France Animation has signed a number of major deals with buyers across North America, Europe and Asia. The programs Cybergirl, Cosy Corner, Wheel Squad, Titeuf and the documentary series Insectoscope are all proving to be hot properties in the international market.
Fox Kids UK and Fox Kids France have picked up the live-action series Cybergirl, about an extraterrestrial girl with super powers pursued by bounty hunters and an evil software mogul. France Animation’s entry into the girls’ action adventure market is a co-production with Jonathan Shiff, ZDF, Ten Network and FFC and PFTM.
Discovery Kids UK, NRK in Norway and EBS in Korea will carry Insectoscope, France Animation’s first foray into the documentary genre. The series, aimed at kids 6-12, examines some of the most amazing insects on the planet. RAI 3 and MC4 are co-producers.
Disney Channel Asia has made a commitment to the second season of the animated Wheel Squad. It has also been sold to Disney Middle East, Fox Kids Latin America and Radio Canada. A co-production with RAI, M6, Praxinos and Colorland Animation, the series continues the adventures of four daring young kids on wheels – skates, skateboards, roller blades and mountain bikes — who band together to keep the soul of their quaint neighborhood alive amid rampant city development.
Cosy Corner has been pre-sold to Canada’s TFO. Aimed at kids 4-6, Cosy Corner employs a neighborhood of animals to impart lessons on getting to know new friends and relations. France Animation has the worldwide distribution rights to the France 5, Teletoon, TEVA and Storimage co-production. The first episode will be available for screening at MIPCOM.
Universal Pictures Video is to launch a second volume of Titeuf on VHS and DVD in France this year, with volume three following in early 2003. A special Christmas gift pack is planned for later this year in the territory. Universal Pictures, Benelux, has also picked up the entire series for home video.
Based on the comic book created by Swiss cartoonist Zep, Titeuf is aimed at kids 11-14 and is a hit on France 3.
