This month, many of the world’s top animation producers, streaming execs, buyers and creators will be heading over to the MIPCOM market in Cannes (Oct. 16-19 | mipcom.com). The content confab will feature China as its country of honor, and Zhonghuai Sun, VP of Tencent & CEO of Tencent Online Video, will deliver the keynote this year. Here is samples of the latest market news and executive viewpoints we put together in advance of the event.
Dancing with Digi-Puppets
Are you ready to stomp and roar on the dance floor with the grooviest, funkiest monsters in town? Well, you’ll have to wait until the fun new preschool show from the folks at The Jim Henson Company gets ready for viewers worldwide!
“We’re welcoming all kids to celebrate being themselves by joining a new exclusive monster club,” says acclaimed actor and puppeteer John Tartaglia (Splash and Bubbles, Fraggle Rock) about his new show Monster Jam, which he co-created with former Nickelodeon exec Russell Hicks. “In the grand tradition of Henson’s quality entertainment, Monster Jam features hilarious and lovable monsters, incredible new music, and stories that remind kids that that everything that makes you uniquely you is important, and worth celebrating every day!”
The new CG-animated show is based on original character drawings by the much-loved Henson and features catchy new pop songs for kids and families, and characters brought to life by the Henson Digital Puppetry Studio. As the producers explain, “Monster Jam is a safe place for kids to express their big emotions through physical movement, creative expression, and by letting their inner monster out!”
Now if we could only speed up time so that the show would be ready for delivery worldwide sooner than later!
Friendly Nuts and Bolts
International animation distributor Toon2Tango is bringing a new show about a very tiny robot to the market. Littlest Robot, created by Mark Taylor, Damjan Mitrevski, Hans-Ulrich Stoef and Jo Daris, is a charming 52 x 11′ toon targeting four- to seven-year-old audiences. It centers on the adventures of a simple bot that’s no bigger than a teacup and is hailed as the his creator’s “greatest invention.” The robot’s animal friends soon find out that it’s actually his ability to learn from his and their feelings and to help them do the same that makes him so very special.
As producer Jo Daris tells us, “Littlest Robot is one of these shows that blows you away by its simplicity. Their world is filled with glorious new discoveries, each reconfirming the notion that the more we take the time to understand ourselves and others the better we are all for it and the greater our bonds of friendship become.”
Mark your calendar for 2026-2027 when the tiny robot is expected to make its debut.
Swimming with a New Style
Back in 2019, Brazilian animation stars Celia Catunda and Kiko Mistrorigo of Pinguim Content introduced the world to a wonderful, environmentally conscious show called Fishtronaut. This year, they are offering a new CG-animated reboot of the series at MIPCOM. The 26 x 11′ show, which is aimed at four- to eight-year olds, follows the adventures of our hero and his friends as they join forces with the secret agency known as S.E.A. on exciting missions to promote sustainability worldwide.
“The new season of Fishtronaut is going to be amazing!” says Catunda. “It beautifully combines the super cute 3D visuals with the charisma of our dear secret sgent in new adventures that are all about sustainability and the environment!” Let’s hope the world and its many natural inhabitants are in better shape when the show premieres in 2026.
A Very Meowy Christmas
You can always expect top-notch family entertainment from the team at London’s Magic Light Pictures, and this year’s wonderful CG-animated special Tabby McTat is no exception. Based on the latest book by frequent collaborators, author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, the special introduces us to Fred and his cat Tabby McTat, who enjoy a happy life singing on the streets of London. When Fred falls and breaks his leg and is whisked away in an ambulance, it’s up to poor Tabby to survive the harsh city streets. Featuring beautiful animation and a stellar voice cast (Rob Brydon, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú, Cariad Lloyd, Joanna Scanlan, Jodie Whittaker, Susan Wokoma), the special is set to premiere this holiday season.
Producer Barney Goodland tells us, “Julia and Axel’s book is a beautiful, heart-warming story that we’re delighted to be adapting for BBC viewers this Christmas. The friendship between Fred and Tabby is a truly special one and the film explores how their relationship changes unexpectedly as their lives move forward, and ultimately, how they learn to embrace that change.”
