files/pictures/picture-35.jpgMTV Networks announced its first-ever global program acquisition, securing the worldwide broadcast rights to Animation Collective's property KAPPA MIKEY, for Nicktoons in the U.S. and Nickelodeon's international channels. The deal comprises 26 half-hour episodes of the animated action comedy that will premiere on the channels in 2006. Also part of the agreement, MTV Networks International secures international distribution rights for third-party broadcast sales.
"MTV Networks' global acquisition of KAPPA MIKEY for Nicktoons and Nickelodeon internationally is a significant move forward in our strategic plans to leverage the strength and resources of our global networks to deliver our audiences everywhere the very best, cutting edge entertainment available,” commented Keith Dawkins, vp/gm, Nicktoons. "Kids' around the world love anime and KAPPA MIKEY expands the genre with a great combination of originality and quirkiness."
"Anime is the most widely watched animation style in the world and kids all over are quickly becoming experts in its quirks and nuances. KAPPA MIKEY is a fun parody of the genre, while at the same time delivering fast paced action and character driven comedy," said Larry Schwarz, KAPPA MIKEY's creator and ceo of Animation Collective.
KAPPA MIKEY follows American actor Mikey Simon as he joins the cast of LILYMU, once the top rated anime show in Japan. Though Mikey is a fish out of water, his crazy antics and style lift LILYMU out of the ratings gutter and transform Mikey into the biggest star Japan has ever seen.
"MTV Networks' acquisition of KAPPA MIKEY is part of our strategic direction to seek out international distribution and investment opportunities to add to our kid and youth libraries," noted Debbie Back, svp, program sales, MTV Networks International. "As broadcasters' demands increase for high quality content, we are expanding the breadth of our offerings and seeking investments in original productions and acquisitions that are relevant for the international marketplace."
New York City-based Animation Collective (
www.animationcollective.com ) is a leader in creating Flash-based animation for television, the Internet, home video and feature films. The company produces programming on a work for hire basis and develops and produces original proprietary properties.
Nickelodeon, the world's only multimedia entertainment brand dedicated exclusively to kids, reaches a total of 283 million households in 163 territories worldwide via 28 channels, 21 branded program blocks and two broadband services across Africa, Asia and the Pacific Rim, CIS/Baltic Republics, Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. Programming is also aired on third party broadcasters in major territories around the world, increasing Nickelodeon's exposure to 669 million households. Nickelodeon's international TV services also include digital channels in the U.K., Australia and Mexico.
