, which debuted in November 2018 on Nickelodeon and preschool property Llama Llama, which debuted on Netflix in January 2018 and was renewed by
Netflix for a second season. Our library titles include the award winning Baby Genius, - adventure comedy Thomas Edison's Secret Lab® and Warren Buffett's Secret
Millionaires Club, created with and starring iconic investor Warren Buffett which is distributed across our Genius Brands Network on Comcast’s Xfinity on Demand,
AppleTV, Roku, Amazon Fire, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Cox, Dish, Sling and Zumo as well as Connected TV. We are also developing an all-new animated series, Stan Lee's
Superhero Kindergarten with Stan Lee's Pow! Entertainment.
In addition, we act as licensing agent for Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House LLC who owns or controls the underlying rights to Llama Llama,
leveraging our existing licensing infrastructure to expand this brand into new product categories, new retailers, and new territories.
Our Products
Original Content
We own and produce original content that is meant to entertain and enrich toddlers to tweens as well as families. It is generally a three-year cycle from the inception of an idea,
through production of the content and development and distribution of a range of consumer products to retail, creating an inevitable lag time between the creation of the
intellectual property to the realization of economic benefit of those assets. Our goal is to maintain a robust and diverse portfolio of brands, appealing to various interests and
ages, featuring evergreen topics with global appeal. Our portfolio of intellectual property can be licensed, re-licensed, and exploited for years to come, with revenue derived
from multiple sources and territories. Our portfolio of original content includes:
Content in Production
Rainbow Rangers: From Shane Morris, the writer of Frozen, and Rob Minkoff, the director of The Lion King, Rainbow Rangers is an animated series about the adventures of
seven magical girls from Kaleidoscopia, a fantastic land on the other side of the rainbow. The Rangers serve as Earth’s guardians and first-responders. When there’s trouble for
the people or animals of the Earth, the Rangers ride a rainbow across the sky to save the day. We have partnered with Mattel Inc.’s Fisher Price Toys as the master toy partner
for the new series, and Viacom’s Nick Jr. has licensed the series for broadcast in the US. International broadcast agreements are currently being negotiated in numerous
territories.
Llama Llama Season 2: We completed production of fifteen half-hour animated episodes in 2017 which premiered on Netflix in early 2018. Netflix ordered a second season of
Llama Llama consisting of ten half-hour animated episodes. Back for Season 2 are Llama Llama’s creators including Oscar-winning director Rob Minkoff (The Lion King),
director Saul Blinkoff (Doc McStuffins), showrunner Joe Purdy, art director Ruben Aquino (Frozen) and Emmy-winning producers Jane Startz and Andy Heyward. Based on
the NY Times #1 best-selling children’s books of the same name, the animated series centers on young Llama Llama’s first steps in growing up and facing childhood milestones.
Each episode is structured around a childhood milestone and a life lesson learned by Llama Llama and his friends, told with a sense of humor, vitality, and understanding.
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Content in Development
Superhero Kindergarten: In conjunction with Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment, we are developing an animated pre-school series with the current title of “Superhero
Kindergarten.” Superhero Kindergarten tells the story of a classroom filled with kids with superpowers and how they learn to use those powers to fight against the forces of evil
while still dealing with all of the issues that come from being 6 years old.
Baby Genius: For more than ten years, Baby Genius has earned worldwide recognition for creating award-winning products for toddlers. Its catalogue of 500 songs, 125 music
videos, and toys features classic nursery rhymes, learning songs, classical music, holiday favorites and more. Recognizing a need in the marketplace for established pre-school
content, the Baby Genius channel was launched featuring the award-winning collection of Baby Genius Videos along with third party content providers sharing the Genius
Brands “Content with a Purpose” message. The Baby Genius brand is synonymous with safe, enriching content for preschoolers and is being re-launched as a life style brand
incorporating a new website, content and consumer products designed with today’s family in mind.
Already Released Content
Rainbow Rangers: We completed 26 half hour episodes in February of 2019 and the series premiered on Nick Jr. in November 2018. The series was created by Shane Morris,
the co-writer of Frozen, and Rob Minkoff, the director of The Lion King, Rainbow Rangers is an animated series about the adventures of seven magical girls from
Kaleidoscopia, a fantastic land on the other side of the rainbow. The Rangers serve as Earth’s guardians and first-responders. When there’s trouble for the people or animals of
the Earth, the Rangers ride a rainbow across the sky to save the day. A global licensing program is in place and the first products will be introduced to the market in second
quarter of 2019.
Llama Llama: We completed production of fifteen half-hour animated episodes in 2017 which premiered on Netflix in early 2018. Llama Llama’s creators include Oscar-
winning director Rob Minkoff (The Lion King), director Saul Blinkoff (Doc McStuffins), showrunner Joe Purdy, art director Ruben Aquino (Frozen) and Emmy-winning
producers Jane Startz and Andy Heyward. Based on the NY Times #1 best-selling children’s books of the same name, the animated series centers on young Llama Llama’s first
steps in growing up and facing childhood milestones. Each episode is structured around a childhood milestone and a life lesson learned by Llama Llama and his friends, told
with a sense of humor, vitality, and understanding. The global licensing program was unveiled in June 2016 at the Licensing Expo held in Las Vegas.
SpacePop: SpacePop is a music and fashion driven animated property that has garnered over 17 million views and over 63,000 subscribers since its launch in May 2016. With
108 three-minute webisodes produced, SpacePop had a best-in-class production team which included Steve Banks (head writer and story editor of Sponge Bob Square Pants) as
content writer; Han Lee (Pink Fizz, Bobby Jack) for original character designs; multiple Grammy Award-winning producer and music veteran Ron Fair (Fergie, Mary J. Blige,
Black Eyed Peas, Pussycat Dolls, Christina Aguilera and more), singer-songwriter Stefanie Fair (founding member of RCA’s girl group Wild Orchid with Fergie) for the
original SpacePop theme music; and veteran music producer and composer John Loeffler (Kidz Bop, Pokemon) for original songs. SpacePop products range from apparel and
accessories, to beauty, cosmetics, candy, books and music.
Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab: Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab is a STEM-based comedy adventure series by Emmy-nominated writer Steve Banks (SpongeBob Square Pants),
multi-Emmy Award-winning writer Jeffrey Scott (Dragon Tales), and Emmy Award-winning producer Mark Young ( All Dogs Go To Heaven 2). The series includes 52 eleven-
minute episodes as well as 52 ninety-second original music videos produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Ron Fair. The animated series follows the adventures of
Angie, a 12-year-old prodigy who, along with her young science club, discovers Thomas Edison’s secret lab.
Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaire’s Club: With 26 thirty-minute episodes and 26 four-minute webisodes, this animated series features Warren Buffett who acts as a mentor to
a group of entrepreneurial kids who have international adventures that lead them to encounter neighborhood and community problems to solve. Warren Buffett’s Secret
Millionaire’s Club empowers kids by helping them learn about the business of life and the importance of developing healthy life habits at an early age.
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Licensed Content
In addition to the wholly-owned or partially-owned properties listed above, we represent Llama Llama in the licensing and merchandising space.
Genius Brands Network
Seeing a need for a destination devoted to providing "Content with a Purpose," we launched the Genius Brands Network comprised of the Kid Genius Cartoon Network and
Baby Genius TV. The network is distributed across multiple platforms including advertising supported video-on-demand (“AVOD”), subscription video-on-demand (“SVOD”)
and over-the-top platforms (“OTT”) providing kids and parents a clear choice in premium entertaining, enriching and engaging programming.
The Kid Genius Cartoon Network provides smart TV for kids. Our shows are designed for kids to tweens and anyone in between. Our Kid Genius Cartoon Network exposes
kids to new and intriguing subjects that stimulate their senses and imagination on a daily basis. Parents will enjoy watching their kids be entertained with enriching and
educational series. Featured series include Dino Squad, Thomas Edison's Secret Lab, Inspector Gadget and more. The Kid Genius Cartoon Channel Plus was launched in
September 2017 on Amazon Prime. Kid Genius Cartoon Channel Plus is a subscription video-on-demand service available for $3.99 per month to the approximately 80 million
Amazon Prime members. The channel features a variety of owned and licensed content.
Baby Genius TV provides enriching and entertaining content for toddlers through preschoolers. Toddlers to preschoolers learn lessons through music and characters that ignite
their imagination. Parents will feel safe knowing that their littles ones are enjoying the educational content of our shows. Series include Baby Genius, Rainbow Valley Fire
Department, The New Adventures of Madeline and more.
Distribution
Content
Today’s global marketplace and the manner in which content is consumed has evolved to a point where we believe there is only one viable strategy, ubiquity. Kids today expect
to be able to watch what they want whenever they want and wherever they want. As such, content creators now must offer direct access on multiple fronts. This includes not
only linear broadcast but also digital platforms. We have strong ties to and actively solicit placement for our content from the largest linear broadcasters such as Nickelodeon,
The Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, Sprout, and PBS. Similarly, on the digital side, we are partnered with Comcast’s Xfinity platform as well as AppleTV, Roku, Samsung
TV, Amazon Fire, Amazon Prime, Netflix, YouTube , Cox, Dish, Sling and Zumo as well as Connected TV. We replicate this model of ubiquity around the world defining
content distribution strategies by market that blends the best of linear, VOD, and digital distribution.
Finally, we expanded our long-term strategic partnership with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment from domestic to global in January 2017. On August 31, 2018 Sony Pictures
Home Entertainment assigned all of its rights and interest in our programs to Alliance Entertainment, LLC (“AEC”).
Consumer Products
A source of our revenue is our licensing and merchandising activities from our underlying intellectual property content. We work directly in licensing properties to a variety of
manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. We currently have across all brands in excess of 49 licensees and hundreds of licensed products scheduled to enter the market.
Products bearing our marks can be found in a wide variety of retail distribution outlets reaching consumers in retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, Barnes & Noble, The Home
Depot, Old Navy, Amazon.com and many more. We often negotiate dedicated retail space on a direct basis with retailers that will include branded signage to give our brands
prominence and clear communication with the consumer. License agreements that we enter into often include financial guarantees and commitments from the manufacturers
guaranteeing a minimum stream of revenue for us. As licensed merchandise is sold at retail, these advances and/or minimum guarantees can earn out at which point we could
earn additional revenue.
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Marketing
We believe that generating awareness and consumer interest in our brands requires a 360-degree approach to marketing. Beyond the content creation and distribution,
consumers must become engaged with the content in all aspects of their lives. Successful marketing campaigns for our brands have included utilizing influencers (individuals
with a strong, existing social media presence who drive awareness of our brands to their followers), social media marketing, and participating in cross promotional consumer
product campaigns. We deploy digital and print advertising to support the brands as well as work with external media relations professionals to promote our efforts to both
consumer and trade. We regularly initiate grass roots marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships with brands that align and offer value to us. Our Genius Brands Network,
with distribution in over 80 million households, provides reach for cross promotion of content and consumer products.
Competition
We compete against other creators of children’s content including Disney, Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, and Sesame Street as well as other small and large creators. In the crowded
children’s entertainment space, we compete with these other creators for both content distribution across linear, VOD, and digital platforms as well as retail shelf space for our
licensed products. To compete, we are focused on our strategic positioning of “content with a purpose” which we believe is a point of differentiation embraced by the industry,
as well as parents and educators. Additionally, the Kid Genius Cartoon Network, Baby Genius TV, and Kid Genius Cartoon Channel Plus enables us to increase the awareness
of our brands through an owned platform.
Customers and Licensees
Typically, our business is not reliant on one or a few major customers; however, in 2018 one customer accounted for 20% of our revenue. In 2017, over 80% of our revenue was
attributable to the recognition of revenues earned from Netflix upon the delivery of the first season of Llama Llama. As of December 31, 2018, we had partnered with over 60
consumer products licensees going to market with nearly 300 stock keeping units (“SKU”). As of the same date, we licensed our content to over 40 broadcasters in over 90
territories globally as well as a number of VOD and online platforms that have a global reach. This broad cross-section of customers includes companies such as Comcast,
Netflix, Sony, YouTube, Mattel, Target, Penguin Publishing, Manhattan Toys, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon, Google, Bertelsmann Music Group, Discovery International, and
others both domestically and internationally.
Government Regulation
The FCC requires broadcast networks to air a required number of hours of Educational and Informational content (E/I). We are subject to online distribution regulations, namely
the FTC’s Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) which regulates the collection of information of children younger than 13 years old.
We are currently subject to regulations applicable to businesses generally, including numerous federal and state laws that impose disclosure and other requirements upon the
origination, servicing, enforcement and advertising of credit accounts, and limitations on the maximum amount of finance charges that may be charged by a credit provider.
Although credit to some of our customers is provided by third parties without recourse to us based upon a customer’s failure to pay, any restrictive change in the regulation of
credit, including the imposition of, or changes in, interest rate ceilings, could adversely affect the cost or availability of credit to our customers and, consequently, our results of
operations or financial condition.
Licensed toy products are subject to regulation under the Consumer Product Safety Act and regulations issued thereunder. These laws authorize the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (the “CPSC”) to protect the public from products which present a substantial risk of injury. The CPSC can require the manufacturer of defective products to
repurchase or recall such products. The CPSC may also impose fines or penalties on manufacturers or retailers. Similar laws exist in some states and other countries in which we
plan to market our products. Although we do not manufacture and may not directly distribute toy products, a recall of any of the products may adversely affect our business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
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We also maintain websites which include our corporate website located at www.gnusbrands.com, as well as www.spacepopgirls.com, www.kidgeniustv.com,
www.babygenius.com, www.smckids.com, www.slam7.com, and www.edisonsecretlab.com. These websites are subject to laws and regulations directly applicable to Internet
communications and commerce, which is a currently developing area of the law. The United States has enacted Internet laws related to children’s privacy, copyrights and
taxation. However, laws governing the Internet remain largely unsettled. The growth of the market for Internet commerce may result in more stringent consumer protection
laws, both in the United States and abroad, that place additional burdens on companies conducting business over the Internet. We cannot predict with certainty what impact such
laws will have on our business in the future. In order to comply with new or existing laws regulating Internet commerce, we may need to modify the manner in which we
conduct our website business, which may result in additional expense.
Because our products are manufactured by third parties and licensees, we are not significantly impacted by federal, state and local environmental laws and do not have
significant costs associated with compliance with such laws and regulations.
Employees
As of December 31, 2018, we had 24 full-time equivalent employees and one contracted part-time employee. We employ on an outsourced, as-needed basis, contractors in the
fields of investor relations, public relations, accounting and production.
Intellectual Property
As of December 31, 2018, we own the following properties and related trademarks: SpacePop, Secret Millionaires Club, Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab, “Baby Genius”, “Kid
Genius”, “Wee Worship”, “A Squared”, and “Kaflooey”, as well as several other names and trademarks on characters that had been developed for our content and brands.
Additionally, we have trademark applications pending for Rainbow Rangers.
As of December 31, 2018, we hold 14 registered trademarks in multiple classes in the United States as well as additional trademarks in the United States that are associated with
our other brands. We also have a number of registered and pending trademarks in Europe, Australia, China, Japan and Mexico and other countries in which our products are
sold.
As of December 31, 2018, we also held 126 motion picture, 13 sound recordings, and two literary work copyrights related to our video, music and written work products.
We have 50/50 ownership agreements with the following partners and their related brands: Martha Stewart’s Martha & Friends; and Gisele Bündchen’s Gisele & the Green
Team.
In addition to the wholly-owned or partially-owned properties listed above, we represent Llama Llama in the licensing and merchandising space.
Company Information
We were incorporated in California on January 3, 2006 and reincorporated in Nevada in October 2011. We commenced operations in January 2006, assuming all of the rights
and obligations of our then Chief Executive Officer, under an Asset Purchase Agreement between us and Genius Products, Inc., in which we obtained all rights, copyrights, and
trademarks to the brands “Baby Genius,” “Kid Genius,” “123 Favorite Music” and “Wee Worship,” and all then existing productions under those titles. In October 2011, we (i)
changed our domicile to Nevada from California, and (ii) changed our name to Genius Brands International, Inc. from Pacific Entertainment Corporation (the
“Reincorporation”). In connection with the Reincorporation, we changed our trading symbol from “PENT” to “GNUS.”
Our principal executive offices are located at 8383 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 412, Beverly Hills, California 90211. Our telephone number is 310-273-4222. We maintain an Internet
website at www.gnusbrands.com. The information contained on, connected to or that can be accessed via our website is not part of this prospectus.
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Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
The following discussion of risk factors contains forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be important to understanding any statement in this Form 10-K or
elsewhere. The following information should be read in conjunction with Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes beginning on Page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
Our business, financial condition and operating results can be affected by a number of factors, whether currently known or unknown, including but not limited to those
described below. Any one or more of such factors could directly or indirectly cause our actual results of operations and financial condition to vary materially from past or
anticipated future results of operations and financial condition. Any of these factors, in whole or in part, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition,
results of operations and stock price.
Because of the following factors, as well as other factors affecting our financial condition and operating results, past financial performance should not be considered to be a
reliable indicator of future performance, and investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS
We have incurred net losses since inception.
We have a history of operating losses and incurred net losses in each fiscal quarter since our inception. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we generated net revenues of
$993,452 and incurred a net loss of $9,003,901, while for the previous year, we generated net revenue of $5,335,728 and incurred a net loss of $4,908,736. These losses, among
other things, have had an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, stockholders’ equity, net current assets and working capital.
We will need to generate additional revenue and/or reduce costs to achieve profitability. We are beginning to generate revenues derived from our existing properties, properties
in production, and new brands being introduced into the marketplace. However, the ability to sustain these revenues and generate significant additional revenues or achieve
profitability will depend upon numerous factors some of which are outside of our control.
We will need additional financing to continue our operations. If we are unable to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, we will need to curtail or cease our
development plans and operations.
As of December 31, 2018, we had approximately $3,085,026 of available cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. Additional funds may be required to fund operations and
repay our outstanding debt which could be raised through the issuance of equity securities and/or debt financing. There is no assurance that any type of financing on terms
acceptable to us will be available or will otherwise occur. Debt financing must be repaid regardless of whether we generate revenues or cash flows from operations and may be
secured by substantially all of our assets. Any equity financing or debt financing that requires the issuance of warrants or other equity securities to the lender would cause the
percentage ownership by our current stockholders to be diluted, which dilution may be substantial. Also, any additional equity securities issued may have rights, preferences or
privileges senior to those of existing stockholders. Any equity financing at a price below the then current conversion price of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will
result in an adjustment to the conversion ratio, applicable to such securities, resulting in the issuance of additional shares of our common stock upon the conversion of our Series
A Convertible Preferred Stock, which would further dilute our other stockholders.
If we are not able to obtain sufficient capital, we may then be forced to limit the scope of our operations.
We expect that as our business continues to evolve we will need additional working capital. If adequate additional debt and/or equity financing is not available on reasonable
terms or at all, we may not be able to continue to expand our business, and we will have to modify our business plans accordingly. These factors could have a material adverse
effect on our future operating results and our financial condition.
If we reach a point where we are unable to raise needed additional funds to continue as a going concern, we could be forced to cease our activities and dissolve our company. In
such an event, we will need to satisfy various creditors and other claimants, severance, lease termination and other dissolution-related obligations.
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Our revenues and results of operations may fluctuate from period to period.
Cash flow and projections for any entertainment company producing original content can be expected to fluctuate until the animated content and ancillary consumer products
are in the market and could fluctuate thereafter even when the content and products are in the marketplace. There is significant lead time in developing and producing animated
content before that content is in the marketplace. Unanticipated delays in entertainment production can delay the release of the content into the marketplace. Structured retail
windows that dictate when new products can be introduced at retail are also out of our control. While we believe that we have mitigated this in part by creating a slate of
properties at various stages of development or production as well as representing certain established brands which contribute immediately to cash flow, any delays in the
production and release of our content and products or any changes in the preferences of our customers could result in lower than anticipated cash flows.
As with our cash flows, our revenues and results of operations depend significantly upon the appeal of our content to our customers, the timing of releases of our products and
the commercial success of our products, none of which can be predicted with certainty. Accordingly, our revenues and results of operations may fluctuate from period to
period. The results of one period may not be indicative of the results of any future period. Any quarterly fluctuations that we report in the future may not match the expectations
of market analysts and investors. This could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate.
Production cost will be amortized according to the individual film forecasting methodology. If estimated remaining revenue is not sufficient to recover the unamortized
production costs, the unamortized production costs will be written down to fair value. In any given quarter, if we lower our previous forecast with respect to total anticipated
revenue, we would be required to adjust amortization of related production costs. These adjustments would adversely impact our business, operating results and financial
condition.
Changes in the United States, global or regional economic conditions could adversely affect the profitability of our business.
A decrease in economic activity in the United States or in other regions of the world in which we do business could adversely affect demand for our products, thus reducing our
revenue and earnings. A decline in economic conditions could reduce demand for and sales of our products. In addition, an increase in price levels generally, or in price levels in
a particular sector, could result in a shift in consumer demand away from the animated content and consumer products we offer, which could also decrease our revenues,
increase our costs, or both.
Inaccurately anticipating changes and trends in popular culture, media and movies, fashion, or technology can negatively affect our sales.
While trends in the toddler to tween sector change quickly, we respond to trends and developments by modifying, refreshing, extending, and expanding our product offerings on
an on-going basis. However, we operate in extremely competitive industries where the ultimate appeal and popularity of content and products targeted to this sector can be
difficult to predict. We believe our focus on “content with a purpose” serves an underrepresented area of the toddler to tween market; however, if the interest of our audience
trends away from our current properties toward other offerings based on current media, movies, animated content or characters, and if we fail to accurately anticipate trends in
popular culture, movies, media, fashion, or technology, our products may not be accepted by children, parents, or families and our revenues, profitability, and results of
operations may be adversely affected.
We face competition from a variety of retailers that sell similar merchandise and have better resources than we do.
The industries in which we operate are competitive, and our results of operations are sensitive to, and may be adversely affected by, competitive pricing, promotional pressures,
additional competitor offerings and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Indirectly through our licensing arrangements, we compete for retailers as well as other
outlets for the sale and promotion of our licensed merchandise. Our primary competition comes from competitors such as The Walt Disney Company, Nickelodeon Studios, and
the Cartoon Network.
7
We have sought a competitive advantage by providing “content with a purpose” which are both entertaining and enriching for children and offer differentiated value that parents
seek in making purchasing decisions for their children. While we do not believe that this value proposition is specifically offered by our competitors, our competitors have
greater financial resources and more developed marketing channels than we do which could impact our ability, through our licensees, to secure shelf space thereby decreasing
our revenues or affecting our profitability and results of operations.
The production of our animated content is accomplished through third-party production and animation studios around the world, and any failure of these third-
parties could negatively impact our business.
As part of our business model to manage cash flows, we have partnered with a number of third-party production and animation studios around the world for the production of
our new content in which these partners fund the production of the content in exchange for a portion of revenues generated in certain territories. We are reliant on our partners to
produce and deliver the content on a timely basis meeting the predetermined specifications for that product. The delivery of inferior content could result in additional
expenditures by us to correct any problems to ensure marketability. Further, delays in the delivery of the finished content to us could result in our failure to deliver the product to
broadcasters to which it has been pre-licensed. While we believe we have mitigated this risk by aligning the economic interests of our partners with ours and managing the
production process remotely on a daily basis, any failures or delays from our production partners could negatively affect our profitability.
If we fail to honor our obligations under our outstanding secured convertible notes or the terms of our third-party supplier or loan agreements, our business may be
materially adversely affected.
On August 17, 2018, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain investors (the “Investors”), pursuant to which the
Company agreed to sell (i) an aggregate principal amount of $4.50 million in secured convertible notes, convertible into shares of our common stock, at a conversion price of
$2.50 per share (the “Secured Convertible Notes”) and (ii) warrants to purchase 1,800,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share (the “Warrants,”
and, together with the Secured Convertible Notes, the “Securities”). We received approximately $4,500,000 in gross proceeds from the Offering.
We are obligated under our secured convertible notes due August 20, 2019 (the “Convertible Notes”), which collectively had an outstanding unamortized book balance of
approximately $2,688,153 as of December 31, 2018, and a total fair value upon issuance of $4,464,200. The Convertible Notes accrue interest of 10% per annum. The
Convertible Notes, including interest accrued thereon, are convertible at any time until a Convertible Note is no longer outstanding, in whole or in part, at the option of the
holders into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $2.50 per share. We are obligated to make periodic payments on such debt obligations to each noteholder; and
we can elect to make such payments either in cash or in stock. In addition, we have granted a security interest to the noteholders in all of our tangible and intangible personal
property to secure our obligations under the Convertible Notes.
The Convertible Notes mature on August 20, 2019. If we fail to meet certain conditions under the terms of the Convertible Notes, we will be obligated to repay in cash any
principal amount, interest and any other sum arising under the Convertible Notes that remains outstanding on the maturity date. We currently do not have enough cash and cash
equivalents to repay the Convertible Notes in cash. If not earlier converted, we will need to obtain additional financing or refinance the Convertible Notes prior to the maturity
date.
On January 10, 2017, we entered into an amendment of our home entertainment Distribution Agreement with Sony pursuant to which, among other things, Sony agreed to pay
$1,489,583 which was owed and payable by us to DADC for certain disk manufacturing and replication services, thereby terminating the agreement with DADC.
8
In connection with such transaction, we (i) granted Sony home entertainment rights in territories worldwide in addition to the United States and Canada and (ii) issued Sony
301,231 shares of our common stock at $4.945 per share, Sony’s exclusive territory for exercising its home entertainment distribution rights under the distribution agreement
was extended from the United States and Canada to worldwide, and the amount of advances subject to recoupment by Sony out of royalty payments that would otherwise be
due to us under the Distribution Agreement was increased by the amount of the payment to DADC. Future cash flow from the distributed products under the distribution
agreement, if any, will be impacted by the additional recoupment obligation and additional rights granted. In connection with the above issuance of our shares, we entered into a
subscription agreement with Sony, that became effective as of January 17, 2017. On August 31, 2018 Sony Pictures Home Entertainment assigned all of its rights title and
interest in the Company’s programs to Alliance Entertainment, LLC (“AEC”).
We may be required to pay significant penalties if we are not able to meet our obligations under our outstanding registration rights agreements.
We have entered into registration rights agreements in connection with certain of our securities offerings. We may be obligated to pay liquidated damages if we do not meet our
obligations under those agreements.
If we are required to pay significant amounts, such as the liquidated damages described above, under these or future registration rights agreements, it could have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition and ability to finance our operations.
Failure to successfully market or advertise our products could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our products are marketed worldwide through a diverse spectrum of advertising and promotional programs. Our ability to sell products is dependent in part upon the success of
these programs. If we or our licensees do not successfully market our products or if media or other advertising or promotional costs increase, these factors could have an
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The failure of others to promote our products may adversely affect our business.
