Animation Magazine Press Box

JELLY JAMM ROCKS ON FOR VODKA CAPITAL & SECUOYAS

2009-09-28T19:56:49Z

It's full speed ahead as 'talent distillery' Vodka Capital and partner Secuoyas lead up to MIPCOM after a summer of much progress and major excitement around their
project. Only introduced during April's MIPTV, the vibrant animated 52 x 11' 3D kid's musical series has already gone in to pre-production.

The Jelly Jamm team has now expanded with fantastic new talent, including multi-emmy nominated head writer, Kevin Strader (Playhouse Disney, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, PBS, Sesame Street, HBO Family, Jim Henson), joining Vodka Capital executive producers, Victor M. Lopez (CEO Vodka Capital, former CEO and partner at Zinkia Entertainment) and David Cantolla (Zinkia founder and Pocoyo co-creator and co-director). A crew of seasoned illustrators, animators and programmers from leading Spanish animation productions have also jumped on board.

The expert team is now in pre-production at brand new Spanish animation studio '737 Shaker'. Formed by Madrid-based ' Secuoyas', the leading interactive agency will be using the studio for a range of animation projects alongside Jelly Jamm.

Since MIP TV Jelly Jamm has already signed co-production deals with TVE, Bandai and Big Picture. Leading independent record label, Elefant Records, has signed as musical partner, with Guille Milkyway (Yo Gabba Gabba) as head musical writer. With music being a core component of the project, advanced conversations with various major international record labels are also currently taking place.

Vodka Capital's Victor M. Lopez says: "Given current overall market conditions, we feel incredibly fortunate that, in less than 9 months since we introduced Jelly Jamm to the market, we have been able to advance the project into pre-production.

"It's a testament to potential of the Jelly Jamm brand, and the commitment from our partners that we have so swiftly reached this stage. I have no doubt that MIPCOM will once again prove invaluable towards furthering our progress, and creating even more excitement as we run up to the start of full production in January 2010".
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Editors Notes & Synopsis:

Secuoyas and 737Shaker

Secuoyas is an award-winning (BAFTA, PROMAX, BIMA - nominee) Spanish interactive entertainment company that jointly developed Jelly Jamm alongside Vodka Capital. Secuoyas has now created 737Shaker as a spin-off to produce Jelly Jamm and other 2D/3D animations projects. 737Shaker currently has some of the top creative and technology animation talent in Spain and is getting ready to employ 60+ as Jelly Jamm moves into full production in 2010.

Vodka Capital

Vodka Capital's core mission is to identify, structure financing and provide strategic management for developing audiovisual entertainment brands with clear international and cross-platform potential. Acting as co-producer/partner, Vodka Capital plays an active role on both the creative and business elements of a project during all phases of development, production and exploitation.

Vodka Capital projects will include Animation and Live Action TV series, Children's' TV series, Animation projects, Videogames, Online games and Web content.

Currently, apart from Jelly Jamm, Vodka has launched a lifestyle entertainment brand with Fernando Alonso (www.fasterinside..com), a new Spanish videogame company and serves as strategic partner for RTVE's kids internet portal (www.rtve.es/infantil).

Jelly Jamm

Aimed at a 4-6 year age group, Jelly Jamm is a lively 'musical comedy' about discovery, friendship and adventure on the magical planet Jammbo; the origin of music in the universe.
During development the project will be rolled out across all platforms including TV, music, toys, DVDs, merchandising, videogames, books and a fantastic state-of-the-art online world.

Jelly Jamm Synopsis

Science is almost always right. The force of gravity, the speed of light, ice-creams that melt in the summer. But, what is all that about there being no sound in Space? How can that be when there is a jamming groove flowing around every corner of the Universe?

We know the answer: There's a party on Jammbo.

Jammbo is a remote planet covered with craters, with holes like Swiss cheese, where there is no place for noise or silence. Jammbo is the origin of music in the Universe; a place with a constant groove where animals, plants and even the wind express themselves through music. This is the magical setting where five friends (Bello, Ongo, Rita, Mina and Goomo), brought together by their passion for music, are constantly embarking on all sorts of fun adventures.

Technical Information:
- Format: 52x11´
- Genre: Musical Comedy
- Target: 4-6
- Technology: 3D CGI

The Australian Children's Television Foundation gets ready to launch three new series at MIP COM

2009-09-28T19:54:03Z

The Australian Children's Television Foundation (ACTF) gets ready to launch three new series at MIP COM.

The line up includes 26 brand new episodes of the popular live action comedy series Lockie Leonard. Currently in post production the series will screen on the Nine Network in 2010.

After an Endless Summer, Lockie Leonard and his family are back for another series of mayhem,
laughter and the occasional tear. Just when Lockie thinks he's got it all sussed out, everything
changes. That's the thing about the future - it just happens. But as long as Angelus has the best
waves Lockie has ever seen, why would he want to be anywhere else?

