The spring TV season is officially in full swing when the annual MIP-TV content market returns to the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. You can get a good feel for what animation producers have in store for broadcasters and viewers around the world by checking out the goods at the market.
Here are 13 new offerings that show lots of promise:
LoliRock
Produced by: Marathon Media (a Zodiak Kids company)
Created by: Vincent Chalvon Demersay, David Michel and Jean Louis Vandestock
Format: 52 half-hours
Target Audience: Kids 6-12
Type of Animation: 2D and CG
Synopsis: The show follows the magical journey of Iris, an ordinary teenage girl whose life is turned upside down when she is picked to lead the band LoliRock.
Selling Points: “The show has a very sensitive, interior young girl voice that you don’t often get in the other commercial girl-targeting shows,” says exec producer and co-creator David Michel. “Think of it as My So-Called Life meets the magical girl genre. The head writer is Madellaine Paxson (Lilo & Stitch: The Series, Kim Possible) and she has a very quirky, unique voice. There’s a musical aspect to the show, as well, but like many of the young people out there, our character isn’t into music to get famous—she’s all about making music herself, producing her music video and putting it all out on YouTube. She’s part of the whole D.I.Y. scene.” And yes, the toon will have a massive social media and real-life band/music video components in each territory.
Broadcasters: France Television and Disney France
Heidi
Produced by: Studio100 Animation SAS and Flying Bark Productions
Created by: Johanna Spyri
Format: 39 x 24
Target Audience: Kids 5-8
Type of Animation: CGI/3D Animation
Synopsis: Based on the timeless children’s classic, this new reboot centers on the adventures of the charming orphan who lives in the idyllic Swiss Alps with her grandfather. Along with her best friends Peter and Clara, Heidi tries to instill good in others with an optimistic spirit and can-do attitude.
Selling Points: “Heidi’s enormous popularity extends across the globe and has been capturing the hearts of television viewers young and old alike for generations,” says Patrick Elmendorff, managing director of Studio100 Media. “The new and revived 3-D/CGI animation TV series is vibrant, charming and visually rich. It’s filled with everything that is truly wonderful about childhood and draws children into stories that have strong ties with real life situations and experiences. It has strong storylines and well-defined characters, which with its high-quality programming will appeal to and captivate audiences.”
Status: In production
Digimon Fusion
Produced by: Saban Brands, Toei
Created by: Based on the original Digimon franchise by Akiyoshi Hongo
Synopsis: Known as Digimon Xros Wars in Japan, this is the sixth anime series based on the Digimon franchise. The show follows the adventures of a boy named Taiki Kudo who uses the powers of the Digimon forces to save the digital world. The series was first broadcast on TV Asahi between July 2010 and March 2012.
Format: 30 x 22
Type of Animation: Traditional Cel 2D
Target Audience: Kids 6 -11
Selling Points: “The all-new Digimon Fusion animated series, which is slated to air on Nickelodeon later this year, will be the sixth installment to the wildly successful franchise,” says Elie Dekel, president of Saban Brands. “Digimon has had a strong fan base for more than a decade, and we’re confident that this brand-new season will be popular with the tech-savvy kids who can now, for the first time ever, really connect with the adventure-packed digital world within Digimon Fusion.”
The Deep
Produced by: Technicolor Digital Productions and Robert Chandler
Created by: Tom Taylor, (Star Wars: Blood Ties, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight) and illustrator James Brouwer (Justice League Beyond)
Package: 26 x 30
Target Audience: Kids 8-13
Type of Animation: CG
Synopsis: Based on the international hit graphic novel series, The Deep follows the Nekkon family of adventurers, who explore unchartered areas of Earth’s oceans, seeking to unravel the mysteries of the deep sea. Every episode is filled with action, adventure, incredible sea monsters, fantastic vehicles, unbelievable bravery, and the odd family squabble, of course!
Selling Points: “The Deep is one of the most unique children’s programming concepts that I have come across in a long time,” says Steven Wendland, VP of Technicolor. “We anticipate the series appealing to all ages and genders with edge-of-your-seat action and adventure, relatable family dynamics, humor and stunning CGI animation. We are truly creating a global series that will resonate with viewers across the board, and we are also developing an innovative second screen component that will provide an even richer and more immersive experience.”
Website: www.technicolor.com.