The availability of retailer programs relating to product placement, co-op advertising and market development funds, and our ability and willingness to pay for such programs,
are important with respect to promoting our properties. In addition, although we may have agreements for the advertising and promotion of our products through our licensees,
we will not be in direct control of those marketing efforts and those efforts may not be done in a manner that will maximize sales of our products and may have a material
adverse effect on our business and operations.
We may not be able to keep pace with technological advances.
The entertainment industry in general, and the music and motion picture industries in particular, continue to undergo significant changes, primarily due to technological
developments. Because of the rapid growth of technology, shifting consumer tastes and the popularity and availability of other forms of entertainment, it is impossible to predict
the overall effect these factors could have on potential revenue from, and profitability of, distributing entertainment programming. As it is also impossible to predict the overall
effect these factors could have on our ability to compete effectively in a changing market, if we are not able to keep pace with these technological advances, our revenues,
profitability and results from operations may be materially adversely affected.
Failure in our information technology and storage systems could significantly disrupt the operation of our business.
Our ability to execute our business plan and maintain operations depends on the continued and uninterrupted performance of our information technology (“IT”) systems. IT
systems are vulnerable to risks and damages from a variety of sources, including telecommunications or network failures, malicious human acts and natural disasters. Moreover,
despite network security and back-up measures, some of our and our vendors’ servers are potentially vulnerable to physical or electronic break-ins, including cyber-attacks,
computer viruses and similar disruptive problems. These events could lead to the unauthorized access, disclosure and use of non-public information. The techniques used by
criminal elements to attack computer systems are sophisticated, change frequently and may originate from less regulated and remote areas of the world. As a result, we may not
be able to address these techniques proactively or implement adequate preventative measures. If our computer systems are compromised, we could be subject to fines, damages,
litigation and enforcement actions, and we could lose trade secrets, the occurrence of which could harm our business. Despite precautionary measures to prevent unanticipated
problems that could affect our IT systems, sustained or repeated system failures that interrupt our ability to generate and maintain data could adversely affect our ability to
operate our business.
9
Our internal computer systems, or those of our collaborators or other contractors or consultants, may fail or suffer security breaches, which could result in a
material disruption and cause our business and reputation to suffer.
In the ordinary course of business, our internal computer systems and those of our current and any future collaborators and other contractors or consultants are vulnerable to
damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, natural disasters, terrorism, war and telecommunication and electrical failures. While we do not believe that we have
experienced any such material system failure, accident or security breach to date, if such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations, it could adversely
affect our business operations, whether due to a loss of our trade secrets or other proprietary information or other similar disruptions. Any such access, disclosure or other loss
of such information could result in legal claims or proceedings and damage our reputation.
Loss of key personnel may adversely affect our business.
Our success greatly depends on the performance of our executive management team, including Andy Heyward, our Chief Executive Officer. The loss of the services of any
member of our core executive management team or other key persons could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our management team currently owns a substantial interest in our voting stock.
As of March 29, 2019, our management team and Board of Directors beneficially own or control (including conversions, options or warrants exercisable or convertible within
60 days) a combined 2,250,122 or 20.02%, of our shares currently outstanding (including conversions, options or warrants exercisable or convertible within 60 days). Sales of
significant amounts of shares held by our directors and executive officers, or the prospect of these sales, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Additionally, management has the ability to control any proposals submitted to shareholders, including corporate actions and board changes which may not be in accordance
with the votes of other shareholders.
Litigation may harm our business or otherwise distract management.
Substantial, complex or extended litigation could cause us to incur large expenditures and could distract management. For example, lawsuits by licensors, consumers,
employees or stockholders could be very costly and disrupt business. While disputes from time to time are not uncommon, we may not be able to resolve such disputes on terms
favorable to us.
Our vendors and licensees may be subject to various laws and government regulations, violation of which could subject these parties to sanctions which could lead to
increased costs or the interruption of normal business operations that could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Our vendors and licensees may operate in a highly regulated environment in the US and international markets. Federal, state and local governmental entities and foreign
governments may regulate aspects of their businesses, including the production or distribution of our content or products. These regulations may include accounting standards,
taxation requirements (including changes in applicable income tax rates, new tax laws and revised tax law interpretations), product safety and other safety standards, trade
restrictions, regulations regarding financial matters, environmental regulations, advertising directed toward children, product content, and other administrative and regulatory
restrictions. While we believe our vendors and licensees take all the steps necessary to comply with these laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that they are compliant
or will be in compliance in the future. Failure to comply could result in monetary liabilities and other sanctions which could increase our costs or decrease our revenue resulting
in a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
10
Protecting and defending against intellectual property claims may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our ability to compete in the animated content and entertainment industry depends, in part, upon successful protection of our proprietary and intellectual property. We protect
our property rights to our productions through available copyright and trademark laws and licensing and distribution arrangements with reputable companies in specific
territories and media for limited durations. Despite these precautions, existing copyright and trademark laws afford only limited, or no, practical protection in some jurisdictions.
It may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy and distribute our productions or portions of our productions. In addition, although we own most of the music and
intellectual property included in our products, there are some titles which the music or other elements are in the public domain and for which it is difficult or even impossible to
determine whether anyone has obtained ownership or royalty rights. It is an inherent risk in our industry that people may make such claims with respect to any title already
included in our products, whether or not such claims can be substantiated. If litigation is necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade
secrets, to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. Any such litigation could result in
substantial costs and the resulting diversion of resources could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMMON STOCK
Our stock price may be subject to substantial volatility, and stockholders may lose all or a substantial part of their investment.
Our common stock currently trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market. There is limited public float, and trading volume historically has been low and sporadic. As a result, the
market price for our common stock may not necessarily be a reliable indicator of our fair market value. The price at which our common stock trades may fluctuate as a result of
a number of factors, including the number of shares available for sale in the market, quarterly variations in our operating results, actual or anticipated announcements of new
releases by us or competitors, the gain or loss of significant customers, changes in the estimates of our operating performance, market conditions in our industry and the
economy as a whole.
If we fail to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, the price of our common stock may be adversely affected.
Our internal control over financial reporting may have weaknesses and conditions that could require correction or remediation, the disclosure of which may have an adverse
impact on the price of our common stock. We are required to establish and maintain appropriate internal controls over financial reporting. Failure to establish those controls, or
any failure of those controls once established, could adversely affect our public disclosures regarding our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations.
Rules adopted by the SEC pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 require an annual assessment of internal controls over financial reporting, and for certain
issuers an attestation of this assessment by the issuer’s independent registered public accounting firm. The standards that must be met for management to assess the internal
controls over financial reporting as effective are evolving and complex, and require significant documentation, testing, and possible remediation to meet the detailed standards.
We expect to incur significant expenses and to devote resources to Section 404 compliance on an ongoing basis. It is difficult for us to predict how long it will take or costly it
will be to complete the assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for each year and to remediate any deficiencies in our internal control over
financial reporting. As a result, we may not be able to complete the assessment and remediation process on a timely basis. In addition, management’s assessment of internal
controls over financial reporting may identify weaknesses and conditions that need to be addressed in our internal controls over financial reporting or other matters that may
raise concerns for investors. Any actual or perceived weaknesses and conditions that need to be addressed in our internal control over financial reporting or disclosure of
management’s assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting may have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.
11
We are authorized to issue “blank check” preferred stock without stockholder approval, which could adversely impact the rights of holders of our common stock.
Our Articles of Incorporation authorize us to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock. Any additional preferred stock that we issue in the future may rank
ahead of our common stock in terms of dividend priority or liquidation premiums and may have greater voting rights than our common stock. In addition, such preferred stock
may contain provisions allowing those shares to be converted into shares of common stock, which could dilute the value of common stock to current stockholders and could
adversely affect the market price, if any, of our common stock. In addition, the preferred stock could be utilized, under certain circumstances, as a method of discouraging,
delaying or preventing a change in control of our company. Although we have no present intention to issue any additional shares of authorized preferred stock, there can be no
assurance that we will not do so in the future.
We do not expect to pay dividends in the future and any return on investment may be limited to the value of our common stock.
We do not currently anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends on our common stock will depend on earnings, financial condition and
other business and economic factors affecting it at such time as our Board of Directors may consider relevant. Our current intention is to apply net earnings, if any, in the
foreseeable future to increasing our capital base and development and marketing efforts. There can be no assurance that we will ever have sufficient earnings to declare and pay
dividends to the holders of our common stock, and in any event, a decision to declare and pay dividends is at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors. If we do not pay
dividends, our common stock may be less valuable because the return on investment will only occur if its stock price appreciates.
Our outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock contains anti-dilution provisions that, if triggered, could cause substantial dilution to our then-existing
common stock holders which could adversely affect our stock price.
Our outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock contains anti-dilution provisions to benefit the holders thereof. As a result, if we, in the future, issue common stock or
grant any rights to purchase our common stock or other securities convertible into our common stock for a per share price less than the then existing conversion price of the
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, an adjustment to the then current conversion price would occur. This reduction in the conversion price could result in substantial dilution
to our then-existing common stockholders as well as give rise to a beneficial conversion feature reported on our statement of operations. Either or both of which could adversely
affect the price of our common stock.
Offers or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may cause the price of our common stock to decline.
If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market upon the expiration of any statutory holding period under Rule 144, or shares issued upon
the exercise of outstanding options or warrants, it could create a circumstance commonly referred to as an “overhang” and, in anticipation of which, the market price of our
common stock could fall. The existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our ability to raise additional
financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate.
In general, under Rule 144, a non-affiliated person who has held restricted shares of our common stock for a period of six months may sell into the market all of their shares,
subject to us being current in our periodic reports filed with the Commission.
As of March 29, 2019, approximately 7,614,160 shares of common stock of the 10,432,718 shares of common stock issued and outstanding are free trading. Additionally, as of
March 29, 2019, there are 1,000,000 shares of common stock underlying the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that could be sold pursuant to Rule 144. As of the same date,
there are 6,876,041 shares of common stock underlying outstanding warrants that could be sold pursuant to Rule 144 to the extent permitted by any applicable vesting
requirements as well as 1,861,030 shares of common stock underlying registered warrants. Lastly, as of March 30, 2019, there are 1,259,415 shares of common stock
underlying outstanding options granted and 908,252 shares reserved for issuance under our Genius Brands International, Inc. Amended 2015 Incentive Plan, all of which are
unregistered but will become eligible for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by any applicable vesting requirements and Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the “Securities Act”).
12
Concentration of ownership among our existing officers, directors and principal stockholders may prevent other stockholders from influencing significant corporate
decisions and depress our stock price.
Based on the number of shares outstanding as of March 29, 2019, our officers, directors and stockholders who hold at least 5% of our stock beneficially own a combined total
of approximately 58.16% of our outstanding common stock, including shares of common stock subject to preferred shares, stock options, and warrants that are currently
convertible or exercisable or will be convertible or exercisable within 60 days after December 31, 2018. If these officers, directors, and principal stockholders or a group of our
principal stockholders act together, they will be able to exert a significant degree of influence over our management and affairs and control matters requiring stockholder
approval, including the election of directors and approval of mergers, business combinations or other significant transactions. The interests of one or more of these stockholders
may not always coincide with our interests or the interests of other stockholders. For instance, officers, directors, and principal stockholders, acting together, could cause us to
enter into transactions or agreements that we would not otherwise consider. Similarly, this concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in
control of our company otherwise favored by our other stockholders.
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2.
Properties.
We leased 3,251 square feet of general office space at 301 North Canon Drive, Suite 305, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 pursuant to a 35-month sub-lease that commenced on May
1, 2015. Upon the end of the amended lease on January 26, 2019, we relocated our offices. We paid rent of $136,542 annually, subject to annual escalations of 3%.
On February 6, 2018, we entered into a lease for 6,969 square feet of general office space at 131 South Rodeo Drive, Suite 250, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 pursuant to a 91-
month lease that commenced on May 25, 2018. We will pay rent of $364,130 annually, subject to annual escalations of 3.5%.
Effective January 21, 2019, we entered into a sublease for the 6,969 square feet of general office space located at 131 South Rodeo Drive, Suite 250, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
pursuant to an 83-month sublease that commenced on February 4, 2019. The subtenant will pay us rent of $422,321 annually, subject to annual escalations of 3.5%.
On December 28, 2018, we entered into a lease for 5,765 square feet of general office space at 8383 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 412, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 pursuant to a 6-month
lease that commenced January 28, 2019. We will pay rent of $24,501 monthly.
On January 30, 2019, we entered into a lease for 5,838 square feet of general office space at 190 Cannon Drive, Suite 400, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 pursuant to a 96-month
lease that is scheduled to commence on August 1, 2019. We will pay rent of $392,316 annually, subject to annual escalations of 3.5%.
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
By Kids For Kids, Co. The Company has a pending claim in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in connection with failure of a licensee By
Kids For Kids, Co. to pay royalties pursuant to a memorandum of understanding dated August 2010 on sponsorship monies relating to promotions involving Secret Millionaires
Club. The Company believes it is entitled to at least $150,000.
We are not party to any other litigation in any court, and management is not aware of any contemplated proceeding by any governmental authority against us.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
13
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information
PART II
Our common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “GNUS” on November 21, 2016. Prior to that, our common stock traded on the OTCQB of
the OTC Markets Group Inc. under the same symbol.
The last reported closing price for our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on March 29, 2019 was $1.97 per share.
Stockholders
As of March 29, 2019, the number of shares of common stock outstanding was 10,432,718. As of March 29, 2019, there were approximately 176 record holders of our shares of
issued and outstanding common stock. This number does not include persons or entities that hold their stock in nominee or “street” name through various brokerage firms.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid dividends on our common stock. Moreover, we currently intend to retain any future earnings for use in our business and, therefore, do not
anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
On September 18, 2015, the Company adopted the Genius Brands International, Inc. 2015 Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”). The 2015 Plan was approved by our stockholders in
September 2015. The 2015 Plan as approved by the stockholders authorized the issuance up to an aggregate of 150,000 shares of common stock. On December 14, 2015, the
Board of Directors voted to amend the 2015 Plan to increase the total number of shares that can be issued under the 2015 Plan by 1,293,334 from 150,000 shares to 1,443,334
shares. The increase in shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan was approved by stockholders on February 3, 2016. On May 18, 2017, the Board of Directors voted to
amend the 2015 Plan to increase the total number of shares that can be issued under the 2015 Plan by 223,333 shares from 1,443,334 shares to an aggregate of 1,667,667 shares.
The increase in shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan was approved by the stockholders on July 25, 2017.
On September 6, 2018, the Board of Directors voted to amend the 2015 Plan to increase the total number of shares that can be issued under the 2015 Plan by 500,000 shares
from 1,667,667 shares to an aggregate of 2,167,667 shares. The increase in shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders on
October 2, 2018.
The following table reflects, as of December 31, 2018, compensation plans pursuant to which we are authorized to issue options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of
its common stock, including the number of shares issuable under outstanding options, warrants and rights issued under the plans and the number of shares remaining available
for issuance under the plans.
Plan category
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders
Total
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
1,259,415
–
1,294,045
14
(a)
(b)
(c)
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column
(a))
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
$
$
7.39
–
7.39
907,252
–
907,252
Issuances of Unregistered Sales of Securities
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company issued 470,001 shares of common stock pursuant to the conversion of 1,410 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred
Stock at a conversion price of $3.00.
These securities were issued solely to “accredited investors” in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
On August 13, 2018, the Company issued 180,683 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.64 per share to the same provider for production services.
On September 18, 2018, the Company issued 306,000 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.17 per share to the same provider for production services.
On October 17, 2018, the Company issued 58,614 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.45 per share to various providers for investor relations services.
On November 1, 2018, the Company issued 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.27 per share to the same provider for production services.
On November 15, 2018, the Company issued 23,148 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.16 per share for investor relations services.
On December 31, 2018, the Company issued 60,000 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.16 per as part of a mediation settlement representing
participation amounts allegedly due.
These securities were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
As a “smaller reporting company,” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide information required by this Item.
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and capital resources should be read in conjunction with our audited
financial statements and related notes for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. Certain statements made or incorporated by reference in this report and our other
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in our press releases and in statements made by or with the approval of authorized personnel constitute forward looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange
Act, and are subject to the safe harbor created thereby. Forward looking statements reflect intent, belief, current expectations, estimates or projections about, among other
things, our industry, management’s beliefs, and future events and financial trends affecting us. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,”
“seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will” and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. In addition, any statements that
refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward looking statements. Although
we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain
risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements as a result of various factors. These differences can arise as a result of the risks described above in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in
this report, as well as other factors that may affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition. Forward looking statements in this report speak only as of the
date hereof, and forward-looking statements in documents incorporated by reference speak only as of the date of those documents. Unless otherwise required by law, we
undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks
and uncertainties, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this report will, in fact, transpire.
15
Overview
The management’s discussion and analysis is based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities
and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are
believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not
readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.
Our Business
Overview Genius Brands International, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is a global content and brand management company that creates and licenses multimedia
content. Led by proven industry leaders, we distribute our content in all formats as well as a broad range of consumer products based on our characters. In the children's media
sector, our portfolio features “content with a purpose” for toddlers to tweens, which provides enrichment as well as entertainment. New intellectual property titles include the
preschool property Rainbow Rangers, which debuted in November 2018 on Nickelodeon and preschool property Llama Llama; which debuted on Netflix in January 2018 and
was renewed by Netflix for a second season. Our library titles include the award winning Baby Genius, - adventure comedy Thomas Edison's Secret Lab® and Warren
Buffett's Secret Millionaires Club, created with and starring iconic investor Warren Buffett which is distributed across our Genius Brands Network on Comcast’s Xfinity on
Demand, AppleTV, Roku, Amazon Fire, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Cox, Dish, Sling and Zumo as well as Connected TV. We are also developing an all-new animated series,
Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten with Stan Lee's Pow! Entertainment.
In addition, we act as licensing agent for Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House LLC who owns or controls the underlying rights to Llama Llama,
leveraging our existing licensing infrastructure to expand this brand into new product categories, new retailers, and new territories.
Recent Developments
February 2019 Sale of Common Stock and Warrants
On February 19, 2019, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with a certain accredited investor pursuant to which we sold 945,894 shares of common stock
and warrants to purchase up to 945,894 shares of our common stock, or the registered warrants, to such investor (the “February 2019 Offering”). The Company received
$1,757,552 of net proceeds from this offering. Each share of common stock was accompanied by a registered warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise
price of $2.12. Each share of common stock and accompanying registered warrant were sold at a combined purchase price of $2.12. The shares of common stock and registered
warrants were purchased together and were issued separately and were immediately separable upon issuance. In a concurrent private placement, we also sold to the purchaser in
the February 2019 Offering, unregistered warrants to purchase up to 945,894 shares of our common stock.
Amendment, Waiver and Consent
In connection with the February 2019 Offering and concurrent private placement, we entered into an amendment, waiver and consent agreement, or the “Amendment, Waiver
and Consent Agreement,” with certain holders of our 10% Secured Convertible Notes due August 20, 2019, which were issued pursuant a securities purchase agreement, dated
August 17, 2018, by and among the Company and the purchasers identified on the signature pages thereto, or the notes purchase agreement. Pursuant to the Amendment,
Waiver and Consent Agreement, such holders agreed to amend the notes purchase agreement, waive any applicable rights and remedies under the notes purchase agreement,
and consent to the February 2019 Offering and concurrent private placement. In consideration for such Amendment, Waiver and Consent Agreement, we agreed to issue all
holders of our 10% Secured Convertible Notes due August 20, 2019 warrants to purchase up to an aggregate amount 1,800,000 shares of our comment stock. Such warrants
have an exercise price of $2.55 per share, will become exercisable commencing six months and one day from the date of issuance and will expire five (5) years from the date of
issuance.
16
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Price Adjustment
As a result of this offering, the conversion price of our outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was adjusted to $2.12.
Financings
Securities Purchase Agreement
On August 17, 2018, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “August 2018 Purchase Agreement”) with certain investors, pursuant to which the
Company agreed to sell (i) an aggregate principal amount of $4.50 million in secured convertible notes, convertible into shares of our common stock, at an initial conversion
price of $2.50 per share (the “Secured Convertible Notes”) and (ii) warrants to purchase 1,800,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share. We
received $4,186,054 in net proceeds from the offering.
Production Loans
On September 28, 2018, Llama Productions LLC, a California limited liability company (“Llama”) a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Loan and
Security Agreement (the “Loan and Security Agreement”) with Bank Leumi USA (the “Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender agreed to make a secured loan in an aggregate
amount not to exceed $4,231,989 to Llama (the “Loan”). The proceeds of the Loan were or will be used to pay the majority of the expenses of producing, completing and
delivering two 22-minute episodes and sixteen 11-minute episodes of the second season of the animated series Llama Llama to be initially exhibited on Netflix.
In addition, on September 28, 2018, Llama and Lender entered into Amendment No. 2 to Loan and Security Agreement, effective as of August 27, 2018, by and between Llama
and the Lender (the “Amendment”). Pursuant to the Amendment, the original Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2016 and amended as of November 7, 2017
(the “Original Loan and Security Agreement”), was amended to (i) reduce the loan commitment thereunder to $1,768,010, which is a reduction of $3,075,406 from the original
loan commitment under the Original Loan and Security Agreement and (ii) include the Llama Llama season two obligations under the Loan and Security Agreement as
obligations under the Original Loan and Security Agreement.
The Maturity Date of the Prime Rate Loan facility and LIBOR Loan facility is March 31, 2021.
January 2018 Private Placement
On January 8, 2018, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain accredited investors pursuant to which we sold approximately $1,596,340 net, of common
stock and warrants to such investors (the “January 2018 Private Placement”). We issued and sold warrants to purchase 592,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of
$3.00 per share. In addition, we issued to Chardan Capital Markets, LLC, as placement agent, warrants to purchase 93,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.00
per share.
Results of Operations
Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
Our summary results for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are below.
17
Revenues
Revenues
Television & Home Entertainment
Licensing & Royalties
Advertising Sales
Product Sales
Total Revenue
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2018
323,709
$
449,385
217,999
2,359
993,452
$
December 31, 2017
4,815,491
$
472,134
38,779
9,324
5,335,728
$
$
$
$
Change
(4,491,782)
(22,749)
179,220
(6,965)
(4,342,276)
% Change
-93%
-5%
462%
-75%
-81%
Television & Home Entertainment revenue is generated from distribution of our properties for broadcast on television, VOD, or SVOD in domestic and international markets
and the sale of DVDs for home entertainment through our partners. Fluctuations in Television & Home Entertainment revenue occur period over period based on the
achievement of revenue recognition criteria such as the start of a license period and the delivery of the content to the customer. During the year ended December 31, 2018
compared to December 31, 2017, Television & Home Entertainment revenue decreased $4,491,782 or 93%, primarily due to the revenue generated in 2017 from the delivery of
the Llama Llama property content without comparable activity in 2018. These decreases were further due to the cumulative effect adjustment made as a result of adopting the
new accounting standard, ASC 606. The impact of the adoption reduced revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 by $54,734.
Licensing and royalty revenue include items for which we license the rights to our copyrights and trademarks of our brands and those of the brands for which we act as a
licensing agent. During the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017, this category decreased $22,749, or 5%, primarily due to decreases in music
licensing revenues offset by increased revenue generated from Rainbow Rangers and Llama Llama properties in 2018. These increases were partially offset by the cumulative
effect adjustment made as a result of adopting the new accounting standard, ASC 606. The impact of the adoption reduced revenues for the twelve months ended December 31,
2018 by $134,000.
Advertising sales are generated on the Kid Genius Cartoon Channel in the form of either flat rate promotions or advertising impressions served. Advertising sales increased by
$179,220, or 462%, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 primarily due to the addition of new
distribution partners, increased advertising impressions served and additional ad campaigns in 2018. This was a result of our efforts to continue to grow this area of the business
through new distribution channels and with new partners.
Product sales represent physical products in which we hold intellectual property rights such as trademarks and copyrights to the characters and which are manufactured and sold
by us directly. During the year ended December 31, 2018, product sales associated with Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaire Club decreased by $6,965, or 75%, due to the lack
of attendance and resulting lost sales at the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting in 2018.
Expenses
Marketing and Sales
Direct Operating Costs
General and Administrative
Impairment Loss
Interest Expense
Total Operating Expenses
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2018
738,122
$
1,536,722
4,982,779
1,740,000
1,019,376
10,016,999
$
December 31, 2017
662,373
$
4,257,427
5,329,718
–
3,227
10,252,745
$
$
$
$ Change
% Change
75,749
(2,720,705)
(346,939)
1,740,000
1,016,149
(235,746)
11%
-64%
-7%
N/A
N/A
-2%
18
Marketing and sales expenses increased $75,749, or 11% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017 primarily due to an increase in
marketing and advertising expenses to promote the Rainbow Rangers property.
Direct operating costs include costs of our product sales, unamortizable post-production costs, film and television cost amortization expense, and participation expense related to
agreements with various animation studios, post-production studios, writers, directors, musicians or other creative talent with which we are obligated to share net profits of the
properties on which they have rendered services. Direct operating costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 decreased $2,720,705, or 64% compared to the twelve
months ended December 31, 2017. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, we recorded film and television cost amortization expense of $1,079,723 and
participation expense of $397,988, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 where we recorded expenses of $2,534,835 and $777,444, respectively. The
decreases in direct operating costs in the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the prior year reflect decreases in film amortization expense, participation expense and
dubbing costs related to the delivery of Llama Llama to Netflix in the fourth quarter of 2017 without comparable activity in 2018.
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, employee benefits, share-based compensation related to stock options, insurances, rent, depreciation and
amortization as well as other professional fees related to finance, accounting, legal and investor relations. General and administrative costs for twelve months ended December
31, 2018 decreased $346,939, or 7%, compared to the same period in 2017. This decrease is primarily due to a decrease in share-based compensation expense of $680,546 due to
a reversal of inception to date expenses on non-vested options for terminated employees. It is offset by increases in salaries and wages of $210,508, investor relations fees of
$161,863, and rent expense of $199,896. Fluctuations in other general and administrative expenses comprise the balance of the variance.
In connection with the Merger in 2013, the Company acquired $1,740,000 of Identifiable Artistic-Related Assets. These assets, related to certain properties owned by A
Squared and assumed by the Company, were valued using an independent firm. Based on certain legal, regulatory, contractual, and economic factors, the Company has deemed
these assets to be indefinite-lived. Hence, pursuant to FASB ASC 350-30, these assets are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment. As of December
31, 2018, the Company performed an analysis and determined the Identifiable Artistic-Related Intangible Assets no longer have value and as a result has recognized $1,740,000
of impairment expense related to the Identifiable Artistic-Related Intangible Assets.
Interest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 increased $1,016,149, compared to the same period in 2017. This increase is due to the interest expense and
the amortization of the debt issue costs, the amortization of the debt discount related to the $4,500,000 of Senior Convertible Notes and interest charged on the Llama Llama
Season 1 production loan. Interest was capitalized into the costs of production in 2017 prior to the completion in December 2017.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital
As of December 31, 2018, we had current assets of $5,579,582, including cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash of 3,085,026, and current liabilities of $4,607,919,
resulting in working capital of $971,663, compared to a working capital of $8,041,279 as of December 31, 2017.
