Mexico's media conglom Televisa is preparing an animated version of its 1970s children's comedy EL CHAVO DEL OCHO, reports VARIETY. Televisa plans to open pre-sales for the series later this month in Las Vegas at the National Association of Television Program Executives meeting.
Anima will produce the 26x30 series, which will update the Spanish-language afternoon classic with a modern spin. The series will be ready to air in late 2006.
The original live-action series, which boasts 1,300 episodes, is syndicated in every Spanish-speaking country in Latin America, as well as Spain and Brazil. The show airs in the U.S. on Univision's Galavision. The show follows the G-rated adventures of the title character an orphan street kid who lives alone in a barrel, played by the series middle-aged creator Roberto Gomez Bolanos.
CHAVO merchandise remains a top seller in Mexico. New York-based United Media obtained licensing and merchandising rights in the U.S. at the beginning of 2005.
Anima Studios previously produced the two animated, features MAGOS Y GIGANTES and IMAGINUM, with funding from Televisa execs.
Televisa is in talks with Warner Bros. as well as other U.S. studios to venture into the U.S. market via co-productions.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
