Aardman Animation and DECODE Ent. have signed a co-production deal to produce an animated sketch show for CiTV and Canadian specialty network TELETOON, Miles Bullough, Aardmans head of broadcast announced at MIPCOM. This marks Aardmans first full TV co-production, first CGI series and the first kids series that Aardman has put into production since THE AMAZING OF ADVENTURES OF MORPH in 1980.
Ordered by Steven Andrew at CiTV and Madeleine Lévesque at TELETOON, the 13x11 series brings together a quirky collection of madcap characters in a rapid-fire, high energy broken comedy format for kids 6-11.
The sketch show will be a mix of digital CGI animation and 2D Flash. With characters such as the Soppy Street Rappers, Bickering Babes, Nose-picker, Ninja Handyman and Dr. Inosaur, the series takes a quirky look at kids lives and obsessions.
Commenting on the project, Aardmans Bullough said, It is very exciting for us to be co-producing a show with such a creative and experienced company like DECODE, it can only help to strengthen the appeal of the show, particularly internationally.
CiTV editor Estelle Hughes added, An animated sketch show will be a first for U.K. kids and we have every confidence that theyll love these wonderful characters and comic scenes.
Steven DeNure, partner at DECODE, said, We have long admired Aardmans phenomenal animation and are thrilled to be their co-producers on the sketch show.
TELETOON is honored to be a partner with these two producers who have gained international recognition, offered Lévesque, director of Original Production, TELETOON. We are excited about bringing these great characters to life in a humorous, imaginative and engaging way.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
