MIP-TV News: Antefilms & France Animation Dist. Arms Become Moonscoop

The merger of the distribution arms of Antefilms Production and France Animation has resulted in the launch of Moonscoop at MIP-TV, a new joint distribution brand. It will combine the respective sales slates of the two companies to create a catalog of more than 1,600 half hours of programming including popular titles such as FUNKY COPS and TITEUF.

This deal follows Antefilms’ acquisition of France Animation in September 2003, joining two of France’s leading children’s and animation companies to create a production and distribution powerhouse. Both companies retain their respective editorial policies and productions, and are pursuing new opportunities drawing on the resources of the consolidated unit.

Benoît di Sabatino, co-ceo of Antefilms, will oversee the Moonscoop launch at MIP-TV. France Animation’s Lionel Marty has been appointed head of distribution, responsible for all French- and German-speaking territories, Italy, Spain, U.K., North America and Asia. Sales manager Marie Conge oversees South America, Scandinavia, Benelux, Greece, Turkey, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Moonscoop will be supported by a dedicated marketing division to build the catalog’s international presence, focusing on promotional campaigns, licensing, merchandising, publishing, music and coordinating local licensing agents.

Highlighted offerings for MIP-TV include the second season of international hit show FUNKY COPS as well as brand new episodes of LITTLE VAMPIRE. A new show, CODE LYOKO, and TITEUF also headline the Moonscoop slate.

FUNKY COPS (39x26) follows the adventures of Ace and Dick, two incompetent cops who turn into top disco dancers at night. The series, aimed at kids 8-12 has been sold to FOX BOX in the U.S., Fox Kids LA, MTV and M6 and was awarded Best European Program in 2003 at Cartoons on the Bay

LITTLE VAMPIRE (52x13) is adapted from five comic books published by Simon & Shuster. Aimed at kids 6-10, the series tells the story of a cast of likeable monsters who enter the world of a regular little boy. The mischief they create together brings them all on a rollicking ride of fun and antics.

CODE LYOKO (26x26), combines 2D and 3D animation to tell the adventures of a group of students who are the only ones to know that there is a parallel universe, a virtual world. They are going to fight against what normal people can't see and travel further than anybody has ever imagined. Their mission is to save the planet, but only after school. The series is produced by Antefilms Studio.

Well-loved TITEUF (78x7 or 26x26) is based on the comic cook character created by Swiss cartoonist Zep. Titeuf is a cool kid trying to come to terms with the challenges of growing up. He's just trying to figure out life's major questions like: why can't you trade in your baby sister for a hamster? And what do you do with your teeth when you kiss a girl? A huge sales and merchandising success, TITEUF has been sold to 30+ territories and more than 35 licenses have been signed including Gameboy Advance, Danone and MacDonald's. Universal Video has also sold more than 455,000 copies of the series video in France.

Sabatino said, “Moonscoop is a natural progression for our merged business. It was a logical step to combine forces for product distribution and we also felt it was important to create a marketing structure to support the new brand and maximize its potential internationally. We are looking forward to attending MIP-TV with one of Europe’s leading animation catalogs.”

Moonscoop will be based at stand R27.18, where France Animation has previously exhibited.

Founded in 1984, France Animation is France’s senior producer and distributor of youth programs and one of Europe’s 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. France Animation is in production on LITTLE VAMPIRE adapted from Joann Sfarr’s comic books, SPACE LUNIES, and DR. DOG, based on Babette Cole’s best-selling book.

Antefilms Prod., launched in 1990 by Christophe di Sabatino and Benoît di Sabatino, has rapidly become one of France’s 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 (southwestern France) and is in production on CODE LYOKO, FUNKY COPS II, PET ALIEN and INVISIBLE MAN.