Chefclub, a global food-themed production studio and entertainment brand, and Somewhere Animation, the dedicated 20 animation label of Mediawan Kids & Family (The Little Prince, Robin Hood – Mischief in Sherwood, Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir [co-produced with ZAG]), announce the launch of Chefclub Adventures, an animated comedy series based on the notion of “eating well.” The series is one of five projects selected for this year’s MIP Junior Project Pitch.
“We are delighted to partner with the French start-up Chefclub to offer children a new approach to cooking. The Chefclub Adventures series aims to make eating well fun and joyful. With Chef Maurice and his gang, viewers will discover the richness and diversity of ingredients in world cuisine,” says Julien Borde, Director of the Television Division at Mediawan Kids & Family. “The digital media Chefclub has developed a unique edutainment expertise which, combined with the know-how of Somewhere Animation, will allow us to create a series that is as engaging as it is impactful.” declares
Aimed at an upper preschool audience of children aged 4 to 7, the 52-episode, 11-minute series is based on Chefclub, the online digital cooking universe that garners 2.5 billion views each month worldwide, 390 million views each month in France, 1 billion views each month in the U.S. and 110 million subscribers worldwide.
“It is a source of great satisfaction to see Chefclub Friends grow into a cartoon for children around the world,” says Thomas Lang, co-founder and CEO of Chefclub. “Since the beginning of the adventure, we are deeply convinced of the richness and uniqueness of the universe we develop for the youngest viewers. Today, we are very proud to have embarked on this project with producers as passionate and talented as Somewhere Animation.”
Founded in 2016 in Paris by brothers Thomas, Jonathan and Axel Lang brothers, Chefclub has become a reference in online culinary learning for young audiences by making cooking accessible, fun and entertaining. Now, Somewhere Animation and Chefclub are taking the experience one step further by creating original animated stories centered on its iconic characters and the desire to share the values of “eating well” and “homemade,” and inspire budding little chefs, all while having fun. Ross Hastings (Mush-Mush, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder) will be the lead writer for the project.
“Developing Chefclub Adventures is proving to be an absolute blast!” says Hastings. “I’m loving the characters who are all distinctive and work fantastically together. They all make me laugh and are proving to be a joy to bring to life. And the world of food is not only a universal theme and part of kids’ lives, it is an excitingly wide, varied and rich playground to set our adventures within. Plus the chefmobile is just straight out cool! No sure what else I could ask for as a writer on a show!”
Arthur Colignon, Producer and Founder of Somewhere Animation, adds, “I grew up above the family restaurant, and as the son of a chef, cooking is at the center of my life and is part of my founding values. Chefclub Adventures is the meeting of kawaii and cartoon, a universe that will make children curious about the world around them, and give them an appetite for sharing, friendship and good food. Chefclub Adventures is not a cooking show but real food therapy!”
Trioscope, the cutting-edge hybrid-tech studio behind The Liberator (Netflix), Night of the Cooters (produced by George R.R. Martin) and Takeover (starring Quavo), today announced it will adapt Le Sommeil du monstre, the first installment of award-winning French graphic novelist Enki Bilal’s sci-fi Monstre tetralogy, touted as his most personal work. Working closely with the artist, Trioscope will introduce TV viewers to this complex, futuristic world in a new premium series: Monster.
Synopsis: Nike Hatzfeld, a man with the unique ability to recall every memory since the day he was born, finds himself using his gift to make sense of his orphaned past to survive the chaotic and savage present. His story intertwines with Leyla and Amir, born just days apart from him in the same orphanage bed and also parentless amidst the bombs of Sarajevo in 1993 during the Yugoslav Wars. Considered expendable and manipulated by a radical organization that’s trying to eradicate science and truth from the world, the trio’s lives split into divergent paths before they reunite once more.
Published across a nine-year period, from 1998 to 2007, the French-language, bestselling Monstre (or Hatzfeld) tetralogy is one of Bilal’s most iconic works, with the second book in the series printing more than 280,000 copies. Monster the TV series will draw visual inspiration from Bilal’s distinctive artistic style and unique world building, fusing live-action performances with stylized CG environments in Trioscope’s signature technique.
Bilal, who has directed several acclaimed sci-fi feature films (Immortal, Tykho Moon), will serve as executive producer. Greg Jonkajtys, Trioscope’s Chief Creative Officer & Co-Founder, will serve as executive producer and is attached as director. Jonkajtys directed Netflix’s WWII series The Liberator and currently is directing the action feature Takeover, starring Quavo. Frédéric Puech will serve as executive producer for Something Big, the French 2D/3D animation studio that is producing alongside Trioscope Europe.
“Enki is a true master at creating darkly rich and provocative worlds,” says Jonkajtys. “We’re honored by the opportunity for our tech platform and creative team to help bring Monstre to life as a stylized live-action series that not only will captivate a broad TV audience, but also offer fans of the book an immersive new way to experience Enki’s beloved masterpiece.”
Bilal commented, “Le Sommeil du monstre has always held a special place in my heart, and the complexities of the narrative and the imaginative nature of the world have always made adaptation difficult. When Greg shared his vision and personal passion for the story, along with the possibilities the Trioscope technology offers, I finally could see a way to bring this story to the screen.”
Le sommeil du monstre
This year, Trioscope has seen rapid growth, with a recent seed round investment from BITKRAFT, Sony and more to further pioneer its hybrid content genre for global audiences. Recently, the company expanded its management team, tapping Kyle Hoedl as Chief Marketing Officer, Joe Snowden as Chief Operating Officer and seasoned animation expert John Evershed as Chief Strategy Officer. Trioscope also appointed former Roblox executive Keith Lucas and former Technicolor executive Greg Mandel as Advisory Board members. In addition to the premiere of The Liberator, which reached #3 worldwide on Netflix, the company finished production on the short film Night of the Cooters, produced by George R. R. Martin and starring Vincent D’Onofrio, who also directs. Trioscope also has a TV development and production partnership with music shingle Quality Control, which includes Takeover, starring Quavo.
Known by many across the globe for his contributions to Heavy Metal, Bilal is not just comic-book artist: He’s a celebrated painter, movie director and author. Bilal was awarded Best Book of The Year from Lire Magazine in 1993, the Adamson Award for the Best International Comic-Book Cartoonist in 1999 and the International Horror Guild Award in 2006 for Best Illustrated Narrative. His art has been exhibited in art galleries around the world, most notably a 2012 solo exhibition at The Louvre, titled “The Ghosts of the Louvre.” His paintings now sell with six-figure price tags, and his books are regularly printed at 150,000 copies or more.
Frédéric Puech
Based in Paris and Lille, Something Big specializes in film & TV series development, executive production and work-for-hire animation. The studio is involved in every stage of the 2D- and 3D-animation production process — from story and visual development to animation, rendering and compositing. Something Big frequently collaborates with international studios and talent while accessing the French artist talent pool and benefiting from the soft funding available in France. CEO Frederic Puech has a long history of producing animation in France and worldwide with Something Big, during a 15-year stint as Founder & President of Planet Nemo Animation and as SVP of Animation at Ankama.
