European animation studio Varga, which owns the Hungarian TV, video and DVD rights for the animated MR. BEAN, has concluded a deal with RTL Klub Hungary to air the 52 x 11-minute series, making it the first country to air the series outside the UK. MR. BEAN premiered in Hungary on April 6, 2002 and will air weekly. Varga has over 420 crew working on the animated MR. BEAN, making it one of the largest animation series currently in production in Europe. Varga’s Alexei Alexeev is the series director for the Tiger Aspect, Richard Purdum and Varga co-production. Worldwide distribution (excluding Hungary) is handled by Fremantle International Distribution. Delivery of the 52-part series is scheduled for the end of 2002.