Increases in working capital were the result of three transactions:
January 2018 Private Placement
On January 8, 2018, the Company entered into the January 2018 Private Placement. We issued and sold warrants to purchase 592,000 shares of common stock at an exercise
price of $3.00 per share. In addition, we issued to Chardan Capital Markets, LLC, as placement agent, warrants to purchase 93,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price
of $3.00 per share. The Company received $1,596,340 in net proceeds from this transaction.
19
Securities Purchase Agreement
On August 17, 2018, the Company entered into the August 2018 Purchase Agreement with certain investors, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell (i) the Secured
Convertible Notes and (ii) the Warrants. We received $4,186,054 in net proceeds from the offering.
Production Loans
On September 28, 2018, Llama, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into the Loan and Security Agreement with the Lender, pursuant to which the Lender
agreed to make the Loan, not to exceed $4,231,989, to Llama. The proceeds of the Loan were or will be used to pay the majority of the expenses of producing, completing and
delivering two 22-minute episodes and sixteen 11-minute episodes of the second season of the animated series Llama Llama to be initially exhibited on Netflix.
In addition, on September 28, 2018, Llama and Lender entered into the Amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement. Pursuant to the Amendment, the Original Loan and
Security Agreement was amended to (i) reduce the loan commitment thereunder to $1,768,010, which is a reduction of $3,075,406 from the original loan commitment under the
Original Loan and Security Agreement and (ii) include the Llama Llama season two obligations under the Loan and Security Agreement as obligations under the Original Loan
and Security Agreement.
The Maturity Date of the Prime Rate Loan facility and LIBOR Loan facility is March 31, 2021.
The uses of working capital were the costs of production and marketing of Rainbow Rangers and general corporate overhead.
Comparison of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
Our total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash were $3,085,026 and $7,498,072 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Comparison of Cash Flows
Cash used by operations
Cash used in investing activities
Cash provided in financing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2018
$
(8,008,010)
(42,985)
$
3,637,949
(4,413,046)
December 31, 2017
(7,186,870)
$
(107,193)
11,904,214
4,610,151
$
$
$
$ Change
% Change
(821,140)
64,208
(8,266,265)
(9,023,197)
11%
-60%
-69%
-196%
During the year ended December 31, 2018, our primary sources of cash were from the $1,596,340 raised from the January 2018 Private Placement, the issuance of $4,186,054
of Senior Secured Notes and the September Production Loans. During the year ended December 31, 2017, our primary sources of cash were $3,401,924 in net proceeds from
the Private Transaction, $5,699,534 in net proceeds from the October 2017 Registered Direct Offering, and $2,802,756 in net proceeds from the Llama Llama production
facility.
Operating Activities
Cash used in operating activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was $8,008,008 as compared to cash used in operating activities of $7,186,870 during the
prior period. The increase in cash used in operating activities is primarily the result of production costs incurred for the production of Rainbow Rangers, decreases in accounts
receivable due to collections from the Llama Llama broadcast agreement and the lease deposit in 2018.
20
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was $42,985 as compared to a use of $107,193 for the twelve months ended December 31,
2017. Investing activities include the development of certain intangible assets and the purchase of furniture and equipment in 2018.
Financing Activities
Cash generated from financing activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was $3,637,949 as compared to $11,904,214 generated in the comparable period in
2017. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, the sources of cash generated from financing activities were the $1,596,340 in net proceeds from the warrant
exchange and $4,186,054 in net proceeds from the issuance of Senior Secured Notes. The use of cash was the repayment of the production facility in the amount of $2,144,445.
Capital Expenditures
As of December 31, 2018, we do not have any material commitments for capital expenditures.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our accounting policies are described in the notes to the financial statements. Below is a summary of the critical accounting policies, among others, that management believes
involve significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Genius Brands International, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries A Squared and Llama
Productions as well as its interest in Stan Lee Comics, LLC (“Stan Lee Comics”). All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for by the purchase method. In
accordance with FASB ASC 350 Intangibles Goodwill and Other, goodwill and certain intangible assets are presumed to have indefinite useful lives and are thus not amortized,
but subject to an impairment test annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment arise. We complete the annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset
impairment tests at the end of each fiscal year. To test for goodwill impairment, we are required to estimate the fair market value of each of our reporting units, of which we
have one. While we may use a variety of methods to estimate fair value for impairment testing, our primary method is discounted cash flows. We estimate future cash flows and
allocations of certain assets using estimates for future growth rates and our judgment regarding the applicable discount rates. Changes to our judgments and estimates could
result in a significantly different estimate of the fair market value of the reporting units, which could result in an impairment of goodwill or indefinite lived intangible assets in
future periods.
Other intangible assets have been acquired, either individually or with a group of other assets, and were initially recognized and measured based on fair value. In accordance
with FASB ASC 350 Intangible Assets, the costs of new product development and significant improvement to existing products are capitalized while routine and periodic
alterations to existing products are expensed as incurred. Annual amortization of these intangible assets is computed based on the straight-line method over the remaining
economic life of the asset.
21
Film and Television Costs
We capitalize production costs for episodic series produced in accordance with FASB ASC 926-20 Entertainment-Films – Other Assets – Film Costs. Accordingly, production
costs are capitalized at actual cost and then charged against revenue based on the initial market revenue evidenced by a firm commitment over the period of commitment. We
expense all capitalized costs that exceed the initial market firm commitment revenue in the period of delivery of the episodes.
We capitalize production costs for films produced in accordance with FASB ASC 926-20 Entertainment-Films – Other Assets – Film Costs. Accordingly, production costs are
capitalized at actual cost and then charged against revenue quarterly as a cost of production based on the relative fair value of the film(s) delivered and recognized as revenue.
We evaluate our capitalized production costs annually and limit recorded amounts by our ability to recover such costs through expected future sales.
Additionally, for both episodic series and films, from time to time, we develop additional content, improved animation and bonus songs/features for our existing content. After
the initial release of the film or episodic series, the costs of significant improvement to existing products are capitalized while routine and periodic alterations to existing
products are expensed as incurred.
Debt and Attached Equity Linked Instruments
The Company measures issued debt on an amortized cost basis, net of debt premium/discount and debt issuance costs amortized using the effective interest rate method or the
straight-line method when the latter does not lead to materially different results.
The Company accounts for the proceeds from the issuance of convertible notes payable in accordance with FASB ASC 470-20 Debt with Conversion and Other Options.
Pursuant to FASB ASC 470-20, the intrinsic value of the embedded conversion feature (beneficial conversion interest), which is in the money on the commitment date is
included in the discount to debt and amortized to interest expense over the term of the note agreement. When the conversion option is not separated, the Company accounts for
the entire convertible instrument including debt and the conversion feature as a liability.
The Company analyzes freestanding equity-linked instruments including warrants attached to debt to conclude whether the instrument meets the definition of the derivative and
whether it is considered indexed to the Company’s own stock. If the instrument is not considered indexed to Company’s stock, it is classified as an asset or liability recorded at
fair value. If the instrument is considered indexed to Company’s stock, the Company analyzes additional equity classification requirements per ASC 815-40 Contract’s in
Entity’s Own Equity. When the requirements are met the instrument is recorded as part of Company’s equity, initially measured based on its relative fair value with no
subsequent re-measurement. When the equity classification requirements are not met, the instrument is recorded as an asset or liability, measured at fair value with subsequent
changes in fair value recorded in earnings.
When required, the Company also considers the bifurcation guidance for embedded derivatives per FASB ASC 815-15 Embedded Derivatives.
Revenue Recognition
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new accounting standard ASC 606 (Topic 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (“new
revenue standard”) using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning
after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under
ASC 605, (Topic 605).
22
Accordingly, on January 1, 2018 the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning accumulated deficit in the amount of $206,245. The impact to our financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2018 resulting from the adoption of Topic 606 as of January 1, 2018 was a reduction of revenue in the amount of $188,734,
and a corresponding reduction in costs in the amount of $52,269, from the amounts reported. The amounts prior to adoption were not recognized pursuant to Topic 606 and
would have been reported pursuant to Topic 605.
Changes to the opening balances in prepaid and other assets, film and television costs, total assets, accrued expenses, deferred revenue and total liabilities resulting from the
adoption of the new guidance were as follows (thousands):
Prepaid and Other Assets
Film and Television Costs, net
Total assets
Participations Payable
Deferred Revenue
Total liabilities
December 31,
2017
Impact
Of Adoption
January 1,
2018
$
$
$
$
$
$
265
2,777
27,713
1,718
5,085
12,673
$
$
$
$
$
$
15
(219)
(204)
(1)
(409)
(410)
$
$
$
$
$
$
280
2,558
27,509
1,717
4,676
12,263
The Company performed its analysis of its existing revenue contracts and has completed its new revenue accounting policy documentation under the new standard. The
Company has identified the following six material and distinct performance obligations:
·
·
·
·
·
·
License rights to exploit Functional Intellectual Property (Functional Intellectual Property or “functional IP” is defined as intellectual property that has significant
standalone functionality, such as the ability be played or aired. Functional intellectual property derives a substantial portion of its utility from its significant standalone
functionality.)
License rights to exploit Symbolic Intellectual Property (Symbolic Intellectual Property or “symbolic IP” is intellectual property that is not functional as it does not
have significant standalone use and substantially all of the utility of symbolic IP is derived from its association with the entity’s past or ongoing activities, including its
ordinary business activities, such as the Company’s licensing and merchandising programs associated with its animated content.)
Options to renew or extend a contract at fixed terms. (While this performance obligation is not significant for the Company’s current contracts, it could become
significant in the future.)
Options on future seasons of content at fixed terms. (While this performance obligation is not significant for the Company’s current contracts, it could become significant
in the future.)
Fixed fee advertising revenue generated from the Genius Brands Network.
Variable fee advertising revenue generated from the Genius Brands Network.
As a result of the change, beginning January 1, 2018, the Company began recognizing revenue related to licensed rights to exploit functional IP in two ways. For minimum
guarantees, the Company recognizes fixed revenue upon delivery of content and the start of the license period. For functional IP contracts with a variable component, the
Company estimates revenue such that it is probable there will not be a material reversal of revenue in future periods. Revenue under these types of contracts was previously
recognized when royalty statements were received. The Company began recognizing revenue related to licensed rights to exploit symbolic IP substantially similarly to
functional IP. Although it has a different recognition pattern from functional IP, the valuation method is substantially the same, depending on the nature of the license.
23
The Company sells advertising on its Kid Genius channel in the form of either flat rate promotions or impressions served. For flat rate promotions with a fixed term, the
Company recognizes revenue when all five revenue recognition criteria under FASB ASC 606 are met. For impressions served, the Company delivers a certain minimum
number of impressions on the channel to the advertiser for which the advertiser pays a contractual CPM per impression. Impressions served are reported to the Company on a
monthly basis, and revenue is reported in the month the impressions are served.
The Company recognizes revenue related to product sales when (i) the seller’s price is substantially fixed, (ii) shipment has occurred causing the buyer to be obligated to pay for
product, (iii) the buyer has economic substance apart from the seller, and (iv) there is no significant obligation for future performance to directly bring about the resale of the
product by the buyer.
Prior to the adoption of Topic 606, the Company recognized revenue in accordance with FASB ASC 926-605 Entertainment-Films – Revenue Recognition. Accordingly, we
recognize revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of a sale with a customer exists, (ii) the film is complete and has been delivered or is available for delivery, (iii) the license
period of the arrangement has begun and the customer can begin its exploitation, exhibition, or sale, (iv) the arrangement fee is fixed or determinable, and (v) collection of the
arrangement fee is reasonably assured.
Our licensing and royalty revenue represent revenue generated from license agreements that are held in conjunction with third parties that are responsible for collecting fees due
and remitting to us our share after expenses. Revenue from licensed products is recognized when realized or realizable based on royalty reporting received from licensees.
Licensing income that we recognize as an agent is in accordance with FASB ASC 605-45 Revenue Recognition – Principal Agent. Accordingly, our revenue is our gross
billings to our customers less the amounts we pay to suppliers for their products and services.
We sell advertising on our Genius Brands Network in the form of either flat rate promotions or impressions served. For flat rate promotions with a fixed term, we recognize
revenue when all five revenue recognition criteria under FASB ASC 605 are met. For impressions served, we deliver a certain minimum number of impressions on the channel
to the advertiser for which the advertiser pays a contractual CPM per impression. Impressions served are reported to us on a monthly basis, and revenue is reported in the month
the impressions are served.
Prior to the adoption of Topic 606, we recognized revenue related to product sales when (i) the seller’s price is substantially fixed, (ii) shipment has occurred causing the buyer
to be obligated to pay for product, (iii) the buyer has economic substance apart from the seller, and (iv) there is no significant obligation for future performance to directly bring
about the resale of the product by the buyer as required by FASB ASC 605 Revenue Recognition.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases.” The standard requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise
from leases on the balance sheet. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset
representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018.
In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements, which allows for an additional optional transition method where comparative
periods presented in the financial statements in the period of adoption will not be restated and instead those periods will be presented under existing guidance in accordance with
ASC 840, Leases. Management will use this optional transition method. As of January 1, 2019, management recorded lease liability of $ 2,071,903, right-of-use asset of $
2,029,677, a reversal of previously recorded deferred rent of $37,920 and the increase in accumulated deficit of $ 4,306.
24
Debt and Attached Equity-Linked Instruments
In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows – Restricted Cash a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues
Task Force.” This standard requires restricted cash and cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows under a retrospective
transition approach. The guidance will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is
permitted. We have prospectively adopted ASU 2016-18. The impact to our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows was minimal.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”, which requires an entity to perform a one-
step quantitative impairment test, whereby a goodwill impairment loss will be measured as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (not to exceed the
total goodwill allocated to that reporting unit). It eliminates Step 2 of the current two-step goodwill impairment test, under which a goodwill impairment loss is measured by
comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The standard is effective January 1, 2020, with early adoption as of
January 1, 2017 permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-11 addressing, among other matters, accounting for certain financial instruments. One of the amendments in this guidance
intended to reduce the complexity associated with the issuer’s accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. Specifically, the Board
determined that a down round feature (as defined) would no longer cause a freestanding equity-linked financial instrument (or an embedded conversion option) to be accounted
for as a derivative liability at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in current earnings. ASU 2017-11 is effective for public business entities for fiscal year beginning
after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value
Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”), which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of ASC 820. The update removes some disclosures, modifies others, and
adds some new disclosure requirements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after
December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU
2018-07”), which supersedes ASC 505-05 and expands the scope of ASC 718 to include all share-based payment arranges related to the acquisition of goods and services from
both nonemployees and employee. As a result, most of the guidance in ASC 718 associated with employee share-based payments, including most of its requirements related to
classification and measurement, applies to nonemployee share-based payment arrangements. ASC 2018-07 is effective for all entities for fiscal year beginning after December
15, 2018, and interim periods within that fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-02, Entertainment-Films-Other Assets-Film Costs (Subtopic 926-20) and Entertainment-Broadcasters Intangibles-Goodwill
and Other (Subtopic 920-350). The update aligns the accounting for production costs of an episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films by
removing the content distinction for capitalization. The amendments also require that an entity reassess estimates of the use of a film in a film group and account for any
changes prospectively. The amendments in this update require that an entity test a film or license agreement for program material within the scope of Subtopic 920-350 for
impairment at a film group level when the film or license agreement is predominantly monetized with other films and/or license agreements. For public business entities, the
amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the
potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
25
Various other accounting pronouncements have been recently issued, most of which represented technical corrections to the accounting literature or were applicable to specific
industries/transactions or special circumstances and are not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
As a “smaller reporting company,” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide information required by this Item.
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The financial statements are included herein commencing on page F-1.
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated
under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer and effected by our board of
directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that:
·
·
·
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on
the financial statements.
Because of our inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be
effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods
are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. In making this assessment, management used the criteria
set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013 Framework).
26
Based on this assessment, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and our Chief Financial Officer (principal
financial and accounting officer), has concluded that, as of December 31, 2018, our internal control over financial reporting were not effective based on those criteria.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the
effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the ‘‘Exchange Act’’). Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to
be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal
executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon our
evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective for the three months ended December
31, 2018 in ensuring that information that we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported
within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
In the course of our review of our consolidated financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2018, we identified a potential material weakness in our internal
control over financial reporting related to our failure to adequately evaluate the accounting treatment for the warrants issued in conjunction with the convertible notes in a timely
manner.
Management is in the process of conducting further review of our internal control policy to ensure it can effectively implement controls to evaluate complex accounting issues
in the future. We replaced our Controller and are taking further steps to appropriately and timely evaluate complex accounting issues in the future.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In addition to hiring a new controller, management has hired outside consultants who are experts in the field of accounting to assist management in identifying changes in the
accounting rules and to assist in accounting for the changes and the accounting treatment of any new transactions the Company is contemplating or has entered into.
Item 9B.
Other Information
None.
27
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Board of Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons
The following table sets forth information about our directors and executive officers as of March 30, 2019:
PART III
Name
Position
Andy Heyward
Robert L. Denton
Michael A. Jaffa
Bernard Cahill *
Joseph “Gray” Davis *
P. Clark Hallren *
Michael Klein
Margaret Loesch *
Lynne Segall*
Anthony Thomopoulos *
_______
* Denotes directors who are “independent” under applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules.
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Chief Financial Officer
General Counsel, Corporate Secretary
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Age
70
59
53
53
76
57
71
73
66
81
Our directors hold office until the earlier of their death, resignation or removal or until their successors have been elected and qualified.
Background Information
Andy Heyward, 70, has been the Company’s Chief Executive Officer since November 2013 and the Company’s Chairman of the Board since December 2013. Mr. Heyward co-
founded DIC Animation City in 1983 and served as its Chief Executive Officer until its sale in 1993 to Capital Cities/ ABC, Inc. which was eventually bought by The Walt
Disney Company in 1995. Mr. Heyward ran the company while it was owned by The Walt Disney Company until 2000 when Mr. Heyward purchased DIC Entertainment L.P.
and DIC Productions L.P, corporate successors to the DIC Animation City business, with the assistance of Bain Capital and served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of their acquiring company DIC Entertainment Corporation, until he took the company public on the AIM. He sold the company in 2008. Mr. Heyward co-founded A Squared
Entertainment LLC in 2009 and has served as its Co-President since inception. Mr. Heyward earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from UCLA and is a member of
the Producers Guild of America, the National Academy of Television Arts and the Paley Center (formerly the Museum of Television and Radio). Mr. Heyward gave the
Commencement address in 2011 for the UCLA College of Humanities and was awarded the 2002 UCLA Alumni Association’s Professional Achievement Award. He has
received multiple Emmys and other awards for Children’s Entertainment. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Mr. Heyward has produced
over 5,000 half hour episodes of award winning entertainment, among them Inspector Gadget; The Real Ghostbusters; Strawberry Shortcake; Care Bears; Alvin and the
Chipmunks; Hello Kitty’s Furry Tale Theater; The Super Mario Brothers Super Show; The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog; Sabrina The Animated Series; Captain Planet
and the Planeteers; Liberty’s Kids, and many others. Mr. Heyward was chosen as a director because of his extensive experience in children’s entertainment and as co-founder of
A Squared Entertainment.
28
Robert L. Denton, 59, Mr. Denton has been our Chief Financial Officer since April 18, 2018. He served as the Chief Financial Officer of Atlys, Inc. a next-gen media
technology company from 2011 to 2018. He has over 30 years of experience as a financial executive, specifically in the entertainment industry. He began his career in 1982 with
Ernst & Young handling filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including initial public offerings. He left Ernst & Young in 1990 to work as Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer for LIVE Entertainment, Inc. In 1996, LIVE was acquired by Artisan Entertainment, Inc., and, in December 2000, Mr. Denton was promoted to
Executive Vice President of Finance and CAO. Mr. Denton also served as the COO of Artisan Home Entertainment, where he directed all financial reporting, budgeting and
forecasting, manufacturing and distribution of the Home Entertainment Division. Mr. Denton left Artisan at the end of 2003 and joined DIC Entertainment Corporation to serve
as their Chief Financial Officer. At DIC, he directed the three-year financial audit, due diligence and preparation of the company’s Admission Documents, and he was
responsible for all monthly financial reporting to the Board of Directors as well as the semi-annual reporting to the AIM Exchange of the London Stock Exchange. Mr. Denton
left DIC in February 2009 after completing the acquisition and transition of DIC to the Cookie Jar Company. Mr. Denton served as the Chief Financial Officer of Gold Circle
Films from 2009 to 2011. From 2009 to 2014, Mr. Denton also owned and operated three Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly, to help better care for his mother. Mr.
Denton is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Michael A. Jaffa, 53, has been the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Company since April 2018. From January 2017 through April 2018, Mike served as
Thoughtful Media Group’s (TMG) General Counsel and Global Head of Business Affairs. TMG is a multichannel network focused on Asian markets. At TMG, Mr. Jaffa
oversaw all of TMG’s legal matters, established the framework for TMG’s continued growth in international markets, including a franchise plan, the formation of a regional
headquarters in South East Asia and assisted with M&A transactions. From September 2013 through December 2016, Mr. Jaffa worked as the Head of Business Affairs for
DreamWorks Animation Television, and before that served in a similar role at Hasbro Studios from December 2009 through September 2013. Mr. Jaffa has over 20 years of
experience handling licensing, production, merchandising, complex international transactions and employment issues for large and small entertainment companies and
technology startups.
Bernard Cahill, 53, has been a Director of the Company since December 2013. Mr. Cahill is the founding partner of ROAR, LLC, an entertainment consulting firm, which he
founded in 2004 and is the founding partner of Cahill Law Offices, an entertainment law firm, which he founded in 1995. Mr. Cahill is the founder of Unicorn Games LLC,
which was sold to Hasbro, Inc. in 2000. Mr. Cahill holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology from Illinois State University and a Juris Doctorate from the John Marshall
Law School. Mr. Cahill is a member of the Tennessee State and Illinois State Bar. Mr. Cahill was chosen to be a director based on his expertise in the entertainment field.
Joseph “Gray” Davis, 76, has been a Director of the Company since December 2013. Mr. Davis served as the 37th governor of California from 1998 until 2003. Mr. Davis
currently serves as “Of Counsel” in the Los Angeles, California office of Loeb & Loeb LLP. Mr. Davis has served on the Board of Directors of DIC Entertainment and is a
member of the bi-partisan Think Long Committee, a Senior Fellow at the UCLA School of Public Affairs and Co-Chair of the Southern California Leadership Counsel. Mr.
Davis received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and received his Juris Doctorate from Columbia Law School. Mr. Davis served as lieutenant governor of
California from 1995-1998, California State Controller from 1987-1995 and California State Assemblyman from 1982-1986. Mr. Davis was chosen as a director of the
Company based on his knowledge of corporate governance.
P. Clark Hallren, 57, has been a Director of the Company since May 2014. Since August 2013, Mr. Hallren has been a realtor with HK Lane/Christie’s International Real
Estate and since August 2012, Mr. Hallren has served as an outside consultant to individuals and entities investing or operating in the entertainment industry. From August 2012
to August 2014, Mr. Hallren was a realtor with Keller Williams Realty and from August 2009 to August 2012, Mr. Hallren founded and served as managing partner of Clear
Scope Partners, an entertainment advisory company. From 1986 to August 2009, Mr. Hallren was employed by JP Morgan Securities Inc. in various capacities, including as
Managing Director of the Entertainment Industries Group. In his roles with JP Morgan Securities, Mr. Hallren was responsible for marketing certain products to his clients,
including but not limited to, syndicated senior debt, public and private subordinated debt, public and private equity, securitized and credit enhanced debt, interest rate
derivatives, foreign currency and treasury products. Mr. Hallren holds Finance, Accounting and Economics degrees from Oklahoma State University. He also currently holds
Series 7, 24 and 63 securities licenses. Mr. Hallren was chosen as a director of the Company based on his knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry as well as in
banking and finance.
29
Micheal Kiein, 71, was appointed as a Director of the Company since March 7, 2019. Mr. Klein is an accomplished executive, entrepreneur, and financier with substantial
experience in media and entertainment, investment banking, professional sports, venture capital funding, and real estate. Prior to starting Camden Capital Management, LLC
(CCM), Mr. Klein, since 1996, has led Klein Investment Group after assuming 100% ownership of (and renaming) Iacocca Capital Partners, L.P., where he was Managing
Partner from 1994 to 1996. From 1984 to 1993, Mr. Klein was a managing director at Bear Stearns & Company, where he founded and co-directed the Media-Entertainment
Group, and Gruntal & Company, where he was Senior Managing Director and a member of the Executive Committee. From 1974 to 1982, Mr. Klein supplied prime time and
mini-series content to the major television networks through his company, Michael Klein Productions. Also, during that time, he was an owner and a senior executive officer of
the San Diego Chargers, an NFL Football franchise. Mr. Klein has significant experience in the area of corporate financings. He has executed and participated in financing
deals, both public and private, ranging from $5 million to over $2 billion. His real estate ventures in Southern California include a 600-acre development in North San Diego,
which he sold in various stages. He also has led several real estate ventures in Southern California including the Water Gardens phase two in Santa Monica. Mr. Klein was
chosen as a director of the Company based on his knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry as well as in banking and finance.
Margaret Loesch, 73, has been a Director of the Company since March 2015 and the Executive Chairman of the Genius Brands Network since December 2016. Beginning in
2009 through 2014, Ms. Loesch, served as Chief Executive Officer and President of The Hub Network, a cable channel for children and families, including animated features.
The Company has, in the past, provided The Hub Network with certain children’s programming. From 2003 through 2009 Ms. Loesch served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of
The Hatchery, a family entertainment and consumer product company. From 1998 through 2001 Ms. Loesch served as Chief Executive Officer of the Hallmark Channel, a
family related cable channel. From 1990 through 1997 Ms. Loesch served as the Chief Executive Officer of Fox Kids Network, a children’s programming block and from 1984
through 1990 served as the Chief Executive Officer of Marvel Productions, a television and film studio subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment Group. Ms. Loesch obtained her
Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi. Ms. Loesch was chosen to be a director based on her 40 years of experience at the helm of major children and
family programming and consumer product channels.
Lynne Segall, 66, has been a Director of the Company since December 2013. Ms. Segall has served as the Senior Vice President and 6Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter
since June 2011. From 2010 to 2011, Ms. Segall was the Senior Vice President of Deadline Hollywood. From June 2006 to May 2010, Ms. Segall served as the Vice President
of Entertainment, Fashion & Luxury advertising at the Los Angeles Times. In 2005, Ms. Segall received the Women of Achievement Award from The Hollywood Chamber of
Commerce and the Women in Excellence Award from the Century City Chamber of Commerce. In 2006, Ms. Segall was recognized by the National Association of Women
with its Excellence in Media Award. Ms. Segall was chosen to be a director based on her expertise in the entertainment industry.