The second series of Lockie Leonard will feature the trademark wit, physical humour, emotional depth and acute observations of the first series, again guaranteeing entertainment for children and their parents, alike. The series will be accompanied with a range of entertaining cross platform content.

Post production is nearing completion for the highly anticipated 13 part historical drama My Place. The series is being produced by the award-winning Australian filmmaker, Penny Chapman and is to air on the ABC early 2010. Based on the classic Australian picture book by Nadia Wheatley and Donna Rawlins, My Place takes its audience back into the past, depicting the history of one piece of land in Sydney through the eyes of the children who lived there.

The epic television series starts in 2008 with Laura's story, an indigenous girl trying to find a way to 'own up' to her mistakes, at a time when the Prime Minister is trying to do the same with her mob.

Spanning 13 episodes over a period of 120 years, My Place traces the growth of a Nation from 1888. Each episode transports viewers back 10 years, immersing them in the history and culture of Australia at the time.

The series will also include an interactive and informative website that allows users to walk through the three dimensional recreation of the My Place house and watch it change from generation to generation of children.

Also new to the ACTF catalogue is SLR Production's 13 episode animation series Deadly. Deadly is an action packed, humorous, scary, bizarre and highly entertaining series that will appeal to kids everywhere.

The ACTF has global distribution rights for all three series.

9 STORY ENTERTAINMENT'S ALMOST NAKED ANIMALS FIND COVER IN CANADA AT YTV

2009-09-28T19:50:56Z

9 Story to Launch International Sales at MIPCOM 2009

For Immediate Release:

(TORONTO) - (September 28 2009) -- Leading production and distribution studio, 9 Story Entertainment has secured a commission from YTV in Canada for the production of their proprietary series Almost Naked Animals.. Based on the popular website of the same name, created by Noah Z. Jones, the animated series (52 x 11 min) is scheduled for a fall 2010 premiere.

The all-new Almost Naked Animals is an irreverent, fast-paced series featuring free-spirited animals in their underwear that run a beach-front hotel like kids at a summer camp - and do their best to make each day more fun than the last. Lead dog and hotel manager, Howie, who has the attention span of an 11-year old in a video arcade, heads the dysfunctional but extremely humorous ensemble cast.

"We are very excited to be commencing production on Almost Naked Animals. We spent a great deal of time in development, ensuring the characters, the pacing and the tone of the show was precise. It is extremely gratifying to see our work come to fruition and the end result is this high-quality, curiously funny animated property," said 9 Story Entertainment's CEO, Vince Commisso. "YTV is the perfect home for this uniquely entertaining series and its memorable characters. The network's audience is certain to love the off-beat adventures and vivid animation. We also see strong potential for the series in the international marketplace and look forward to introducing our newly completed promo at MIPCOM in October."

About 9 Story Entertainment:
Founded in 2001, 9 Story Entertainment is an award-winning production and distribution company dedicated to delivering the most loved children's properties internationally. Producers of such popular shows as Peep and the Big Wide World and Survive This, 9 Story has delivered over 200 half hours of television content. Led by executive producers Vince Commisso and Steven Jarosz, who have more than 25 years of combined specialized industry experience and leadership, the 9 Story team includes Executive Vice-President Natalie Osborne, heading up international business development and Vice President of Development, Liliana Vogt. With 70+ employees and full production and distribution capabilities, 9 Story is a leader in the amazing and magical world of youth entertainment. www.9story.com

About YTV:
Seen in over 10.5 million homes across Canada, YTV is a leading entertainment brand for kids. As a major force in kids' television, YTV offers great programming for kids and families with hit Nickelodeon series, blockbuster movies and original Canadian programming. YTV reaches kids online at YTV.com and in local communities with the travelling road show WOW!. Visit www.ytv.com.

Sandman Animation Brings Three Shows to MIPCOM and MIP Junior

2009-09-28T19:49:16Z

Sandman Animation Studio will introduce three new animated TV concepts -- 'My Pet', 'Odd Bod' and 'Little China' -- at this year's MIPCOM and MIPJunior.

The shows cover three different age categories, and with each show having a different format, 2D, Flash and 3D. So far each project has won awards at the Shanghai Animation Festival but will debut in Europe this year.

'My Pet' tells of Emily's dream to find the perfect pet and the reality. The 52 x 11 minute episodes have already sold to SMG Shanghai and Beijing Yo-Yang, and have proved extremely popular with their cut-out styled 2d animation and educational format.

'Odd Bod' tells the story of a crazy little man on a mission to save the world. The 52 x 11 minute episodes are a very fast action, slick comedy produced in Flash. Odd Bod also won best pilot at the Shanghai Animation Festival last year and the series is now ready to debut in Cannes at MipJr this year.

Sandman Animation will also be showing it's pilot show of 'little China', again another winner at the Shanghai Animation Festival, taking home the Crystal Star award for it's beautiful animation and tradition concepts. The stories follow the theme already estabolished in the comic strip of the same name produced in the UK. The show will be completed in a mix of 2d and 3d.

