Worldwide Dutch and Flemish content sales company Incredible Film has boarded the 2D hand-drawn animated preschool feature series Tummy Tom, based on the popular picture book character. Producers BosBros (Princess Arabella) and Phanta Animation (Pim & Pom at the Museum, upcoming Miss Moxy) are planning to deliver four movies starring the curious cat, beginning with Tummy Tom’s Teddybear, which entered production at the end of 2022.
“With the first film ready for delivery by Spring 2024 and the second one by December 2024, we are now starting to sell the international exploitation rights of the films,” says Daniëlle Raaphorst, CEO of Incredible Film. “We are very much looking forward to sharing the first test footage with our partners.”
The tales of Tummy Tom (or Dikkie Dik in Dutch) originated in read-along segments on the local version of Sesame Street in 1978. The books by Jet Boeke were first published by Gottmer in 1983, and have since sold millions of copies. More than 40 years later, Tummy Tom is one of the nation’s bestselling preschool children’s book characters and enjoys 100% name recognition. The puss’s popularity has also expanded beyond the borders of The Netherlands over the years.
The character is described as a funny, inquisitive, adventurous, and a slightly mischievous ginger tomcat. Together with his animal friends, he explores the world around him just like a preschooler would. The stories are funny and sometimes a bit exciting and usually take place in and around the house.
“We think it is now time for Tummy Tom to become a real movie star and want to continue the adventures of Tummy Tom in the form of feature films for toddlers and preschoolers,” says producer Burny Bos of BosBros.
For Tummy Tom’s film debut, the producers have developed an appealing 2D hand-drawn animation style that captures the look and feel of the original Tummy Tom character. The movies will be narrated by a pleasant, warm voiceover that can sometimes read Tummy Tom’s thoughts but also provides commentary on the events. Sometimes, the narrator calls on the young audience to help Tummy Tom — by calling out, singing along or whistling, for example.
“Within a four-year timeframe, we are planning to produce four Tummy Tom feature films,” says Petra Goedings, owner of Phanta Animation. “Financing of the first film, Tummy Tom’s Teddybear, is in place and production has started. The second one is close to being financed and the last two films are expected to be financed by the end of 2024.”