Anthony Thomopoulos, 81, has been a Director of the Company since February 2014. Mr. Thomopoulos served as the Chairman of United Artist Pictures from 1986 to 1989 and
formed Thomopoulos Pictures, an independent production company of both motion pictures and television programs in 1989 and has served as its Chief Executive Officer since
1989. From 1991 to 1995, Mr. Thomopoulos was the President of Amblin Television, a division of Amblin Entertainment. Mr. Thomopoulos served as the President of
International Family Entertainment, Inc. from 1995 to 1997. From June 2001 to January 2004, Mr. Thomopoulos served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Media
Arts Group, a NYSE listed company. Mr. Thomopoulos served as a state commissioner of the California Service Corps. under Governor Schwarzenegger from 2005 to 2008.
Mr. Thomopoulos is also a founding partner of Morning Light Productions. Since he founded it in 2008, Mr. Thomopoulos has operated Thomopoulos Productions and has
served as a consultant to BKSems, USA, a digital signage company. Mr. Thomopoulos is an advisor and a member of the National Hellenic Society and holds a degree in
Foreign Service from Georgetown University and sat on its Board of Directors from 1978 to 1988. Mr. Thomopoulos was chosen as a director of the Company based on his
entertainment industry experience.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between any of our directors and our executive officers. Amy Moynihan Heyward resigned from the Company’s board effective March 1,
2019.
30
Corporate Governance
General
We believe that good corporate governance is important to ensure that the Company is managed for the long-term benefit of our stockholders. This section describes key
corporate governance practices that we have adopted.
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight
The Board of Directors has responsibility for establishing broad corporate policies and reviewing our overall performance rather than day-to-day operations. The primary
responsibility of our Board of Directors is to oversee the management of our company and, in doing so, serve the best interests of the company and our stockholders. The Board
of Directors selects, evaluates and provides for the succession of executive officers and, subject to stockholder election, directors. It reviews and approves corporate objectives
and strategies and evaluates significant policies and proposed major commitments of corporate resources. Our Board of Directors also participates in decisions that have a
potential major economic impact on our company. Management keeps the directors informed of company activity through regular communication, including written reports and
presentations at Board of Directors and committee meetings.
Although we have not adopted a formal policy on whether the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions should be separate or combined, we have traditionally
determined that it is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders to partially combine these roles. Due to the small size of the Company, we believe it is currently
most effective to have the Chairman and Chief Executive Officers positions combined.
The Company currently has eight directors, including Mr. Heyward, its Chairman, who also serves as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Chairman and the Board are
actively involved in the oversight of the Company’s day to day activities.
16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers, directors, and any persons who own more than 10% of common stock, to file reports of ownership of, and transactions
in, our common stock with the SEC and furnish copies of such reports to us. Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms and amendments thereto furnished to us and
on written representations from our officers, directors, and any person whom we understand owns more than 10% of our common stock, we found that during 2018, all Section
16(a) filing were made with the SEC on a timely basis.
Code of Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a Corporate Code of Conduct and Ethics and Whistleblower Policy that applies to all of our officers, directors and employees. A copy of the Code of Conduct
and Ethics may be obtained, free of charge, by submitting a written request to the Company or on our website at www.gnusbrands.com. Disclosure regarding any amendments
to, or waivers from, provisions of the code of conduct and ethics that apply to our directors, principal executive and financial officers will be posted on the “Investor Relations-
Corporate Governance” section of our website at www.gnusbrands.com or included in a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days following the date of the
amendment or waiver.
31
Board Committees
During 2018, our Board of Directors held four meetings.
The following table sets forth the three standing committees of our Board and the members of each committee and the number of meetings held by our Board of Directors and
the committees during 2018:
Director
Andy Heyward
Bernard Cahill
Joseph “Gray” Davis
P. Clark Hallren
Amy Moynihan Heyward
Margaret Loesch
Lynne Segall
Anthony Thomopoulos
Meetings in 2018:
Board
Chair
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4
Audit
Committee
Compensation
Committee
Nominating
Committee
X
Chair
X
5
X
Chair
6
Chair
1
To assist it in carrying out its duties, the Board of Directors has delegated certain authority to an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating Committee as
the functions of each are described below.
Audit Committee
Messrs. Hallren, Cahill, and Thomopoulos serve on our Audit Committee. Our Audit Committee’s main function is to oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes,
internal systems of control, independent auditor relationships and the audits of our financial statements. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include:
·
·
·
·
·
·
selecting, hiring, and compensating our independent auditors;
evaluating the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent auditors;
overseeing and monitoring the integrity of our financial statements and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as they relate to financial statements or
accounting matters;
approving the audit and non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditor;
reviewing with the independent auditor the design, implementation, adequacy and effectiveness of our internal controls and our critical accounting policies; and
preparing the report that the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement.
32
The Board of Directors has adopted an Audit Committee Charter and the Audit Committee reviews and reassesses the adequacy of the Charter on an annual basis. The Audit
Committee members meet Nasdaq’s financial literacy requirements and are independent under applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules, and the board has further determined that Mr.
Hallren (i) is an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined in Item 407(d) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC and (ii) also meets Nasdaq’s financial
sophistication requirements.
Compensation Committee
Messrs. Thomopoulos and Hallren serve on the Compensation Committee and are independent under the applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules. Our Compensation Committee’s
main functions are assisting our Board of Directors in discharging its responsibilities relating to the compensation of outside directors, the Chief Executive Officer and other
executive officers, as well as administering any stock incentive plans, we may adopt. The Compensation Committee’s responsibilities include the following:
·
·
·
·
reviewing and recommending to our board of directors the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, and the outside directors;
conducting a performance review of our Chief Executive Officer;
reviewing our compensation policies; and
if required, preparing the report of the Compensation Committee for inclusion in our annual proxy statement.
The Board of Directors has adopted a Compensation Committee Charter and the Compensation Committee reviews and reassesses the adequacy of the Charter on an annual
basis.
The Compensation Committee’s policy is to offer our executive officers competitive compensation packages that will permit us to attract and retain highly qualified individuals
and to motivate and reward these individuals in an appropriate fashion aligned with the long-term interests of our Company and our stockholders.
Compensation Committee Risk Assessment. We have assessed our compensation programs and concluded that our compensation practices do not create risks that are
reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us.
Nominating Committee
Ms. Segall serves on our Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee’s responsibilities include:
·
·
·
·
identify qualified individuals to serve as members of the Company’s board of directors;
review the qualifications and performance of incumbent directors;
review and consider candidates who may be suggested by any director or executive officer or by any stockholder of the Company;
review considerations relating to board composition, including size of the board, term and age limits, and the criteria for membership on the board;
33
The Board of Directors has adopted a Nominating Committee Charter which the Nominating Committee reviews and reassesses the adequacy of the Charter on an annual basis.
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
Executive Compensation
The following table provides information regarding the total compensation for services rendered in all capacities that was earned during the fiscal year indicated by our named
executive officers for fiscal year 2018 and 2017.
Summary Compensation Table
Name and Principal Position
Andy Heyward (2)
Chief Executive Officer
Robert L. Denton (3)
Chief Financial Officer
Gregory B. Payne (4)
Former Chief Operating Officer
and Corporate Secretary
Michael A. Jaffa (5)
General Counsel
and Corporate Secretary
Year
2018
2017
2018
2017
2018
2017
2018
2017
Salary ($)
Bonus ($)
Stock
Awards
($) (1)
Option
Awards
($) (1)
All Other
Compensation
($)
212,500
200,000
156,871
–
221,059
225,000
159,375
–
–
500
–
–
500
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Total ($)
212,500
–
340,500
140,000
130,242
–
55,512
–
–
–
–
–
342,625
–
221,059
225,500
–
–
155,517
–
–
–
314,892
–
(1)
The aggregate fair value of the stock awards and stock option awards on the date of grant was computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
(2)
In association with the Merger, Mr. Heyward was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Company on November 15, 2013. Per his employment agreement, Mr.
Heyward is entitled to an annual salary of $200,000. Mr. Heyward entered into a new five-year employment agreement on November 16, 2018. Under his new
employment agreement, Mr. Heyward is entitled to an annual salary of $300,000.
On October 1, 2016, Llama Productions LLC entered into an animation production services agreement with Mr. Heyward for services as a producer for which he is to
receive $186,000 through the course of production of the Company’s animated series Llama Llama.
34
(3)
Effective April 18, 2018, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Denton, whereby Mr. Denton agreed to serve as the Company’s Chief
Financial Officer for a period of two years, with a mutual option for an additional one-year period, in consideration for an annual salary of $225,000. Mr. Denton
received $5,550 for consulting services prior to becoming the CFO. Mr. Denton also received $49,962 in relocation expenses for his relocation from Salt Lake City
Utah to Los Angeles California.
On September 26, 2018, the Company granted Mr. Denton 85,088 stock options with strike prices of $2.09, a term of five years, and vesting ranging from one to three
years after the grant date anniversary.
(4)
In association with the Merger, Mr. Payne was appointed Corporate Secretary of the Company for which he is entitled to an annual salary of $175,000. Mr. Payne’s
annual compensation was increased to $190,000 on October 1, 2016. On July 13, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Payne, whereby
Mr. Payne agreed to serve as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer for a period of one year, with a mutual option for an additional one-year period, in consideration
for an annual salary of $225,000.
On February 28, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Payne pursuant to which Mr. Payne and the Company agreed to the cessation of Mr. Payne’s
employment with the Company upon the earlier to occur of the following: (1) once Mr. Payne’s replacement has been found, after a two-week transition period (the
“Transition Period”) or (2) May 31, 2018 (the “End Date”). The Agreement provides that until the end of the Transition Period, Mr. Payne shall receive his full salary
and benefits and that upon the End Date, Mr. Payne shall be entitled to receive a payment equal to the greater of (1) 50% of his remaining current salary or (2) three
months of his current salary, plus, in either case, payment of accrued vacation and California employee entitlements.
(5)
Effective April 16, 2018, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Jaffa, whereby Mr. Jaffa agreed to serve as the Company’s General Counsel
and Senior Vice President of Business Affairs for a period of year in consideration for an annual salary of $225,000. On June 7, 2018, Mr. Jaffa was elected as the
Company’s Corporate Secretary.
35
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year
The following table sets forth outstanding stock option awards as of December 31, 2018 to each of the named executive officers. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has
not granted any stock awards to its executive officers or any other employees other than Mr. Denton and Mr. Jaffa noted below.
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
exercisable
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
unexercisable
125,000
250,000
68,750
5,000
–
–
–
–
–
–
Andy Heyward
Name
Gregory B. Payne
Robert L. Denton (1)
Michael A. Jaffa (2)
__________________
Equity incentive
plan awards:
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
unearned
options (#)
Option exercise
price ($)
–
–
–
–
–
85,088
85,088
$
$
$
$
$
$
Option
expiration date
12/14/20
12/14/20
12/14/20
10/18/20
–
9/25/2023
6.00
9.00
12.00
2.82
–
2.09
2.09
9/25/2023
(1) Mr. Denton’s options vest one third per year for three years.
(2) Mr. Jaffa’s options vest one third per year over three years.
Retirement Benefits
As of December 31, 2018, we did not provide any retirement plans to our executive officers or employees.
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control
As of December 31, 2018, we did not provide for any potential payments upon termination or change of control except for those described in the employment agreements
below.
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
On November 15, 2013, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Andy Heyward (the “Andy Heyward Employment Agreement”), whereby Mr. Heyward
agreed to serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer for a period of five years, subject to renewal, in consideration for an annual salary of $200,000. Additionally, under
the terms of the Andy Heyward Employment Agreement, Mr. Heyward shall be eligible for an annual bonus if the Company meets certain criteria, as established by the Board
of Directors. Mr. Heyward shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with his employment and the Company may take out and maintain
during the term of his tenure a life insurance policy in the amount of $1,000,000. During the term of his employment and under the terms of the Andy Heyward Employment
Agreement, Mr. Heyward shall be entitled to be designated as composer on all music contained in the programming produced by the Company and to receive composer’s
royalties from applicable performing rights societies.
36
On November 16, 2018, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Andy Heyward (the “Andy Heyward Employment Agreement”),
whereby Mr. Heyward agreed to serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer for a period of five years, subject to renewal, in consideration for an annual salary of
$300,000, and an award of 70,000 stock options. Mr. Heyward is also eligible to be paid a producing fee equal to $12,400 per half hour episode for each series produced,
controlled and distributed by the Company, and for which he provides material production services provided as the executive producer. Additionally, under the terms of the
Andy Heyward Employment Agreement, Mr. Heyward shall be eligible for an annual bonus if the Company meets certain criteria, as established by the Board of Directors. Mr.
Heyward shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with his employment and the Company may take out and maintain during the term of
his tenure a life insurance policy in the amount of $1,000,000. During the term of his employment and under the terms of the Andy Heyward Employment Agreement, Mr.
Heyward shall be entitled to be designated as composer on all music contained in the programming produced by the Company and to receive composer’s royalties from
applicable performing rights societies. Upon a change in control or sale of the Company, or termination without cause or resignation with good cause, all of Mr. Heyward’s
options would vest on an accelerated basis. In the event of Mr. Heyward’s death or resignation all compensation then currently due would be payable to his estate.
On July 13, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Gregory B. Payne (the “Gregory B. Payne Employment Agreement”), whereby Mr. Payne agreed
to serve as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer for a period of one year, with a mutual option for an additional one-year period, in consideration for an annual salary of
$225,000. Under the terms of the Gregory B Payne Employment Agreement, Mr. Payne shall be entitled to an annual discretionary bonus based on his performance.
Additionally, the Gregory B. Payne Employment Agreement may be terminated either (i) upon the end of the term, (ii) at any time by the Company for Cause (as defined in the
Gregory B. Payne Employment Agreement) or (iii) upon an event of retirement, death or disability. Upon the termination or expiration of the Gregory B. Payne Employment
Agreement and for a period of three years thereafter, certain amounts paid to Mr. Payne, including any discretionary bonus and stock based compensation, but excluding his
base salary, reimbursement of certain expenses, and paid time off days, will be subject to the Company’s clawback right upon the occurrence of certain events which are adverse
to the Company. On February 28, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Payne pursuant to which Mr. Payne and the Company agreed to the cessation of Mr.
Payne’s employment with the Company upon the earlier to occur of the following: (1) once Mr. Payne’s replacement has been found, after a two-week transition period (the
“Transition Period”) or (2) May 31, 2018 (the “End Date”). The Agreement provides that until the end of the Transition Period, Mr. Payne shall receive his full salary and
benefits and that upon the End Date, Mr. Payne shall be entitled to receive a payment equal to the greater of (1) 50% of his remaining current salary or (2) three months of his
current salary, plus, in either case, payment of accrued vacation and California employee entitlements. Mr. Payne left the Company at the end of April 2018.
On March 26, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with Michael Jaffa in which Mr. Jaffa would assume the role of General Counsel and Senior Vice President of
Business Affairs commencing on April 16, 2018. Mr. Jaffa will be entitled to be paid a salary at the annual rate of $225,000 per year. The term of the agreement is one year with
a mutual option for two additional one-year periods. In addition, Mr. Jaffa will be entitled to receive a grant of stock options and an annual discretionary bonus based on his
performance. In the event of Mr. Jaffa’s death or resignation all compensation then currently due would be payable to his estate.
On March 30, 2018, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Robert Denton (the “Robert Denton Employment Agreement”), whereby Mr. Denton agreed to
serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective as of April 18, 2018 for a period of two years with a mutual option for an additional one-year period, in consideration
for an annual salary of $225,000. Under the terms of the Robert Denton Employment Agreement, Mr. Denton shall be entitled to an annual discretionary bonus based on his
performance. The Robert Denton Employment Agreement may be terminated either (i) upon the end of the term, (ii) at any time by the Company for “Cause” (as defined in the
Robert Denton Employment Agreement) or (iii) upon an event of retirement, death or disability. Upon the termination or expiration of Mr. Denton’s employment with the
Company and for a period of three years thereafter, certain amounts paid to Mr. Denton, including any discretionary bonus and stock based compensation, but excluding his
base salary and reimbursement of certain expenses, will be subject to the Company’s clawback right upon the occurrence of certain events which are adverse to the Company,
including a restatement of financial statements. In the event of Mr. Denton’s death or resignation all compensation then currently due would be payable to his estate.
37
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth with respect to the named directors, compensation information inclusive of equity awards and payments made for the year ended December 31,
2018 in the director's capacity as director.
Name
Andy Heyward
Bernard Cahill
Joseph “Gray” Davis
P. Clark Hallren
Amy Moynihan Heyward
Margaret Loesch
Lynne Segall
Anthony Thomopoulos
______________________
Year
2018
2018
2018
2018
2018
2018
2018
2018
Fees
Earned
($) (1)
Stock
Awards
($)
Option
Awards
($)
All Other
Compensation
($)
Total ($)
15,000
12,500
20,000
20,000
17,500
15,000
15,000
20,000
10,000 (2)
15,000
12,500
20,000
30,000
17,500
15,000
15,000
20,000
(1) Directors earn $5,000 for each meeting attended physically, $2,500 per meeting for each meeting attended telephonically, and nothing for non-attendance. These cash
payments are paid to the Board member at the subsequent board meeting.
(2) On October 4, 2018, Mr. Hallren received $10,000 for consulting services provided to the Company.
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The following table shows the beneficial ownership of shares of our $0.001 par value common stock as of March 29, 2019 known by us through transfer agent and other records
held by: (i) each person who beneficially owns 5% or more of the shares of common stock then outstanding; (ii) each of our directors; (iii) each of our named executive
officers; and (iv) all of our current directors and executive officers as a group.
38
The information in this table reflects “beneficial ownership” as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act. To our knowledge and unless otherwise indicated, each stockholder
has sole voting power and investment power over the shares listed as beneficially owned by such stockholder, subject to community property laws where applicable. Percentage
ownership is based on 10,432,718 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 29, 2019. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the following table, each person
named in the table has sole voting and investment power and that person’s address is c/o 8383 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 412, Beverly Hills, CA 90211.
Name of Beneficial Owner
Directors and Named Executive Officers
Andy Heyward
Amy Moynihan Heyward
Gregory B. Payne
Robert L. Denton
Michael Klein
Bernard Cahill
Joseph “Gray” Davis
P. Clark Hallren
Michael Jaffa
Margaret Loesch
Lynne Segall
Anthony Thomopoulos
All current executive officers and directors as a group (consisting of 10 persons)
5% Stockholders
A Squared Holdings LLC
Bard Associates, Inc. (7)
Brio Capital Management LLC (9)
Anson Investments Master Fund, LP (11)
HBA Entertainment Trade Co. Limited (15)
Iroquois Capital Management LLC and related entities (17)
___________________
* Indicates ownership less than 1%
39
Amount and
Nature of Beneficial
Ownership (1)
Percent of
Class (1)
2,031,786
448,750
–
28,363
76,020
29,230
11,251
11,251
28,363
11,251
11,251
11,366
2,250,122
990,728
949,949
870,914
1,065,894
643,302
936,094
(2)
(3)
(13)
(19)
(4)
(5)
(5)
(14)
(5)
(5)
(6)
(8)
(10)
(12)
(16)
(18)
18.31%
*
–
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
20.02%
9.50%
6.23%
7.96%
9.9%
6.17%
8.31%
(1) Applicable percentage ownership is based on 10,432,718 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 29, 2019, together with securities exercisable or convertible
into shares of common stock within 60 days of March 29, 2019. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of common stock that a person has the right to acquire beneficial
ownership of upon the exercise or conversion of options, convertible stock, warrants or other securities that are currently exercisable or convertible or that will become
exercisable or convertible within 60 days of March 29, 2019 are deemed to be beneficially owned by the person holding such securities for the purpose of computing the
number of shares beneficially owned and percentage of ownership of such person, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage
ownership of any other person.
(2) Consists of (i) 990,728 shares of common stock held by A Squared Holdings LLC over which Andy Heyward holds sole voting and dispositive power; (ii) 47,170
shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of 100 shares of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; (iii) 377,237 shares of common stock held by
Andy Heyward; (iv) 1,234 shares held by Heyward Living Trust; (v) 166,667 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants held by Andy Heyward; (vi) 448,750 shares of
common stock issuable now or within 60 days of March 29, 2018, upon the exercise of stock options granted to Andy Heyward.
(3) Consists of 448,750 shares of common stock issuable now or within 60 days of March 29, 2019, upon the exercise of stock options granted to Amy Moynihan Heyward.
Includes (i) 13,812 shares of common stock owned directly by Bernard Cahill; (ii) 4,167 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Cahill’s spouse, and (iii) 11,251 shares
(4)
of common stock issuable now or within 60 days of March 29, 2018 upon the exercise of stock options granted to Mr. Cahill.
(5) Consists of 11,251 shares of common stock issuable now or within 60 days of March 29, 2018 upon the exercise of stock options granted.
(6) Consists of (i) 115 shares of common stock and (ii) 11,251 shares of common stock issuable now or within 60 days of March 30, 2018 upon the exercise of stock options
(7)
granted to Mr. Thomopoulos.
The address of this beneficial owner is 135 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3700, Chicago, Illinois 60603. Bard Associates, Inc. has the sole voting and dispositive power
over the shares. This beneficial owner acts as an investment adviser in accordance with Section 340.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E).
(10)
(9)
(8) Consists of (i) 649,935 shares of common stock and (ii) 300,014 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants. The warrants may not be exercised to the extent that the
holder or any of its affiliates would own more than 4.99% of the outstanding common stock of the Company after such exercise. The number of shares deemed
beneficially owned is limited accordingly.
The address of this beneficial owner is 100 Merrick Road, Suite, 401 W. Rockville Center, NY 11570. Brio Capital Master Fund Ltd. has sole voting and dispositive
power over the shares.
Includes shares of common stock, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, and shares of common stock issuable upon
exercise of certain warrants held by Brio Capital Master Fund Ltd. This stockholder owns 300 shares of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock which are
convertible into 141,509 shares of common stock, 200,000 shares upon the conversion of the $500,000 of Senior Convertible Notes as well as warrants which are
exercisable into 671,766 shares of common stock. The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and the Senior Convertible Notes may not be converted to the extent that
the holder or any of its affiliates would own more than 9.99% of the outstanding common stock of the Company after such conversion, and the Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock may not be voted to the extent that the holder or any of its affiliates would control more than 9.99% of the voting power of the Issuer. The number of
shares deemed beneficially is limited accordingly. The warrants may not be exercised to the extent that the holder or any of its affiliates would own more than 4.99% of
the outstanding common stock of the Company after such exercise. The number of shares deemed beneficially owned is limited accordingly.
(11) The address of this beneficial owner is 155 University Avenue, Suite 207, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 3B7. Anson Investments Master Fund LP has sole voting and
(12)
dispositive power over the shares.
Includes 945,894 shares of common stock and 720,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of $1,800,000 of Senior Convertible Notes and 3,840,147
shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of certain warrants held by Anson Investments Master Fund, LP. the Convertible Notes may not be converted to the
extent that the holder or any of its affiliates would own more than 9.99% of the outstanding common stock of the Company after such conversion. The warrants may not
be exercised to the extent that the holder or any of its affiliates would own more than 4.99% of the outstanding common stock of the Company after such exercise. The
number of shares deemed beneficially owned is limited accordingly.
40
(13) Consists of 28,363 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options granted to Mr. Denton on June 7, 2018.
(14) Consists of 28,363 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options granted to Mr. Jaffa on June 7, 2018.
(15) The address of this beneficial owner is No. 6 A, Building 45 Mei Zhi Guo Garden, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China HBA Entertainment Trade Co., Limited George Yu has the
sole voting and dispositive power over the shares.
(16) Consists of shares of common stock.
(17) The address of this beneficial owner is 205 East 42nd Street, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10017. Based on the Schedule 13G jointly filed with the SEC by
Iroquois Capital Management L.L.C. (“Iroquois”), Richard Abbe and Kimberly Page on February 14, 2019.
(18) Consists of (i) 102,886 shares of common stock, (ii) 113,208 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of 240 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock,
(iii) 280,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of $700,000 of Senior Secured Convertible Notes and (iv) 908,472 shares of common stock
issuable upon the exercise of certain warrants. The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and the Senior Secured Convertible Notes may not be converted to the extent
that the holder or any of its affiliates would own more than 9.99% of the outstanding common stock of the Company after such conversion. The Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock may not be voted to the extent that the holder or any of its affiliates would control more than 9.99% of the voting power of the Issuer. The number of
shares deemed beneficially is limited accordingly. The warrants may not be exercised to the extent that the holder or any of its affiliates would own more than 4.99%
of the outstanding common stock of the Company after such exercise. The number of shares deemed beneficially owned is limited accordingly.
(19) Consists of 55,000 shares of common stock and 21,020 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of certain warrants.
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
Commission regulations define the related person transactions that require disclosure to include any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which the amount involved
exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years in which we were or are to be a participant and in
which a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. A related person is: (i) an executive officer, director or director nominee of the Company, (ii) a
beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock, (iii) an immediate family member of an executive officer, director or director nominee or beneficial owner of more
than 5% of our common stock, or (iv) any entity that is owned or controlled by any of the foregoing persons or in which any of the foregoing persons has a substantial
ownership interest or control. Described below are certain transactions or relationships between us and certain related persons.
On April 21, 2016, the Company entered into a merchandising and licensing agreement with Andy Heyward Animation Art (“AHAA”), whose principal is Andy Heyward, the
Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Company entered into a customary merchandise license agreement with AHAA for the use of characters and logos related to Warren
Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club and Stan Lee’s Mighty 7 in connection with certain products to be sold by AHAA. The terms and conditions of such license are customary
within the industry, and the Company earns an arm-length industry standard royalty on all sales made by AHAA utilizing the licensed content. No amounts were earned during
the year ended December 31, 2018, under this agreement.
On July 25, 2016, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Foothill Entertainment, Inc. (“Foothill”), an entity whose Chairman is Gregory Payne, our former
corporate secretary. The Company has engaged Foothill Entertainment, Inc. for a term of six months to assist in the distribution and commercial exploitation of its audiovisual
content as well as for the preparation and attendance on behalf of the Company at the MIPJR and MIPCOM markets in Cannes. Foothill receives $12,500 per month for these
services. This agreement was extended on a month to month basis through and terminated on January 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, Foothill owed the Company $17,784 that
Foothill collected on the Company’s behalf for a content license. Greg Payne owed the Company $2,939 for expenses. These amounts were repaid on April 30, 2018.
41
On October 1, 2016, Llama Productions LLC entered into an animation production services agreement with Mr. Heyward for services as a producer for which he is to receive
$186,000 through the course of production of the Company’s animated series Llama Llama. From October 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017, Mr. Heyward has been paid
$186,000. No amounts were paid during the year ended December 31, 2018 under this agreement.
