TV Loonland, Alliance Team

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgCanadian-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."