A&S Animation, Inc. is presenting their animated short series, TIMMY'S LESSONS IN NATURE at NATPE 2002. In the dialogue-free series, disaster prone Timmy demonstrates basic rules of nature. The one-minute shorts have won awards at six international film festivals including ASIFA-East's Excellence in Writing award.

Animated pre-schooler WHY? has been awarded a production loan by the Irish Film Board, who is co-financing the series with Monster Distributes and Brown Bag Films. The new series goes into production in January 2002 and will be presented at NATPE. Monster Distributes will also be introducing new animated Christmas specials, THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE and THE LEGEND OF THE THREE TREES, as well as selling its 13 x 30 award-winning series STORYKEEPERS, directed by Jimmy Murakami. STORYKEEPERS presents stories from the life of Jesus within an adventure story context.

Defiance Distribution and Screen Ventures are bringing their new children’s animated series MUCHIKKO - KID BUGS to NATPE 2002. The series is produced by POKEMON creator Shogakukan, SME and New Kids. Featuring 88 characters, such as Hanako the ladybug, inchworm brothers Tanaka and Endo, Yabe the water bug, Hamada the honeybee and 83 others, the MUCHIKKO characters use special skills and teamwork to overcome obstacles. Already popular with television audiences in Japan, the show has been supported by a successful merchandising campaign.

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India’s Pentamedia Graphics Ltd. will present a slate of animated movies, home videos and series at NATPE 2002 including the new 3D animated feature ALIBABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES. The company is currently in production on SINBAD AND THE SECRET OF COLONIS, the 3D animated sequel to SINBAD: BEYOND THE VEIL OF MISTS.


Read about the making of SINBAD: BEYOND THE VEIL OF MISTS, Pentamedia’s first foray into 3D animation features.

Egmont Imagination will bring its interactive mystery series, SOLVE THE MYSTERY WITH INSPECTOR MCCLUE, to NATPE 2002. This 2D Flash animated family series is a television and Internet based crime-puzzle where the viewer watches a mystery unfold on television, and must then try and solve the mystery themselves by going online and using the clues provided. Created by Werner Wejp-Olsen, SOLVE THE MYSTERY WITH INSPECTOR MCCLUE combines interactivity with engaging stories.

Another Japanese import comes to NATPE via Nelvana. BEYBLADE is a 51-episode animé series acquired from D-Rights, Inc. BEYBLADE tells the story of a boy who learns to harness the power of his ancestors to perfect his technique in the sport of Beyblade. The heroes bond as they battle their way to the world championship. Nelvana will be located in Booth #3025.

4Kids Entertainment will launch the Japanese animated series KINNIKUMAN at NATPE 2002. The 52-episode series combines comedy and super hero action with the flair of pro-wrestling. As a baby, Kinnikuman was accidentally displaced as prince of his home planet. Now, to prove himself worthy as heir to the throne of Kinniku, he must compete in the ultimate intergalactic tournaments. As a result, Kinnikuman confronts hundreds of the most diverse and powerful superhero wrestlers that the world has to offer.

* NATPE Content Marketplace: Monday, January 21 - Thursday, January 24, 2002, Las Vegas, Nevada USA.


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This week's updates to the Calendar of Events includes: RMCAD And ASIFA-Colorado Present PJ's Director Sean Burns: Thursday, July 26, 2001, Denver, Colorado USA. Ed Hooks' Acting Class for Animators: Saturday, August 4, 2001 and Monday, August 13 - Wednesday, August 15, 2001, Stanford, California USA. They Shoot Animators, Don't They? An Animation Marathon: Friday, August 10 - Monday, August 13, 2001, London, UK. ASIFA-Hollywood Presents A Book Signing With Leslie Iwerks, Co-Author Of "The Hand Behind The Mouse:" Wednesday, August 22, 2001, Burbank, California USA.