As of December 31, 2017, Gregory B. Payne, individually and via his ownership position in Foothill, owed to the Company $5,558 for expenditures made during the fourth
quarter of 2017 related to the Brand Licensing Europe (“BLE”) and MIPCOM tradeshows. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2017, Foothill acted as an agent on the
Company’s behalf in licensing certain of our animated programs to certain broadcast networks for which Foothill owed to the Company $7,517 in license fees to be paid by the
broadcaster to Foothill. Subsequent to the end of the period, the Company received a payment of $7,517 from Foothill as satisfaction of the open licensing invoice. Additionally,
on February 28, 2018, Mr. Payne and the Company entered into an agreement whereby, among other things, Mr. Payne was entitled to be reimbursed for 100% of his expenses
incurred at the BLE and MIPCOM tradeshows resulting in the Company owning to Mr. Payne $827. As of December 31, 2018, Gregory B. Payne, no amounts are due to or
from Mr. Payne or Foothill.
On August 31, 2018 Llama Productions LLC entered into an animation production services agreement with Mr. Heyward for services as a producer for which he is to receive
$124,000 through the course of production of the Company’s animated series Llama Llama. Season 2. As of December 31, 2018 Mr., Heyward is owed $43,510, which is
included in the Due To Related Party line item in our consolidated balance sheet.
Pursuant to his employment agreement dated November 16, 2018, Mr. Heyward is entitled to an Executive Producer fee of $12,400 per half hour episode for each episode her
provides services as an executive producer. The first identified series under this employment agreement is Rainbow Rangers. As of December 31, 2018, nineteen half hours had
been delivered and accordingly Mr. Heyward is owed $235,600, which is included in the Due To Related Party line item in our consolidated balance sheet.
Except as otherwise indicated herein, there have been no other related party transactions, or any other transactions or relationships required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404
and Item 407(a) of Regulation S-K.
Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
Pursuant to the written charter of our Audit Committee, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all transactions both in which (i) we are participant and
(ii) any parties related to us, including our executive officers, our directors, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our securities, immediate family members of the foregoing
persons and any other persons who our Board of Directors determines may be considered related parties under Item 404 of Regulation S-K, has or will have a direct or indirect
material interest. All the transactions described in this section occurred prior to the adoption of the Audit Committee’s charter.
Independence of the Board of Directors
Our determination of the independence of our directors is made using the definition of “independent” contained in the listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market. On the
basis of information solicited from each director, the board has determined that each of each of Messrs. Cahill, Davis, Hallren, Klein and Thomopoulos as well as Ms. Segall
and Ms. Loesch are independent directors within the meaning of such rules.
42
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table sets forth fees billed to us by our independent registered public accounting firm for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 for (i) services rendered
for the audit of our annual financial statements and the review of our quarterly financial statements, (ii) services rendered that are reasonably related to the performance of the
audit or review of our financial statements that are not reported as Audit Fees, and (iii) services rendered in connection with tax preparation, compliance, advice and assistance.
Audit Fees
Audit-Related Fees
Tax Fees
Other Fees
Total Fees
$
$
2018
2017
95,000
–
13,501
–
108,501
$
$
74,000
7,500
7,000
18,768
107,268
Our policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit
services, audit-related services, tax services and other services, as follows:
·
·
·
·
Audit services include audit work performed in the preparation of financial statements, as well as work that generally only the independent auditor can reasonably be
expected to provide, including comfort letters, statutory audits, and attest services and consultation regarding financial accounting and/or reporting standards.
Audit-Related services are for assurance and related services that are traditionally performed by the independent auditor, including due diligence related to mergers and
acquisitions, employee benefit plan audits, and special procedures required to meet certain regulatory requirements.
Tax services include all services performed by the independent auditor’s tax personnel except those services specifically related to the audit of the financial statements,
and includes fees in the areas of tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice.
Other Fees are those associated with services not captured in the other categories. The Company generally does not request such services from the independent auditor.
Under our policy, pre-approval is generally provided for particular services or categories of services, including planned services, project-based services and routine
consultations. In addition, the Board of Directors may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis. Our Board of Directors approved all services that our
independent registered public accounting firm provided to us in the past two fiscal years.
43
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
Financial Statements
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 8 herein.
PART IV
Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted as they are either not required, not applicable, or the information is otherwise included.
EXHIBIT INDEX
2.1
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
10.1†
10.2†
10.3†
10.4†
10.5
10.6†
10.7
10.8
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between Genius Brands International, Inc., A Squared Entertainment LLC, A Squared Holdings LLC and A2E
Acquisition LLC dated November 15, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 20,
2013)
Articles of Incorporation of Genius Brands International Inc., as amended (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with
the SEC on December 2, 2011)
Bylaws of Genius Brands International, Inc., as amended (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on
October 21, 2011)
Form of Placement Agent Warrant (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 19, 2014)
Form of Warrant (November 2015) (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 4, 2015)
Form of Subordinated Indenture (Incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on November 25, 2016)
Form of Reload Warrant (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 13, 2017)
Form of Market Price Warrant (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 13, 2017)
Form of Investor Warrant (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 3, 2017)
Form of Investor Warrant (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 8, 2018)
Form of Secured Convertible Note (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 17, 2018)
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 17, 2018)
Form of Registered Warrant (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 15, 2019)
Form of Private Warrant (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 15, 2019)
Form of Waiver Warrant (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 15, 2019)
2008 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC on May 4, 2011)
First Amendment to 2008 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC on May 4, 2011)
Second Amendment to 2008 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC on May 4, 2011)
Form of Stock Option Grant Notice (Incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC on May 4, 2011)
Form of Registration Rights Agreement between Genius Brands International, Inc. and the Investors signatory thereto (Incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 20, 2013)
Employment Agreement dated November 15, 2013 between Genius Brands International, Inc. and Andrew Heyward (Incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 20, 2013)
Engagement Letter dated November 15, 2013 between Genius Brands International, Inc. and ROAR LLC (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 20, 2013)
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 19, 2014)
44
10.9
10.10†
10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18†
10.19
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
Form of Registration Rights Agreement (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 19, 2014)
Genius Brands International, Inc. 2015 Incentive Plan, as amended (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on
November 14, 2017)
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 4, 2015)
Form of Registration Rights Agreement (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 4, 2015)
Loan and Security Agreement dated August 5, 2016 between Genius Brands International, Inc. and Llama Productions LLC (Incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 12, 2016)
Subscription Agreement dated January 17, 2017 between Genius Brands International, Inc. and Sony DADC USA, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 17, 2017)
Form of Warrant Exercise Agreement dated February 9, 2017 (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on
February 10, 2017)
Securities Purchase Agreement dated October 3, 2017 (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October
3, 2017)
Securities Purchase Agreement dated January 8, 2018 (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January
8, 2018)
Employment Agreement dated April 18, 2018 between Genius Brands International, Inc. and Robert Denton (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 5, 2018)
Securities Purchase Agreement dated August 17, 2018 (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August
17, 2018)
Registration Rights Agreement dated August 17, 2018 (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August
17, 2018)
Loan and Security Agreement dated September 28, 2018, by and between Llama Productions LLC and Bank Leumi USA (Incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 4, 2018)
Amendment No. 2 to Loan and Security Agreement, effective as of August 27, 2018, by and between Llama Productions LLC and Bank Leumi USA
(Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 4, 2018)
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated November 16, 2018 between Genius Brands International, Inc. and Andrew Heyward (Incorporated by
reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 19, 2018)
10.24*
Employment Agreement dated April 16, 2018 between Genius Brands International, Inc. and Michael Jaffa
21.1*
23.1*
31.1*
31.2*
32.1*
32.2*
101.INS*
101.SCH*
101.CAL*
101.DEF*
101.LAB*
101.PRE*
List of Subsidiaries
Consent of Squar Milner LLP
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
XBRL Instance Document
XBRL Schema Document
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
XBRL Label Linkbase Document
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
__________
* Filed herewith.
† Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary
None
45
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
SIGNATURES
April 1, 2019
April 1, 2019
Genius Brands International, Inc.
By: /s/ Andy Heyward
Andy Heyward
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Robert L. Denton
Robert L. Denton
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
46
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Andy Heyward and Robert L. Denton, jointly and
severally, attorney-in-fact, with the power of substitution in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorney-in-
fact, or substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ Andy Heyward
Andy Heyward
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/Robert L. Denton
Robert L. Denton
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Michael Klein
Michael Klein
Director
/s/ Bernard Cahill
Bernard Cahill
Director
/s/ Joseph “Gray” Davis
Joseph “Gray” Davis
Director
/s/ P. Clark Hallren
P. Clark Hallren
Director
/s/ Lynne Segall
Lynne Segall
Director
/s/ Anthony Thomopoulos
Anthony Thomopoulos
Director
/s/ Margaret Loesch
Margaret Loesch
Director
47
April 1, 2019
April 1, 2019
April 1, 2019
April 1, 2019
April 1, 2019
April 1, 2019
April 1, 2019
April 1, 2019
April 1, 2019
GENIUS BRANDS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-1
Page No.
F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Genius Brands International, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Genius Brands International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017,
the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated
financial statements (collectively, the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern Uncertainty
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses, negative cash flows from operations and has an accumulated deficit that raise substantial doubt
about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include
any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our
audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States of America) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be
independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an
audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the
purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included
evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Squar Milner LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2016.
Los Angeles, California
April 1, 2019
F-2
Genius Brands International, Inc. And Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted Cash
Accounts Receivable, net
Other Receivable
Inventory, net
Prepaid and Other Assets
Total Current Assets
Property and Equipment, net
Accounts Receivable
Other Receivable
Film and Television Costs, net
Lease Deposits
Intangible Assets, net
Goodwill
Total Assets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable
Accrued Expenses
Participations Payable
Deferred Revenue
Senior Secured Convertible Notes, net
Due To Related Parties
Accrued Salaries and Wages
Total Current Liabilities
Long Term Liabilities:
Deferred Revenue
Production Facility, net
Disputed Trade Payable
Total Liabilities
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, respectively; 2,120 and 3,530 shares issued and
outstanding, respectively
Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 233,333,334 shares authorized, respectively; 9,457,859 and 7,610,794 shares
issued and outstanding, respectively
Additional Paid in Capital
Accumulated Deficit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total Equity
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,684,483
400,543
2,160,296
20,902
15,816
297,542
5,579,582
75,634
–
–
8,166,131
325,000
89,988
10,365,806
24,602,141
694,740
52,865
669,380
874,503
1,831,847
346,759
137,825
4,607,919
4,051,253
2,178,198
925,000
11,762,370
6,929,399
568,673
2,893,902
160,545
17,589
264,818
10,834,926
94,666
1,687,500
96,327
2,777,088
–
1,856,280
10,365,805
27,712,592
453,201
1,020,457
697,513
453,927
–
–
168,549
2,793,647
4,631,456
4,322,643
925,000
12,672,746
2
4
9,458
63,537,915
(50,702,486)
(5,118)
12,839,771
7,611
56,588,846
(41,551,497)
(5,118)
15,039,846
$
24,602,141
$
27,712,592
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
Revenues:
Licensing & Royalties
Television & Home Entertainment
Advertising Sales
Product Sales
Total Revenues
Operating Expenses:
Marketing and Sales
Direct Operating Costs
General and Administrative
Impairment Loss
Total Operating Expenses
Loss from Operations
Other Income (Expense):
Other Income
Interest Expense
Net Other Income (Expense)
Loss before Income Tax Expense
Income Tax Expense
Net Loss
Beneficial Conversion Feature on Preferred Stock
Net Loss Applicable to Common Shareholders
Net Loss per Common Share (Basic And Diluted)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Basic and Diluted)
Genius Brands International, Inc. And Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
$
$
$
$
449,385
323,709
217,999
2,359
993,452
738,122
1,536,722
4,982,779
1,740,000
8,997,623
472,134
4,815,491
38,779
9,324
5,335,728
662,373
4,257,427
5,329,718
–
10,249,518
(8,004,171)
(4,913,790)
19,646
(1,019,376)
(999,730)
8,281
(3,227)
5,054
(9,003,901)
(4,908,736)
–
–
(9,003,901)
(4,908,736)
(353,333)
(9,357,234)
(1.07)
$
$
–
(4,908,736)
(0.81)
8,758,694
6,084,732
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
Genius Brands International, Inc. And Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
Net Loss
Beneficial Conversion Feature on Preferred Stock
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax:
Comprehensive Net Loss to Common Shareholders
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2018
(9,003,901)
(353,333)
–
(9,357,234)
$
$
December 31, 2017
(4,908,736)
–
(2,360)
(4,911,096)
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
Genius Brands International, Inc. And Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
Balance, December 31, 2016
4,010,649
$
4,011
4,895
$
5
$
46,697,029
$
(36,642,761) $
(2,758) $
10,055,526
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Additional
Paid-In Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total
Issuance of Common Stock in Warrant
Exchange, net
Issuance of Common Stock in Registered
Direct Offering, net
Conversion of Preferred Shares
Issuance of Common Stock for Services
Issuance of Common Shares for Debt
Extinguishment
Share Based Compensation
Net Loss
Comprehensive Loss
Balance, December 31, 2017
Cumulative effect of adoption ASC 606
Issuance of Common Stock in Registered
Direct Offering, net
Conversion of Preferred Shares
Issuance of Common Stock for Services
Share Based Compensation
Value of Beneficial Conversion Feature
Value of Beneficial Conversion Feature
on Secured Convertible Notes
Discount on Senior Secured Notes
Net Loss
Balance, December 31, 2018
1,171,689
1,647,691
455,000
24,534
301,231
–
–
–
7,610,794
–
592,000
470,001
785,064
–
–
–
–
–
9,457,859
$
1,172
1,648
455
24
301
–
–
–
7,611
–
592
470
785
–
–
–
–
–
9,458
–
–
(1,365)
–
–
–
–
–
3,530
–
–
(1,410)
–
–
–
–
–
(1)
–
–
–
–
–
4
–
–
(2)
–
–
–
3,400,752
5,697,886
(454)
129,976
(301)
663,958
–
–
56,588,846
–
–
–
–
–
–
(4,908,736)
–
(41,551,497)
–
206,245
1,595,749
(469)
1,984,822
(16,588)
353,333
–
–
–
–
(353,333)
–
–
–
–
–
2,120
$
–
–
–
2
$
1,561,111
1,471,111
–
63,537,915
(9,003,901)
(50,702,486) $
$
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(2,360)
(5,118)
–
–
–
–
–
–
3,401,924
5,699,534
130,000
–
663,958
(4,908,736)
(2,360)
15,039,846
206,245
1,596,341
–
1,985,607
(16,588)
–
–
–
–
(5,118) $
1,561,111
1,471,111
(9,003,901)
12,839,771
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
Genius Brands International, Inc. And Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Loss
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Used in Operating Activities:
Amortization of Film and Television Costs
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Accretion of Discount on Preferred Convertible Notes
Bad Debt Expense
Stock Issued for Services
Stock Compensation Expense
Loss on Impairment of Assets
Decrease (Increase) in Operating Assets:
Accounts Receivable, net
Other Receivable
Inventory, net
Prepaid Expenses & Other Assets
Lease Deposits
Film and Television Costs, net
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities:
Accounts Payable
Accrued Salaries and Wages
Deferred Revenue
Participations Payable
Due To Related Parties
Disputed Trade Payable - Long Term
Accrued Expenses
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Investment in Intangible Assets, net
Investment in Property and Equipment, net
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from Warrant Exchange, Net
Proceeds from Sale of Common Stock, Net
Proceeds from Senior Secured Convertible Notes, net
Repayment of Production Facility, Net
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
Beginning Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
Ending Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash Paid for Interest
Schedule of Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities
Issuance of Common Stock for services rendered
Issuance of Common Stock in Relation to Sony Transaction
Beneficial Conversion Feature
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
$
(9,003,901)
$
(4,908,736)
1,079,723
88,309
678,015
2,400
322,605
(16,588)
1,740,000
2,418,706
235,970
1,773
(18,049)
(325,000)
(5,025,236)
241,537
(30,724)
249,524
(28,133)
346,759
–
(965,700)
(8,008,010)
(21,358)
(21,627)
(42,985)
–
1,596,340
4,186,054
(2,144,445)
3,637,949
(4,413,046)
7,498,072
3,085,026
$
2,534,835
125,918
–
66,502
130,000
663,958
–
(4,527,354)
(256,872)
(11,027)
94,577
–
(2,825,426)
(266,645)
35,722
489,189
–
–
–
1,468,489
(7,186,870)
(44,793)
(62,400)
(107,193)
3,401,924
5,699,534
–
2,802,756
11,904,214
4,610,151
2,887,921
7,498,072
271,244
$
3,227
1,985,607
–
353,333
$
$
$
–
1,489,583
0
$
$
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-7
Genius Brands International, Inc. And Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2018
Note 1: Organization and Business
Organization and Nature of Business
Genius Brands International, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is a global content and brand management company that creates and licenses multimedia content. Led
by industry veterans, we distribute our content in all formats as well as a broad range of consumer products based on our characters. In the children's media sector, our portfolio
features “content with a purpose” for toddlers to tweens, which provides enrichment as well as entertainment. New intellectual property titles include the preschool
property Rainbow Rangers, which debuted in November 2018 on Nickelodeon and preschool property Llama Llama; which debuted on Netflix in January 2018 and was
renewed by Netflix for a second season. Our library titles include the award winning Baby Genius, - adventure comedy Thomas Edison's Secret Lab® and Warren
Buffett's Secret Millionaires Club, created with and starring iconic investor Warren Buffett which is distributed across our Genius Brands Network on Comcast’s Xfinity on
Demand, AppleTV, Roku, Amazon Fire, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Cox, Dish, Sling and Zumo as well as Connected TV.
In addition, we act as licensing agent for Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House LLC who owns or controls the underlying rights to Llama Llama,
leveraging our existing licensing infrastructure to expand this brand into new product categories, new retailers, and new territories.
The Company commenced operations in January 2006, assuming all the rights and obligations of its then Chief Executive Officer, under an Asset Purchase Agreement between
the Company and Genius Products, Inc., in which the Company obtained all rights, copyrights, and trademarks to the brands “Baby Genius,” “Kid Genius,” “123 Favorite
Music” and “Wee Worship,” and all then existing productions under those titles. In October 2011, the Company (i) changed its domicile to Nevada from California, and (ii)
changed its name to Genius Brands International, Inc. from Pacific Entertainment Corporation (the “Reincorporation”). In connection with the Reincorporation, the Company
changed its trading symbol from “PENT” to “GNUS”.
Liquidity and Going Concern
Historically, the Company has incurred net losses. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company reported net losses of $9,003,901 and $4,908,736,
respectively. The Company reported net cash used in operating activities of $8,008,010 and $7,186,870 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of
December 31, 2018, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $50,702,486 and total stockholders’ equity of $12,839,771. As a result, the Company will require additional
capital to fund its operations and execute its business plan. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash of $3,085,026, which is not
sufficient to fund the Company’s planned operations and production through one year after the date the consolidated financial statements are issued, and accordingly, there is
substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
F-8
The analysis used to determine the Company’s ability as a going concern does not include cash sources outside the Company’s direct control that management expects to be
available within the next 12 months. Management is in negotiations to obtain new long-term financing and has a long history of successful capital raises with its investment
bank group that will be leading the upcoming round. Both the Company and the Investment banking group are confident in their ability to raise sufficient capital to meet the
Company’s obligations and fund its production slate for the coming twelve months. There is inherent uncertainty and business risks that the Company will be able to raise such
additional capital. The Company also expects revenue from operations to increase in the third quarter and for the subsequent quarters based on executed licensing agreements.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and do not include any adjustments to the amounts and classification of assets and
liabilities that may be necessary in the event the Company can no longer continue as a going concern.
During 2018, the company completed three transactions that enhanced cash and working capital balances:
January 2018 Private Placement
On January 8, 2018, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain accredited investors pursuant to which the Company sold approximately
$1,596,341 net, of common stock and warrants to such investors (the “January 2018 Private Placement”). The Company issued and sold warrants to purchase 592,000 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share. In addition, the company issued to Chardan Capital Markets, LLC, as placement agent, warrants to purchase 93,000
shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share.
Securities Purchase Agreement
On August 17, 2018, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “August 2018 Purchase Agreement”) with certain investors, pursuant to which the
Company agreed to sell (i) an aggregate principal amount of $4.50 million in secured convertible notes, convertible into shares of our common stock, at a conversion price of
$2.50 per share (the “Secured Convertible Notes”) and (ii) warrants to purchase 1,800,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share (the “Warrants,”
and, together with the Secured Convertible Notes, the “Securities”). The Company received approximately $4,186,054 in net proceeds from the offering.
Production Loans
On September 28, 2018, Llama Productions LLC, a California limited liability company (“Llama”) a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Loan and
Security Agreement (the “Loan and Security Agreement”) with Bank Leumi USA (the “Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender agreed to make a secured loan in the aggregate
amount of $4,186,054, to Llama (the “Loan”). The proceeds of the Loan were or will be used to pay the majority of the expenses of producing, completing and delivering two
22-minute episodes and sixteen 11-minute episodes of the second season of the animated series Llama Llama to be initially exhibited on Netflix.
In addition, on September 28, 2018, Llama and Lender entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Loan and Security Agreement, effective as of August 27, 2018, by and between
Llama and the Lender (the “Amendment”). Pursuant to the Amendment, the original Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2016 and amended as of November 7,
2017 (the “Original Loan and Security Agreement”), was amended to (i) reduce the loan commitment thereunder to $1,768,010, which is a reduction of $3,075,406 from the
original loan commitment under the Original Loan and Security Agreement and (ii) include the Llama Llama season two obligations under the Loan and Security Agreement as
obligations under the Original Loan and Security Agreement.
The Maturity Date of the Prime Rate Loan facility and LIBOR Loan facility is March 31, 2021.
Subsequent to the end of the year, on February 19, 2019, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with an accredited investor pursuant to which the Company
sold approximately $2,000,000 of common stock and warrants to such investor (the “February 2019 Private Placement”). See note 17.
F-9
While the Company believes that its anticipated cash balances, working capital, and deal pipeline will be sufficient to fund operations for the next twelve months, there can be
no assurance that cash flows from operations will continue to improve in the near future or will not deteriorate during that period. If the Company is unable to attain profitable
operations and attain positive operating cash flows, it may need to (i) seek additional funding, (ii) scale back its development or production plans, or (iii) reduce certain
operations.
Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying 2018 and 2017 consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Genius Brands International, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries A Squared LLC, Llama
Productions LLC and Rainbow Rangers Productions LLC, as well as its interest in Stan Lee Comics, LLC (“Stan Lee Comics”). All significant inter-company balances and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
Financial Statement Reclassification
Certain account balances from prior periods have been reclassified in these consolidated financial statements to conform to current period classifications.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with initial maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2018, and 2017, restricted
cash totaled $400,543 and $568,673 which represented funds held in a cash account to be used solely for the production of Llama Llama as a condition of its loan agreement
with Bank Leumi USA.
F-10
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable are presented on the balance sheets net of estimated uncollectible amounts. The Company assesses its accounts receivable balances on a quarterly basis to
determine collectability and records an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts in an amount approximating anticipated losses based on historical experience and future
expectations. Individual uncollectible accounts are written off against the allowance when collection of the individual accounts appears doubtful. The Company had an
allowance for doubtful accounts of $0 and $110,658 as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value and consist of finished goods such as DVDs, CDs and other products. A reserve for slow-moving and
obsolete inventory is established for all inventory deemed potentially non-saleable. The current inventory is considered properly valued and saleable. The Company concluded
that there was an appropriate reserve for slow moving and obsolete inventory of $26,097 at both December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation on property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets,
which range from two to seven years. Maintenance, repairs, and renewals, which neither materially add to the value of the assets nor appreciably prolong their lives, are charged
to expense as incurred. Gains and losses from any dispositions of property and equipment are reflected in the statement of operations.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for by the purchase method. In
accordance with FASB ASC 350 Intangibles Goodwill and Other, goodwill and certain intangible assets are presumed to have indefinite useful lives and are thus not amortized,
but subject to an impairment test annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment arise. The Company completes the annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset
impairment tests at the end of each fiscal year. To test for goodwill impairment, we are required to estimate the fair market value of each of our reporting units, of which we
have one. While we may use a variety of methods to estimate fair value for impairment testing, our primary method is discounted cash flows. We estimate future cash flows and
allocations of certain assets using estimates for future growth rates and our judgment regarding the applicable discount rates. Changes to our judgments and estimates could
result in a significantly different estimate of the fair market value of the reporting units, which could result in an impairment of goodwill or indefinite lived intangible assets in
future periods.
Other intangible assets have been acquired, either individually or with a group of other assets, and were initially recognized and measured based on fair value. Annual
amortization of these intangible assets is computed based on the straight-line method over the remaining economic life of the asset.
Film and Television Costs
The Company capitalizes production costs for episodic series produced in accordance with FASB ASC 926-20 Entertainment-Films - Other Assets - Film Costs. Accordingly,
production costs are capitalized at actual cost and then charged against revenue based on the initial market revenue evidenced by a firm commitment over the period of
commitment. The Company expenses all capitalized costs that exceed the initial market firm commitment revenue in the period of delivery of the episodes.
The Company capitalizes production costs for films produced in accordance with FASB ASC 926-20 Entertainment-Films - Other Assets - Film Costs. Accordingly, production
costs are capitalized at actual cost and then charged against revenue quarterly as a cost of production based on the relative fair value of the film(s) delivered and recognized as
revenue. The Company evaluates its capitalized production costs annually and limits recorded amounts by their ability to recover such costs through expected future sales.
F-11
Additionally, for both episodic series and films, from time to time, the Company develops additional content, improved animation and bonus songs/features for its existing
content. After the initial release of the film or episodic series, the costs of significant improvement to existing products are capitalized while routine and periodic alterations to
existing products are expensed as incurred.
Debt and Attached Equity-Linked Instruments
The Company measures issued debt on an amortized cost basis, net of debt premium/discount and debt issuance costs amortized using the effective interest rate method or the
straight-line method when the latter does not lead to materially different results.
The Company accounts for the proceeds from the issuance of convertible notes payable in accordance with FASB ASC 470-20 Debt with Conversion and Other Options.
Pursuant to FASB ASC 470-20, the intrinsic value of the embedded conversion feature (beneficial conversion interest), which is in the money on the commitment date is
included in the discount to debt and amortized to interest expense over the term of the note agreement. When the conversion option is not separated, the Company accounts for
the entire convertible instrument including debt and the conversion feature as a liability.
The Company analyzes freestanding equity-linked instruments including warrants attached to debt to conclude whether the instrument meets the definition of the derivative and
whether it is considered indexed to the Company’s own stock. If the instrument is not considered indexed to Company’s stock, it is classified as an asset or liability recorded at
fair value. If the instrument considered indexed to Company’s stock, the Company analyzes additional equity classification requirements per ASC 815-40 Contract’s in Entity’s
Own Equity. When the requirements are met the instrument is recorded as part of the Company’s equity, initially measured based on its relative fair value with no subsequent
re-measurement. When the equity classification requirements are not met, the instrument is recorded as an asset or liability and is measured at fair value with subsequent
changes in fair value recorded in earnings.