As of today (Friday, Oct. 14), Leonine Holding GmbH acquires a 25.1 percent share in Toon2Tango GmbH & Co. KG, based in Munich. With the transaction, Leonine Studios adds the development and production of new IPs in animation and live action to its strong existing distribution channels in the children’s and family segments, adding to existing partnerships to cover the entire kids & family entertainment value chain.
“Our key strategic objective is to cover the entire value chain in all our business areas, wherever possible. In children’s and family entertainment, we’re already very well positioned in co-production, theatrical distribution, home entertainment and audio — currently again with the superhit The School of Magical Animals 2,” said Fred Kogel, CEO of Leonine Studios. “With the investment in Toon2Tango, we’ve completed the value chain in kids and family entertainment by enhancing content development and production.”
Toon2Tango was founded three years ago by the experienced and successful management duo Hans Ulrich Stoef and Jo Daris, who produced, among others, the international hit series Mia and Me, which has developed into a globally established franchise comprising four seasons of the TV series with a total of 104 episodes and a theatrical feature film.
“Ulli Stoef and Jo Daris have impressively and sustainably demonstrated their excellent sense for promising kids’ content and their great international distribution expertise in the course of their careers. We’re very pleased that we’re now intensifying our partnership by acquiring a share in Toon2Tango,” added Bernhard zu Castell, Leonine’s Chief Distribution Officer. “Animation is already an essential part of our DNA. We know the success factors behind attractive content in this sector and have now combined all the components that enable us to build holistic brand worlds in kids and family entertainment and continue this success story together.
Mia and Me
Hans Ulrich Stoef, CEO & Producer at Toon2Tango, commented, “For some time we have been thinking about the necessary steps to take our start-up Toon2Tango to the next level. After the first three years and a great start with a large number of developments and already four shows in production, we started discussions to find the ideal strategic partner for us. We had a number of options and are convinced that we found the perfect partner in Leonine Studios. Through this connection, we strengthen our market position and now have the full power to build a major European player in children’s and family
entertainment.”
Toon2Tango will debut the 26-part hybrid series Lily of Fawonia at MIPCOM. Like Mia and Me, the new production is modeled on the successful blend of live action and animation. Also new at MIPCOM is the studio’s first fully live-action concept Macara’s Curse, developed in collaboration with Anjali Taneja, creator of the hit series House of Anubis.
Leonine Studios has been active in the field of children’s and family entertainment for years and, as co-producer and distributor, most recently found big screen success with The School of Magical Animals 1 & 2, The Ogglies – Welcome to Smelliville, Rabbit Academy: Mission Eggpossible,Maya the Bee and Raven the Little Rascal. In home entertainment, Leonine Studios complements its theatrical successes with the distribution of popular properties such as Heidi, The Gruffalo and Mia and Me. Leonine Studios has also been expanding its footprint with the development of an audio division covering audio plays, audio books and podcasts for originals and IPs including LEGO Ninjago.
Stoef was a founding shareholder of m4e AG, which he sold to Studio 100 Media in 2018. At the merged Studio 100/m4e company, Stoef served as CEO and Chairman of the Group Content Committee. Before founding Toon2Tango with Stoef, Daris served as Chief Content Officer at Studio 100. He built the international business for the company and was instrumental in the acquisition of EM Entertainment and the opening of Studio 100 Animation in France.
A new season of swashbuckling adventure is on the way for Disney Junior’s Mickey Mouse Funhouse, premiering Friday, November 4 at 11 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel and Disney Junior, timed to Mickey’s birthday month. The episodes will stream on Disney+ early next year.
New episodes will include pirate-themed adventures for Disney’s iconic character, Mickey Mouse, and his pals — Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto — as they visit real-world and fantastical locales with Funny, an enchanted talking playhouse voiced by Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows).
Season 1 is currently available on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney+. The whimsical animated series from Disney Branded Television has amassed over 110 million views to date across digital platforms.
Season 2 finds Mickey and the gang visiting a variety of magical lands — such as Pirate World, Underwater Ocean World, Prehistoric World and Herotropolis — where they become powerful superheroes. Funny also turns into a modern-day jet, helping the pals explore real-world cultures, from observing Lunar New Year in Seoul to celebrating Día de los Muertos in Mexico City.
The upcoming season features the return of John Stamos (Big Shot) as Captain Salty Bones and introduces new characters voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown (Firebuds) as Pepper Lemon, a rival pirate to Captain Salty Bones; Lois Chimimba (The One) as the Tooth Fairy; Alice Lee (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist) as Ye Eun, a girl who works at a Korean folk village; Yasmine Al Massri (Quantico) as Bast, an Egyptian cat-like statue; and Jee Young Han (Perry Mason) as Cho Sook, a Korean gumiho (a mythological nine-tailed fox).
Other returning guest cast members include Jenifer Lewis as Wheezelene, Grammy Award-nominee Mickey Guyton as Wanda the Wandrin’ Warbler, Richard Kind as Cheezel, Jaime Camil as Rocket Mouse and Amanda Seales as Annie.
Geared to kids ages 2-7 and their families, Mickey Mouse Funhouse is a top 3 cable series with Kids 2-5, reaching 1 in 4 preschoolers across linear and streaming platforms (per Nielsen Media Research 2Q22). Each episode features two 11-minute stories with a mid-way “Stretch and Wiggle” dance break. The series demonstrates imaginative play, encourages wish fulfillment and imparts age-appropriate social and emotional lessons about friendship, creativity and ingenuity.
Phil Weinstein is executive producer and supervising director; Thomas Hart is co-executive producer and supervising story editor; Mark Drop is story editor. Emmy winner Alan Bodner serves as art director, and Steve Walby is producer. Emmy nominee Beau Black is the series composer and co-writes the original songs with Loren Hoskins. The series is a production of Disney Television Animation.
Extensions for Mickey Mouse Funhouse include children’s playsets, figures, plush and more, which are currently available at shopDisney.com and retailers nationwide. Additionally, a collection of pirate-themed playsets and plush from Just Play is now available in stores.
Global entertainment indie Boat Rocker today announced that its hit preschool animated series Dino Ranch has been renewed for a third season. Season 3 (52 x 11’) will air on Disney Junior and Disney+ in the U.S in Fall 2023, followed by an international rollout on Disney Junior in Latin America and streaming on Disney+ in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
“We’re thrilled to be producing a third season of Dino Ranch, a series that has won over kids and parents around the world with its unique blend of accessible storytelling and premium animation,” said Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier, Co-Executive Chairmen, Boat Rocker Media & Co-Chairmen, Boat Rocker Studios.
