Tickle U, Cartoon Network’s new programming block for pre-school children, has launched in the U.S. Animal Logic has worked with Cartoon Network to create packaging and bumps to help launch Tickle U and carry it through subsequent months of programming.

Tickle U features a line-up of original animated series designed to encourage children to laugh and have an optimistic view on life. Airing weekdays from 9:00 am-11:00 am, shows include FIREHOUSE TALES, GERALD MCBOING BOING and GORDON THE GARDEN GNOME. On the strength of its continuing work for Cartoon Network’s on-air look, Animal Logic was invited to create packaging and bumps for Tickle U that take viewers in and out of individual shows.

The bumps star three hosts: Pipoca, a mischievous but sweet character, Henderson, Pipoca’s goofy and loveable sidekick, and Place, the playful, interactive environment in which they live.

Cartoon Network’s Tickle U core team and co-creators, associate creative directors Kevin Fitzgerald and Steve Patrick and director of production Ashley Nixon, presented Animal Logic with the concept. “We instantly fell in love with the concept,” said Animal Logic’s producer Sarah Beard. “They provided us with designs for Pipoca and Henderson and we transformed them into the animated 3D characters.”

Place was more amorphous in that it didn’t have a specific design locked in during the early stages. Place represents a real collaboration between the Tickle U team in Atlanta and Animal Logic’s creative team in Sydney. Cartoon Network’s Fitzgerald spent an intense week in Sydney working with Animal Logic’s creative team, led by art director Suzanne White and CGI lead Scott Hunter, to define who Place is as a character and finalize the look. “Place is an abstract character so we had multiple possibilities. The challenge was to create something that would reflect its limitless environment but was possible to execute with the deadlines we had,” said White.

The final result includes a combination of 2D and 3D elements. As Place communicates with limited dialogue, abstract shapes and photo montages were created using 2D elements. These were composited with the 3D atmospheric backgrounds as needed. To add to its dreamy feel, Place has been ambiently illuminated rather than using light from one source with several light, texture and color passes created in Maya.

Animal Logic’s team of 3D artists spent a lot of time creating the animation rigs for Pipoca and Henderson to help streamline the character animation pipeline. For simple-looking characters, their 3D rigs are very complex. Controls such as the automation of Pipoca’s antennas have been written within Maya to help 3D animators expedite delivery of new scripts over the coming months.

Animal Logic will continue to deliver new material for Tickle U, including interstitials, event and seasonal packages such as Halloween and Christmas specials.

Tickle U launched on Cartoon Network in the U.S. on Aug 22. Cartoon Network, currently seen in 88.5 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families.

Animal Logic credits:
* Producer: Sarah Beard
* Line Producer: Rebecca Franklin
* Art Director: Suzanne White
* CG lead: Scott Hunter

2D Compositing team:
* Suzanne White
* Bill Stepanoski
* Thomas Diakomichalis
* Toscha Blenkinsop
* Peter Jeffs
* Martin Crouch

3D team
* Animation Lead: Mike Mellor
* Lighting Lead: Jeremy Howdin
* Animator & Storyboard Artist: Paul Braddock
* Storyboard Artist: Geoff Valent
* Brett Margules
* Paul Jakovich
* Bhakar James
* David Hansen
* Feargal Stewart
* Arran Potter
* Kanin Phemayothin
* Brad Wong
* Steve Beck
* Sandy Sutherland
* Tom Bardwell
* Ben Falcone
* Andrew Lodge
* Phil Wittmer
* Stefan Litterini
* Daniel Marum
* Ben Falcone
* Ian Watson
* Larry Townsend
* Designers: Dael Oates and Angela Pellazari