When required, the Company also considers the bifurcation guidance for embedded derivatives per FASB ASC 815-15 Embedded Derivatives.
Revenue Recognition
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new accounting standard ASC 606 (Topic 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (“new
revenue standard”) using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning
after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under
ASC 605, (Topic 605).
Accordingly, on January 1, 2018 the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning accumulated deficit in the amount of $206,245. The impact to our financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 resulting from the adoption of Topic 606 as of January 1, 2018 was a reduction of revenue in the amount of $188,734 and a
corresponding reduction in costs in the amount of $52,269 from the amounts reported. The amounts prior to adoption were not recognized pursuant to Topic 606 and would
have been reported pursuant to Topic 605.
Changes to the opening balances in prepaid and other assets, film and television costs, total assets, accrued expenses, deferred revenue and total liabilities resulting from the
adoption of the new guidance were as follows (thousands):
Prepaid and Other Assets
Film and Television Costs, net
Total assets
Participations Payable
Deferred Revenue
Total liabilities
December 31,
2017
Impact of
Adoption
January 1
2018
265
2,777
27,713
1,718
5,085
12,673
$
$
$
$
$
$
15
(219)
(204)
(1)
(409)
(410)
$
$
$
$
$
$
280
2,558
27,509
1,717
4,676
12,263
$
$
$
$
$
$
F-12
The Company performed its analysis of its existing revenue contracts and has completed its new revenue accounting policy documentation under the new standard. The
Company has identified the following six material and distinct performance obligations:
·
·
·
·
·
·
License rights to exploit Functional Intellectual Property (Functional Intellectual Property or “functional IP” is defined as intellectual property that has significant
standalone functionality, such as the ability be played or aired. Functional intellectual property derives a substantial portion of its utility from its significant standalone
functionality.)
License rights to exploit Symbolic Intellectual Property (Symbolic Intellectual Property or “symbolic IP” is intellectual property that is not functional as it does not have
significant standalone use and substantially all of the utility of symbolic IP is derived from its association with the entity’s past or ongoing activities, including its
ordinary business activities, such as the Company’s licensing and merchandising programs associated with its animated content.)
Options to renew or extend a contract at fixed terms. (While this performance obligation is not significant for the Company’s current contracts, it could become
significant in the future.)
Options on future seasons of content at fixed terms. (While this performance obligation is not significant for the Company’s current contracts, it could become significant
in the future.)
Fixed fee advertising revenue generated from the Genius Brands Network
Variable fee advertising revenue generated from the Genius Brands Network
As a result of the change, beginning January 1, 2018, the Company began recognizing revenue related to licensed rights to exploit functional IP in two ways. For minimum
guarantees, the Company recognizes fixed revenue upon delivery of content and the start of the license period. For functional IP contracts with a variable component, the
Company estimates revenue such that it is probable there will not be a material reversal of revenue in future periods. Revenue under these types of contracts was previously
recognized when royalty statements were received. The Company began recognizing revenue related to licensed rights to exploit symbolic IP substantially similarly to
functional IP. Although it has a different recognition pattern from functional IP, the valuation method is substantially the same, depending on the nature of the license.
The Company sells advertising on its Kid Genius channel in the form of either flat rate promotions or impressions served. For flat rate promotions with a fixed term, the
Company recognizes revenue when all five revenue recognition criteria under FASB ASC 606 are met. For impressions served, the Company delivers a certain minimum
number of impressions on the channel to the advertiser for which the advertiser pays a contractual CPM per impression. Impressions served are reported to the Company on a
monthly basis, and revenue is reported in the month the impressions are served.
The Company recognizes revenue related to product sales when (i) the seller’s price is substantially fixed, (ii) shipment has occurred causing the buyer to be obligated to pay for
product, (iii) the buyer has economic substance apart from the seller, and (iv) there is no significant obligation for future performance to directly bring about the resale of the
product by the buyer.
Prior to the adoption of Topic 606,we recognized revenue in accordance with FASB ASC 926-605 Entertainment-Films - Revenue Recognition. Accordingly, we recognize
revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of a sale with a customer exists, (ii) the film is complete and has been delivered or is available for delivery, (iii) the license period of the
arrangement has begun and the customer can begin its exploitation, exhibition, or sale, (iv) the arrangement fee is fixed or determinable, and (v) collection of the arrangement
fee is reasonably assured.
F-13
Our licensing and royalty revenue represent revenue generated from license agreements that are held in conjunction with third parties that are responsible for collecting fees due
and remitting to us our share after expenses. Revenue from licensed products is recognized when realized or realizable based on royalty reporting received from licensees.
Licensing income that we recognize as an agent is in accordance with FASB ASC 605-45 Revenue Recognition - Principal Agent. Accordingly, our revenue is our gross
billings to our customers less the amounts we pay to suppliers for their products and services.
We sell advertising on our Genius Brands Network in the form of either flat rate promotions or impressions served. For flat rate promotions with a fixed term, we recognize
revenue when all five revenue recognition criteria under FASB ASC 605 are met. For impressions served, we deliver a certain minimum number of impressions on the channel
to the advertiser for which the advertiser pays a contractual CPM per impression. Impressions served are reported to us on a monthly basis, and revenue is reported in the month
the impressions are served.
Prior to the adoption of Topic 606, recognized revenue related to product sales when (i) the seller’s price is substantially fixed, (ii) shipment has occurred causing the buyer to
be obligated to pay for product, (iii) the buyer has economic substance apart from the seller, and (iv) there is no significant obligation for future performance to directly bring
about the resale of the product by the buyer as required by FASB ASC 605 Revenue Recognition.
Direct Operating Costs
Direct operating costs include costs of our product sales, non-capitalizable film costs, film and television cost amortization expense, and participation expense related to
agreements with various animation studios, post-production studios, writers, directors, musicians or other creative talent with which we are obligated to share net profits of the
properties on which they have rendered services.
Share-Based Compensation
As required by FASB ASC 718 - Stock Compensation, the Company recognizes an expense related to the fair value of our share-based compensation awards, including stock
options, using the Black-Scholes calculation as of the date of grant. The Company has elected to use the graded attribution method for awards which are in-substance, multiple
awards based on the vesting schedule. The Company’s accounting policy elected for forfeitures is not to estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest. Instead, the
Company accounts for forfeitures when they occur. The Company issues authorized shares available for the issuance under 2015 Plan upon employees’ exercise of their stock
options.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of
common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of
shares of common stock outstanding, plus the assumed exercise of all dilutive securities using the treasury stock or “as converted” method, as appropriate. During periods of net
loss, all common stock equivalents are excluded from the diluted EPS calculation because they are antidilutive.
Income Taxes
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using presently enacted tax
rates. At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates the available evidence about future taxable income and other possible sources of realization of deferred tax assets and
records a valuation allowance that reduces the deferred tax assets to an amount that represents management’s best estimate of the amount of such deferred tax assets that more
likely than not will be realized.
F-14
Concentration of Risk
The Company’s cash is maintained at two financial institutions and from time to time the balances for this account exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s
(“FDIC”) insured amount. Balances on interest bearing deposits at banks in the United States are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per account. As of December 31, 2018,
the Company had three accounts with a combined uninsured balance of $2,183,875. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had four accounts with a combined uninsured
balance of $6,379,322.
For fiscal year 2018, the Company had one customer whose total revenue exceeded 10% of the total consolidated revenue. This customer accounted for 20% of total revenue
and represented 8.5% of accounts receivable. For fiscal year 2017, the Company had one customer whose total revenue exceeded 10% of the total consolidated revenue. That
customer accounted for 84% of total revenue and represented 98% of accounts receivable.
The major customer for the year ended December 31, 2018 is not the same as the major customer at December 31, 2017. There is significant financial risk associated with a
dependence upon a small number of customers. The Company periodically assesses the financial strength of these customers and establishes allowances for any anticipated bad
debt. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, no allowance for bad debt has been established for the major customers as these amounts are expected to be fully collectible.
Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying amounts of cash, receivables, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of the instruments. The carrying
amount of long-term receivables approximate fair value due to the contractual nature of the obligation, payment schedule, and the current interest and inflation rate
environments. The carrying amount of the Production Loan Facility approximates fair value since the debt carries a variable interest rate that is tied to either the current Prime or
LIBOR rates plus an applicable spread.
We previously adopted FASB ASC 820 for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. FASB ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for
measuring fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement
date. FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to
unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). These
tiers include:
·
·
·
Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active
markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and
Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions, such as valuations derived
from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, “Leases.” The standard requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from
leases on the balance sheet. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset
representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018.
In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements, which allows for an additional optional transition method where comparative
periods presented in the financial statements in the period of adoption will not be restated and instead those periods will be presented under existing guidance in accordance with
ASC 840, Leases. Management will use this optional transition method. As of January 1, 2019, management recorded lease liability of $2,071,903, right-of-use asset of
$2,029,677, a reversal of previously recorded deferred rent of $37,920 and the increase in accumulated deficit of $4,306.
F-15
In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task
Force.” This standard requires restricted cash and cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows under a retrospective transition
approach. The guidance became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We
have prospectively adopted ASU 2016-18. The impact to our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows was minimal.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”, which requires an entity to perform a one-step
quantitative impairment test, whereby a goodwill impairment loss will be measured as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (not to exceed the total
goodwill allocated to that reporting unit). It eliminates Step 2 of the current two-step goodwill impairment test, under which a goodwill impairment loss is measured by
comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The standard is effective January 1, 2020, with early adoption as of
January 1, 2017 permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-11 addressing, among other matters, accounting for certain financial instruments. One of the amendments in this guidance
intended to reduce the complexity associated with the issuer’s accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. Specifically, the Board
determined that a down round feature (as defined) would no longer cause a freestanding equity-linked financial instrument (or an embedded conversion option) to be accounted
for as a derivative liability at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in current earnings. ASU 2017-11 is effective for public business entities for fiscal year beginning
after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value
Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”), which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of ASC 820. The update removes some disclosures, modifies others, and
add some new disclosure requirements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim period within those fiscal years, beginning after
December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU
2018-07”), which supersedes ASC 505-05 and expands the scope of ASC 718 to include all share-based payment arranges related to the acquisition of goods and services from
both nonemployees and employee. As a result, most of the guidance in ASC 718 associated with employee share-based payments, including most of its requirements related to
classification and measurement, applies to nonemployee share-based payment arrangements. ASC 2018-07 is effective for all entities for fiscal year beginning after December
15, 2018, and interim periods within that fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-02, Entertainment-Films-Other Assets-Film Costs (Subtopic 926-20) and Entertainment-Broadcasters Intangibles-Goodwill
and Other (Subtopic 920-350). The update aligns the accounting for production costs of an episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films by
removing the content distinction for capitalization. The amendments also require that an entity reassess estimates of the use of a film in a film group and account for any
changes prospectively. The amendments in this update require that an entity test a film or license agreement for program material within the scope of Subtopic 920-350 for
impairment at a film group level when the film or license agreement is predominantly monetized with other films and/or license agreements. For public business entities, the
amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the
potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
Various other accounting pronouncements have been recently issued, most of which represented technical corrections to the accounting literature or were applicable to specific
industries/transactions or special circumstances and are not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
F-16
Note 3: Property and Equipment, Net
The Company has property and equipment as follows as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:
Furniture and Equipment
Computer Equipment
Leasehold Improvements
Software
Property and Equipment, Gross
Less Accumulated Depreciation
Property and Equipment, Net
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
$
$
12,385
138,883
–
15,737
167,005
(91,371)
75,634
$
$
12,385
117,256
176,903
15,737
322,281
(227,615)
94,666
During the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company recorded depreciation expense of $40,659 and $70,396.
Note 4: Film and Television Costs, Net
As of December 31, 2018, the Company had net Film and Television Costs of $8,166,131 compared to $2,777,088 at December 31, 2017. The increase relates primarily to the
production and development of Rainbow Rangers Season 1 and Llama Llama Season 2 offset by the amortization of film costs associated with the revenue recognized for Space
Pop, Thomas Edison's Secret Lab, and Llama Llama Season 1 and Rainbow Rangers.
During the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company recorded Film and Television Cost amortization expense of $1,079,723 and $2,534,835,
respectively.
The following table highlights the activity in Film and Television Costs as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:
Film and Television Costs, Net as of December 31, 2016
Additions to Film and Television Costs
Capitalized Interest
Film Amortization Expense
Film and Television Costs, Net as of December 31, 2017
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of ASC 606
Additions to Film and Television Costs
Capitalized Interest
Film Amortization Expense
Film and Television Costs, Net as of December 31, 2018
F-17
Total
2,260,964
2,863,076
187,883
(2,534,835)
2,777,088
(219,472)
6,644,728
43,510
(1,079,723)
8,166,131
$
$
Note 5: Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
Goodwill
In 2013, the Company recognized $10,365,805 in Goodwill, representing the excess of the fair value of the consideration over net identifiable assets acquired. Pursuant to FASB
ASC 350-20, Goodwill is not subject to amortization but is subject to annual review to determine if certain events warrant impairment to the Goodwill asset. Through December
31, 2018, the Company has not recognized any impairment to Goodwill.
Intangible Assets, Net
The Company had the following intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:
Identifiable Artistic-Related Assets (a)
Trademarks (b)
Product Masters (b)
Other Intangible Assets (b)
Intangible Assets, Gross
Less Accumulated Amortization (c)
Intangible Assets, Net
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
$
$
–
129,831
64,676
272,529
467,036
(377,048)
89,988
$
$
1,740,000
129,831
64,676
251,171
2,185,678
(329,398)
1,856,280
(a) In connection with the Merger in 2013, the Company acquired $1,740,000 of Identifiable Artistic-Related Assets. These assets, related to certain properties owned by
A Squared and assumed by the Company, were valued using an independent firm. Based on certain legal, regulatory, contractual, and economic factors, the Company
has deemed these assets to be indefinite-lived. Hence, pursuant to FASB ASC 350-30, these assets are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment.
As of December 31, 2018, the Company performed an analysis and determined the Identifiable Artistic-Related Intangible Assets no longer have value and as a result
has recognized $1,740,000 of impairment expense related to the Identifiable Artistic-Related Intangible Assets.
(b) Pursuant to FASB ASC 350-30-35, the Company reviews these intangible assets periodically to determine if the value should be retired or impaired due to recent
events. Through December 31, 2018, the Company has not recognized any impairment expense related to these assets.
(c) During the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company recognized, $47,650 and $55,520, respectively, in amortization expense related to
the Trademarks, Product Masters, and Other Intangible Assets.
Expected future intangible asset amortization as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:
Fiscal Year:
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Remaining
Total
$
$
38,405
37,825
9,698
1,861
1,465
734
89,988
F-18
Note 6: Deferred Revenue
As of December 31, 2018, and 2017, the Company had total short term and long term deferred revenue of $4,925,756 and $5,085,383, respectively. Deferred revenue includes
both (i) variable fee contracts with licensees and customers in which the Company had collected advances and minimum guarantees against future royalties and (ii) fixed fee
contracts. The Company recognizes revenue related to these contracts when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Included in the deferred revenue balance as of
December 31, 2018 is the $2,000,000 advance against future royalty that Sony paid to the Company in the first quarter of 2017 as well as $1,489,583 attributable to the
expansion of distribution rights acquired by Sony through the January 2017 Sony Transactions.
Note 7: Accrued Liabilities - Current
As of December 31, 2018, and 2017, the Company had the following current accrued liabilities:
Accrued Salaries and Wages (a)
Other Accrued Expenses (b)
Total Accrued Liabilities – Current
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
$
$
137,825
52,865
190,690
$
$
168,549
1,020,457
1,189,006
(a) Accrued Salaries and Wages represent accrued vacation payable to employees.
(b) Other Accrued Expenses include estimates of expenses incurred but not yet recorded. The majority of the balance in Other Accrued Expenses at year ended December
31, 2017 relates to estimates of final dubbing costs for our Llama Llama property.
Note 8: Secured Convertible Notes
On August 17, 2018, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain investors (the “Investors”), pursuant to which the
Company agreed to sell (i) an aggregate principal amount of $4.50 million in secured convertible notes, convertible into shares of our common stock, at a conversion price of
$2.50 per share (the “Secured Convertible Notes”) and (ii) warrants to purchase 1,800,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share (the “Warrants,”
and, together with the Secured Convertible Notes, the “Securities”). We received approximately $4,500,000 in gross proceeds from the Offering.
The Secured Convertible Notes are our senior secured obligations and are secured by certain tangible and intangible property of the Company as described in the Purchase
Agreement. Unless earlier converted or redeemed, the Secured Convertible Notes will mature on August 20, 2019. The Secured Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 10%
per annum and are convertible at any time until a Secured Convertible Note is no longer outstanding, in whole or in part, at the option of the holders into shares of common
stock at a conversion price of $2.50 per share. The Secured Convertible Notes have a beneficial ownership limitation such that none of the Investors have the right to convert
any portion of their Secured Convertible Notes if the Investor (together with its affiliates or any other persons acting together as a group with the Investor) would beneficially
own in excess of 9.99% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of our common stock issuable upon
conversion of such Secured Convertible Notes. In addition, the Secured Convertible Notes provide for a conversion cap such that we may not issue any shares of our common
stock upon conversion of Secured Convertible Notes which would exceed the aggregate number of shares of our common stock we could issue upon conversion of the Secured
Convertible Notes without breaching our obligations, if any, under Nasdaq Stock Market LLC rules and regulations.
F-19
Interest under the Secured Convertible Notes is payable in arrears beginning on September 1, 2018 and thereafter on each of December 1, 2018, March 1, 2019, June 1, 2019
and at maturity when all amounts outstanding under the Secured Convertible Notes become due and payable. Subject to certain equity conditions, we may force a conversion of
the debt into equity. We may redeem the Secured Convertible Notes at any time prior to maturity. If we do not meet such equity conditions at maturity, we are obligated to
repay in cash one-sixth of the then outstanding principal amount of the Secured Convertible Notes each month for the six months following the date of maturity, with the first
such payment due on the date of maturity, followed by payments each month thereafter.
The Secured Convertible Notes contain certain negative covenants, including prohibitions on the incurrence of indebtedness or liens. The Secured Convertible Notes also
contain standard and customary events of default including, but not limited to, failure to make payments when due, failure to observe or perform covenants or agreements
contained in the Secured Convertible Notes or the bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company or any of our subsidiaries. The Company was in compliance with these covenants
as of December 31, 2018.
On the date of issuance, the Secured Convertible Notes were convertible into common stock at $2.50 per share, or at a conversion price below the closing market price of $2.55.
This “discount” is considered a beneficial conversion feature for accounting purposes. The allocation of carrying basis between the Warrants issued and the Secured Convertible
Notes was determined based on relative fair value. The discount of the initial conversion price from market related to the beneficial conversion feature of the debt was
$1,561,111, and such amount was recorded as a reduction of debt and increase in additional paid-in capital. The discount will be amortized as additional interest over the term of
the loan.
The Warrants entitle the holders to purchase 1,800,000 shares of common stock. The Warrants were not exercisable until after six months from the date of issuance and expire
five and half years from the date of issuance. The Warrants have an exercise price of $3.00 per share. In the event of a “Fundamental Transaction” (as defined in the Warrants),
the Investors have the right to receive the value of the Warrants as determined in accordance with the Black Scholes option pricing model. The Warrants are considered indexes
to the Company’s own stock pursuant to ASC 815-40. The Warrants also met the additional equity classification requirements and accordingly are accounted for as part of the
Company’s equity.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized $678,016 of discount amortization which is included in interest expense.
Note 9: Production Loan Facility
On August 8, 2016, Llama Productions closed a $5,275,000 multiple draw-down, secured, non-recourse, non-revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) with Bank Leumi USA to
produce its animated series Llama Llama, (the “Series”) which is configured as fifteen half-hour episodes comprised of thirty 11-minute programs that were delivered to Netflix
in fall 2017. The Facility is secured by the license fees the Company will receive from Netflix for the delivery of the Series as well as the Company’s copyright in the Series.
The Facility has a term of 40 months and has an interest rate of either Prime plus 1% or one, three, or six-month LIBOR plus 3.25%. As a condition of the loan agreement with
Bank Leumi, the Company deposited $1,000,000 into a cash account to be used solely to produce the Series. Additionally, the Facility contains certain standard affirmative and
negative non-financial covenants such as maintaining certain levels of production insurance and providing standard financial reports. As of December 31, 2018, the Company
was in compliance with these covenants.
On September 28, 2018, Llama Productions LLC, a California limited liability company (“Llama”) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Loan and
Security Agreement (the “Loan and Security Agreement”) with Bank Leumi USA (the “Lender”), pursuant to which the Lender agreed to make a secured loan in an aggregate
amount not to exceed $4,231,989 to Llama (the “Loan”). The proceeds of the Loan will be used to pay the majority of the expenses of producing, completing and delivering two
22-minute episodes and sixteen 11- minute episodes of the second season of the animated series Llama Llama to be initially exhibited on Netflix.
To secure payment of the Loan, Llama has granted to the Lender a continuing security interest in and against, generally, all of its tangible and intangible assets, which includes
all seasons of the Llama Llama animated series.
F-20
Under the Loan and Security Agreement, Llama can request revolving loan advances under (a) the Prime Rate Loan facility and (b) the LIBOR Loan facility, each as further
described in the Loan and Security Agreement attached as an exhibit hereto. Prime Rate Loan advances shall bear interest, on the outstanding balance thereof, at a fluctuating
per annum rate equal to 1.0% plus the Prime Rate (as such term is defined in the Loan and Security Agreement), provided that in no event shall the interest rate applicable to
Prime Rate Loans be less than 4.0% per annum. LIBOR Loan advances shall bear interest, on the outstanding balance thereof, for the period commencing on the funding date
and ending on the date which is one (1), three (3) or six (6) months thereafter, at a per annum rate equal to 3.25% plus the LIBOR determined for the applicable Interest Period
(as such terms are defined in the Loan and Security Agreement), provided that in no event shall the interest rate applicable to LIBOR Loans be less than 3.25% per annum. The
Maturity Date of the Prime Rate Loan facility and LIBOR Loan facility is March 31, 2021. Interest rates on advances under the Loan and Security Agreement were between
5.53% and 6.14% as of December 31, 2018.
In addition, on September 28, 2018, Llama and Lender entered into Amendment No. 2 to Loan and Security Agreement, effective as of August 27, 2018, by and between Llama
and the Lender (the “Amendment”). Pursuant to the Amendment, the original Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2016 and amended as of November 7, 2017
(the “Original Loan and Security Agreement”), was amended to (i) reduce the loan commitment thereunder to $1,768,010, which is a reduction of $3,075,406 from the original
loan commitment under the Original Loan and Security Agreement and (ii) include the Llama Llama season two obligations under the Loan and Security Agreement as
obligations under the Original Loan and Security Agreement.
As of December 31, 2018, the Company had gross outstanding borrowing under the facility of $2,241,759 against which financing costs of $63,561 were applied resulting in
net borrowings of $2,178,198. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had gross outstanding borrowings under the facility of $4,436,528 against which financing costs of
$113,885 were applied resulting in net borrowings of $4,322,643.
Note 10: Disputed Trade Payable
As part of the merger in 2013, the Company assumed certain liabilities from a previous member of A Squared which has claimed certain liabilities totaling $925,000. The
Company disputes the basis for this liability. As of September 30, 2018, the Company believes that the statute of limitations applicable to the assertion of any legal claim
relating to the collection of these liabilities has expired and therefore believes this liability is not owed.
Note 11: Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock
As of December 31, 2018, the total number of authorized shares of common stock was 233,333,334.
On October 6, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a reverse stock split in preparation for the Company’s anticipated up listing on the NASDAQ Capital
Market.
On November 4, 2016, the Company filed a certificate of change to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to effect a one-
for-three reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock. As a result of the 2016 Reverse Split, every three shares of the Company’s issued and
outstanding common stock were automatically combined and reclassified into one share of the Company’s common stock. The 2016 Reverse Split affected all issued and
outstanding shares of common stock, as well as common stock underlying stock options and warrants outstanding. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the 2016
Reverse Split. Stockholders who would otherwise have held a fractional share of common stock received an increase to their common stock as the common stock was rounded
up to a full share. The total number of authorized shares of common stock was reduced from 700,000,000 to 233,333,334 in conjunction with the 2016 Reverse Split. The 2016
Reverse Split became effective on November 9, 2016.
F-21
On February 9, 2017, the Company entered into the Private Transaction pursuant to the Agreement with certain holders of the Original Warrants. Pursuant to the Agreement, the
holders of the Original Warrants and the Company agreed that such Original Warrant holders would exercise their Original Warrants in full, and the Company would issue to
each such holder new warrants. (See Note 13 for additional information about these warrants.) In association with the Private Transaction, the Company issued 1,171,689 shares
of common stock upon exercise of a portion of the Original Warrants for which it received gross proceeds of $3,866,573 and recording offering costs of $464,649 for net
proceeds of $3,401,924.
As of December 31, 2018, and 2017, there were 9,457,859 and 7,610,794 shares of common stock outstanding, respectively. Below are the changes to the Company’s common
stock during the year ended December 31, 2018:
Year Ended December 31, 2018
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
On May 7, 2018, the Company issued 277,508 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.81 per share for production services.
On August 13, 2018, the Company issued 180,683 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.64 per share to the same provider for production services.
On September 18, 2018, the Company issued 141,014 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.17 per share to the same provider for production services.
On October 17, 2018, the Company issued 58,614 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.45 per share to various providers for investor relations services.
On November 1, 2018, the Company issued 44,097 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.27 per share to the same provider for production services.
On November 15, 2018, the Company issued 23,148 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.16 per share for investor relations services.
On December 31, 2018, the Company issued 60,000 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.16 per as part of a mediation settlement representing
participation amounts due.
On various dates during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company issued 470,001 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the conversion of 1,410
shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at a conversion price of $3.00.
Year Ended December 31, 2017
In connection with the January 2017 Sony Transactions, we issued Sony 301,231 shares of our common stock at $4.945 per share.
On January 17, 2017, we issued to a consultant 10,112 shares of our common stock at $4.945 per share in connection with the January 2017 Sony Transactions.
On February 9, 2017, the Company issued 1,171,689 shares of common stock in connection with the Private Transaction.
On March 14, 2017, the Company issued 8,410 shares of common stock valued at $5.95 per share to a consultant for services rendered.
On August 1, 2017, the Company issued 6,012 shares of common stock valued at $4.99 per share to a consultant for services rendered.
On October 3, 2017, the Company sold, in a registered direct offering, 1,647,691 shares of common stock at an offering price of $3.90 per share and, in a concurrent
private placement, warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,647,691 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $6,425,995 before deducting the
placement agent fee and related offering expenses.
