Aardman Animations SHAUN THE SHEEP, a 40x7 series featuring the star of Oscar-winning WALLACE AND GROMIT short A CLOSE SHAVE, is starting its international journey through a raft of pre-sales concluded at MIPCOM 2005.
Commissioned by CBBC for broadcast in 2007, SHAUN THE SHEEP has been picked up by co-producer WDR in Germany and pre-sold to ABC Australia, TVNZ New Zealand, SVT Sweden, DRTV Denmark, NRK Norway, YLE Finland and Minimax in Hungary.
Aardman holds worldwide rights to the series, which is exec produced by head of broadcast Miles Bullough and Michael Carrington, head of animation & acquisitions at CBBC. Aardman is also putting in place a full licensing program and is set to sign up new licensees imminently.
The much-anticipated stop-motion series is the first ever stand-alone animation commission from CBBC. It is targeted at children 4-8.
Bullough commented, Shaun the Sheep was always destined to be the star of his own show and were delighted that so many broadcasters have already secured the rights to the TV series. We look forward to bringing on board new broadcast and licensing partners over the next few months.
Munching his way through pastures new, Shaun makes some unlikely friends, faces fresh challenges and locks horns with the problems of every day life, which threaten to invade his peaceful world. Shaun is not a sheep who follows the fold, and his maverick personality is forever leading him into trouble, although he usually proves resourceful enough to come out on top.
Production on the series began in September for delivery in Dec. 2006.
Academy award-winning Aardman (www.aardman.com) produces films, television series and television commercials for both the domestic and international market. The broadcast division at Aardman is responsible for developing and producing TV specials, series and shorts. Aardman also has an active marketing and licensing division that overseas brand management, character licensing, video and DVD, publishing, interactive and the companys charity involvement.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
