Tagged With: Production

Disney Channel Worldwide's Global Original Programming Division today announced deals to develop two new children's television shows in the U.K. with production companies Coolabi and Blue-Zoo Productions. The deals are the first to be announced by Disney Channel's London-based Global Original Programming hub, established in April 2007 to drive forward the investment in and development of live action and animation outside of North America, for both European and global distribution.

Titan Books has acquired worldwide rights to a deluxe making-of book for the Lionsgate and Odd Lot Ent. production of Will Eisner's THE SPIRIT. Featuring interviews with the cast and crew, color photos, storyboards and production art, plus the full screenplay, the book is slated for publication Dec. 2008, ahead of the movie's release on Jan 16, 2009.

Los Angeles-based Grasshorse Technologies, Inc. announced its decision today to relocate and expand its services to the state of Iowa. The production company's decision comes in response to recent legislation providing tax incentives to attract the film industry, job diversity, and talent to the state.

"The Iowa Film, Television and Video Project Promotion Program (IFTVP) has created fertile ground for companies to relocate to Iowa. It lays the foundation for a very exciting and burgeoning industry," stated Stephen Jennings, co-president and founder of Grasshorse.

Toronto-based independent production houses Rocket Science Visual Effects and Screen Door have joined forces to create Fandango Animation, reports KIDSCREEN. Former Nelvana exec and industry veteran Heather Walker will be Fandango's lead production executive, charged with shepherding the company's first slate of projects into production in both traditional and new media platforms. With a number of shows already in development, Fandango is currently looking for co-production partners.

Flying Bark Productions PTY. Ltd., a 100 percent subsidiary of Munich-based EM.Entertainment GmbH, has extended the contract of Managing Director Michael Hefferon. Originally hired as provisional managing director for a six-month term, Hefferon succeeded in pushing forward both the support of Australian creative talent and the production of Australian programming for both local and international audiences.