4Kids Ent. Inc. brings 52 new episodes of the CG animated television series VIVA PINATA to NATPE 2007.
4Kids Ent. has signed TV broadcast agreements with YTV (Canada), France 3 Television (France), RTL2 (Germany), Canal J Pay Satellite TV (France), Nickelodeon (UK, Netherlands, Spain, Australia & New Zealand - pay TV in all markets except Netherlands), NRK (Norway), SIC (Portugal) and UCOI (Israel) among others for the comedy adventure series. VIVA PIÑATA airs on Saturday mornings in the U.S. on 4Kids TV on FOX. The property, which debuted last month as a videogame from Microsoft, has already generated from the licensing community, led by Playmates Toys and American Greetings, scheduled to debut products in Fall 2007 and beyond.
"These early broadcast agreements reflect the global excitement and enthusiasm generated by VIVA PIÑATA," said Brian Lacey, evp, international, 4Kids Ent. "The production values of this series, especially its off the wall humor and stunning CGI animation, clearly give this series a competitive edge that broadcasters are looking for. Each of these networks is generally regarded as among the best children's broadcaster in their respective markets; and we are especially pleased to know that Viva Piñata will be given a premium broadcast platform that will help launch the fun-filled series and its zany characters."
In VIVA PIÑATA (52x30 or 104x11), viewers are introduced to a cast of piñata "friends" who embark on wild adventures with mysteries to solve and parties to be had on Piñata Island. The ensemble cast of outrageous characters include the classic superstar Hudson Horstachio, the ever-nervous Fergy Fudgehog, the keenly observant Paulie Pretztail, and the practically perfect Franklin Fizzlybear -- with more piñatas being discovered all the time.
VIVA PIÑATA has also launched on new multi platforms. The hit animated series can be seen on the 4Kids TV VOD Channel on Comcast and Cox ON DEMAND giving kids instant, 24-hour access to the series. The channel already reaches 11 million homes in the U.S. The world of Viva Piñata can also be explored via the exclusive Xbox 360 videogame, which is also Xbox Live-enabled.
For further information, visit www.4KidsEntertainment.com and www.4Kids.TV.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