Lathering Up Some Laughs
Finland-based Gigglebug Entertainment recently launched a new adult animation label, called In Stitches. The first new offering from the new outfit is a 20 x 22′ show called Soap, slated for 2026. Written by Tobi Wilson & Paul Rice, the clever show is based on an original idea by Sasil Leirana, produced by Anttu Harlin and Joonas Utti and developed with Elliot Palmer. The workplace comedy is told from the point of view of a bar of hotel soap who just wants a clean getaway!
Harlin, Gigglebug’s CEO & Co-Founder, tells us, “In Stitches is still very much in keeping with Gigglebug’s DNA, as it’s also driven by the desire to spread joy, but it will enable us to bring boundary-pushing and more risky content for adult audiences, which encourages them to have a laugh at the bare, naked and surreal truth of being alive. Our new show Soap perfectly encapsulates our vision for the banner, and we are excited to have the remarkably talented Tobi and Paul bringing their comedic genius to the project — as well as for our animation team to flex their creative muscles in a new genre.”
Book Buddies
An enthusiastic young puppy and his best new pal Little Yellow Bird embark on an amazing journey to save their town through reading in Thunderbird Entertainment studio Atomic Cartoons’ charming new special, Rocket Saves the Day. Written by Rachel Lipman, the 44-minute 2D-animated special is based on Tad Hills’ bestselling book series and is set to premiere on PBS KIDS on December 26.
“Tad Hills created such a rich and wonderful world in the Rocket books,” says Matthew Berkowitz, CCO of Atomic Cartoons. “They engage kids’ imaginations and celebrate the joy of learning, and we knew immediately that they would translate beautifully to animation. PBS has been an incredible partner on the production. As our latest Atomic original release, Rocket Saves the Day exemplifies the kind of content we aspire to bring to life — an entertaining romp of an animated adventure, and inspiring kids to read!”
Once More with Feeling
An unusual kind of superhero is the star of the new preschool show introduced by global animation distributor Cake this year. Toru Superfox chronicles the addictive escapades of an adventurous fox who’s on the quest to face the most puzzling of creatures — his own emotions. His friends include Bunio, a wild boar who loves napping and eating; Zoja, a resolute chick with an attitude; and shy hedgehog Fenio. Together they imagine that their forest is inhabited by the characters from their favorite comic books.
Produced by Palme d’Or nominee and Cartoon Tribute 2022 European Producer of the Year, Animoon (Moomins, Even Mice Belong In Heaven, Acid Rain, III) and Polish animation studio Letko, Toru Superfox is an adventure-packed show that sets out to helps young children understand, identify and deal with their feelings. In our crazy world today, this seems to be a must-watch toon in all households!
Captivating Tales
Emmy-winning French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo has secured a deal for its International Emmy Award-winning series The Treehouse Stories (La Cabane à Histoires). The SVOD deal with streaming service France Channel available via Apple TV, The Roku Channels, Chromecast and other distribution platforms sees the first three seasons of the highly popular series air in U.S. territories. The seris is commissioned by Canal+.
The Treehouse Stories (77 x 7’), is made for four- to seven-year olds and is co-produced by Dandelooo and French animation studio Caribara Production. Based on the popular children’s book series, this 2D-animated and live-action hybrid show centers on a group of friends who meet in a secret treehouse to share their favorite books. Each episode dives into one story picked from one of the top children’s books from around the world.
It’s the kind of program that will whet kids’ appetite for reading on their own if you encourage them to leave their tablets alone for a few hours.
Spaced Out
French video game publisher Ubisoft is best known for a variety of hit global titles such as Assassin’s Creed, Prince of Persia, Rabbids and Watch Dogs. Last month, at Cartoon Forum, the gaming powerhouse pitched an entertaining new show titled Starpets. Created by Stéphane Berla, Éric Judor, Hafid Benamar and Baptiste Nicolai, the 8 x 15′ show is aimed at teens and is described as a “soap opera on acid.”
