Following its 2023 acquisition of TV adaptation rights to the hit European animated movie franchise Niko – The Little Reindeer, Toon2Tango has inked a co-production agreement for the series project with Something Big (Go Astro Boy Goy, Big Fish and Begonia). The three Niko films — including Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights, coming to theaters this November/December — are produced by Animaker, Anima Vitae, Cinemaker, Ulysses Films, Moetion Films and A.Film Production.
Under the deal, Toon2Tango (Germany), a Leonine Animation Studios company led by Hans Ulrich Stoef and Jo Daris, and Something Big (France), led by Frédéric Puech, will collaborate on further development and production of Niko – The Series, a new 52 x 11′ animated program designed for the small screen, mixing adventure and comedy in the spirit of the original franchise. Toon2Tango is planning to start production of the TV series in 2025.
“We are very happy to welcome Something Big to the team. For some while we have been working closely with the original creators of Niko to bring these beloved characters to the small screen and we would like to thank them for their trust and support,” said Toon2Tango CEO & Producer, Ulli Stoef. “Our partners at Leonine Studio have already distributed the home entertainment rights to the first two films successfully and will also bring the new movie Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights to German-speaking cinemas — a perfect example of how we can further build the brand. We are sure that Niko the TV series will become a huge international success.”
Frédéric Puech, Producer, Something Big, added, “Niko’s films have won over French audiences with captivating stories told by sincere, engaging heroes. We are very sensitive to the values of loyalty and courage developed in this beautiful property. It’s a great pleasure to continue Niko’s adventures on television alongside Ulli Stoef and Jo Daris, and to enable these funny and charming characters to delight children all over the world.”
The series will follow in the footsteps of the feature films, with Niko learning his trade at an academy in the hope of becoming one of Santa’s official reindeer. Viewers will be able to follow Niko throughout the year, with his close friends, rivals and some new characters created especially for the series, at school and with his family, in the heart of a lush four-season landscape where togetherness and laughter help everyone to face unexpected challenges and perils and take on new adventures.
The concept has been developed by Toon2Tango. The bible was written by Jim Nolan (The Tiny Chef Show, Hot Wheels). Additional key creative team members, including several notable talents from France, will be revealed soon.
Niko – The Series will be presented at MIFA in Annecy this June, with broadcast partners to be announced shortly.
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