Sandman Animation Studio has long been involved as an overseas animation studio working on projects like 'Horrid Henry' and the BAFTA award winning 'A Child's Christmas in Wales' and in the past 2 years has begun production on many of it's own productions.

Meet Sandman Animation at booth 14.29

WWW.SANDMAN.ME

VIZ MEDIA EUROPE ANNOUNCES BLUE DRAGON ANIME SERIES TO AIR ON ITALIA UNO NETWORK

2009-09-25T18:49:19Z

Leading Italian Broadcast Network To Air Fantasy Action Series Based On Popular Xbox 360 Video Game

Beginning Today!

Paris, France, September 14, 2009 - VIZ Media Europe (VME), an affiliate of San Francisco-based VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), which specializes in managing the development, marketing and distribution throughout Europe of Japanese animated entertainment and manga (graphic novels), has announced that the BLUE DRAGON animated series will premiere on Italia Uno, one of Italy's leading broadcast networks, beginning today. Episodes from the first and second season of BLUE DRAGON will air three times a week as part of the network's regular animated programming.

Mediaset/RTI owns and operates Italia Uno and is Italy's leading commercial broadcaster with more than 9.9 million viewers and a total audience share of nearly 40 percent. VIZ Media is the master licensor for the television, home video and non-video game merchandising rights for BLUE DRAGON in the Americas, Europe and Oceania. Mediaset's launch of BLUE DRAGON follows Cartoon Network Italy's broadcast of the series which began last April.

BLUE DRAGON is a fantastic adventure story of magical Shadow powers, flying air fortresses, and unbounded heroism! Brought together by fate, Seven Soldiers of Light must awaken the Shadow within themselves in time to overcome a despotic power and bring peace to their land. Their ensuing journey through a rich fantasy world is also an internal journey to awaken the great power within each of them. Journey with them into the world of BLUE DRAGON!

The video game "BLUE DRAGON" debuted on the Xbox 360 entertainment system, and was developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi (the creator of Final Fantasy) and features characters designed by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the best-selling DRAGON BALL series of manga (which is published in North America by VIZ Media and featured in SHONEN JUMP Magazine).

About VIZ Media Europe, S.A.R.L. (VME)

Headquartered in Paris, France, VIZ Media Europe (VME) is an affiliate of San Francisco-based VIZ Media, LLC. VME specializes in managing the development, marketing and distribution throughout Europe of Japanese animated entertainment and graphic novels (manga). VME handles some of the most popular Japanese manga and animation properties from initial production, through television placement and distribution to merchandise licensing and promotions for consumers of all ages. Current VME animated properties include BLEACH, BLUE DRAGON, DEATH NOTE, HAMTARO, HONEY & CLOVER, KEKKAISHI, KILARI, M.A.R NEURO, A PENGUIN'S TROUBLES and ZOIDS GENESIS. Contact VIZ Media Europe at 9, avenue de l'Opéra, 75001 Paris, France Phone +33 1 72 71 53 53; Fax: +33 1 42 96 97 36; and web site at www.vizeurope.com.

Sci-Fi Meets Fantasy in Dragons Vs Robots, a New Transmedia Property Announced Today by Massiverse, Inc.

2009-09-25T18:46:04Z

NEW YORK, September 14, 2009 - An epic battle between science and nature has begun! Massiverse, Inc., a new media development company that creates original and interactive transmedia properties, is announcing their exciting first property: Dragons Vs Robots. Sci-fi meets fantasy in this unique world designed for kids ages 9 to 14, where futuristic robots and mythical dragons battle for control over the planet Earth. Today Massiverse gives a first look at the vast Dragons Vs Robots universe at http://www.dragonsvsrobots.com, where a free battle game and manga series have been unveiled.

Dragons Vs Robots was conceived by entertainment writer and producer M. Raven Metzner, whose credits include the prime time television series Six Degrees for Touchstone/ABC, and seasoned media and technology executive Jesse Soleil. Spanning over 200 years and three generations of future history, the Dragons Vs Robots narrative involves a devastating energy crisis that leads to the rise of powerful robots and the reawakening of ancient dragons. The source of their conflict is Protium, a rare energy resource that serves as a life force for both dragons and robots. Humans, who also need this precious substance to resolve the energy crisis, must choose their allegiance- and so the battle lines are drawn.

Massiverse defines transmedia as integrated narrative storytelling that uses traditional and emerging mediums to develop a long-term personal relationship between customers and a brand. Dragons Vs Robots is the first of several original transmedia properties planned by the company. In addition to the battle game and manga series launching today, the Dragons Vs Robots saga will also be told through a trading card game, novels, animated webisodes, and a full-length feature film, providing multiple entry points for engagement and revenue. Plans are also in the works for a toy line.
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Starting today, all are invited to visit http://www.dragonsvsrobots.com and choose a side in the epic fight. Use the Dragons Vs Robots character creator to become a majestic dragon or a futuristic robot. Then send your personalized character into battle! The simple yet addictive Dragons Vs Robots online battle game is a free, safe way for children to become part of this dynamic universe, with each win driving up the player's ranking and tipping the balance in the power struggle. The outcome online will ultimately shape the overall Dragons Vs Robots story.