The second season launched this summer, including the show’s first tentpole 22-minute special, Dino-SOAR!, which introduced flying dinos to the ropin’ and ridin’ team, and is set to drop on Disney+ in the U.S. later this year as well as Disney Junior Latin America in 2023. The third season will continue to expand the Dino Ranch universe with new adventures, including a second 22′ special that will introduce a new location, vehicles, gadgets and even more dinosaur friends.
Jon Rutherford, President, Boat Rocker Studios, Kids & Family and Rights, commented, “We’re excited to continue our strong partnership with Disney for Season 3 of Dino Ranch. The series is a key piece of franchise IP for Boat Rocker and we look forward to its continued global expansion across content sales, consumer products, live events and digital.”
The show has sold in over 160 countries worldwide, including to Disney+ in U.K./Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, Tiny Pop (U.K.), Nine Go (Australia), SUPER RTL/TOGGO Plus (Germany), Gulli plus TiJi (France) and Gulli Africa, Cartoonito (Italy), Hop! (Israel), SVT (Sweden), NRK (Norway), DR (Denmark), YLE (Finland), TVP (Poland) and HRT (Croatia).
These partnerships allow “rancheroos” around the world to follow the adventures of the tight-knit Cassidy family and their dinosaur companions in the great outdoors. Adopted sibling Jon, Min and Miguel together with their Ma and Pa live on a ranch where they raise prehistoric livestock, enjoying fast-riding, high-flying dino fun and tackling the challenges of growing up, while celebrating the values of hard work, teamwork and commitment.
Dino Ranch is created by Matt Fernandes (of Industrial Brothers) and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker, in association with CBC Kids and Radio-Canada. Boat Rocker manages global franchise development, including content distribution and consumer products. Animation services for Season 3 of Dino Ranch will be provided by Boat Rocker’s Jam Filled Entertainment
Boat Rocker has developed a broad licensing program for Dino Ranch, with Jazwares as master toy partner. A full line of Dino Ranch toys rolls out to mass market retailers worldwide this fall, supported by a comprehensive integrated marketing campaign. Complemented by a range of additional categories, with further roll-out planned for 2023, Boat Rocker are working with more than 50 licensed partners and nine licensing agents worldwide.
Mounia Aram, founder of African animation distribution & production specialist Mounia Aram Company, and France’s Gobelins, named the world’s top-ranked animation school of 2022 by Animation Career Review 2022, have announced a strategic partnership to promote and develop pan-African animation.
Starting next July, the partners will run a Summer School in Ghana for 15 days, dedicated to 3D character animation. Under a common goal of developing animation on the continent, particularly in Morocco, and promoting diversity in the industry, Gobelins and Mounia Aram Company launch this initiative to:
Promote education and training in animation art
Strengthen local skills in 2D and/or 3D animation production and storytelling
Boost the number of women in the animation industry
The cross continental alliance was conceived in response to the growth of the local industry, “Animation Made in Africa,” and demand for more local, professional talent to develop productions more closely focused on the cultural values of the continent.
Aram is an animation industry professional with more than 19 years’ experienced. She launched Mounia Aram Company to build a bridge between Africa and the international market, by presenting animation projects to producers for coproduction and to broadcasters for distribution. After winning the Black in Animation Award in the cultural innovator category, Aram, who is originally from Morocco, developed a training program with the launch of her animation studio in Agadir.
Mounia Aram
“I couldn’t imagine launching my animation studio in Morocco without a training program, I want to give the necessary tools for the talents to acquire the international requirements. I wanted to partner with the best and bring the excellence in terms of animation training,” said Aram. “This partnership with Gobelins allows me to develop the excellence in my studio in Morocco and in Africa, with a first step my collaboration in the summer school in Ghana.”
This is not the first time that Gobelins has gotten involved in the African industry’s development. With the support of Netflix, for the past five years the school has offered a dozen African scholarship students the opportunity to study in its Master of Arts in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking program. In 2021, Gobelins participated alongside the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) in partnership with international mentors Diprente Studios and Tshimologong Animation Academy to create a platform to introduce emerging African talent to global film and animation markets.
“This partnership is fully in line with the school’s international strategy of spreading its know-how to meet local training needs. The potential for talent is booming in Africa,” said Erik Anspach, Director General of Gobelins. “We therefore have a role to play as a major player in this field to promote the learning and development of the art of animation.”
Cécile Blondel, Director of International Development of the Paris school, added, “We really liked Mounia’s project. It touches us so much because of the idea of being able to pass on our knowledge and to offer young talents the opportunity to work on their own narrative. Moreover, we are obviously very concerned about supporting women in animation and diversity in general.”
With MIP Junior / MIPCOM just around the corner, Josh Selig’s China Bridge Content has announced back to back partnerships on cuddly new kids’ series ready to debut for global buyers next week.
China Bridge has teamed up with global kids’ IP EdTech company KidsLoop to deliver the new spinoff of its preschool hit franchise Badanamu, My Friend Bada. The series is created by KidsLoop Creative Directors Joey Lee and Ayoung Ra (Batanamu Cadets, Banamu Stories) and multi-Emmy-winning creator Selig (Wonder Pets!, Small Potatoes). The show features an educational curriculum with a focus on Cognitive Flexibility and Content Knowledge that was written by the show’s Director of Research, Beth Richman, Ed.M. (Sesame Workshop, Super Wings). Selig wrote the pilot and has signed on as showrunner.
Having been an executive producer on Super Wings, Selig has a record of turning South Korean toons into global franchises. “I have always been a big fan of South Korean design so I was thrilled to join this exceptionally talented creative team in Seoul and support the iconic Badanamu brand with world-class writing and a robust educational curriculum,” said Selig. “My Friend Bada has all the makings of a global media and licensing mega-hit, and I can’t wait to share the project with buyers and toy companies at the upcoming markets.”
Synopsis: Bada, a cute puppy-like creature, takes the viewer on creative journeys inspired by a single theme such as Food, Music, Vehicles or Art. Bada always greets the child-viewer outside his unique home, the Bada Cabana, and then heads off to an exciting new destination like a music concert, the beach or even the moon! Bada is joined by his best friends Mimi and Abby, who help Bada overcome a variety of challenges they face along the way. When they arrive at their destination, Bada leads his friends and the viewers in a big sing-along about the day’s theme. There is never any “fourth wall” on My Friend Bada, which encourages the children watching to feel less like viewers and more like Bada’s good friends.
“Badanamu has gone from strength to strength over the past five years and we’re certain that My Friend Bada, with its strong international team, will carry Bada and his friends to exciting new heights,” said Mark Law, CEO of KidsLoop. “We are delighted to be partnering with Josh and his team at China Bridge Content. They have shown again and again that they who know how to make innovative, meaningful preschool content that connects with kids all around the world.”
Peaches & Creaminal
China Bridge has also teamed up with another global kids & family entertainment major, Toonz Media Group, which has come on board for the new original comedy series Peaches & Creaminal(52 x 11′). Both companies will be in Cannes to preview the project for six- to nine-year olds during MIP Junior / MIPCOM.
