Novocom, a creative services agency specializing in the design and production of motion graphics for the global broadcasting industry, has completed a corporate restructuring, and will celebrate its 25th anniversary in conjunction with MIPCOM 2006.

Monster Distributes launched CAOZ�s edgy 3D animated film, ANNA AND THE MOODS at MIPCOM.

ANNA AND THE MOODS is written by Academy Award-nominated Icelandic writer Sj�n on a commission by the Brodsky Quartet. Julian Nott, composer of WALLACE AND GROMIT, sets Sj�n's story to music. The Brodsky Quartet has performed a musical version of the work on live tours in the UK, with Sj�n performing the story. Voices are by Bjork, Damon Albarn, Terry Jones, Sjon and Thorunn Laurusdottir.

ZDF Enterprises GmbH is bringing five properties to MIPCOM 2006, where they can be found at booths 21.02 and 23.01.

The live-action series, H2O — JUST ADD WATER (2x90 or 52x26) is an adventure-drama about how to stay "normal" when you're a part-time mermaid. Three 16-year-old girls find themselves exploring the eerie, jungle covered island eventually ending up trapped in an ancient cave system under a volcano.

MoonScoop and Classic Media announced that they will produce and distribute a brand new CASPER THE FRIENDLY GHOST animated series. India’s DQ Ent. has also come on board as co-production partner and the series will be developed with TF1 in France. Production on the new 52x11 series is set to commence in February 2007. Distribution of the new series will be shared between the co-production partners.

Cape Town-based Strika Ent. debuted its first Flash-animated series, SUPA STRIKAS, at this year’s MIPCOM Jr.

The animated series is based on Strika’s most popular comic, SUPA STRIKAS. The comic follows the ups and downs of an African soccer team. The comic is a huge success with 1.5 million copies distributed every month to eight African countries and South America.

Strika Animation completed 13x1 Flash animated episodes that were broadcast in South Africa and in the rest of Africa.

Results coming out of MIPCOM Jr. shows Aardman’s SHAUN THE SHEEP (U.K.) topping the list of the most requested series at the event, taking place in Cannes, France. A new finisher in the Jr. race shows Ettamogah Ent. Groups’ AMY’S GANG (Australia) in second place while BRB Internactional came in third for ANGUS AND CHERYL (Spain). In fourth place was 4Kids Ent. for its CHAOTIC (USA) and in fifth was Cake Ent. Ltd.’s SKUNK FU! (U.K.).

The Fremantle Corp. has acquired the new combined 2D and 3D animated production, FRIENDS AND HEROES. The distribution company will showcase the animated series at MIPCOM along with a substantial list of previously announced programming. This series will also be made available at MIPCOM Jr.

MIPCOM Junior's 14th edition presents its largest ever conference program and a total of eight events center on the flourishing children's TV market. Some of the key topics scheduled to be discussed include multi-platform content, licensing and merchandising and programming strategies.

Haim Saban has launched a new venture to develop family programs, according to REUTERS.

Saban's L.A.-based private equity firm Saban Capital Group Inc. will form a virtual studio, employing freelance producers, writers and artists. The new company will fund global programming that can be exploited across different delivery systems, including video games, mobile devices and broadcast TV.

"I am thrilled to return to my roots and focus on developing media properties for children and families," Saban said in a statement.

P&PM (Production & Partners Multimedia), a French production company headed by Sidonie Herman, is coming to MIPCOM (#LR 2.09) to unveil its inked animation deals, which include THE SECRETS OF DROON (26x26), an HD animated series with Tony Abbott and Template Ent.; a 3D HD animated series, BUGHOUSE ROCK (26x26), and a 2D animated series, THE LOST WORLD, (26x26) with Vivavision; MAGNITKA, a 2D animated series with Vivavision and TV Pinguim; EAT ME (104x1), a 3D HD animated series with Neutral Prods.; a 3D animated series, LEO (26x26), and an animated feature film, ZENZANO (82) with Dujass Film.