Matt Hatter Chronicles
Produced by: Platinum Films (U.K.) and Dream Mills Inc. (Canada)
Created by: Nigel Stone
Package: 26 x 22
Target Audience: Boys 5-10
Type of Animation: HD CG
Synopsis: The adventure-comedy series follows the boy hero Matt Hatter as he becomes the defender of a secret dimension called the Multiverse—which is plagued by infamous villains transported from the movie screens of the Coronet Movie Theatre by the evil Lord Tenoroc. It’s up to Matt, the new Hatter Hero, and his best friends Roxie and Gomez to capture the villains, free his Grandpa and banish Lord Tenoroc for good.
Selling Points: “Matt Hatter Chronicles’ USP is Matt’s ability to see the ‘hidden dimension’ through his Multivision glasses. Platinum invested in state of the art animation technology to create an immersive and innovative 3-D viewing experience without the need to wear 3-D glasses, which we called ‘Multivision,’” says creator and Platinum Films CEO Nigel Stone. “We are now working closely with our broadcast and commercial partners to create smart digital extensions that celebrate the show’s unique DNA, embrace new technologies and ensure the stand-out appeal of this exciting property.”
Broadcast Partners: ITV and Nickelodeon, U.K.; Teletoon Canada, SABC South Africa, Nickelodeon Australia/New Zealand, RTE Ireland. Coming this spring to Network Ten (Australia), TVNZ (New Zealand), Canal Panda (Portugal/Spain) and JCC Children’s Channel (Middle East), and this fall to RTVE (Spain).
Website: www.matthatter.com.
Mr. Trance
Produced by: El Recreo Studios (Spain)
Distributed by: awol
Created by: Valerio Veneras
Package: 26 x 5
Target Audience: Teens & Young Adults
Type of Animation: Digital 2D
Synopsis: Based on popular Spanish radio show Trance Hour (which also inspired an illustrated storybook), the show pokes fun at the mundane trials of modern life, as the stylish, one-of-a-kind Mr. Trance guides the audience through his humorous non-adventures.
Selling Points: “Mr. Trance first caught our attention at Cartoon Forum 2011, where the outstanding presentation by creator Valerio Veneras—who’s also a specialist in vintage neckties!—had everybody talking,” says awol founder and CEO Julie Fox. “That, and Mr. Trance’s cool suit! His inimitable sense of style and elegance in the face of contemporary existential crises such as dealing with Facebook overload, finding the right gym subscription and making it through airport security impressed us. He’s the only one out there right now with answers to our questions!”
Delivery Date: 26 episodes by November 2013
Wish Come True
Produced by: Guru Studio, Home Plate Entertainment, TVO
Created by: FriendsWithYou
Format: 52 x 11
Target Audience: Preschool (3-6)
Type of Animation: CG
Synopsis: Something’s going awry in the Rainbow Kingdom that needs True’s special talents for setting things right. Once the mission is clear, True and the Rainbow King decide on which three special Wishes she will take with her on the mission. Each Wish will give True a special power: from shrinking small, to being able to fly, to walking under water. Once the wishes are chosen, True heads off with her cat Bartleby to save the day.
Selling Points: “Wish Come True has all the elements Guru likes to work with: a strong, character-driven concept with a distinctive visual style, framed by an extremely well developed curriculum,” says Frank Falcone, Guru’s president and creative director. “Also, its origin as an art concept created by internationally loved art collective FriendsWithYou has given it a visually vibrant property that genuinely stands apart in the market.”
Delivery Date: 2014
Filly
Produced by: Dracco, Screen 21, Black Dragon
Distributed by: BRB Internacional
Created by: Dracco
Format: 26 x 30
Target Audience: Kids & Family
Type of Animation: 3D HD
Synopsis: Filly brings to life the charming adventures of Rose and her friends as they attend the Magic Royal Academy of Funtasia. Despite the wacky attempts of the Wizard of the Dark Mirror, and his comical minion Battiwigs, to steal all the magic in the kingdom, the Fillys enjoy everyday school life, studying and discovering their unique, and magical, crystal powers.
Selling Points: The Fillys have already got their hooves in the door with kids around the world thanks to the toy line from Simba Dickie Group.
Delivery Date: T.C.
Peg + Cat
Produced by: 9 Story Entertainment, Fred Rogers Company
Created by: Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson
Format: 80 x 11
Target Audience: Preschool
Type of Animation: Digital 2D
Synopsis: Young viewers will join an adorable, spirited little girl named Peg and her sidekick Cat as they encounter unexpected problems that require creative solutions. In order to solve the problems, Peg and Cat must add, subtract and apply basic arithmetic. Their adventures take them to historical faraway lands, art centers in bustling metropolises and the colorful cosmos, all the while demonstrating that it’s never too early to start learning the magic of numbers.