Peaches & Creaminal was co-created by Chen Chen (Luo Bao Bei) and Selig. The theme song was composed by Tony Award winner Larry Hochman (The Book of Mormon, Wonder Pets!) and the pilot scripts were written by Josh Selig and Emmy Award winner Billy Lopez (Welcome to the Wayne, Wonder Pets!). The show was designed by Gary and Kenny Plummer.
Synopsis: This animated comedy centers on an outspoken eight-year-old girl who travels the world with her very large talking bulldog. In each episode, Peaches and Creaminal arrive in a new country, where Creaminal’s lack of impulse control gets them into playful trouble. Whatever happens — and something always does — Peaches forgives Creaminal and says, “You don’t have to be perfect to be loved.” This is a comedy about what makes us human and what makes us, well, dogs.
Peaches & Creaminal is the first original series from China Bridge Content whose mission is to build creative and business ties between China and the world in the media sector. “I am absolutely thrilled that our first China/U.S. collaboration Peaches & Creaminal has found a home with Toonz Media Group,” said Selig. “Although we received multiple offers for this project, we chose Toonz because their team provides a powerful mix of creative leadership, production expertise, and unrivaled access to markets around the world.”
P. Jayakumar, CEO, Toonz Media Group added, “It’s difficult to find a comedy whose jokes can work in North America, Europe, and Asia. Peaches & Creaminal is the funniest show we’ve seen in a long time, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Josh and his team to bring the series to kids everywhere.”
Josh Selig
Launched in 2021 by 12-time Emmy Award winner Josh Selig (The Wonder Pets!, Small Potatoes, Super Wings, P. King Duckling), China Bridge Content helps international companies get a foothold in mainland China and Chinese companies expand their reach into the global market. Selig is also the founder and former CEO of Little Airplane Productions (acquired by Studio 100 Group) and has written for The New York Times, The China Daily and Animation Magazine.
Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation have enlisted Flying Bark Productions to animate their first recently announced Untitled Avatar feature film in a newly confirmed partnership with Avatar Studios.
Now recruiting, Flying Bark Productions (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, LEGO Monkie Kid, What If…?) is seeking Australian and international artists across several 2D animation and CG departments which will see successful candidates join the team in Sydney Australia in early 2023. View current available positions here.
Promising to push the style and boundaries of hybrid animation, the first Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film will couple traditional 2D animation with substantial CG elements. With their slate of well-known 2D and CG projects, Flying Bark is no stranger to cross-medium animation, and recently earned an Emmy nomination for their Marvel collaboration What If… Dr Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?
“We are so excited to be working with one of the premiere and long-standing animation studios in Australia, Flying Bark,” said Mark Bakshi, Executive Vice President, Paramount Animation. “Their track record of artistic excellence makes them an ideal creative partner for such an ambitious and high-profile feature film.”
The new slate of movies will be based in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, which were originally created for Nickelodeon by Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino. The first feature will be directed by Lauren Montgomery (Justice League: Doom, Batman: Year One, Wonder Woman 2009), with Konietzko and DiMartino producing.
“Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra are two of the most iconic animated series of our time and we are simply thrilled to play a part in bringing this new story to life. With a company full of creatives and super fans, the Avatar feature is a dream project for the team at Flying Bark,” said the studio’s Director of Production, Alexia Gates-Foale. “This really is an exciting time for the Australian animation industry, and we look forward to welcoming new talent to our studio in Sydney as well as further developing our incredible team of artists.”
Flying Bark Productions continues to grow its animation team across CG, 2D and CG/2D hybrid productions. With 350 employees across all departments, the studio has quickly become one of the most sought-after animation shingles around the world for traditional frame-by-frame and CG animation.
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Belgium-based indie Studio 100, Flying Bark Productions has studios in both Sydney and Los Angeles, operating as a full-service production facilities for feature films and series as well as providing animation services for clients around the world after more than 50 years in the biz.
Aardman, the multi-award-winning U.K. animation studio, has today announced a new global Partnership Program for universities, run by its training facility the Aardman Academy.
Exclusive to five U.K. and 10 overseas Partners, the program supports students and academic staff by delivering animation training online and in person, providing portfolio feedback and a suite of masterclasses and events. U.K.-based students will be invited to visit Aardman to see the working studio in action.
“We’ve been working incredibly hard to find a solution where we can support both students and universities alike while striving to get as close to an open-door policy as possible without diluting an industry-leading level of teaching and training,” said Mark Simon Hewis, Head of the Aardman Academy.
“Our new partnership scheme allows us to plug directly into degree courses, and collaborate with academics and heads of schools from across the world to offer an insight into the industry that so many current students are looking for from their chosen courses. I’m so pleased we’re now able to start connecting with universities and academics and welcoming them into the wonderful community we’ve created at the Aardman Academy.”
With three tiers available (Partner, Member, Associate), the first Partners on board include The Northern School of Art in Middlesbrough, with Aardman Academy courses made available to students this academic year. New York’s School of Visual Arts has joined as a Member.
Through the Partnership Program, the Aardman Academy intends to build deeper relationships with universities and colleges, leading to meaningful two-way conversation with the animation industry.
“We are incredibly excited about our partnership with the Aardman Academy. Our animation and illustration degree students alongside those studying production design and modelmaking are thrilled at the opportunities on offer,” added Patrick Chapman, VP Employability & External Relations at The Northern School of Art.
“The relationship with Aardman is a perfect fit between an art school and a world-famous creative partner. We share a vision and goals for developing talent and enabling everyone to have the opportunity to achieve their potential in this exciting industry. The School, which recently revealed a 91% satisfaction rate in its class of 2022, better than most universities, is focused on providing excellence to its students. Our Aardman Academy Partner status underpins and extends this.
“The School is at the very heart of growth in the regional screen industry with its Screen faculty teaching filmmaking, production design, costume, acting, and modelmaking & VFX. The School is also behind The Northern Studios, the largest commercial film and TV production facility in the region which has just opened.”
Established in 2013, the Aardman Academy was designed to nurture talent and strengthen ties between the animation industry and education, providing development for animation professionals as well as outreach training and talent progression opportunities.
Ahead of MIP Junior and MIPCOM, Danish media house Copenhagen Bombay is introducing audiences to their latest new series Høj, and the mystical universe of its titular teen hero. The serialized series of 26 x 11′, co-produced with DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation), encapsulates adventure, action and humor, laced with the folklore of Norse mythology.
The series follows the journey of Høj, a teenager who runs away from home and embarks on an epic adventure to retrieve the goddess Freya’s magical necklace that he took (then lost). Traveling through different realms, he discovers his true identity and learns the magical ability of shapeshifting.
First pitched at the Stuttgart Animation Production Days (APD) in 2020, Høj caught the attention of DR right away, says Morten Skov, the pubcaster’s Head of Children’s Content.
