Moonscoop, Turner Broadcasting, Gamania and Telegael are boosting the global presence of comedy/action adventure series, Hero:108, with a second season of 52X11’ episodes scheduled to begin production.
Press Release from Moonscoop
LA. 24 September 2010. Moonscoop, Turner Broadcasting, Gamania and Telegael are boosting the global presence of comedy/action adventure series, Hero:108, with a second season of 52X11’ episodes scheduled to begin production. This follows the successful launch of the show on Turner Broadcasting channels in the US, UK and further international territories including Latin America, Germany, Italy, CEE, Iberia, Middle East, Asia and Africa earlier this year.
The first season (52x11’) has also been acquired by GMTV in the UK, MBC in the Middle East, and Mexico’s Televisa.
Cecilia Persson, Vice President Acquisitions, EMEA at Turner Broadcasting said: “Hero:108 is going from strength to strength on Turner Broadcasting channels and is fast becoming one of our major brands. Production on a brand new season, and the roll out of the MMOG and toy line later this year, underscores our commitment to offering 360 degree entertainment to our viewers.”
Nicolas Atlan, Executive Chairman of Moonscoop’s US office, added: “The Hero:108 brand is building momentum across all platforms, and it is a testament to its strong appeal that we have decided to produce a second season following the global launch. Season two in production and the launch of the MMOG will provide a solid base for planned promotional and licensing initiatives throughout 2010, including the toy launch later this year.”
A co-production between Moonscoop, Turner Broadcasting, Gamania and Telegael, Hero:108 is supported by a groundbreaking promotional platform. Hero:108 Online, a Massively Multi-Player Online Game (MMOG) developed by RedGate Games -- a subsidiary of Gamania Digital Entertainment, one of the largest publishers of online multi-player games in Asia-- has started open beta testing in June, leading to a full launch by the end of summer.
“We are very excited about the second season of Hero:108,” says David Wong, Chief Operating Officer of Gamania Digital Entertainment (US) Co., Ltd, “There has been fantastic support from our community for both the cartoon and our game, and we anticipate the fanbase getting stronger with the launch of season two.”
In the fall, a line of innovative toy products is being launched by Playmates, the worldwide master toy licensee. Further deals have been signed with Mad Engine for Apparel and Atlantyca Entertainment in Publishing.
Hero:108 has also become something of a phenomenon online with the recent worldwide launch in the English language and steady stream of online content being introduced. Producers of the series have also been promoting the program to more than one million fans at over 50 anime conventions this past year. As a result, there is already strong interest among consumers and deals in the pipeline from licensees in the main categories such as apparel, back to school and bed linen.
Both groundbreaking and visually stunning, Hero:108 follows the outrageous adventures of a group of brave young defenders determined to end a conflict between animals and humans in The Hidden Kingdom. The group known as “First Squad” includes Lin Chung, Mighty Ray, Mystique Sonia, Mr. NoHands and Jumpy Ghostface. The series features striking Asian-influenced character designs created by show creator Phoenix Tarng, who is also part of Gamania’s in-house creative development team.
About Turner BroadcastingTurner Broadcasting delivers some of the world’s most successful and well-known news and entertainment brands – CNN, Cartoon Network, CN Too, Boomerang, Cartoonito, TCM (Turner Classic Movies), and Adult Swim. The company now broadcasts 21 entertainment channels in 17 languages across approximately 100 countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. With a rich history of innovation, Turner Broadcasting is continuing to push the boundaries of media being at the forefront of development with its brands via the web, VOD, DVD, gaming, mobile, merchandising, publishing and emerging platforms.
About Moonscoop Moonscoop is a leading worldwide production, distribution, brand management and entertainment company, focused on producing original projects and building brands with international appeal and longevity.
Its rights library combines many of the most successful programs and best-loved animated creations in the global television market and includes over 3,000 half-hours of programming airing in more than 160 territories worldwide. Key brands include "Code Lyoko," "Fantastic Four," "Titeuf" (Tootuff), "Pet Alien," “Dive Olly Dive!” and "Casper" which are licensed in markets around the world. Moonscoop’s production slate currently includes new series “Geronimo Stilton”, “Hero:108”, “Twisted Whiskers” and “Chloe’s Closet.”
Moonscoop was established with the merger of France Animation and Antefilms Production and the subsequent stake of a majority share in US-based Mike Young Productions and Taffy Entertainment, which all now fall under the Moonscoop label. Moonscoop employs over 350 people worldwide.
About Gamania Digital Entertainment (US) Co., Ltd.Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Gamania Digital Entertainment (US) Co., Ltd. is the North American subsidiary of Gamania (OTC: 6180), a leading pan-Asian online game developer, publisher and operator, providing high quality online game service to its customers. After building its name as a leading licenser of popular online games in Asia, from renowned titles such as Lineage I and MapleStory, Gamania’s next focus is on bringing high quality products from in-house development studios to market in North America. Gamania’s ultimate goal is to build a global digital entertainment experience, easily accessible to people all over the world.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
