Press Release from Chorion
London, 5 May 2009: OLIVIA, the hit new pre-school animated series from leading family entertainment producer and distributor Chorion, is continuing its international rollout with more major broadcasters signing TV rights to the show.
Following a hugely successful debut for OLIVIA on Nickelodeon (US), Five in the UK, ABC Australia and TF1 in France, Nickelodeon International has picked up the show for Italy and its channels in Russia, central and eastern Europe and South Africa. Disney Channel Japan has also secured broadcast rights to OLIVIA, along with RTP Portugal, TG4 Ireland, Happy TV in Serbia and RTV in Slovenia.
These broadcasters join Nick Jr UK, Treehouse in Canada, Danmarks Radio, YLE Finland, SVT Sweden, NRK Norway, RUV Iceland and The Walt Disney Company Latin America. OLIVIA is now set to air in over 120 territories this year.
Geraint Marsh, Senior Vice President, TV Sales at Chorion says: "OLIVIA is proving to be incredibly popular and we are delighted to sign these new deals following the show's successful launch in the US, UK, Australia and France. Olivia's appeal is universal and we are excited to introduce her to new audiences worldwide."
Based on the award-winning books written and illustrated by Ian Falconer, OLIVIA is a 52 x 11-minute 3D CGI series animated by the Academy Award nominated company Brown Bag Films. Chorion's Diana Manson and Kurt Mueller, and Brown Bag Film's Cathal Gaffney are executive producers together with head writer Pat Resnick - the acclaimed screen and television writer whose credits include 9 TO 5, QUINTET, MAXIE, STRAIGHT TALK and the Golden Globe-nominated HELL ON HEELS - THE BATTLE OF MARY KAY.
Co-Executive Producers are Kate Boutilier and Eryk Casemiro. Series Producer is Megan Laughton and producers are Karen Ialacci and Gillian Higgins. The series is directed by Darragh O'Connell.
OLIVIA is also proving to be a licensing success. Spinmaster is on board as global master toy partner and is developing a range of pre-school toys for rollout in autumn 2010 and TF1 has recently picked up merchandising and licensing rights to the property in France. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has also recently been appointed as international DVD partner outside the US.
Olivia is today's girl. She is a 6 3/4 old dynamo who believes she can do anything and sees every day as an opportunity to try new things. Her vivid imagination takes her on grand adventures, both real and fantasy, and like all children, her antics occasionally result in endearing misadventures. Olivia's confidence and positive nature inspires kids everywhere to think boldly and follow their dreams.
