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Moonscoop Signs FUNimation as U.S. Licensing Agent for Code Lyoko

French producer/distributor Moonscoop has signed a major deal with FUNimation Productions Ltd., the brand management company behind the wildly successful DRAGON BALL Z franchise, making the company the exclusive licensing agent for CODE LYOKO in the U.S. The far-reaching deal also makes FUNimation the exclusive home video distributor to CODE LYOKO for the U.S. and English-speaking Canada.

We are delighted to partner with FUNimation on the licensing strategy for CODE LYOKO, said Axel Dauchez, ceo of Moonscoop. The company has an excellent reputation as a brand management company and we were very impressed by their strategic thinking. We look forward to signing deals for key licenses over the coming months.

The first season of CODE LYOKO is a popular shows for kids 6-11 on Cartoon Networks action/adventure Miguzi slot. An Antefilms co-production with France 3 and Canal J, CODE LYOKO has already proven popular with international audiences and is one of the top animated shows on France 3 since its launch in September 2003. Cartoon Network recently ordered a second season of 26 additional half-hour episodes.

"We are very excited to work with Moonscoop to bring the CODE LYOKO brand to the North American market," says Gen Fukunaga, president of FUNimation. "This is a very popular property with unique characters, storyline and animation, and it is a perfect fit for Cartoon Networks Miguzi block."

Offering a distinctive mix of 2D and 3D animation in each 22-minute episode, the fast-paced show follows the adventures of Yumi, Ulrich, Odd and Jeremie, ordinary students as well as action heroes. The virtual digital world of Lyoko features futuristic characters, monsters and vehicles as well as a number of unique territories for the heroes to explore.

FUNimation will pursue licensees across all major categories for the high-profile property. FUNimation plans a full scale retail release early next year and is in discussions with several major partners.

CODE LYOKO has a deep background story and it was really important for us to sign a licensing agent that understood the show, said Nicolas Atlan, vp/exec producer of Antefilms production. FUNimation totally fits the bill and we were impressed by their previous work.

Moonscoop has also sold the series internationally including deals with Cartoon Network for Toonami in the U.K. and Cartoon Network Spain, Jetix Latin America, Canadas YTV and Radio Canada, the Disney Channel Italy, NRK in Norway, Moroccos 2M, Noga in Israel and distributor CFI in Africa as well as several distributors across India and the Middle East.

Antefilms Production, one of Frances most dynamic and creative production houses acquired leading youth producer and distributor France Animation in October 2003, joining two of Frances leading childrens and animation companies to create a production and distribution powerhouse. Both companies retain their separate editorial polices and production but launched Moonscoop, a new joint distribution brand at MIP-TV 2004. Moonscoop is supported by a dedicated marketing division to build the catalogs international presence focusing on promotion campaigns, licensing, merchandising, publishing, music, and the coordination of local licensing agents.

Founded in 1984 in Paris, France Animation is Frances senior producer and distributor of youth programs and one of Europes major players in the sector. With worldwide recognition for its development, adaptation and production of successful proprieties such as TITEUF for television broadcast, video, DVD and various marketing products.

Paris-based Antefilms Production, launched in 1990 by Christophe di Sabatino and Benoît di Sabatino, has rapidly become one of Frances best known producers in international markets, notably for its highly successful series FUNKY COPS. It also owns Antefilms Studio, its own 3D animation and motion capture studio, located at the Pôle Images in Angoulême and is currently in production on FUNKY COPS II, PET ALIEN and INVISIBLE MAN.

FUNimation (www.funimation.com) is a leading brand management company for anime content and one of the nation's largest independent home video entertainment companies. The company has in-house production, licensing, Internet, marketing, and home video sales and distribution divisions. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, the company is best known for creating the blockbuster franchise DRAGONBALL Z in the U.S.

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