The synopsis is quite intriguing as well: “Intergalactic emperor, Jean-Yves Lapude, is pretty pissed off. His mother, a fortune teller and grey eminence, prophesied that a Chosen One should soon put an end to his tyrannical reign. Although Lapude finds and kills the Chosen One, Jacques, he cannot prevent him from transferring 25% of his brilliant brain into a Rabbid’s body. In the process, the Chosen One is turned into Ken Rabbid: 25% genius, 75% dumb!” As producer Hugo Revon tells us, “Mixing visual edginess with absurd comedy tone, we believe our space opera Starpets has everything to become a new landmark in French animation.”
We believe you, Hugo! We hope we’ll sit it on our favorite streamer or TV channel real soon!
School for Performing Critters
Irish animation companies Lighthouse Studios and Dog Ears have partnered to coproduce a kids’ series based on Tor Freeman’s book Showtime for Billie & Coco. The 52 x 11’ 2D series is called Stage Struck! and is aimed at kids ages five to seven. The plot follows the adventures of a group of remarkable animals who attend Showtime School, an arts-based primary school for animals founded by an ostrich named Miss Feathers.
Lighthouse Studios’ Head Creative Gilly Fogg (El Deafo) will direct the series, with screenplay by Sian Ní Mhuirí (Royals Next Door). Lighthouse’s Managing Director Claire Finn is executive producing with Dog Ears’ Creative Director John McDaid as co-producer. Lighthouse (The Bob’s Burger Movie, The Cuphead Show!, El Deafo) and Dog Ears (Puffin Rock & the New Friends) pitched Stage Struck! at Cartoon Forum in Toulouse last month, and they’ll also bring it to MIPJunior and MIPCOM this month.
Let’s hear it for all the talented animals and hope that their beastly careers will take off in grand style.
Unleashing the Fun
A dog, a guinea pig and two cats welcome new guests at their Pet Hotel, a new animated series produced by Chinese animation studios Miaow’s House and GZ Art-land, and brought to MIPCOM by WildBrain. The 2D-animated 26 x 11′ show, which is made for seven- to nine-year-old audiences, is written by Michael Ryan (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Thomas Krajewski (Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?) and directed by Miaow’s House chairman Robin Guo. Executive producers include Tencent Director of Kids’ IP Development & Programming Selina She, GZ Art-land President Eddie Ng and Vicky Zeng (Panda and Little Mole).
“With ‘companionship’ as its core theme, Pet Hotel features characters Nai Nai, Vicky, Lili and Bubu, who are all based on real stray animals that I rescued in my daily life,” says Guo. “Living together with these adorable animals inspired me to create this animated series. I aim to create a comedy that revolves around the unexpected intelligence of pets, showcasing their cuteness through exaggerated physical performances and concise dialog, as well as the harmonious coexistence with humans. The concept of ‘love’ permeates every episode of Pet Hotel, making it a family-friendly and innovative animated sitcom series.”
MIPCOM: Executive Viewpoints
David Michel, President and Co-Founder, Cottonwood Media; Managing Director, Federation Kids & Family
Market notes: As part of our line-up of animation titles, Cottonwood Media has a new heartwarming CGI animated drama series titled 20 Dance Street (26 x half hours) which is currently in development and was presented for the first time during the recent Cartoon Forum. It centers around an 11-year-old girl who leaves the Caribbean to join the Paris Opera Ballet School. She is plunged into the unknown, far from home whilst moving forward through joys and sorrows, guided by a single dream, to become a prima ballerina. We already have a couple of soon-to-be-announced broadcasters on board. The series will be distributed by Federation Kids & Family and ZDF Studios.
Our Federation Kids & Family sales team will also be at MIPCOM to present the recently acquired CG-animated series for preschool kids, The New Adventures of The Triplets by Nicole Lambert (78 x 7’). Produced by Yann Zenou (Quad), Clément Calvet and Jérémie Fajner (Superprod), the series chronicles the comic escapades of three loveable children— each of whom has his or her own unique way of looking at the world
Biggest challenge in 2023 and beyond: Keeping that creative edge in order to develop must-have content that stands out against massive, global brand based series. Our landscape is changing, and creativity flows not just on screen, but by way of individuals becoming far more innovative and resourceful in business and development, in order to stay ahead of the game.