On various dates during the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company issued 455,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the conversion of 1,365
shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at a conversion price of $3.00.
Preferred Stock
The Company has 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized with a par value of $0.001 per share. The Board of Directors is authorized, subject to any limitations
prescribed by law, without further vote or action by our stockholders, to issue from time to time shares of preferred stock in one or more series. Each series of preferred stock
will have such number of shares, designations, preferences, voting powers, qualifications and special or relative rights or privileges as shall be determined by our Board of
Directors, which may include, among others, dividend rights, voting rights, liquidation preferences, conversion rights and preemptive rights.
As of December 31, 2018, and 2017, there were 2,120 and 3,530 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding, respectively.
F-22
On May 12, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized the designation of a class of preferred stock as “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock”. On May 14, 2014, the Company
filed the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the 0% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada.
Each share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, based on a conversion
calculation equal to the Base Amount divided by the conversion price. The Base Amount is defined as the sum of (i) the aggregate stated value of the Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock to be converted and (ii) all unpaid dividends thereon. The stated value of each share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is $1,000 and the initial
conversion price is $6.00 per share, subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, dividends and recapitalizations. Additionally, in the event the Company issues shares of its
common stock or common stock equivalents at a per share price that is lower than the conversion price then in effect, the conversion price shall be adjusted to such lower price,
subject to certain exceptions. The Company is prohibited from effecting a conversion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to the extent that as a result of such
conversion, the investor would beneficially own more than 9.99% in the aggregate of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, calculated
immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock upon conversion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The shares of Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock possess no voting rights.
On May 14, 2014, we entered into securities purchase agreements with certain accredited investors pursuant to which we sold an aggregate of 6,000 shares of our then newly
designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at a price of $1,000 per share for gross proceeds to us of $6,000,000. Related to the sale, we incurred offering costs of
$620,085 resulting in net proceeds of $5,379,915. The transaction closed on May 15, 2014.
As the conversion price of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock on a converted basis was below the market price of the common stock on the closing date, this resulted in a
beneficial conversion feature recorded as an “imputed” dividend of $2,010,000. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2015, in connection with the 2015 Private Placement in
which the Company’s common stock was sold at $3.00 per share, the conversion price of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock decreased to $3.00. This decrease resulted in
an additional beneficial conversion feature of $3,383,850 recognized as of the time of the 2015 Private Placement.
On August 17, 2018, in connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement in which the Secured Convertible Notes are convertible into shares of the Company’s common
stock at $2.50 per share, the conversion price of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock decreased to $2.50. This decrease resulted in a beneficial conversion feature of
$353,333 which was recognized on August 17, 2018.
In the future, issuance of common stock or the grant of any rights to purchase our common stock or other securities convertible into our common stock for a per share price less
than the then existing conversion price of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock would result in an adjustment to the then current conversion price of the Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock. This reduction would give rise to a beneficial conversion feature recorded as an “imputed” dividend.
Note 12: Stock Options
On September 18, 2015, the Company adopted the Genius Brands International, Inc. 2015 Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”). The 2015 Plan was approved by our stockholders in
September 2015. The 2015 Plan as approved by the stockholders authorized the issuance up to an aggregate of 150,000 shares of common stock. On December 14, 2015, the
Board of Directors voted to amend the 2015 Plan to increase the total number of shares that can be issued under the 2015 Plan by 1,293,334 from 150,000 shares to 1,443,334
shares. The increase in shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan was approved by stockholders on February 3, 2016. On May 18, 2017, the Board of Directors voted to
amend the 2015 Plan to increase the total number of shares that can be issued under the 2015 Plan by 223,333 shares from 1,443,334 shares to an aggregate of 1,666,667 shares.
The increase in shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan was approved by the stockholders on July 25, 2017. On September 6, 2018, the Board of Directors voted to
amend the 2015 Plan to increase the total number of shares that can be issued under the 2015 Plan by 500,000 shares from 1,667,667 shares to an aggregate of 2,167,667 shares.
The increase in shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders on October 2, 2018.
F-23
The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s stock option plan during the year ended December 31, 2018:
Balance at December 31, 2016
Options Granted
Options Exercised
Options Cancelled
Options Expired
Balance at December 31, 2017
Options Granted
Options Exercised
Options Cancelled
Options Expired
Balance at December 31, 2018
Exercisable December 31, 2017
Exercisable December 31, 2018
Options
Outstanding
Number of Shares
Exercise Price Per Share
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
Weighted Average
Exercise Price Per
Share
1,373,554
–
–
79,509
–
1,294,045
170,176
–
57,294
147,512
1,259,415
1,070,869
1,089,239
$2.82 - $12.00
3.99 years
$
280,642.00
$
8.14
$2.70
$2.09 - $12.00
$2.09
$9.00 - $12.00
$2.80 - $6.00
$2.09 - $12.00
$2.70 - $9.00
$2.70 - $9.00
2.99 years
4.55 years
3.56 years
2.50 years
2.96 years
2.70 years
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
8.14
2.09
10.08
4.30
7.39
7.44
8.32
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company granted options to purchase 170,176 shares of common stock to officers. These stock options generally vest between
one and three years. The fair value of these options was determined to be $285,760 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the following assumptions:
Exercise Price
Dividend Yield
Volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life of options
$2.09
0%
61% - 62%
2.52% - 2.57%
3.5 years
During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized ($16,588) and $663,958 in share-based compensation expense, respectively. The unvested
share-based compensation as of December 31, 2018 was $238,871 which will be recognized through the second quarter of 2019 assuming the underlying grants are not
cancelled or forfeited.
Note 13: Warrants
The Company has warrants outstanding to purchase up to 5,899,389 shares and 3,414,389 shares at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
In connection with the sale of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock in May 2014, Chardan Capital Markets LLC (“Chardan”) acted as sole placement agent in
consideration for which it received a cash fee of $535,000 and a warrant to purchase up to 100,002 shares of the Company’s common stock. These warrants are exercisable
immediately, have an exercise price of $6.00 per share, and have a five-year term.
F-24
In connection with the 2015 Private Placement, the Company issued to accredited investors the Original Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,443,362 shares of
common stock for a purchase price of $3.00 per share. The Original Warrants are exercisable into shares of common stock for a period of five (5) years from issuance at an
initial exercise price of $3.30 per share, subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, dividends and recapitalizations. The Original Warrants are exercisable immediately.
The Company is prohibited from effecting an exercise of the warrants to the extent that as a result of such exercise, the holder would beneficially own more than 4.99% (subject
to increase up to 9.99% upon 61 days’ notice) in the aggregate of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock, calculated immediately after giving effect to the issuance
of shares of common stock upon exercise of the warrant.
In connection with the 2015 Private Placement, Chardan acted as sole placement agent in consideration for which it received a cash fee of $300,000 and a warrant to purchase up
to 141,668 shares of the Company’s common stock. These warrants are exercisable immediately, have an exercise price of $3.60 per share, and have a five-year term.
On February 9, 2017, the Company entered into the Private Transaction pursuant to the Agreement with certain holders of the Original Warrants. Pursuant to the Agreement, the
holders of the Original Warrants and the Company agreed that such Original Warrant holders would exercise their Original Warrants in full, and the Company would issue to
each such holder new warrants, with the new warrants being identical to the Original Warrants except that the termination date of such new warrants is February 10, 2022 (the
“Reload Warrants”). In addition, depending on the number of Original Warrants exercised by all holders of the Original Warrants, the Company also agreed to issue to the
holders another new warrant, identical to the Original Warrant except that the exercise price of such warrant is $5.30 and such warrant is not exercisable until August 10, 2017
(the “Market Price Warrants” and together with the Reload Warrants, the “New Warrants”).
The Company received gross proceeds of $3,866,573 from the exercise of the Original Warrants and issued Reload Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 799,991 shares of the
Company’s common stock and Market Price Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 371,699 shares of the Company’s common stock. In association with the Private Transaction,
the Company recorded $1,402,174, representing the difference in the fair market value of the Original Warrants and the New Warrants, as an adjustment to additional paid-in
capital.
Chardan acted as financial advisor on the Private Transaction in consideration for which Chardan received $363,617, Chardan and its designees were issued New Warrants for
115,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On October 3, 2017, the Company sold, in a registered direct offering, 1,647,691 shares of common stock at an offering price of $3.90 per share and, in a concurrent private
placement, warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,647,691 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $6,425,995 before deducting the placement agent fee
and related offering expenses.
On January 10, 2018, the Company issued warrants for 685,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with the January 2018 Private Placement. The warrants
were issued to the parties who purchased the Company’s common stock, as well as to Chardan and its designees who acted as placement agents of the deal. The warrants expire
in five years and were exercisable immediately at an exercise price of $3.00 per share.
On August 17, 2018, the Company issued warrants for 1,800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in conjunction with the August 17, 2018 Securities Purchase
Agreement. The warrants were issued to the parties who purchased the Company’s Secured Convertible Notes. The Warrants are not exercisable until after six months from the
date of issuance and expire five and half years from the date of issuance. The Warrants have an exercise price of $3.00 per share. In the event of a “Fundamental Transaction”
(as defined in the Warrants), the Investors have the right to receive the value of the Warrants as determined in accordance with the Black Scholes option pricing model. The
Warrants are considered indexed to the Company’s own stock pursuant to ASC 815-40. The Warrants also met additional equity classification requirements and accordingly are
accounted for as part of Company’s equity.
The allocation of carrying basis between the Warrants issued and the Secured Convertible Notes was determined based on relative valuation. The carrying basis attributable to
the Warrants to acquire common stock was $1,471,111 and was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
F-25
The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s outstanding warrants during the year ended December 31, 2018:
Balance at December 31, 2017
Warrants Granted
Warrants Exercised
Warrants Expired
Balance at December 31, 2018
Exercisable December 31, 2017
Exercisable December 31, 2018
Note 14: Income Taxes
3,414,389
2,485,000
–
–
5,899,389
$
$
$
3,414,389
5,899,389
$
$
Warrants
Outstanding
Number of
Shares
Exercise
Price per
Share
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
per Share
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
4.21 years $
4.46 years
–
–
3.74 years
3.30 - 6.00
3.00
–
–
3.00 – 6.00
3.30 - 6.00
3.30 - 6.00
4.21 years $
3.74 years $
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3.92
3.00
–
–
–
3.92
3.53
Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry
forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of
the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
Net deferred tax liabilities consist of the following components as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:
Deferred tax assets:
NOL Carryover
Bad Debt Reserve
Inventory Reserve
Deferred Rent
Accrued Compensated Absences
Charitable Contributions
Subtotal
Valuation Allowance
Deferred tax liabilities:
Convertible Notes
Depreciation and Amortization
Prepaid Expenses
Net Deferred Tax Asset
2018
2017
8,278,500
–
7,300
10,600
37,100
6,900
8,340,400
(7,619,300)
(658,800)
(49,100)
(13,200)
–
$
$
6,406,000
31,000
7,300
–
46,100
3,500
6,493,900
(6,458,800)
–
(16,500)
(18,600)
–
$
$
F-26
The income tax provision differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. federal tax rate to pretax income from continuing operations for the years
ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 due to the following:
Income Tax Expense Computed at the Statutory Federal Rate
State Income Taxes, Net of Federal Tax Effect
Meals and Entertainment
Stock Options
Intangible Assets
Tax Cut and Job Act Impact
Other
Valuation Allowance
$
$
2018
2017
(1,890,800) $
(506,700)
5,200
(3,500)
365,400
–
21,400
2,009,000
– $
(1,669,000)
–
10,600
225,700
–
2,809,700
1,600
(1,378,600)
–
At December 31, 2018, the Company had Federal net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $30,053,000 and state net operating loss carry forwards of approximately
$28,172,000 that may be offset against future taxable income from the year 2028 through 2038. No tax benefit has been reported in the December 31, 2018 financial statements
since the potential tax benefit is offset by a valuation allowance of the same amount.
Due to the change in ownership provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, net operating loss carry forwards for Federal income tax reporting purposes are subject to annual
limitations. Should a change in ownership occur, net operating loss carry forwards may be limited as to use in future years.
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes (“Topic 740”), which requires the recognition of
deferred tax liabilities and assets at currently enacted tax rates for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax
returns. A valuation allowance is recognized to reduce the net deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
Topic 740 provides guidance on the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements. Topic 740 requires a company to determine
whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based upon the technical merits of the position. If the more-likely-than-not threshold is
met, a company must measure the tax position to determine the amount to recognize in the financial statements.
The Company includes interest and penalties arising from the underpayment of income taxes in the statements of operation in the provision for income taxes. As of December
31, 2018, the Company had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
On December 22, 2017, the United States federal government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Act”). The 2017 Act will have pervasive financial reporting
implications for all companies with U.S. operations, including reduction of the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. We reviewed and incorporated the
new tax bill implications through 2017 financial statements. We remeasured the deferred taxes at new corporation rate of 21%, which reduced the net deferred tax assets, before
valuation allowance, by approximately $2,809,700. Due to full valuation allowance, the change in deferred taxes was fully offset by the change in valuation allowance. The
2017 Act has no significant impact on the 2017 financial statements.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company completed its accounting for the effects of the Tax Act which had no significant impact on the 2018 financial
statement.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in the state of California. The Company is currently subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S.
income tax examinations by tax authorities since inception of the Company.
F-27
Note 15: Commitments and Contingencies
The Company has various contractual obligations, which are recorded as liabilities in our consolidated financial statements. Other items, such as certain purchase commitments
and other executory contracts are not recognized as liabilities in our consolidated financial statements but are required to be disclosed in the footnotes to the financial
statements. For example, the Company is contractually committed to make certain minimum lease payments for the use of property under its operating lease. In addition, the
Company has contractual commitments for employment agreements of certain employees.
During the first quarter of 2018, the Company entered into an agreement for new office space to which it relocated its operations upon the expiration of its prior lease. Effective
May 25, 2018, the Company began leasing approximately 6,969 square feet of general office space at 131 S Rodeo Drive, Suite 250, Beverly Hills, California 90212 pursuant
to a 91-month lease. The Company will pay $364,130 annually, subject to annual escalations of 3.5%.
Rental expenses incurred for operating leases during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $343,347 and $143,451, respectively.
The following is a schedule of future minimum contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018, under the Company’s operating leases and employment agreements:
Operating Leases
Employment Contracts
Total
2019
369,923
635,808
1,005,731
$
$
2020
382,871
393,595
776,466
$
$
2021
2022
2023
$
$
396,271
322,950
719,221
$
$
410,141
322,950
733,091
$
$
424,495
282,581
707,077
Thereafter
978,315
–
978,315
$
$
$
$
Total
2,962,016
1,957,884
4,919,860
In addition to employment agreements and operating leases, in the normal course of its business, the Company enters into various agreements associated with its individual
properties. Some of these agreements call for the potential future payment of royalties or “profit” participations for either (i) the use of third party intellectual property, such as
the case with Stan Lee and the Mighty 7 and Llama Llama among others, in which the Company is obligated to share net profits with the underlying rights holders on a certain
basis as defined in the respective agreements or (ii) services rendered by animation studios, post-production studios, writers, directors, musicians or other creative talent for
which the Company is obligated to share with these service providers a portion of the net profits of the properties on which they have rendered services, as defined in each
respective agreement.
Additionally, other agreements contain options to acquire rights to intellectual property and would require payment to the rights holders contingent upon the Company securing
minimum production, broadcast, or other financing commitments from third parties.
Lastly, for its Genius Brands Network, the Company licenses content for exhibition for which the Company is obligated to pay between 35% and 100% of revenues from the
channel allocated to the aforementioned content after the deduction of certain direct operating expenses.
Note 16: Related Party Transactions
On April 21, 2016, the Company entered into a merchandising and licensing agreement with Andy Heyward Animation Art (“AHAA”), whose principal is Andy Heyward, the
Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Company entered into a customary merchandise license agreement with AHAA for the use of characters and logos related to Warren
Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club and Stan Lee’s Mighty 7 in connection with certain products to be sold by AHAA. The terms and conditions of such license are customary
within the industry, and the Company earns an arm-length industry standard royalty on all sales made by AHAA utilizing the licensed content. During the years ended
December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company earned $0 and $96 in royalties from this agreement, respectively.
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On October 1, 2016, Llama Productions LLC entered into an animation production services agreement with Mr. Heyward for services as a producer for which he is to receive
$186,000 through the course of production of the Company’s animated series Llama Llama. From October 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017, Mr. Heyward has been paid
$186,000.
On August 31, 2018 Llama Productions LLC entered into an animation production services agreement with Mr. Heyward for services as a producer for which he is to receive
$124,000 through the course of production of the Company’s animated series Llama Llama. Season 2. As of December 31, Mr. Heyward is owed $45,310, which is included in
the Due To Related Party line item on our consolidated balance sheet.
Pursuant to his employment agreement dated November 16, 2018, Mr. Heyward is entitled to an Executive Producer fee of $12,400 per half hour episode for each episode he
provides services as an executive producer. The first identified series under this employment agreement is Rainbow Rangers. As of December 31, 2018, nineteen half hours had
been delivered and accordingly Mr. Heyward is owed $235,600, which is included in the Due To Related Party line item on our consolidated balance sheet.
On July 25, 2016, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Foothill Entertainment, Inc. (“Foothill”), an entity whose Chairman is Gregory Payne, our corporate
secretary. The Company has engaged Foothill Entertainment, Inc. for a term of six months to assist in the distribution and commercial exploitation of its audiovisual content as
well as for the preparation and attendance on behalf of the Company at the MIPJR and MIPCOM markets in Cannes. The agreement continues on a month-to-month basis
following the initial term. Foothill receives $12,500 per month for these services. Subsequent to the end of the period, the consulting agreement with Foothill was terminated
effective January 31, 2018.
As of December 31, 2017, Gregory B. Payne, individually and via his ownership position in Foothill, owed to the Company $5,558 for expenditures made during the fourth
quarter of 2017 related to the Brand Licensing Europe (“BLE”) and MIPCOM tradeshows. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2017, Foothill acted as an agent on the
Company’s behalf in licensing certain of our animated programs to certain broadcast networks for which Foothill owed to the Company $7,517 in license fees to be paid by the
broadcaster to Foothill. Subsequent to the end of the period, the Company received a payment of $7,517 from Foothill as satisfaction of the open licensing invoice. Additionally,
on February 28, 2018, Mr. Payne and the Company entered into an agreement whereby, among other things, Mr. Payne was entitled to be reimbursed for 100% of his expenses
incurred at the BLE and MIPCOM tradeshows resulting in the Company owing to Mr. Payne $827. As of December 31, 2018, no amounts are due to or from Mr. Payne or
Foothill.
Note 17: Subsequent Events
Pursuant to FASB ASC 855, Management has evaluated all events and transactions that occurred from December 31, 2018 through the date of issuance of these financial
statements. During this period, we did not have any significant subsequent events, except as disclosed below:
February 2019 Sale of Securities and Warrants
On February 19, 2019, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with a certain accredited investor pursuant to which we sold 945,894 shares of common stock
and warrants to purchase up to 945,894 shares of our common stock, or the registered warrants, to such investor (the “February 2019 Offering”). The Company received
$1,757,552 in net proceeds from this offering. Each share of common stock was accompanied by a registered warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise
price of $2.12. Each share of common stock and accompanying registered warrant were sold at a combined purchase price of $2.12. The shares of common stock and registered
warrants were purchased together and were issued separately and were immediately separable upon issuance. In a concurrent private placement, the Company also sold to the
purchaser in the February 2019 Offering, warrants to purchase up to 945,894 shares of our common stock, or the private warrants.
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Amendment, Waiver and Consent
In connection with the February 2019 Offering and concurrent private placement, we entered into an amendment, waiver and consent agreement, or the “Amendment, Waiver
and Consent Agreement,” with certain holders of our 10% Secured Convertible Notes due August 20, 2019, which were issued pursuant a securities purchase agreement, dated
August 17, 2018, by and among the Company and the purchasers identified on the signature pages thereto, or the notes purchase agreement. Pursuant to the Amendment,
Waiver and Consent Agreement, such holders agreed to amend the notes purchase agreement, waive any applicable rights and remedies under the notes purchase agreement,
and consent to the February 2019 Offering and concurrent private placement. In consideration for such Amendment, Waiver and Consent Agreement, we agreed to issue such
holders warrants to purchase up to an aggregate amount 1,800,000 shares of our comment stock. Such warrants have an exercise price of $2.55 per share, will become
exercisable commencing six months and one day from the date of issuance and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance.
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Price Adjustment
As a result of this offering, the conversion price of our outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will be adjusted to $2.12.
Leases
Effective January 21, 2019, we entered into sublease for the 6,969 square feet of general office space located at 131 South Rodeo Drive, Suite 250, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
pursuant to an 83-month sublease that commenced on February 4, 2019. The subtenant will pay us rent of $422,321 annually, subject to annual escalations of 3.5%.
On December 28, 2018, we entered into lease for 5,765 square feet of general office space at 8383 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 412, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 pursuant to a 6-month
lease that commenced January 28, 2019. We will pay rent of $24,501 monthly.
On January 30, 2019, we entered into lease for 5,838 square feet of general office space at 190 Cannon Drive, Suite 400, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 pursuant to a 96-month lease
that is scheduled to commence on August 1, 2019. We will pay rent of $392,316 annually, subject to annual escalations of 3.5%.
Company Stock Options
At the board meeting on March 7, 2019, the Board of Directors approved the granting of options, to all persons employed as of December 31, 2018. It gave such person the
option to purchase 81,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a price of $1.99 which was the closing price on that date.
Shares Issued For Services
On January 10, 2019, the Company issued 17,200 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.44 per share for investor relations services.
On January 17, 2019, the Company issued 11,765 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2.55 per share for investor relations services.
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Exhibit 10.24
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT, made as of this 16th day of April, 2018 (the "Effective Date"), by and between Genius Brands International, Inc., a company formed under the laws
of the State of Nevada, with its principal place of business at 301 N. Canon Drive, #305, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 ("Company"), and Michael Jaffa, residing at 1842 20th Street,
Santa Monica, CA 90404 ("Executive").
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive and Executive desires to be employed by the Company;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
WITNESSETH:
1. Employment. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company hereby offers and the Executive hereby accepts employment,
effective as of the Effective Date.
2. Term. Subject to earlier termination as hereafter provided, the Executive shall be employed hereunder for a term commencing on the Effective Date and ending
one (1) year thereafter, there shall be an option for two (2) additional 1 year terms subject to the written agreement of the parties; it being agreed, however, that neither party is
obligated to agree to an extension. The term of the Executive's employment under this Agreement, including any mutually agreed upon extension, is hereafter referred to as "the
term of this Agreement" or "the term hereof." The date of termination of the Executive's employment hereunder is hereinafter referred to as the "Date of Termination."
3. Duties and Rights. Executive shall be employed as an executive of the Company with the title of "General Counsel" and "Senior Vice President — Business
Affairs". In such capacity, Executive's duties shall include oversight of all legal matters relating to the Company, subject to the control and direction of Andy Heyward, Chief
Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Company to which Executive shall report. During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall devote all of his business time and efforts to the
affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Executive shall use his best efforts to perform all such services diligently and to the best of his ability and will at all times use his
best efforts to enhance the business of the Company. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing herein shall prohibit Executive from working in his off-hours
time as a legal consultant, reasonable participation in community, charitable and industry related (e.g. American Bar Association) organization activities provided such
participation does not materially interfere with the performance of Executives duties hereunder.
4. Compensation, Benefits and Relocation. As compensation for all services performed by the Executive under this Agreement and subject to performance of the
Executive's duties and obligations to the Company and its Affiliates, pursuant to this Agreement:
4.1. Base Salary. During the term hereof, the Company shall pay the Executive a base salary at the rate of $225,000 per year. Such base salary, as described in
the previous sentence, is hereafter referred to as the "Base Salary."
4.2. Bonus Compensation. During the term hereof, the Executive shall be eligible to receive a bonus (the "Discretionary Bonus") for each fiscal year, prorated
for any period of service less than one year, as provided herein. The amount and timing of the Discretionary Bonus, if any, shall be determined by the Company, in its
sole discretion, based on the Executive's performance (including but not limited to Executive's performance against revenue and profit targets) and that of the Company
and its Affiliates and such other criteria as the Compensation Committee may consider in its sole discretion. The Discretionary Bonus shall be paid by the Company to
the Executive annually promptly after determination that the relevant targets have been met, it being understood that the attainment of any financial targets associated
with any bonus shall not be determined until following the completion of the Company's annual audit and public announcement of such results and shall be paid
promptly following the Company's announcement of earnings. Whenever any Discretionary Bonus payable to the Executive is stated in this Agreement to be prorated
for any period of service less than a full year, such Discretionary Bonus shall be prorated by multiplying (x) the amount of the Discretionary Bonus otherwise payable
for the applicable fiscal year in accordance with this Section 4.2 by (y) a fraction, the denominator of which shall be 365 and the numerator of which shall be the
number of days during the applicable fiscal year for which the Executive was employed by the Company. Any compensation paid to the Executive as Discretionary
Bonus shall be in addition to the Base Salary, as well as participation in any other incentive, stock option, stock purchase, profit sharing, deferred compensation, bonus
compensation or severance plan, program or arrangement which the Company or any of its Affiliates may adopt or continue from time to time for which the Executive is
eligible, each as in accordance with any subscription agreement, stock option plan, and stock option agreement identified, from time to time.
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4.3. Expenses. It is recognized that Executive in the performance of his duties hereunder may be required to expend reasonable sums for travel and for
entertainment of various persons, including representatives of companies with whom the Company has or might expect to have business relations. During the term
hereof, the Company shall either advance funds to Executive or reimburse Executive for reasonable business expenses incurred by him in connection with the
performance of his duties hereunder, provided Executive properly accounts therefor in accordance with the Company's policies and procedures.
4.4. Benefits. Executive shall be entitled to receive from the Company during the term hereof those benefits and perquisites made available to senior
executives from time to time, including but not limited to 15 paid time off days accruing annually as well as six (6) sick days annually, subject to the then existing paid
time off policy of the Company. The foregoing is understood to include participation in such stock option, bonus and similar incentive plans made available to senior
executives at the Company in accordance with the terms and eligibility requirements thereof as in effect from time to time.
