TTVKids&Teens news
A different approach for Toei Animation in 2012
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Neptuno Films’ Series Arrives in India Animated series ‘Chuck Chicken’ by Neptuno Films was picked up by Nickelodeon India. The kids’ series -aimed at children between 6 and 12- is co-produced by Neptuno Films, Animasia and Agogo, and was presented at the last MIPCOM. “We had a great reaction to the presentation of ‘Chuck Chicken’ at MIPCOM last October, and the deal with Nickelodeon further confirms that the show is a very strong property,” said Cristina Brandner, Neptuno Films’ managing director. The company’s accomplishment comes a few weeks prior to MIPTV. Starting March 28, Neptuno Films will attend the tradeshow and offer several series such as ‘Chuck Chicken’, ‘Rupert And Sam’ (26 x 3’), ‘Megaminimals’ (260 x 3’), ‘Zoomix’ (104 x 3’) and ‘Abc Monster’ (26 x 22’).
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MOBILE
Imira Entertainment Launched ‘Lucky Fred’ App Imira Entertainment, a production and distribution company that specializes in content aimed at kids and teens, launched an interactive app for its TV series ‘Lucky Fred’, which has already been sold in over 150 countries. It’s already available worldwide via the Apple Store for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Android Market and online, and was presented at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The app -available online and on mobile deviceswas created with Catalan company Blinzy Studios. It offers an interactive search for aliens, collectibles, puzzles and Brains’ Lab with information updated daily. The app allows the series’ fans to become special agents that go on missions to search for aliens in their own town, and win prizes such as collectibles and discounts for local attractions. Kids will be able to earn points and rewards. Kenji Ebato,
For most of the industry, 2011 was a year of economical recovery and positive business opportunities. However, Japanese company Toei Animation had to face several challenges. “Actually, last year was complicated for us, mainly because of the currency exchange: Japan’s currency was strong and the Western economies were weak. Apart from that, TV stations didn’t take much animation, so it was very hard for our business,” Kenji Ebato, Toei Animation’ General Manager, stated. To overcome these difficulties, in January 2012 Toei Animation changed the company’s structure, appointed a new president and COO, Hiroyuki Kinoshita, and began to implement a different work approach. “Of course some aspects of our model remain the same: generating awareness in the screens, doing the licensing, packaging DVDs and distributing content… But for this year we are trying to focus more on co-production and remakes,” Ebato explained. On its way to MIPTV, the company has major news for the international market: in February, it launched the ultimate Saint Seiya series: ‘Saint Seiya Ω(Omega)’, featuring brand new episodes of the classic series which engaged millions of fans around the world and it’s now celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Kenji Ebato,
General Manager, Toei Animation
General Manager, Toei Animation
ACQUISITIONS
K/TTV MAGAZINE
9 Story inks Skywriter Media’s series
Vince Commisso,
President & CEO, 9story Entertainment
In February, Canadian company 9 Story Entertainment announced it acquired two new children’s animated series by Skywriter: ‘Camp Lakebottom’, which is being produced for Teletoon Canada and ‘Vivi’, a co-production with Brazil’s Mixer being produced for TVO. The transaction will see 9 Story Entertainment taking over all production and distribution of the series. “’Camp Lakebottom’ and ‘Vivi’ are a great fit for the 9 Story brand. Not only are these terrific series’ being produced for leading Canadian broadcasters with which we have wonderful relationships, both will be high quality, complimentary additions to our growing catalogue of internationally distributed content,” said Vince Commisso, President and CEO, 9 Story Entertainment. Meanwhile, Kevin Gillis, Skywriter Media Executive Producer and CEO, said he’s confident in 9story’s “ability to realize the creative vision” his company has developed for both series. “Now Skywriter’s plans to capitalize on global development opportunities and rapidly grow the interactive Skyreader division will be realized,” he concluded.