The Dragons Vs Robots: Blade Guardian manga series, also available for free on the website, puts another spin on the narrative. Authored by Metzner and illustrated by artist Jo Tokutora, Blade Guardian follows the journey of 14-year-old adventurer Sid Oda as he treks across the territories formerly known as China and Japan to find his missing family. As the series unfolds, Massiverse plans to offer customized print-on-demand services for players of the online game. The company is also pursuing release of the Blade Guardian series through traditional publishing channels.

"We aren't just releasing a game, manga series, book series, trading card game, or movie," says Dragons Vs Robots editorial director and co-creator M. Raven Metzner. "It's a complete universe with interlocking narratives. Dragons Vs Robots provides educational entertainment, with our young protagonists' heroic adventures set against a backdrop of real-world science and mythology, but more importantly, this is a world, a history, and an experience that kids will want to get lost in."

The team developing Dragons Vs Robots has years of experience creating quality children's entertainment products for companies that include Scholastic, The Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Disney, and is dedicated to maintaining a similarly high level of quality with the Dragons Vs Robots franchise. Although the world may seem very different from our reality, the characters and situations are recognizable and relatable for kids and families, and all Dragons Vs Robots content is age appropriate and kid-friendly. The free battle game and COPPA-compliant website have been carefully designed to maintain visitors' online safety and reinforce responsible browsing behavior. The transmedia structure encourages kids to combine the online and offline components, to enable play and reading both online and offline.

Other Dragons Vs Robots components currently under development or in the planning stages include a trilogy of tween novels, a live action feature film (in collaboration with Jinks/Cohen Productions), toy and trading card lines, and a series of animated webisodes. Enhancements to the online battle game will also roll out over time, with the possibility of expansion onto next-gen consoles. These projects represent a rich transmedia experience with multiple revenue streams, and Massiverse is actively seeking partners and investors to collaborate on Dragons Vs Robots projects and help bring the universe to life. To learn more about Massiverse and inquire about business opportunities, visit http://www.massiverse.com.

About Dragons Vs Robots
Dragons Vs Robots is a cross-media property built upon real-world science, mythology, and literacy. The series brings together science fiction and fantasy in an epic storyline pitting futuristic robots against mythical dragons. Designed for kids ages 9 to 14, Dragons Vs Robots includes manga, books, an animated webisode series, a feature film, and a trading card game, all linked through a rich online experience. Each component stands on its own as entertainment, but when combined with other pieces creates a rich and engaging world that encourages fans to immerse themselves in the Dragons Vs Robots narrative. To choose your side and enter the world of Dragons Vs Robots, visit http://www.dragonsvsrobots.com.

About Massiverse, Inc.
Massiverse is a 21st-century new media development company that creates original, interactive transmedia properties, integrating traditional and emerging communication mediums, gaming, and powerful narrative storytelling. Massiverse specializes in developing complex interactive systems that work across multiple mediums, including: massively multiplayer online games, virtual worlds, alternate reality games, television, webisodes, mobisodes, feature films, gaming platforms, mobile, and print (both traditional and digital). The Massiverse team is made up of industry veterans whose significant experience creating quality entertainment includes projects with Scholastic, The Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney, and other prominent studios. To learn more, visit http://www.massiverse.com.

Autodesk Expands Options for Mac Users

2009-09-24T19:48:21Z

Autodesk and Parallels Team to Support Mac Virtualization for AutoCAD,
AutoCAD LT, Autodesk Inventor Professional, 3ds Max and Revit Software

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Sept. 24, 2009 - Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a
leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, and
Parallels, a worldwide leader in virtualization and automation software,
announced that they have signed an agreement to make Parallels Desktop for
Mac Autodesk's preferred Mac virtualization software.

Autodesk will now support use of AutoCAD software, AutoCAD LT software,
Autodesk Inventor Professional software, Autodesk 3ds Max software,
Autodesk 3ds Max Design software and the Autodesk Revit software platform
for building information modeling (BIM) on Mac OS X via Parallels Desktop.
Autodesk added official support for these products on the Mac via Boot Camp
earlier this year.

"Autodesk customers are increasingly working with both Mac and Windows, and
have asked us to support Mac virtualization," said Chris Bradshaw, Autodesk
chief marketing officer. "Today we are pleased to welcome Parallels as a
partner and Parallels Desktop as our preferred Mac virtualization software.
This is the latest step in Autodesk's ongoing efforts to support our
customers on the Mac, who will now be able to use some of our most popular
2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software alongside Mac OS
X, in addition to the five native Mac applications we currently offer."

"Parallels Desktop for Mac enables over two million users to run
Windows-based applications seamlessly and simply on their Mac," said
Serguei Beloussov, chief executive officer of Parallels. "Autodesk has a
long history of creating innovative and industry-leading software for
design, engineering and entertainment, and we've heard many requests from
customers interested in using their Autodesk applications with Parallels.
We are delighted to partner with Autodesk to help make this software more
broadly available to the Mac community."