Selling Points: According to Natalie Osborne, 9 Story’s SVP of business development, the show has all the elements required of a preschool market hit. “Peg + Cat‘s unique and beautiful designs, fun storytelling and quirky humor create a fascinating world of adventure and music that make it irresistible,” Osborne explains.
Delivery Date: Premieres on PBS Fall 2013
Calimero
Produced by: Gaumont Animation, Gaumont Television, Studio Campedelli
Created by: Nino Pagot, Toni Pagot and Ignazio Colnaghi
Format: 104 x 11
Target Audience: Older Preschool
Type of Animation: CG
Synopsis: With his big heart, three eager companions and an old mill teeming with incredible inventions, Calimero sets off on wild adventures to put right all those things in life that are just not fair. Between school and secret meetings in their workshop, the four friends have a whale of a time! They invite children of all ages to join them on their explosive adventures and take a fresh look at the world around them with an open heart.
Selling Points: “Calimero is an iconic character who has traveled the world thanks to the original animated series that has aired for half a century,” says producer Justine Huynh. “In addition to his signature eggshell that never leaves his head, he is known for his catch phrase: ‘It’s just not fair!’ His new adventures will of course keep the character’s original DNA while the storytelling will evolve from the previous series to appeal to children of today. The 104 episodes will combine adventure, humor and poetry. We have also given careful attention to image processing (CGI with 2D treatment) as we want it warm and playful to restore Calimero’s original universe.”
Delivery Date: Sept. 2013-Nov. 2014
Doki
Produced by: Portfolio, Discovery Kids, JBMW
Created by: Portfolio Entertainment
Package: 26 x 30 or 52 x 11
Target Audience: Kids 4-7
Type of Animation: CG
Synopsis: The series centers on lovable, inquisitive Doki who has a lot of questions, and he will go anywhere and do anything to get the answers! Team Doki—Doki, Oto, Mundi, Fico, Anabella and Gabi—are born explorers: They travel the globe in search of answers to their questions about science, nature and the world we live in.
Selling Points: “It isn’t every day that you find a character that is so loved by kids but does not yet have its very own television show,” says Joy Rosen, co-president and founder of Portfolio Entertainment. “Doki is one such character and we are delighted to be introducing him to children all over the world, starring in his own animated series.”
Delivery Date: 2013
Fun Farm
Produced by: Comet Entertainment Inc. and Ladybird Entertainment Inc.
Format: 52 x 7
Target Audience: Kids 6-11
Type of Animation: CG
Synopsis: When you have funny and weird animals running a farm, all kinds of wild misadventures are commonplace. Inspired by the classic Looney Tunes comedies, this charming dialogue-free series centers on the hilarious escapades of a group of farm animals as they deal with the day-to-day conflicts of life.
Selling Points: “We are able to keep the viewers glued to the screen with great stories, hilarious situations, good animation and cool sound effects,” say Comet Entertainment COO and exec producer Carmen Llanos. “We look at the show as Looney Tunes for a new generation of animation lovers. Of course, who says we can’t mix the craziness with cuteness?”
Delivery Date: May 2014
Zack & Deuce
Produced by: Nelvana Limited (Canada) and Moshi Studio (Australia), in association with Scholastic Entertainment Inc. Commissioning broadcasters include Teletoon (Canada) and Channel 9 (Australia).
Created by: Based on the book series The Day My Butt Went Psycho by Andy Griffiths (Scholastic)
Format: 52 x 11
Target Audience: Kids 6-11
Type of Animation: 2D
Synopsis: This comedy series from Corus Ent.’s Nelvana Studio is the incredible tale of a boy named Zack and his best friend Deuce, which just happens to be his newly detached butt. The two have a blast navigating a world where humans and their butts live side by side, sharing the same movie theatres, squabbling over the same parking spots and swooning over celebrities and cele-butt-ies. But some butts are up to no good—it’s up to Zack and Deuce to keep the world safe.
Selling Points: “Zack and Deuce provides a unique setting with humans and butts living side by side. We know that kids will love the butt characters as well as seeing Zack reach his goal of becoming the greatest butt fighter ever! We’ve got it all …butt comedy and butt kicking fun!” says Irene Weibel, VP and head of Nelvana Studio.
Delivery Date: Fall 2013/Spring 2014 launch dates in Canada and Australia
