With a striking decrease in marketing dollars flowing into this years MIPCOM, French production firm Marathon is emerging as a clearly visible presence at this years event. Unlike previous years, companies are sponsoring less parties and program-advertising signage plastered around the city of Cannes is thin. However, Marathon has stepped forward with mucho marketing dollars sponsoring the official market tote bag with a MARTIN MYSTERY theme for MIPCOM Jr. As well, the company is sponsoring the MIPCOM opening night diner, which should see top exec from around the globe in attendance.
Marathons toon titles include:
MARTIN MYSTERY (65x30) was created by Vincent Chalvon Demersay and David Michel and directed by Stéphane Berry. The show follows Martin and Diana: two mismatched teenagers with opposite personalities on a mission to investigate the weirdest paranormal enigmas and the slimiest creatures from beyond. Marathon is co-producing the series with M6 and Rai.
TOTALLY SPIES follows three typical Beverly Hills girls who get catapulted into the dangerous world of international espionage. The series is sold in more than 100 countries and airs in the U.S. on Cartoon Network. The third season is in production with the same creative team behind MARTIN MYSTERY. The show is a co-production of Marathon, TF1, ABC Family, Fox Kids Europe and Channel Four.
MARSUPILAMI (52x30) follows the world's favorite mascot as he teams with a 10-year-old boy. The show is a Marathon / France 3 / Canal J / Merchandising Munchen co-production.
Marathon was founded in 1990 by Olivier Brémond and Pascal Breton. In 1999, Vincent Chalvon-Demersay joined the Group in order to develop animation production. Marathon International, which was also created in 1990, is the Group's international sales division; it distributes both Marathon's programs and acquisitions from other producers around the world. Thórunn Anspach heads this company. Marathon opened an animation studio in Berlin in 2000. The Marathon Group employs more than 30 permanent staff members. For more information, visit www.marathon.fr.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
