Newly formed Studio100 Media NV & Co. KG, a subsidiary of Studio100 in Belgium, has acquired extensive distribution rights to the animated series Balloontoons (Russian title Smeshariki) from German licensor FunGameMedia GmbH. The contract encompasses all broadcasting rights, including video on demand, databank and home video rights, and extends to worldwide territories excluding the U.K., Ireland, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Serbia & Montenegro.
Produced by Studio Petersburg Balloontoons consists of 52 13-minute episodes aimed at kids 3-9. The Balloontoons are a friendly group of funny, round characters whose world is full of adventure without violence or brutality. Even though they are each are quite different, their dreams and their outlook on life they always manage to solve their problems in unexpected and cheerful ways.
‘This animation series has been a huge success in Russia,’ says Studio100 general manager Media Patrick Elmendorff. ‘With 3,000 broadcastings on major Russian channels, more than 1,500 licensed products and over two million DVDs and CDs and 600,000 computer games sold, we strongly believe that this highly entertaining and educational show, with a rich diversity of content will be just as successful in other territories.’
Studio100 Media is based in Munich. The entity is starting out with the goal of becoming a renowned international distribution and production outfit with a global approach to marketing ancillary rights. It will also acquire and develop new content, engage in co-production and co-financing activities, and handle the international distribution for Studio100 and third parties.
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