With the launch of the Autodesk Alias family of software for Mac OS X
earlier this year, Autodesk now offers five native Mac OS X applications
for the entertainment, multimedia and design industries, including Autodesk
SketchBook Pro, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk Mudbox and Autodesk Stitcher
Unlimited software. For more information about Autodesk Mac support, visit
http://www.autodesk.com/mac.

About Parallels - Optimized Computing
Parallels is a worldwide leader in virtualization and automation software
that optimizes computing for consumers, businesses and cloud services
providers across all major hardware, operating systems and virtualization
platforms. Founded in 1999, Parallels is a fast-growing company with 700
employees in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, please
visit www.parallels.com.

About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design and engineering
software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and
entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982,
Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital
Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they
are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to
visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design
process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For
additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
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Thousands Convene at 7th Annual Game Developers Conference Austin

2009-09-24T19:47:21Z

GDC Austin Returns October 5-8, 2010, to Continue Discussions on the Evolution of Online Games

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2009 Game Developers Conference® Austin (GDC Austin) drew to a close last week on Friday, Sept.18, marking the 7th successful year of the conference, bringing together visionary speakers and keynotes covering the evolving landscape of online games, iPhone games, independent development and more. The main conference focused on connected games ranging from addictive and accessible social network games, to ambitious and expansive massively multiplayer online games (MMOs).

The Independent Games Summit and iPhone Games Summit opened up the conference to a thoughtful investigation into the frontiers of indie game development and the exciting interactive and commercial potential of the iPhone software platform. The opening days also played host to summits dedicated to the art and craft of Game Writing and Game Audio.

This year's event welcomed more than 130 lectures, panels, keynotes, and roundtable discussions, presented by 230 industry-leading speakers, and a bustling expo floor. All told, the event exceeded expectations for the year; GDC Austin played host to 2,650 verified attendees, while the expo floor attracted 80 participating exhibitors and sponsors showcasing up-and-coming game technology and software.

Leading the conference was a lineup of visionary keynote speakers, each forging new territory in connected gaming. Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley opened the proceedings on Wednesday, offering a detailed discussion on the successes and challenges of creating Free Realms, a massively connected online world designed for mass market audiences, including younger children. Thursday welcomed Blizzard co-founder Frank Pearce and World of Warcraft production director J. Allen Brack, who provided insight into the massive undertaking of maintaining a hugely popular MMO encompassing more than 11 million paid subscribers. The closing day of the conference presented the final keynote, with forward-facing Playfish COO and co-founder Sebastien de Halleux discussing the rich potential of the social gaming space to allow developers to take advantage viral distribution and microtransaction-based business models, and address an audience of non-conventional gamers.

"GDC Austin was a success both in terms of the turnout and the quality of the discussions led by our talented speakers and panelists," says Izora de Lillard, GDC Austin event director. " The advisory board and the entire GDC Austin team is especially proud of the expertise and quality of content we secured this year. We are already looking forward to the new trends and new content we will be exploring next year."

For more information on GDC Austin, please visit the official website: www.GDCAustin.com.

About the Think Services Game Group
A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the Think Services Game Group offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, GameCareerGuide.com, WorldsInMotion.biz and other Gamasutra Network websites, the Game Developers Conference®, the Game Developers Conference® Austin, the Game Developers Conference® Europe, the Game Developers Conference® China, the Game Developers Conference® Canada, GDC Mobile, the Game Career Seminars, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. To learn more, visit www.tsgamegroup.com

About Think Services, a division of United Business Media
Think Services connects specialized communities worldwide using educational events, consulting, training, certification, membership, and innovative media. Providing comprehensive opportunities for people to learn from, network with, and inspire each other, Think Services builds strong brands and works within communities to foster a unique affinity with its products and services. The division's flagship products include the Game Developers Conference, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, Game Developer magazine, the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI), and HDI. Think Services is a subsidiary of United Business Media, a global media and marketing services company with a market capitalization of more than $1.6 billion. To learn more, visit www.think-services.com.

QUALITY ASSURANCE FROM FOOTHILL AT MIPCOM

2009-09-24T19:45:10Z

(Cannes - September 2009): Adding more fun and excitement to their growing catalogue, Foothill Entertainment is bringing a fresh and extremely hilarious new series to MIPCOM. Created by Simon Hodgkiss of SphDigital, UK, Raz & Benny (78 x 7') is a comedy adventure series featuring two little mice who are best friends.

What's more fun than a mouse on a big mission? How about TWO mice on a BUNCH of BIG missions?!

is the ultimate buddy comedy with a healthy dose of dazzling hijinks and death-defying stunts; it is the tale of two little mice whose ambitions are bigger than their brains, but whose good luck is as endless as their friendship. Whether posing as international spies, high-speed racecar drivers, scuba-diving submarine rescuers or expert explorers in the deepest jungle, inseparable Raz and Benny consistently beat the odds, ready for their next adventure. "This adorable series is animated in the most sophisticated CGI available and is a real treat to watch for the whole family," says Jo Kavanagh-Payne, President of Foothill. "Raz and Benny explore so many different worlds and truly open the imagination to infinite possibilities."

