Canadian-based TV and film company Alliance Atlantis Communications and Munich-based kids producer TV Loonland have joined to create animated joint ventures. The German producer will supply CA$110 million (US$ 76 million) over the next three years to co-create up to nine new children's series. As part of the deal, TV Loonland will hold all European rights, while Alliance will control the remaining worldwide rights. For an additional $14 million, TV Loonland has acquired European rights to Alliance's portfolio which includes YVON OF THE YUKON. The partnership will also spawn a Web portal for Web sites relating to the co-produced programming. Alliance Atlantis CEO Michael MacMillian said to the Daily Variety, "Gearing up our animation and kids business is a priority for us." Like every Canadian-based company when asked if they are looking to buy troubled toon tower CINAR, MacMillian said, "CINAR has got great programming ability and a terrific-looking library, but we're not aware it's for sale. We're not in there kicking tires. If there was an auction of the assets, of course we'd look at that."
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