4.5 Clawback Rights. All amounts paid to Executive by the Company (other than Executive's Base Salary and reimbursement of expenses pursuant to paragraph 4.3
and 4.4 hereof) during the term of this Agreement and any time thereafter and any and all stock based compensation (such as options and equity awards,) granted during the
term hereof and any time thereafter (collectively, the "Clawback Benefits") shall be subject to "Clawback Rights" as follows: during the period that the Executive is employed
by the Company and upon the termination or expiration of the Executive's employment and for a period of three (3) years thereafter, if any of the following events occurs,
Executive agrees to repay or surrender to the Company the Clawback Benefits as set forth below:
(a) if the Company restates (a "Restatement") any published financial statement that has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering any period
commencing after the Effective Date of this Agreement from which any Clawback Benefits to Executive shall have been determined (such restatement resulting from material
noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the federal securities laws and shall not include a restatement of financial results resulting from
subsequent changes in accounting pronouncements or requirements which were not in effect on the date the financial statements were originally prepared), then the Executive
agrees to immediately repay or surrender upon demand by the Company any Clawback Benefits which were determined by reference to any Company international sales
department financial results reflected in financial statements which were later restated, to the extent the Clawback Benefits amounts paid exceed the Clawback Benefits amounts
that would have been paid, based on the Restatement of the Company's financial statements. All Clawback Benefits amounts resulting from such Restatements shall be
retroactively adjusted by the Compensation Committee to take into account the relevant restated financial information and if any excess portion of the Clawback Benefits
resulting from such restated information is not so repaid or surrendered by the Executive within ninety (90) days of the revised calculation being provided to the Executive by
the Company following a publicly announced Restatement, the Company shall have the right to take any and all action to effectuate such adjustment.
(b) If any material breach of any agreement by Executive relating to confidentiality, non-competition, non-raid of employees, or non-solicitation of vendors or
customers (including, without limitation, Sections 7 or 8 hereof) or if any material breach of Company policy or procedures which causes material harm to the Company occurs,
as determined by a final judgment from a court of competent jurisdiction, then the Executive agrees to repay or surrender any Clawback Benefits upon demand by the Company
and if not so repaid or surrendered within ninety (90) days of such demand, the Company shall have the right to take any and all action to effectuate such adjustment.
The amount of Clawback Benefits to be repaid or surrendered to the Company shall be determined by the Compensation Committee and applicable law, rules and regulations.
All determinations by the Compensation Committee with respect to the Clawback Rights shall be final and binding on the Company and Executive. The parties acknowledge it
is their intention that the foregoing Clawback Rights as relates to Restatements conform in all respects to the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act of 2010 (the "Dodd Frank Act") and requires recovery of all "incentive-based" compensation, pursuant to the provisions of the Dodd Frank Act and any and all
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder from time to time in effect. Accordingly, the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed automatically amended from
time to time to assure compliance with the Dodd Frank Act and such rules and regulation as hereafter may be adopted and in effect.
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5. Termination of Employment and Severance Benefits. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2 hereof, the Executive's employment hereunder shall terminate
prior to the expiration of the term of this Agreement under the following circumstances:
5.1. Retirement or Death. In the event of the Executive's retirement or death during the term hereof, the Executive's employment hereunder shall immediately
and automatically terminate. In the event of the Executive's retirement after the age of sixty-five or death during the term hereof, the Company shall pay to the
Executive (or in the case of death, the Executive's designated beneficiary or, if no beneficiary has been designated by the Executive, to his estate) (i) any Base Salary
and accrued vacation earned but unpaid through the date of such retirement or death, (ii) any Discretionary Bonus for the fiscal year preceding that in which such
retirement or death occurs that was granted but has not yet been paid, and (iii) reimbursement for any reasonable expenses of the types specified in Section 4.3 incurred
with respect to periods prior to date of such retirement or death.
5.2. Disability.
5.2.1. The Company may terminate the Executive's employment hereunder, upon notice to the Executive, in the event that the Executive becomes
disabled during his employment hereunder through any illness, injury, accident or condition of either a physical or psychological nature and, as a result, in the
opinion of the President based upon the advice of a physician chosen by the Company, Executive is unable to perform substantially all of his duties and
responsibilities hereunder for thirty (30) consecutive days or an aggregate of sixty (60) days during any period of one hundred and eighty two (182)
consecutive calendar days.
5.2.2. The Company may designate another employee to act in the Executive's place during any period of the Executive's disability. Notwithstanding
any such designation, while he is employed by the Company and has not yet become eligible for disability income benefits under any disability income plan
maintained by the Company, the Executive shall continue to receive the Base Salary in accordance with Section 4.1 and to receive benefits in accordance with
Section 4.4, to the extent permitted by the then-current terms of the applicable benefit plans. Upon becoming so eligible, and until the termination of his
employment because of disability, the Company shall pay to the Executive, at its regular pay periods, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Executive's
monthly base compensation in effect at the time of eligibility (i.e. 1/12th of the Base Salary) over the amounts of disability income benefits that the Executive
is otherwise eligible to receive. Upon termination of the Executive's employment because of disability, the Company shall pay to the Executive (i) any Base
Salary earned but unpaid through the Date of Termination, (ii) any Discretionary Bonus for the fiscal year preceding the year of termination that was earned
but unpaid, and (iii) reimbursement of any reasonable expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties hereunder in accordance with the customary
policies of the Company. During the 2 month period (or the remaining months of the Term if less than 6 months) following the termination of the Executive's
employment because of disability, the Company shall pay the Executive, at its regular pay periods, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Executive's
monthly base compensation in effect at the time of termination (i.e. 1/12th of the Base Salary) over the amounts of disability income benefits that the Executive
is otherwise eligible to receive pursuant to the above-referenced disability income plan in respect of such period ("Disability Payments"), provided that the
Executive signs an Employee Release as defined in Section 6.1 below.
5.2.3. Except as provided in Section 5.2.2, while the Executive is receiving Disability Payments, the Executive shall not be entitled to receive any Base Salary under
Section 4.1 or Discretionary Bonus payments under Section 4.2, but the Executive shall continue to participate in benefit plans of the Company in accordance with Section 4.4
and the terms of such plans, until the termination of his employment. During the two month period from the date of eligibility for Disability Payments or termination of
employment under this Section 5.2, the Company shall continue to contribute to the cost of the Executive's participation in one of the group medical plans of the Company, in
the same percentage as the Company was contributing at the time of termination of the Executive's employment, provided that the Executive is entitled to continue such
participation under applicable law and plan terms.
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5.2.4. If any question shall arise as to whether during any period the Executive is disabled through any illness, injury, accident or condition of either a physical or
psychological nature so as to be unable to perform substantially all of his duties and responsibilities hereunder, the Executive may, and at the request of the Company shall,
submit to a medical examination by a physician selected by the Company to whom the Executive or his duly appointed guardian, if any, has no reasonable objection to
determine whether the Executive is so disabled and such determination shall for the purposes of this Agreement be conclusive of the issue. If such question shall arise and the
Executive shall fail to submit to such medical examination, the Company's determination of the issue shall be binding on the Executive.
5.3. By the Company for Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive's employment hereunder for Cause at any time upon notice to the Executive
setting forth in reasonable detail the nature of such Cause. The following events or conditions shall constitute "Cause" for termination: (i) the willful and continued
failure of the Executive to perform substantially his duties and responsibilities for the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Executive's death or
Disability) after a written demand by the CEO for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Company, which specifically identifies the manner in
which the CEO believes that the Executive has not substantially performed his duties and responsibilities, which willful and continued failure is not cured by the
Executive within thirty (30) days of his receipt of such written demand; (ii) the material breach by the Executive of any material provision of this Agreement, if such
breach results in a material adverse effect on the Company or its Subsidiaries and if the breach is not cured by the Executive within thirty (30) days of his receipt of
such written demand therefore (for the avoidance of doubt, the violation of Section 8.1, 8.3 and 8.5 of this Agreement shall be considered an immediate material
breach of a material provision of this Agreement and not subject to the foregoing notice or cure provisions); (iii) the commission of fraud, embezzlement or theft by the
Executive; (iv) the conviction of the Executive of, or plea by the Executive of nolo contendre to, any felony or any other crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude.
Upon the giving of notice of termination of the Executive's employment hereunder for Cause, the Company shall have no further obligation or
liability to the Executive hereunder, other than for payment of any Base Salary earned but unpaid through the Date of Termination. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, the Executive shall not be entitled to receive any Discretionary Bonus amounts which have not been paid prior to the Date of Termination hereunder for
Cause or following a Material Adverse Event.
5.4. Post-Agreement Employment. In the event the Executive remains in the employ of the Company or any of its Affiliates following termination of this
Agreement, by the expiration of the term hereof or otherwise, then such employment shall be at will.
6. Effect of Termination. The provisions of this Section 6 shall apply in the event of termination, whether such termination is due to the expiration of the term hereof,
is pursuant to Section 5, or otherwise.
6.1. Payment in Full. Payment by the Company of any Base Salary, Discretionary Bonus or other specified amounts which are due the Executive under the
applicable termination provision of Section 5 shall constitute the entire obligation hereunder of the Company and its Affiliates to the Executive. Any obligation of the
Company to provide the Executive Disability Payments, or Discretionary Bonus payments under this Agreement is expressly conditioned, however, upon the Executive
signing a release of claims provided by the Company (the "Employee Release") within twenty-one days of the date on which he gives or receives, as applicable, notice
of termination of employment and upon the Executive not revoking the Employee Release thereafter. The obligations of the Company to the Executive under Sections
5.2 or 5.4 hereof are also expressly conditioned upon the Executive's continued full performance of his obligations under Sections 7 and 8 hereof. The Executive agrees
that if he violates any term of Sections 7 and/or 8 at any time, he shall have no entitlement to Disability Payments under Sections 5.2of this Agreement. The Executive
recognizes that, except as expressly provided in Section 5, no compensation is earned after termination of employment.
6.2. Termination of Benefits. Except for medical insurance coverage continued pursuant to Sections 5.2 hereof, the continuation of any benefits pursuant to Section
5.4 hereof and any right of continuation of health coverage at the Executive's cost to the extent provided by Sections 601 through 608 of ERISA, benefits shall terminate
pursuant to the terms of the applicable benefit plans based on the date of termination of the Executive's employment without regard to any continuation of Base Salary or other
payments to the Executive following termination of his employment.
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6.3. Survival of Certain Provisions. Provisions of this Agreement shall survive any termination if so provided herein or if necessary or desirable to accomplish the
purpose of other surviving provisions, including without limitation the obligations of the Executive under Sections 7 and 8 hereof.
7. Confidential Information; Intellectual Property.
7.1. Confidentiality. The Executive acknowledges that the Company and its Affiliates continually develop Confidential Information, that the Executive may develop
Confidential Information for the Company or its Affiliates and that the Executive may learn of Confidential Information during the course of employment. The Executive
acknowledges the importance to the Company and its Affiliates of protecting their Confidential Information and other legitimate interests, and agrees that all Confidential
Information which he creates or to which he has access as a result of employment with or service as a director of the Company and its Affiliates is and shall remain the sole and
exclusive property of the Company and its Affiliates. The Executive will comply with the policies and procedures of the Company and its Affiliates for protecting Confidential
Information and shall never use or disclose to any Person (except as required by applicable law or for the proper performance of his duties and responsibilities to the Company
and its Affiliates) any Confidential Information obtained by the Executive incident to his employment with or service as a director of the Company or any of its Affiliates. The
Executive understands that this restriction shall continue to apply after his employment terminates, regardless of the reason for such termination.
7.2. Return of Documents. All documents, records, files, audio tapes, videotapes and any other media, however stored, of whatever kind and description relating to
the business, present or otherwise, of the Company or its Affiliates and any copies, in whole or in part, thereof (the "Documents"), whether or not prepared by the Executive,
shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company and its Affiliates. The Executive shall not copy any Documents or remove any Documents from the premises of the
Company or its Affiliates, except as required for the proper performance of regular duties for the Company or as expressly authorized in writing by the Board or its designee.
The Executive agrees to return to the Company and its Affiliates at the time his employment terminates, and at such other times as may be specified by the Company or its
Affiliates, all Documents and other property of the Company and its Affiliates then in his possession or control. The Executive agrees that, if a Document is on electronic media
(e.g. a hard disk), upon the request of any duly authorized officer of the Company or its Affiliates, he will disclose all passwords necessary or desirable to enable the Company
to obtain access to the Documents.
7.3. Materials. Executive agrees that all ideas, plans and materials prepared by Executive in the course of his employment by the Company (collectively, the
"Materials") during the term of this Agreement will be considered works-made-for-hire and shall be the Company's sole and exclusive property. In the event that the Materials
are not copyrightable subject matter or for any reason are deemed not to be works-made-for-hire, then, and in such event, by this Agreement, Executive hereby assigns all right,
title and interest to said Materials to the Company and agrees to execute all documents required to evidence such assignment. Without limiting the foregoing, it is specifically
understood and agreed that Executive will retain no ownership rights whatsoever in or to the Materials. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive understands that the
provisions of this Section 7 requiring the assignment of Materials to the Company do not apply to any invention or Materials which qualifies fully under the provisions of
California Labor Code Section 2870. Executive will advise the Company promptly in writing of any inventions or Materials that he believes meet the criteria in Labor Code
Section 2870.
8. Restricted Activities.
8.1. Agreement not to Compete with the Company during the Term of this Agreement. The Executive agrees that, during his employment, he will not, directly or
indirectly, own, manage, operate, control, or participate in any manner in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or be connected as an officer, employee, partner,
director, principal, or agent, or have any financial interest in (except for a publicly traded company where he owns no more than 5% of the outstanding stock of such company),
a company which competes with the Business of the Company or its Subsidiaries (as defined below). Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Executive
further agrees that, during his employment with the Company, he will not enter into any transaction, on his own behalf or that of a third party with any of the Company's
Affiliates, without full disclosure to, and receipt of prior written consent from, the CEO.
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8.2. Agreement not to Unfairly Compete with the Company after the Term of this Agreement. The Executive acknowledges that access to Confidential
Information and to the Company's and its Affiliates' customers would give the Executive an unfair competitive advantage, were the Executive to leave employment and use any
of the Company's Confidential Information to unfairly compete with the Company or its Affiliates, and that he is therefore being granted access to Confidential Information and
the customers of the Company and its Affiliates in reliance on his agreement hereunder. The Executive therefore agrees that for a period of twelve (12) months following the
date his employment with the Company is terminated (the "Non-Competition Period"), he will not utilize any of the Company's Confidential Information to unfairly compete in
any fashion with the Company or its Subsidiaries with respect to the Business of the Company or its Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Section 8, the "Business of the Company
or its Subsidiaries" shall mean (a) production and/or distribution of animated or live-action television programming (and/or any musical composition intended to be included
therein), or any element thereof, within or without the United States as currently being conducted or planned to be conducted by the Company, and (b) any business activity that
is conducted or is actively being planned to be conducted by the Company or by any of its Subsidiaries at or within the twelve month period immediately preceding the Date of
Termination, which business is expected to be material to the Company. The Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Section 8 are sufficiently limited so as
not to restrain him from engaging in a lawful profession, trade or business of any kind.
8.3. Agreement Not to Solicit Customers during the Term of this Agreement. The Executive agrees that during his employment hereunder, he will not, on behalf of
any person or entity other than the Company and its Affiliates, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage any customer or vendor of the Company or its Subsidiaries to
terminate or diminish their relationships with any of them or violate any agreement with or duty to the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries.
8.4. Agreement Not to Solicit Customers after the Term of this Agreement. The Executive acknowledges that access to Confidential Information and to the
Company's and its Subsidiaries' customers would give the Executive an unfair competitive advantage were the Executive to leave employment and begin competing with the
Company or its Subsidiaries, and he is therefore being granted access to Confidential Information and the customers of the Company and its Subsidiaries in reliance on his
agreement hereunder. The Executive agrees that for a period of twelve (12) months following the Date of Termination (the "Non-Solicitation Period"), he will not, directly or
indirectly, use or rely in any way upon any Confidential Information of the Company or its Subsidiaries to recruit, solicit, or otherwise seek to induce any customer or vendor of
the Company or its Subsidiaries to terminate or diminish their relationship with or violate any agreement with or duty to the Company or its Subsidiaries.
8.5. Agreement Not to Solicit Employees or Other Service Providers. The Executive agrees that during his employment hereunder and for a period of twelve (12)
months following the Date of Termination, he will not, directly or indirectly, (a) recruit, solicit, or otherwise seek to induce any employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries to
terminate their employment or violate any agreement with or duty to the Company or its Subsidiaries, or (b) recruit, solicit, or otherwise seek to induce any individual providing
services to the Company or its Subsidiaries as an independent contractor, consultant, or through any other relationship to terminate or diminish their relationships with the
Company or its Subsidiaries.
9. Enforcement of Covenants. The Executive acknowledges that he has carefully read and considered all the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including
without limitation the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to Sections 7 and 8 hereof. The Executive agrees that said restraints are necessary for the reasonable and proper
protection of the Company and its Affiliates and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area. The
Executive further acknowledges that, were he to breach any of the covenants or agreements contained in Sections 7 or 8 hereof, the damage to the Company and its Affiliates
could be irreparable. The Executive therefore agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek preliminary and permanent injunctive relief against any breach or threatened
breach by the Executive of any of said covenants or agreements. The Company's Affiliates shall also have the right to enforce all of the Employee's obligations to such Affiliates
hereunder, including without limitation pursuant to Sections 7 and 8 hereof, and each of such Affiliates shall otherwise be a third party beneficiary of this Agreement. The
parties further agree that in the event that any provision of Section 7 or 8 hereof shall be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its
being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision shall be deemed to be modified to permit its enforcement to
the maximum extent permitted by law.
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10. Conflicting Agreements. The Executive hereby represents and warrants that the execution of this Agreement and the performance of his obligations hereunder
will not breach or be in conflict with any other agreement to which or by which the Executive is a party or is bound and that the Executive is not now subject to any covenants
against competition or solicitation or similar covenants, a court order or any other obligations that would affect the performance of his obligations hereunder. The Executive will
not disclose to or use on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries any proprietary information of a third party without such party's consent.
11. Definitions. Words or phrases which are initially capitalized or are within quotation marks shall have the meanings provided in this Section 11 and as
provided elsewhere herein. For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions apply:
11.1. "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any specified Person, (a) any other Person which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries
controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person (for the purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings,
the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with"), as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power
to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise) and (b)
with respect to any natural Person, any member of the immediate family of such natural Person.
11.2 "Confidential Information" means any and all information of the Company and its Affiliates that is not generally known by others with whom any of them
compete or do business, or with whom any of them plan to compete or do business, and any and all information the disclosure of which would otherwise be adverse to
the interests of the Company or any of its Affiliates. Confidential Information includes without limitation such information relating to (i) the products and services sold
or offered by the Company or any of its Affiliates, technical data, methods and processes of the Company, (ii) the costs, sources of supply, financial performance and
marketing activities and strategic plans of the Company and its Affiliates, (iii) the identity and special needs of the customers of the Company and its Affiliates and (iv)
the people and organizations with whom the Company and its Affiliates have business relationships and those relationships. Confidential Information also includes
information that the Company or any of its Affiliates may receive or has received belonging to others with any understanding, express or implied, that it would not be
disclosed. Confidential Information shall not include any information that is, or becomes generally available to the public, unless such availability occurs as a result of
the Executive's breach of any portion of this Agreement or any other obligation the Executive owes to the Company.
11.3. "ERISA" means the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and, in the case
of any referenced section thereof, any successor section thereto, collectively and as from time to time amended and in effect.
11.4. "Intellectual Property" means any invention, formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique or process (whether or not patentable or
registrable under copyright statutes) conceived, made, or first actually reduced to practice by the Executive (whether alone or jointly with others) during the Executive's
employment by the Company; provided, however, that Intellectual Property does not include any invention (i) that is developed on the Executive's own time, without using the
equipment, supplies, facilities or trade secret information of the Company or any of its Affiliates, unless such invention relates at the time of conception or reduction to practice
of the invention (a) to the business of the Company, (b) to the business of an Affiliate of the Company for whom the Executive has performed services, (c) to the actual or
demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or any of its Affiliates, provided that, in the case of an Affiliate of the Company, the Executive has, or
reasonably would be expected to have, knowledge of such research or development as a result of his employment or (d) results from any work performed by the Executive for
the Company or any of the Affiliates; or (ii) that the Executive may otherwise not be required to assign to the Company under applicable California law.
11.5. "Person" means an individual, a corporation, an association, a partnership, a limited liability company, an estate, a trust and any other entity or organization, other
than the Company or any of its Affiliates.
11.6. "Subsidiary" means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity with respect to a specified Person (or a Subsidiary thereof) owns a
majority of the common stock, partnership interests or other equity interests or has the power to vote or direct the voting of sufficient securities to elect a majority of the
directors.
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12. Withholding. All payments made by the Company under this Agreement shall be reduced by any tax or other amounts required to be withheld by the Company
under applicable law or withheld by the Company at the request of the Executive.
13. Section 409A.
The provisions of this Agreement are intended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and any final regulations
and guidance promulgated thereunder ("Section 409A") and shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A.
The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary,
appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A.
To the extent that Executive will be reimbursed for costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as otherwise permitted by Section 409A, (a) the right to
reimbursement or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (b) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits,
provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year; provided that the
foregoing clause (b) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are
subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect and (c) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in
which you incurred the expense.
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or
benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination constitutes a "Separation from Service" within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes
of any such provision of this Agreement references to a "termination," "termination of employment" or like terms shall mean Separation from Service.
Each installment payable hereunder shall constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b), including Treasury Regulation
Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii). Each payment that is made within the terms of the "short-term deferral" rule set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) is intended to
meet the "short-term deferral" rule. Each other payment is intended to be a payment upon an involuntary termination from service and payable pursuant to Treasury Regulation
Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii), et. seq., to the maximum extent permitted by that regulation, with any amount that is not exempt from Code Section 409A being subject to Code
Section 409A.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a "specified employee" within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive's
termination, then only that portion of the severance and benefits payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, if any, and any other severance payments or separation
benefits which may be considered deferred compensation under Section 409A (together, the " Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits"), which (when considered together)
do not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined herein) may be made within the first six (6) months following Executive's termination of employment in accordance with the
payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Any portion of the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits in excess of the Section 409A Limit otherwise due to
Executive on or within the six (6) month period following Executive's termination will accrue during such six (6) month period and will become payable in one lump sum cash
payment on the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive's termination of employment. All subsequent Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits,
if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies
following termination but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of Executive's termination date, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable
in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive's death and all other Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits will be payable in accordance
with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit.
For purposes of this Agreement, "Section 409A Limit" will mean a sum equal (x) to the amounts payable prior to March 15 following the year in which Executive
terminations plus (y) the lesser of two (2) times: (i) Executive's annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Company's taxable
year preceding the Company's taxable year of Executive's termination of employment as determined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any IRS guidance
issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which
Executive's employment is terminated.
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If any payment provided to Executive pursuant to this Agreement is subject to adverse tax consequences under Code Section 409A, then Company shall make such
additional payments to Executive ("409A Gross Up Payments") as are necessary to provide Executive with enough funds to pay the additional taxes, interest, and penalties
imposed by Code section 409A (collectively, the "409A Tax"), as well as any additional taxes, including but not limited to additional 409A Tax, attributable to or resulting from
the payment of the 409A Gross Up payments, with the end result that Executive shall be in the same position with respect to his tax liability as he would have been in if no
409A Tax had ever been imposed; provided, however, that the Company's obligation to make payments under this Section 15 shall be limited to an amount equal to three times
the 409A Tax (not including for this purpose 409A Tax attributable to the payment of any portion of the 409A Gross Up Payment). The Company shall make any payments
required by this paragraph no later than the last day of Executive's taxable year next following the Executive's taxable year in which the 409A Tax is remitted to the taxing
authority.
14. Miscellaneous.
14.1. Assignment. Neither the Company nor the Executive may make any assignment of this Agreement or any interest herein, by operation of law or
otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other; provided, however, that the Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement without the
consent of the Executive
(a) in the event that the Company shall hereafter affect a reorganization, consolidate with, or merge into, one of its Affiliates or any other Person or
transfer all or substantially all of its properties or assets to one of its Affiliates or any other Person, in which event such Affiliate or Person shall be deemed
the "Company" for all purposes of this Agreement, or
(b) to any senior lender to the Company or any Subsidiary thereof as collateral security. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon the Company and the Executive, and their respective successors, executors, administrators, heirs and permitted assigns.
14.2. Severability. If any portion or provision of this Agreement shall to any extent be declared illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the
application of such provision in such circumstances shall be deemed modified to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law, and both the application of
such portion or provision in circumstances other than those as to which it is so declared illegal or unenforceable and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected
thereby, and each portion and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
14.3. Waiver; Amendment. No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the waiving party. The failure of either party to
require the performance of any term or obligation of this Agreement, or the waiver by either party of any breach of this Agreement, shall not prevent any subsequent
enforcement of such term or obligation or be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument signed by
the Executive and any expressly authorized representative of the Company.
14.4. Notices. Any and all notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective when
delivered in person or deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, registered or certified, and addressed (a) in the case of the Executive, to his last address on record
with the Company, or (b) in the case of the Company, at its principal place of business and to the attention of the Board; or to such other address as either party may specify by
notice to the other actually received.
14.5. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior communications, agreements and
understandings, written or oral, with the Company or any of its Affiliates, with respect to the terms and conditions of the Executive's employment.
14.6. Headings. The headings and captions in this Agreement are for convenience only and in no way define or describe the scope or content of any provision of this
Agreement.
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14.7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one
and the same instrument.
14.8. Governing Law. This Agreement, with the exception of Section 8, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic substantive laws of The
State of California without giving effect to any choice or conflict of laws provision or rule that would cause the application of the domestic substantive laws of any other
jurisdiction.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the Company, by its duly authorized representative, and by the Executive, as of the date first above
written.
THE COMPANY:
GENIUS BRAND INTERNATIONAL, INC.
By: /s/ Andy Heyward
Name: Andy Heyward
Title: Chairman & CEO
THE EXECUTIVE:
/s/ Michael Jaffa
Michael Jaffa
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Exhibit 21.1
List of Subsidiaries
A Squared Entertainment LLC (Delaware)
Llama Productions, LLC (California)
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-214805) and on Form S-1 (No. 333-221683 on Form S-3 (No. 333-227349),
Form S-8 (No. 333-227482), Form S-8 (No. 333-228655) of Genius Brands International, Inc. of our report dated April 1, 2019, relating to our audit of the consolidated
financial statements, which appear in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Genius Brands International, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
/s/ SQUAR MILNER LLP
Los Angeles, California
April 1, 2019
EXHIBIT 31.1
I, Andy Heyward certify that:
Certification of Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Genius Brands International, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made,
in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this
report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the
registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over
financial reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's
auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely
affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting.
Date: April 1, 2019
By:
/s/ Andy Heyward
Andy Heyward
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
EXHIBIT 31.2
I, Robert L. Denton, certify that:
Certification of Principal Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Genius Brands International, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made,
in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this
report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the
registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over
financial reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's
auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely
affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting.
Date: April 1, 2019
By:
/s/ Robert L. Denton
Robert L Denton
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Genius Brands International, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Andy Heyward, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
April 1, 2019
By:
/s/ Andy Heyward
Andy Heyward, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Genius Brands International, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Robert L Denton, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section
1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
April 1, 2019
By:
/s/ Robert L. Denton
Robert L. Denton, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)