On the global TV animation scene: It’s extremely challenging as many players have reduced their needs and decreased budgets. The global TV crisis and the ripple effect of the writer/actor strikes, platform layoffs, reduced spending and more, has also led to a bottleneck when it comes to production which has created an even more competitive market. But this has also led to more consolidation of production companies, with some larger operations partnering with smaller operations to help them get access to financing, thus allowing for that continued flow of creativity.
Best part of the job: Animation is still the most creative activity in the media business. New technology and rendering engines allow for new looks with new ways of telling stories. The Ninja Turtles movie, for example, brought a very fresh, very different look to the screens by tapping into recent innovations in animation software.
AI: Helpful friend or sinister enemy? AI I would say is mostly a friend on the animation studio side, as it’s in the process of automating/saving time on some of the animation processes. I don’t think it’s going to affect storytelling just yet. And the impact on voice over talent (that could potentially be replaced by AI voices) remains to be seen, especially for lead roles.
Martin Krieger, CEO, Studio 100 Media GmbH
Market notes: First and foremost, we will be at MIPCOM with our latest action-comedy series with heart, Vegesaurs (40 x 5’, two seasons available), of which we will be adding a third season (20 x 5’) in Q3 2024. The show introduces the juiciest and crunchiest creatures ever to rule the planet: the mighty Vegesaurs! Vegesaurs has already created a huge buzz and rating success on ABC Australia, CBeebies, France Télévisions, and we are aiming to bring more broadcasters on board.
Also, on our slate is the second season of our award-winning production 100% Wolf. The 26 new episodes are filled with hilarious action adventures starring Freddy the pink poodle who really should be a werewolf. Now Freddy leads his friends to fight strange creatures and a powerful sorceress from a distant past that are threatening their hometown of Milford.
Biggest challenges: The biggest challenge is probably the one that has always been there and is almost certainly what motivates all producers in our industry: finding the next hit show! The animation business is rather slow at the moment in terms of decision making. We’re facing a time of consolidation in the broadcast part of the sector and a great deal of competition for slots and commissioning dollars. So, the challenge is to find the standout ideas and get them produced and out to the wider world.
Also, there is another exciting challenge to capitalize on: the fact that there are now more ways for kids to watch content than ever before. Embracing AVOD and free digital platforms, especially where original IP is concerned, is both a big challenge, but equally a huge opportunity as well.
On the global TV scene: The industry has always tended to be cyclical, and right now it feels like there is a lot of movement. We have seen in the last few years the emergence of AVOD platforms being an audience powerhouse, as well as the change in how to effectively monetize. Meanwhile it’s clear these players are likely to be around for the long haul and hugely important for reaching audiences.
We have seen consolidation with the big streaming platforms, perhaps a slowdown in content volume, and possibly more reliance on known IP in that space. At the same time commissioning from DTC platforms is more data driven, as the information they hold on viewing habits far exceeds the more traditional ratings information. Above all, the need to collaborate and co-produce is bigger than ever before to succeed in the independent space.
AI: Helpful friend or sinister enemy? Our creatives from Studio Isar Animation are already working with AI. They started using it during the pandemic to simplify and accelerate individual steps within the production process. It’s certainly not an enemy for us. On the animation production side, we see currently more demand than supply and the employment market is short of manpower. We’ve meanwhile firmly integrated AI tools in our productions and it really helps us to develop creatively and technically.
Future plans: We have ambitious plans to boost our European slate with productions steered by our Munich team. This also includes more feature films and series being handled by our Munich-based animation enterprise Studio Isar Animation in collaboration with other international partners. We are constantly working on various new projects, but it is a little too early to mention anything specific. We will continue to extend our portfolio with new genres and animation techniques.