“Høj is an adventurous TV series that takes place in the aftermath of Ragnarök in Norse mythology,” Skov explains. “At DR we find the story of Høj highly entertaining with its extensive universe and the magic of shapeshifting. And in addition, we really appreciate the way the series introduces and retells some of the legendary myths from Norse mythology. We believe the series will bring children and parents together for a common experience.”
The partners aim to make Høj a core part of DR’s new venture into a family animation slate with a focus on original Danish-created content that encourages co-viewing.
Ahead of the show’s fall market debut, Copenhagen Bombay has shared exclusive first-look imagery with Animation Magazine, which reveals how Høj manifests his shapeshifting powers to turn into a Raven.
Høj – Raven Transformation (Animation Magazine Exclusive, c/o Copenhagen Bombay)
A Collaboration of Mythic Proportions
With this latest project, Copenhagen Bombay and DR bolster their long history of partnership for the development and production of kids’ content, which has delivered three seasons of the animated series Superhero Sprinter Galore. The series has since sold across Europe and the U.S.
With the partners back together for the creation of Høj, Copenhagen Bombay CEO & founder Sarita Christensen shares that she instantly picked the concept out as an IP with potential thanks to its unique world and story that aligns with the studio’s DNA.
“I’m very excited about the expansion of our great partnership with DR and the collaboration on this new adventurous fantasy series,” says Christensen. “Høj has a special touch of Nordic values, and the multiple realms of Norse mythology has a huge potential for further IP expansion.”
The series is created by rising Danish animation star Carl Otto Moesgaard and directed by talented Mikkel Mainz, best known for the popular web series Tales of Alethrion. The script is written by award-winning author/screenwriter Merlin P. Mann, who has a strong affinity for fantasy and sci-fi for young adults.
Høj – Thor’s Gate (c/o Copenhagen Bombay)
MIP Market Debut
Copenhagen Bombay Sales will be presenting a never-before-seen animatic for Høj at the MIP Junior screening room, as well as presenting finalized scripts and final character designs to potential buyers.
Worldwide rights, excluding the Nordics, are available for the series. All international sales are headed by Alexandra Cruz from Copenhagen Bombay Sales.
Social viewing platform Scener is teaming up with Oregon stop-motion studio LAIKA to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated dark fantasy feature ParaNorman with a worldwide watch party on Saturday, October 15 at 5 p.m. PT (virtual doors open at 4:45 p.m. PT).
ParaNorman writer and director Chris Butler, who went on to helm the studio’s 2019 feature Missing Link, will join fans for a special screening, sharing live commentary over video for the first 30 minutes of the film and answering questions fans drop in the live text chat. Following the screening, five emerging filmmakers — JP & Beyond (Jesse Perrotta), ACM Official (Alex Magana), Ridder Films (Blake Ridder & Louis James), InCamera (Tommy Martin) and Film It Yourself (Ash Blodgett) — will showcase their unique spin on the timeless stop motion classic.
“The nostalgic bond ParaNorman cultivates each Halloween is incredible,” said Butler. “Scener provides the perfect place for all fans to experience the film together, whether you’re rediscovering and reigniting your love for the film or experiencing it for the very first time.”
Starting today, fans can sign up for the ParaNorman Watch Party for free, which grants them access to Scener’s custom-built virtual theater designed to host thousands of guests. To join the watch party, simply download the Scener Google Chrome extension for laptop or desktop viewing. Those joining from the United States can watch from their mobile devices with Scener’s mobile app. To join LAIKA’s official ParaNorman Watch Party, hosted by Scener, RSVP for free at paranorman.scener.com.
“This is gonna be fun! ParaNorman is one of the most celebrated films of its genre, and has created a global community that spans generations and backgrounds. We can’t wait to host Writer and Director Chris Butler and fans, to celebrate the magic behind his filmmaking and the creators who have been inspired by it,” commented Scener CEO David Baron.
Independent kids content creation company Epic Storyworlds — founded by seasoned children’s entertainment executives Steve Couture and Ken Faier and a sister company to Faier’s Epic Story Media — is launching Freeground, an online experience studio focused on fan engagement through Roblox experiences.
Freeground’s first collaboration with the global entertainment development company Falcon’s Beyond will feature an entertainment destination including a theme park and games based on its Katmandu intellectual property.
Based in Quebec City, Freeground is the newest branch of the Epic Story group. Co-founded by Couture, formerly CEO of Frima, the new company will utilize Couture’s past experience in browser-based virtual worlds. Frima developed virtual world projects aimed at kids such as Bearville, Littlest Pet Shop Online and Skylander’s Universe. Couture serves as CEO of the new venture.
Freeground’s dedicated team includes Laurent Mercure as Studio Director, who brings a background in game marketing as well as community management, which is an integral part of Freeground’s company ethos. The new studio will have a full range of services from research and development, to content production, marketing, post-launch operations and monetization strategies.
“As Roblox continues to rapidly cement itself as an integral part of kids’ lives, it’s essential that brand IP owners — across toys, video games, clothing, music, TV content, events and theme parks — who are looking to engage with the younger generation, start thinking about establishing a presence on the platform,” said Couture.
“With the launch of Freeground, we’re building upon the existing strength of the Epic Story group of companies and its capacity to develop global and creative franchises by offering companies a chance to capitalize on the significant opportunities that Roblox presents, while ensuring the players are front and center of everything we create. We’re honored to have Falcon’s Beyond as our first collaborator and to be creating a Roblox experience that will propel the idea of a virtual theme park to the next level.”
Faier added, “With the addition of Freeground, the Epic Story group of companies becomes the most complete 360-degree offering for kids’ brand management, handling linear content, games, licensing, merchandising and now, the creation and nurturing of virtual worlds under one roof. Freeground’s unique approach will be focused on not only building highly engaging Roblox experiences, but also drawing on Steve and Laurent’s extensive expertise in community management to ignite fan engagement for the long run.”
Katmandu Park in Roblox
Freeground’s collaboration with Falcon’s Beyond follows a previously announced joint-venture between Falcon’s Beyond and Meliá Hotels International to roll out “resortainment” destinations around the globe called Falcon’s Beyond Destinations. The upcoming Falcon’s Beyond Destination | Punta Cana will feature the first-ever Falcon’s Resort by Meliá and Katmandu Park | Punta Cana, a new theme park based on the Katmandu IP. Both are slated to open late 2022 / early 2023 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, with additional locations to follow.
The Falcon’s Beyond Roblox world is set to launch in December 2022.
“We are thoroughly enjoying our collaboration with the Epic Story and Freeground teams in adapting the brands, experiences and attractions found at our brick-and-mortar entertainment destinations into a vibrant and vivacious Roblox world tailored for that audience,” said Jason Ambler, President of Digital Media at Falcon’s Beyond. “We believe this Roblox experience will be unlike anything players have seen before, offering much to do, build and explore, as well as reasons to come back again and again. Much like a traditional theme park, our Roblox world will continue to expand with new branded lands, experiences, and games, and other features for players to enjoy.”