Impressively talented Simon Hodgkiss is a computer graphic veteran in the UK and has been involved with CG animation for the past 15 years; his broad experience in high-end production, along with new technology, has allowed the action-packed TV series to come alive in a way that was never before possible. "Since Raz and Benny's worlds are viewed from a mouse's perspective, a lot of detail is needed in order to make them exciting and inviting to children," says Simon Hodgkiss, Founder and President of SphDigital, UK. "Foothill understands the hard work and quality of detail of this series and I know they are the best company to represent this project."

SphDigital, UK will be partnering with Foothill on this series. At the 2009 MIPCOM market, the parties are seeking co-production and pre-sale opportunities for this dialogue-free celebration of physical fun, choreographed chaos and visual delight!

Founded in September 2000 by former DIC Entertainment executive vice president of business and legal affairs, Gregory Payne and Jo Kavanagh-Payne, former Link Television Entertainment, Inc senior vice president of U.S. operations, Foothill specializes in the co-development and distribution of children's and family entertainment programming. Their Company is based in Santa Barbara, California.

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IMIRA ENTERTAINMENT SPREADS THE MAGIC OF SANDRA THE FAIRYTALE DETECTIVE

2009-09-23T19:40:43Z

TV and licensing deals signed for new show

Barcelona, 23 September 2009: Imira Entertainment, Spain's leading production and distribution company specialising in youth programming, is heading to BLE and MIPCOM with a bouquet of TV, publishing and home entertainment deals already signed for new show Sandra the Fairytale Detective. The show has recently launched on TF1 achieving excellent ratings and a 50% share of 4-10 demographic.

The new deals include television sales to Nickelodeon Asia for Pay-TV rights for South East Asia, Noga Communications for cable and satellite and VOD right for Israel. Home entertainment rights have been snapped up by Tribanda in Spain and TF1 Video in France with DVDs set to launch in Spring 2010, in conjunction with a set of four storybooks published by Roca Editorial. Imira Entertainment will be at BLE seeking further licensing and merchandising partners with an emphasis on back to school products and stationery, board games and giftware.

This Autumn Imira Entertainment is launching a dedicated Sandra the Fairytale Detective website which will invite fans to join a community of fairytale detectives, with an online library to promote reading. Kids can become the heroes of their own interactive fairytales, modify the classic tales they know and order a printed book version of their own story. In addition, in-keeping with the character Fo's gluttony in the series, the website features Fo's Kitchen Corner, where he gives out recipes promoting healthy eating in a fun and entertaining way.

Sandra the Fairytale Detective is a 52x13' Flash animated series produced in HD for 4-8 year olds and co-produced with TVE and DQ Entertainment. The series already airs on Disney Channels in France, Italy, Germany, Spain and India as well as TF1.

Christophe Goldberger, Head of Distribution and Marketing at Imira Entertainment said: "We've had a fantastic response to the show from buyers and licensees alike. The series was a hit on TF1 from the outset and we're looking to build on this success with the roll out of home entertainment and published products. With BLE and MIPCOM approaching, our aim is to sign further worldwide sales and consolidate the presence of the brand with deals for further product lines."

Sandra the Fairytale Detective is an adventure series combining magic, mystery and humour. Sandra is a ten year old girl who turns detective when she travels to the Land of Once Upon a Time, a parallel world where classic fairytale characters live. What happens if someone steels Cinderella's glass slipper? Or if the Prince kisses Sleeping Beauty but she doesn't wake up? Sandra the Fairytale Detective springs into action!

CRITTERPIX SECURES WORLD WIDE DISTRIBUTION WITH PROMENADE PICTURES AND AMERICAN CINEMA INTERNATIONAL FOR "OLLIE THE OTTER"

2009-09-23T05:10:19Z

The 3D animated feature film will be released on a minimum of 1500 - 3D and 2D screens - in North America, 1^st Quarter 2012

LOS ANGELES / SAN ANSELMO, CA - September 22^nd 2009 - CritterPix Studios, the Northern California 3D animation content company today announces distribution agreements with Promenade Pictures and American Cinema International for its planned 1^st 3D animated feature movie, OLLIE THE OTTER.

The distribution partnerships underscore the success of the companies' award winning 4 minute short film, OLLIE & THE BAKED HALIBUT - in 3D, where at the Cannes Film Market and the Toronto International Film Festival Ollie The Otter and his zany friend, The Baked Halibut, along with the crazed villain, Sushi Sam, successfully barbequed distributors for the 3D feature where the heartfelt family tale swims further to sea with little Ollie taking on a vain great white shark and tattooed swordfish, all to keep his family happily frolicking in the kelp and distributors counting big receipts.

