Leading French producer Ellipsanime, part of the Dargaud Group, is producing an additional 26 13-minute episodes of its hit television series, LITTLE KING MACIUS, following production on the much-anticipated feature film version of the popular show. Co-production partners are Saxonia Media and Studio 88 in Germany, Araneo in Belgium, Spains Docon Film, and Orange in Poland in association with Ki.Ka and France 5.
Aimed at kids 5-8, LITTLE KING MACIUS (52x13) has been sold to more than 20 territories worldwide. International sales are handled by Dargaud Distribution, the sales arm of Dargaud-Marina, Ellipsanime, Storimages and Dupuis Audiovisual. Dargaud is home to one of Europes largest animation catalogs.
The new season will be supported by a publishing program and new licensing partnerships in France and Germany. The feature film is set to be to be released at the end of 2006.
The show follows the adventures of Little King Macius, who was given the kingdom following the death of his father. Although every child dreams of sitting on the throne, young Macius soon finds that presiding over a kingdom is no childs play, especially when the military general tries to take advantage of Macius peaceful and naive nature. With the help of his teacher and friends, little King Macius turns his kingdom into a childs paradise.
Robert Réa, svp/gd of Ellipsanime, said, Were very much looking forward to bringing LITTLE KING MACIUS to the big screen next year, but its also important for us to extend our television offering. We have fantastic partners on board and are delighted to have the greenlight for a second season.
Dargaud Distribution (www.dargaudmarina.fr) is a leading distribution brand incorporating the best in European animation. Its catalog combines popular classic series and features such as LUCKY LUKE, ASTERIX and TINTIN, alongside brand news shows from its production companies. The company also distributes programming from some of the best French animation producers, including Storimages, Les Films De L'Arlequin, Folimage and Les Films de Triangle. A subsidiary of Groupe Dargaud, Dargaud Distribution is the sales arm of Dargaud Marina, which aims to extend the publishing activity of Groupe Dargaud through television and the cinema.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