Each day, 58.9 million individuals log onto Roblox, making it the fastest growing platform targeting the six- to 14-year-old demographic. Roblox is the #1 item kids spend their allowance on, above Fortnite and Minecraft, and over half of all U.S. kids aged 9-12 have a Roblox account (Sources: Roblox Developers Conferences 2019 and 2022).
Paris-based international kids’ content producer Cottonwood Media and leading Israeli production house Ananey Studios, a Paramount company, have joined forces to co-produce the brand new CGI animated bridge kids’ series, Fairy Express. Nick Jr. Israel has commissioned the show.
Based on an original concept by Emmy- and BAFTA-nominated creator and director Gili Dolev (Zack and Quack, Nella the Princess Knight, Powerbirds) and co-creator & Head of Kids and
Family, Ananey Studios, Shirley Oran (Craft Party, Hahamama). The series is executive produced by Dolev and Oran, and produced by Cottonwood Media’s David Michel, Cécile Lauritano and Zoé Carrera Allaix.
“This marks a first time partnership with Ananey, and it’s great to be collaborating on this enchanting production with such an inspiring creative team,” said the Cottonwood team. “Fairy Express is one of those exquisite projects that will make kids smile, laugh and pretty much give them a hug from the inside out.”
Fairy Express (52 x 11’) is a CGI animated series that targets four- to six-year olds. Three entrepreneurial fairies named Charm, Pixie and Wonder have invented a special App called Fairy Express to grant kids their wishes — an instant 21st Century magical service for those in need. Each day, the fairies fly to the charming coastal town of Wishington, where kids are eagerly waiting for them to grant their wish. Whether it’s a young dog walker who lost all 10 dogs under his care, or a girl whose birthday invites were sent for the wrong day, thesolution is only a magic spell away! Or five of them, when the first spell backfires. But even when things go wrong, everyone knows that a little mess is all part of the magic.
“We’re so happy to be partnering with our talented friends at Cottonwood Media on this sweet and charming new show and can’t wait to sprinkle magic on viewers everywhere,” commented Hila Pachter, Head of International Relations, Ananey Studios.
Federation Kids & Family, of which Cottonwood Media is a subsidiary, will be handling worldwide distribution (outside of Israel) and will present the series to buyers for the first time at the upcoming MIPCOM.
Cartuna and Campanario Entertainment are teaming up with Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez to develop an adult animated series inspired by the life and career of the Mexican sports icon and four-division boxing world champion. The project is currently in development and will be shopped to networks and streamers later this year.
“I’m excited to see my story and my career brought to TV through this incredible medium. It will give my loyal fans a new way to follow my journey to the top of boxing, and can also bring new followers to this beautiful sport,” said Álvarez. The 17-time World Champion has also recently confirmed a role in the upcoming feature film Creed III
Five-time Telly Award-winning writer Erick Galindo (Mexican Beverly Hills) is attached to write the series, which is inspired by Álvarez’s personal journey. As a troubled adolescent, Canelo walked into the boxing gym of Chepo and Eddy Reynoso, who set him on a path to becoming a global sports icon. The trio remains close to this day.
“There are athletes, there are superstars, and then there are national heroes. Canelo is definitely the latter of the three,” said Mike Flavin, SVP of Development at Cartuna. “We feel lucky to be able to bring his story to life and use animation to tell a story brimming with heart.”
Jaime Dávila, President & Co-Founder of Campanario, commented, “Telling Latino stories that resonate with global audiences has always been at the center of Campanario’s goals. To have the opportunity to tell Canelo Álvarez’s story with the help of Erick Galindo, another one-of-a-kind Mexican and esteemed writer, is an incredible honor for us,. Latino stories deserve to be told in all formats, and we’re looking forward to creating a dynamic animated world with our partners at Cartuna.”
Co-heads of Cartuna James and Adam Belfer, along with Flavin, will executive produce the project for Cartuna, with Dávila and Rico Martínez executive producing for Campanario Entertainment. Campanario is represented by CAA and Sheppard Mullin, writer Erick Galindo by A3 and Álvarez by Excel Sports Management.
Nicknamed “Canelo” (“cinnamon”) for his red hair, Álvarez began boxing in Guadalajara when he was 13 years old, going pro at age 15 in 2005. He has won world titles at junior middleweight (154 lbs.), middleweight (160 lbs.), super middleweight (168 lbs.) and light heavyweight (175 lbs.), and is presently the lineal middleweight champion and undisputed super middleweight world champion.
Campanario Entertainment is a Los Angeles-based production company focused on creating universal premium content driven by Latino voices. Notable projects include Selena: The Series (Netflix), Cómo Sobrevivir Soltero (Prime Video) and Realscreen and Imagen Award-nominated Mexican Dynasties (Bravo).
Based in Brooklyn, Cartuna is best known for their original series Magical Girl Friendship Squad (Peacock/SYFY), the Annie Award-nominated series Human Kind Of (Facebook Watch), the Bobby Moynihan created series Loafy (Comedy Central) and the animated adaptation of the Office Ladies podcast for Comedy Central.
Apple TV+ is ready to help kids and families trick or treat, give thanks and spread holiday cheer with its lineup of new special seasonal episodes of Apple Original series and the streaming debut of classic holiday Peanuts specials.
New festive programming from beloved series includes the Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock “Night of the Lights” holiday special and Sago Mini Friends Thanksgiving special premiering on Friday, November 18, and holiday specials from Interrupting Chicken, Pretzel and the Puppies and The Snoopy Show, all debuting on Friday, December 2.
Apple TV+ will also provide special free windows for non-subscribers to stream iconic holiday specials from Mendelson/Melendez Productions and Peanuts Worldwide (these specials are available to subscribers now and everyday)
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, available October 28 through October 31
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, available November 23 through November 27
A Charlie Brown Christmas, available December 22 through December 25.
Two additional classic Peanuts holiday specials, I Want a Dog for Christmas and Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tales, will be added to the platform for the first time starting December 2.
And as previously announced, the animated short film The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, based on the beloved award-winning book of the same name by author Charlie Mackesy, will be coming to Apple TV+ on Christmas Day.
New Apple TV+ Kids & Family Holiday Specials
Fraggle Rock “Night of Lights”
Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock “Night of the Lights Holiday Special” (Premieres Friday, November 18)
It’s the Night of the Lights, the most Fraggily holiday of the year, and the Rock is filled with songs and cheer. When Jamdolin (voiced by Emmy nominee Daveed Diggs, Hamilton) encourages Wembley to make a special wish, the Fraggle head out on an adventure to find the brightest light and, maybe, the true meaning of the holiday. Jim Henson’s fun-loving and musical Fraggles — Gobo, Red, Wembley, Mokey, Boober and new Fraggle friends — have returned for all new adventures about the magic that happens when we celebrate and care for our interconnected world.