OLLIE & THE BAKED HALIBUT - in 3D, was Directed by long time writer and CritterPix Studios CEO, Kelly Alan Williamson, and Co-Directed by Ricardo Curtis. Curtis was previously Head of Story on Twentieth Century Fox's HORTON HEARS A WHO and he'll do the same for the OLLIE THE OTTER animated feature in 3D, with Williamson Directing. "Our short film shows we can make delightful 3D entertainment for 1/7^th the cost, compared to what the big studios spend," said Williamson. "Promenade and American Cinema International are hard working distributors and are a perfect fit for us."

"As soon as I saw this project and more importantly, the reaction of the many international distributors, we knew this would win world wide," said American Cinema International President, Chevonne O'Saughnessy.

Promenade Pictures President, Cindy Bond added, "We were attracted to the script over a year ago. Then CritterPix delivered the award winning short which we feel is a great work-in-progress and gives us the confidence that they will deliver a high quality feature."

About CritterPix, Inc.

CritterPix, Inc, (CritterPix Studios), is an animation studio that combines original stories and 3D computer generated artistry for enlightening entertainment to thrill kids and adults alike. The Northern California studio will leverage its wholly owned content, time saving 3D technical innovations, and outsource animation production to top studios in Canada to maintain quality, yet dramatically lower costs. www.critterpix.com.

About Promenade Pictures, LLC

Promenade Pictures - Founded by Chairman/CEO Frank Yablans, former President of Paramount as well as former CEO and Co-Chairman of MGM/United Artists, President/COO Cindy Bond and EVP Ron Booth, pioneers and producers of films in the faith-based market, Promenade Pictures specializes in the worldwide production, marketing and distribution of family entertainment that celebrates the positive endeavors of the human spirit. Based in Santa Monica, California, the Company combines Hollywood's most talented artisans with inspiring stories, original works and adaptations, to bring the world life affirming motion pictures. www.promenadepictures.com

About American Cinema International

American Cinema International (ACI)- Founded in 1999 by CEO George Shamieh, former owner of PM Entertainment and President Chevonne O'Shaughnessy. ACI creates, produces & distributes films throughout the world as well as television programming and mini-series. The company handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures and acquired pictures. ACI represents domestic and international sales for its own slate and third party products. www.aci-americancinema.com

THE FREMANTLE CORPORATION GLIDES INTO CANNES WITH NEW ANIMATED FEATURE FILM - THE LAST FLIGHT OF THE CHAMPION - FOR INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTERS

2009-09-22T05:07:45Z

The Family Friendly Comedy to Headline The Fremantle Corp.'s Roster of Children's Programming at Mipcom 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

TORONTO (September 21, 2009) - The Fremantle Corporation heads to this year's MIPCOM with the new animated movie, The Last Flight of the Champion. The ninety-minute comedy/adventure film follows the young crew of the last Cosmic Marshal ship, The Champion, as they journey through the galaxy to bring fairness, justice and safety to all inhabitants.

According to The Fremantle Corp.'s principal director, Irv Holender, "We are hoping to take 'Last Flight' from a feature to a long form series depending on how well it performs at the markets. We will be looking for merchandising opportunities as well."

The Last Flight of the Champion is a tale of a peaceful galaxy, protected by a fleet of powerful space ships called the Cosmic Marshals. It is a time of hope and renaissance as a galactic society stands at the peak of technological advancement and community cooperation. But with no evil in the galaxy, there was no need for the ships and they were decommissioned or destroyed one by one. This comedy/adventure story takes place a thousand years later as the galaxy has steadily isolated itself, and the evil tyrant, General Disdain and his Shocktroopers have risen to power. Without the Cosmic Marshals to protect the galactic society and with the planets no longer as unified as they once were, there is only a small militia of peace cadets to stand between Disdain and total galactic domination. The young crew of the last Cosmic Marshal ship, The Champion, will fight to restore safety in the galaxy. Produced by Omnipulse Entertainment.

About The Fremantle Corporation
Since 1952, The Fremantle Corporation has been a respected distributor and producer of high quality and high-profile programming for all markets and media worldwide. The Fremantle Corporation produces, acquires and distributes the full range of series, specials, movies and specialty programming that has become a staple for leading broadcast and digital networks throughout the world. The Fremantle Corporation is located on the Internet at www.fremantlecorp.com.

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And the 2009 ADWEEK Buzz Award Goes To ---- The Wumblers

2009-09-22T05:06:00Z

Ridgewood, NJ September 21 2009, The 2009 Adweek Event Buzz Award for best integration of a brand into an existing event goes to The Giddy Gander Company's brand The Wumblers for their Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest held at Six Flags Great Adventure July 4th, 2009.

