TV KIDS
and Korea’s SAMG the 52x13-minute HD series Fish’N’Chips, and, Sissman says, there is plenty of new content in development. The venture is also expanding into 3-D animated feature films targeting kids and families. “Our vision is to try to provide high-quality entertainment for children, but to really focus on stories and on technology,” Sissman notes. “We’re delivering an image that makes our shows very appealing.” The well-established animation studio Alphanim—perhaps best known for its motioncapture series Galactik Football—is taking a similarly broad approach to its business strategy. Last year, the company became a division of the veteran film producer Gaumont, in large part to expand its feature-film capabilities. On the slate for this year is Eleanor’s Secret, set for a December release in France, to be followed up by Santapprentice in 2010. “Since the creation of the company, we have always put a lot of effort into development,” says Clément Calvet, the managing director and producer of GaumontAlphanim.“In trying to find new talent and new formats, none of our shows look quite the same.We are proud to present projects for all demographics, all formats, all types of design.We want to be global.We want to reach kids with all types of entertainment.” With about 20 series in some stage of development or production,Alphanim will be showcasing a number of new projects at MIPCOM.The slate includes a third season of Galactik Football, in time for the World Cup, accompanied by an MMORPG [Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game];the Canadian co-production The Mysteries of Alfred Hedgehog, with the first episode for buyers to screen; and Mouss & Boubidi, a series of 2-D non-verbal comedy interstitials.The company also has new seasons of Gawayn and Matt’s Monsters to offer buyers. While pointing to Gaumont-Alphanim’s strong production pipeline, Calvet adds that the company is looking to expand its catalogue with thirdparty fare. PUMPING UP THE VOLUME
That’s a path that MoonScoop has taken, adding to the output from its division in Los Angeles (formerly known as Mike Young Productions), as well as its facilities in Paris and Wales. At MIPCOM, MoonScoop will be talking to clients about its new M6 commission Tara
Duncan, co-produced with India’s DQ Entertainment, the second season of Dive Ollie Dive!, and the acquired property Gasp from SLR Productions. Mediatoon Distribution similarly benefits from a broad catalogue, which features output from its sister companies Dargaud Media, Ellipsanime, Dupuis and Storimages, as well as other producers. Home to a library of classics like Tintin and Cedric, Mediatoon is also touting the updated The Garfield Show, and is launching two new brands in Cannes. Chumballs is a 26x13-minute action/adventure show for France 5, while Contraptus, based on a comic book, is a 3-D 78x7-minute production for Canal J and Gulli. “Thanks to the originality of each catalogue from each producer (Dargaud, Dupuis, Ellipsanime, Storimages), Mediatoon is able to bring to the market a very wide
Funny bunnies: Strengthening its preschool portfolio, Cyber Group Studios heads to MIPCOM with Guess What?
Listen up: Ankama’s Wakfu is a multiplatform property that includes a series for M6 as well as an online gaming community.
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