From The Jim Henson Company, the series is executive produced by Lisa Henson, Halle Stanford, John Tartaglia, Matt Fusfeld, and Alex Cuthbertson; Dave Goelz and Karen Prell co-executive produce; Harvey Mason Jr. is the executive music producer. The special is produced by Ritamarie Peruggi.
Sago Mini Friends “Happy Thankful Day!”
Sago Mini Friends Thanksgiving Special (Premieres Friday, November 18)
In “Happy Thankful Day,” while preparing for a special Sagoville festival, Harvey and Robin accidentally end up in Loomington — a town without gratitude. Sago Mini Friends features Harvey the floppy-eared dog and his best friends, Jinja the cat, Jack the rabbit and Robin the bird. Along with a unique cast of residents as colorful as their own whimsical world, the four friends play, explore, imagine and celebrate daily in their joyful town of Sagoville. In each episode, Harvey and all his friends express their true thankfulness for all things, big and small, through optimism, kindness, preschool-friendly humor and unforgettable original songs!
Produced by Spin Master Entertainment, animated by 9 Story Media Group’s Brown Bag Films – Toronto, and based on the award-winning Sago Mini World app, developed by Sago Mini, The animated preschool series is executive produced by Jennifer Dodge, Ronnen Harary, Tone Thyne, Dustin Ferrer, Laura Clunie and Toni Stevens, with Chad Hicks as series director. Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky serves as the gratitude expert on the series through Apple TV+’s changemakers initiative.
Interrupting Chicken “A Chicken Carol”
Interrupting Chicken Holiday Special (Premieres Friday, December 2)
In the holiday special, “A Chicken Carol,” Ebenezer Wolf decides to cancel the holidays so, Piper teams up with the Three Little Pigs and some ghostly friends to change his mind. This animated preschool series which debuts globally on Apple TV+ November 18 is based on Interrupting Chicken, the 2011 Caldecott Honor-winning book series written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein, introduces children to the joy of storytelling — starting with a young little chicken named Piper who has a habit of interrupting storytime! Every time Piper hears a story, she can’t help but jump in, ask questions and let her imagination run wild as she tries to fill in details, guess what happens next or insert herself in the middle of the action to help save the day.
In partnership with Mercury Filmworks, Interrupting Chicken is executive produced by Ron Holsey, David Ezra Stein, Loris Kramer Lunsford, Clint Eland and Chantal Ling, and stars the voice talents of Sterling K. Brown. Dr. Lucy Calkins serves as reading and writing expert through the Apple TV+ changemaker initiative.
Pretzel & The Puppies “Merry Muttgomery!”
Pretzel and the Puppies Holiday Special (Premieres Friday, December 2)
In “Merry Muttgomery!,” when a heavy snowfall jeopardizes the annual holiday festival, the pups find unique ways to celebrate with all the snowed-in dogs in the city. Based on the beloved canine from the classic book Pretzel by award-winning authors Margret and H.A. Rey, creators of Curious George, the original series follows a modern dog family led by stay-at-home dad Pretzel, his five adorable Dachshund puppies, and mom Greta, the mayor of Muttgomery. Together, the Doxiesare always sniffing out ways to “make their bark” on their doggie hometown and make it a better place for their four-legged friends and neighbors. Pretzel and Greta encourage their pups to try to solve their own problems, often reminding them to “Get those PAWS UP!” whenever they face a challenge.
Voice talent includes Mark Duplass, Nasim Pedrad and many more. Hailing from HarperCollins Productions and animated by House of Cool and Saturday Animation, the series is executive produced by Caroline Fraser, Ricardo Curtis, Wes Lui and Steve Altiere; Jennifer Contrucci co-executive produces. Dr. Tony Wagner serves as the play, passion, purpose expert through the Apple TV+ changemaker initiative.
The Snoopy Show
The Snoopy Show Holiday Collection (Premieres Friday, December 2)
In “Happiness Is the Gift of Giving,” Snoopy adapts a Christmas poem to help Sally sleep, Charlie Brown makes gifts for his pals, and Snoopy finds waiting to open his presents a challenge. An Apple TV+ original series from Peanuts and WildBrain, The Snoopy Show gives the world’s most iconic dog his close-up and dives into new adventures with the happy-dancing, high-flying, big-dreaming beagle, who’s joined by best friend Woodstock and the rest of the Peanuts gang.
Josh Scherba, Anne Loi, Stephanie Betts, Paige Braddock, Craig Schulz and Mark Evestaff serve as executive producers. Alex Galatis serves as story editor.
With activity ramping up across its first two properties and a new project under discussion, Gran Canaria-based FuturumKids has a busy MIPCOM planned this year. The animation & media company has inked a co-production and co-distribution deal with Toonz Media Group for its new preschool series, Charlie’s Ark (52 x 11′).
FuturumKids and Toonz, a global kids & family player specializing in content creation, production and distribution for over two decades, plan to heavily promote the series to potential broadcast partners in Cannes.
Created by award-winning illustrator Mike Payne, Charlie’s Ark tells the story of Charlie, a five-year-old boy and the ark-shaped toybox in which he keeps his toy animals with their ark-inspired rainbow top-knots, manes and tails. But these are not just toys: they all come to life! And together, Charlie and the toys have many magical adventures.
“We are elated to join hands with FuturumKids to co-produce and co-distribute this promising preschool show called Charlie’s Ark. This partnership affirms our commitment to make kids and families happy by providing high-quality content,” said P. Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media Group.
The series, which has commenced production in Ireland and Las Palmas, will emulate the charm, evocative storylines and emotionally engaging illustrations of classic storybooks on the screen. An early unveiling of the concept at MIPTV in April enjoyed an warm reception.
Longer-term plans will include licensing and merchandising, building on writer and illustrator Payne’s success in commercial greeting card design, books and gift concepts that have sold in the hundreds of millions worldwide.
Creation Entertainment Media and Magic Frame Animation have partnered on a new kids’ animated series, BuddyBots. The two production companies will co-develop and produce the educational and inclusive IP and launch it at MIP Junior 2022.
“The key elements of our series BuddyBots are unique and loveable characters, the mixture of stunning visual effects, adventures, emotional moments and strong plot development,” noted Lidia Chirita, Head of Sales & Co-Productions at Magic Frame Animation. “Understanding market needs, we are creating the show that catches the imagination of kids and contains messaging liked and loved around the world.”
BuddyBots
BuddyBots follows a group of robots and two teen protagonists chronicling their adventures in a sci-fi animated world, where learning and family are some of the most important values. The characters each have certain limitations or traits traditionally perceived as ‘downfalls’ which the show turns into positive attributes, teaching the audience that everyone is just as valuable, and the importance of believing in your own abilities and seeking support from your family and friends.