Thanks to their co-sponsors at The National Watermelon Association, Pathmark Supercenters, The Florida Watermelon Association and Sweet Mama Produce, the first ever Six Flags Great Adventure watermelon seed spitting event was a huge success! Contestants vied for the title of champion seed spitter and two preliminary winners went on to compete in the grand finale for the overall title on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. With the help of Charlie Browns Restaurants and country superstar LeAnn Rimes, The Giddy Gander Company was able to offer additional exciting prizes to go along with free watermelon for all who took part in this exciting day.

This event is just one of many fun and educational initiatives that has created buzz for The Wumblers brand. Proceeds from this event were donated to Tuesday's Children as a means to reinforce the importance of "giving back" in children's eyes. Coupled to that lesson and this event was the parallel launch of The Wumblers virtual watermelon seed spitting iPhone app, iSeedSpit!, which allows the fun and learning to continue 365 days a year.

Heidi Schwartz, VP of Business Development states, "This Buzz Award has motivated us to keep creating events, contests, promotions and grass root marketing efforts that compliment the overall educational philosophy of The Wumblers brand, which is to bring a sense of global and social consciousness to the forefront of every child's mind. We thank Adweek for their recognition and appreciation of our work!"

The Buzz Awards celebrate the best in brand/media integration campaigns that catch fire, brilliant product placements, innovative use of a medium for a promotion, and branding efforts that invade the pop-culture consciousness.

Please visit www.wumblerpatch.com to further assist us in this goal and start Wumbling alongside The Giddy Gander Company and Mark Sanchez as a new educational initiative begins to launch!

NEW SENIOR PRODUCER JOINS FRAMESTORE COMMERCIALS TEAM

2009-09-22T05:00:36Z

Framestore's Commercials team are very pleased to welcome new addition Simon Gosling, who has recently joined the company as Senior Producer.

Simon Gosling brings almost 20 years of experience to his role as Senior Producer at Framestore. During that time he has worked as Head of New Business and Senior Producer at The Moving Picture Company, Managing Director at Cut+Run and set up a music and sound design company, 2110.

Simon has in depth knowledge in the realm of effects supervision, compositing and 3D animation. He has post produced films for the World's leading brands, including Adidas, Toyota, Barclays, Proctor & Gamble, Kelloggs, BBC, Sony, Guinness and Hasbro. He wrote, and for 6 years conducted, both the APA and IPA lectures on post-production and editing, for their Masterclass courses.

Says Helen Stanley, Managing Director Commercials, "Over the years I have known Simon, I have always admired his industry knowledge, tenacity and charm. I am really pleased he decided to join our production team as a senior producer - he compliments greatly our existing talent."

Chocolate Liberation Front takes first steps into The World of Infinite Curiosity

2009-09-22T04:57:32Z

Toronto, September 21 2009 - Cutting-edge independent production company, Chocolate Liberation Front (CLF), is underway with its first major development project since forming just a few months ago and already has in place a creative team of international developers, animators and writers working on the project.

The World of Infinite Curiosity is a far-reaching multiplatform project for family audiences, which is currently in development as a triple-A videogame with funding from Telefilm Canada and Screen Australia. In line with CLF's philosophy to think about properties across all platforms, CLF is also exploring The World of Infinite Curiosity as a prime time television series.

The World of Infinite Curiosity, an original property developed by CLF, is a fantasy world based on the incredible imagination of an 11-year-old boy with foundations in the astonishing inventions of Leonardo da Vinci.

CLF's high-calibre team of acclaimed industry specialists includes C.O.R.E Digital, which is creating the artwork. The Toronto-based creator of digital visual effects and animation for feature films and television has a string of credits including Resident Evil: Apocolypse, X-Men, Lucky Number Slevin and The Tudors. Naomi Janzen is story developer on the project. She is a TV writer-producer with more than twenty years working in L.A, Toronto and Vancouver and her credits include 7thHeaven and cult hits such as Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda, La Femme Nikita and Highlander.

Working on the development of the game are Tony Reed, MD of Reed Interactive (Command and Conquer, Fallout 1 & 2, Earthworm Jim and several Star Trek titles); Adrian Crook, an award-winning producer of triple-A videogames and entertainment across numerous platforms (The Outfit); and Morgan Jaffit, one of Australia's brightest stars in the game development sector with game design credits on Happy Feet, Teen Titans and Chaos Theory.

CLF's creative team, including of Dan Fill, Frank Verheggen, Shawn Bailey and Natalie Verheggen are working in close collaboration with these international experts.

Dan Fill from CLF says: "The richness of story arc, animation assets and art direction make this an absolutely perfect cross-over as a television property. Having a feature-quality animation studio and a top television writer working on at the earliest stage of game development is adding a level of sophistication and depth to the game. This is easily the most exciting property I have worked on."

The World of Infinite Curiosity is a fantastical place of imagination and invention that exists only inside the head of an incredibly imaginative boy named Decklin.

He has dreamed up this strange land of creatures, impossible flying machines and architecture - an exciting escape where you are free to do anything and be anything. This fusion of Decklin's own day-to-day experiences, his recent studies of Leonardo da Vinci's codices and dark images from the past that haunt him unleash a world where anything is possible.