Coolabi has today announced that production is underway in the UK to bring the much-loved children’s literary character Poppy Cat to television screens.
Press Release from Coolabi
Coolabi has today announced that production is underway in the UK to bring the much-loved children’s literary character Poppy Cat to television screens. In February of this year, Coolabi appointed UK-based King Rollo Films Ltd as its animation partner for the eagerly anticipated 52 x 11 minute series.
The series, which was commissioned by Nick Jr UK, is due to air on the channel in 2011. Nick Jr UK is one of the most watched children’s channels in the country and winner of the 2009 Children’s BAFTA for Channel of the Year.
Even before it reaches our screens the show is making an impression around the world, with Coolabi already reporting strong international pre-sales of the series. Sales are confirmed to Nick Jr Australia, RTE Ireland, YLE Finland, TV2 Norway, and TVO, SCN and Knowledge Network in Canada. Other international broadcast partners are expected to be announced in the near future by Cake Entertainment, which has signed as global TV distribution partner for the series and will be showcasing Poppy Cat at MIPCOM Jr.
Poppy Cat, co-produced by King Rollo Films and Coolabi’s television production arm Coolabi Productions, will bring to animated life the wonderful world of the pre-school children’s character created by Lara Jones in a series of books that has sold more than 2.5 million copies. And with one third of those phenomenal book sales coming from international markets, the potential of the series, both at home and abroad, is significant.
Coolabi’s appointment of King Rollo Films is a strong boost for the UK production industry. The King Rollo Films animation studio has previously worked on productions for a number of major companies including Nickelodeon, Universal Pictures, Disney, National Geographic and the BBC. Its productions include Humf, Maisy, Spot and Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies. The studio has had no fewer than four Emmy shortlist appearances, won a pre-school animation BAFTA for Maisy in 2000 and was again nominated in 2009 for Humf.
Michael Dee, Coolabi’s Director of Content, adds: “We are very proud to be investing in animation in our lead market, particularly when the UK animation industry is having funding challenges at present. We are pleased to be working in conjunction with both Nick Jr and King Rollo Films in the UK to bring Poppy Cat’s adventures to life for audiences across the globe.”
Debbie Macdonald, Nickelodeon UK’s VP and Programming Director, says: “We are delighted that production of Poppy Cat is building up a real head of steam in the expert hands of Coolabi and King Rollo Films, and we can’t wait to bring the series to UK audiences in 2011.”
Leo Nielsen, owner and co-founder of King Rollo Films, says: “Poppy Cat is one of the most exciting and visually compelling series we have produced, and it is exciting to see the production taking shape. The UK has an enormous heritage of quality children’s programming and we’re extremely pleased that Coolabi and Nick Jr decided to keep production on home soil.”
About CoolabiCoolabi specialises in the ownership, development and creative management of high quality children's and family brands and intellectual property. The current portfolio includes Purple Ronnie, Poppy Cat, Scarlett & Crimson, The Large Family and Dead Gorgeous. In addition Coolabi also licenses rights to selected brands, including Bagpuss, The Clangers and Hammer Film Productions. For more information and a background on the company visit www.coolabi.com
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