The series encourages emotional development in its young audience, with lessons for parents and children on how to treat peers, overcome challenges by seeking support from others and to believe in yourself. The episodes cover topics of space, tech and equipment. The series is currently in early production.
“The key values behind BuddyBots are to empower young audiences in a way that is inclusive, and celebrate uniqueness and individuality,” said Sefi Carmel, CEO of Creation Entertainment Media. “The series narrative underlines the importance of building robust emotional support systems through friends and family, and overcoming personal challenges and special needs through self-belief and a sense of community.”
BuddyBots
Creation Entertainment Media and Magic Frame Animation previously teamed up on the number 1 ranking Netflix film Secret Magic Control Agency, which was a ratings hit in multiple territories.
The partnership between the two studios is a global collaborative co-production in a borderless environment, with creatives working from territories including Cyprus, France, Spain and the U.K. The multiplatform series will bring licensing and branding opportunities for partners around the world.
Emmy Award winner Louis Elman (Early Man, Brave, The Imitation Game, V for Vendetta) will serve as series voice director. The show’s music will be composed by multi-award-winning composer Sefi Carmel and his studio Soundtrack Creation (Legacy of Lies, Albion Tales) will provide sound design.
“The show offers commercial opportunities for consumer products licensing and is easy to derive into multiple content forms through a wide range of distribution channels,” Chirita added. “At MIP Junior, we are seeking for distribution partners in diverse platforms and deals for coproduction.”
Season 5 of the globally popular series, Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, is now available on Disney Channel U.S., with new episodes premiering weekly on Saturdays at 10 a.m. ET/PT.
Created by ZAG and co-produced with Method Animation (Mediawan Kids & Family), the 3D-CGI-animated superhero aspirational action-comedy series has become a bona fide worldwide hit, available in over 120 countries around the world. The series has a broad audience reach, with superhero action and romantic storylines to please younger kids and preteens alike.
Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir follows the adventures of two Parisian teens with secret identities who magically transform into superheroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir to save their city. As secret superheroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir are partners in the action, but in their regular lives, they must keep their identities from everyone, including each other.
In S5, arch-villain Shadow Moth, now known as Monarch, has never been so close to victory. Ladybug has lost her magical jewelry box, and she is left with only her Miraculous, and Cat Noir his. The stakes have never been higher — but our heroes, working together as a duo again, will prove to be more united and closer than ever as they discover that they have grown and have unsuspected resources within themselves. Meanwhile the former holders of the Miraculous, despite having lost their powers, continue to step up and find ways to help Ladybug and Cat Noir!
“Disney continues to be a key strategic partner for Miraculous and it is a delight to work together to share our passion to create first-class content that features a diverse cast of characters, relationship dynamics, secret identities and intriguing villains, that keep audiences guessing and anxiously wanting more,” commented Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, ZAG. “The adventures continue in Season 5, which will be intense, epic, full of revelations, new locations to discover and massive musical moments. We can’t wait to share it!”
Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir is ranked by IMDb amongst the Top 10 Best Animated Shows in the last 20 years and has won 29 awards. Available in over 120 countries, the S5 roll out this fall will followed by the heroes’ US$100 million+ animated feature debut. Miraculous is also a digital hit with over 30 billion views on YouTube (authorized and user-generated content); 200 million+ downloads of the official app; and 400 million+ plays on Roblox. Over 280 million products have been sold and retail sales have surpassed US$1 billion worldwide to date.
Coming this January, the 2019 supernatural action series Dororo arrives on HIDIVE. Previously streaming elsewhere in subtitles only, this critically praised anime from Tezuka Productions (Kids on the Slope, Young Jack Black) and MAPPA (Ushio & Tora, Jujutsu Kaisen) will now be available for fans to stream in both English sub and dub for the very first time.
Directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi (Hunter x Hunter) and written by Yasuko Kobayashi (Attack on Titan), the 24-episode TV series is based on the Dororo manga series by legendary mangaka Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy).
Synopsis: During the Warring States period, the young thief Dororo encounters the enigmatic Hyakkimaru, a strange sightless boy who wields fearsome prosthetics in place of his missing limbs. Parts of Hyakkimaru’s body, skin and organs were traded to a group of 12 demons by his father in exchange for power and prosperity. Thanks to a kindly medicine man, Hyakkimaru survived this horrifying ordeal and now wanders the land in search of his missing body parts. Together, he and Dororo will fight to survive in a demon-plagued, dangerous and unforgiving world.
The Dororo English dub, originally produced by Sentai for the series’ home video release, stars Adam Gibbs (Tokyo Ghoul:re) as Hyakkimaru, Chaney Moore (Food Wars!) as Dororo, Ty Mahany (Baki) as Jukai and Patricia Duran (Princess Principal) as Nuinokata.
The original Japanese cast stars Hiroki Suzuki (Kamen Rider Decade) as Hyakkimaru, Rio Suzuki (Modest Heroes) as Dororo, Akio Otsuka (Mob Psycho 100) as Jukai and Chie Nakamura (Naruto) as Nuinokata.
The home video release of Dororo is available in both Complete Collection and Premium Box Set editions from Sentai.
Apple Original Films announced today that the animated short film The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, based on the internationally best-selling book by Charlie Mackesy, will be coming to Apple TV+ on Christmas Day.
“The journey of making the film of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse with my incredibly gifted animation team has been a magical one,” says Mackesy. “I never dreamt it would happen — but it’s so moving to think the story will be watched at Christmas. I really hope it brings a bit of joy, laughter and comfort.”
The film, featuring Mackesy’s distinctive illustrations brought to life with hand-drawn animation, stars BAFTA Award winner Tom Hollander (The Night Manager) as The Mole, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner Idris Elba (Luther) as The Fox, Golden Globe Award winner Gabriel Byrne (All Things Bright and Beautiful) as The Horse and newcomer Jude Coward Nicoll as The Boy.
Directed by Peter Baynton (The Tiger Who Came To Tea) and Mackesy, the film is adapted from the original book in collaboration with Jon Croker (Paddington 2).
Logline: A story of kindness, friendship, courage and hope for viewers of all ages in a heart-warming, classically animated film based on Charlie Mackesy’s book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. The poignant and heartfelt journey follows the unlikely friendship of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse travelling together in the boy’s search for home.
Matthew Freud presents a Charlie Mackesy film, produced by Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominee Cara Speller (Love, Death + Robots; Pear Cider and Cigarettes; Rocket & Groot) of NoneMore Productions and Emmy Award winner J.J. Abrams and Hannah Minghella of Bad Robot Productions.
Executive producers are Jony Ive and Academy Award nominee Woody Harrelson (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri). Original score by composer Isobel Waller-Bridge, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and conducted by Geoff Alexander.
The film is presented in partnership with the BBC, who will premiere The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse in the U.K., with the film available on Apple TV+ outside of the U.K., this Christmas.
