HANA'S HELPLINE, a stop-motion animation series for children, recently launched onto a daily slot on Five's Milkshake in the U.K. wings its way to France 5 to air this autumn. The 26x10 series, created by Welsh-based animation experts, Calon, features the agony aunt helpline service run by Hana the duck, solving the problems of Ellen the ostrich, Bert the bear, Muzzie the mouse and others.
HANA'S HELPLINE already strong coverage in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Ireland and Scotland. The series was initially launched by S4C in Wales this April.
S4C and Five have already commissioned second series. Licensing agreements are also mounting, including a toy license agreement with Golden Bear, a book deal with Random House, DVD production by 2Entertain and a recent comic deal with Redan Publishing.
"We are thrilled with this latest sale of HANA'S HELPLINE to France 5," said Calon md Robin Lyons. "France 5 is a prestigious broadcaster and one that will give Hana high exposure not only to French preschoolers but also to the broadcast industry around the world."
Calon TV (www.calon.tv) is a new company formed in 2006 by the former management of Siriol Prods., producers of SUPERTED, HILLTOP HOSPITAL and UNDER MILK WOOD. Based in Cardiff, Calon is expanding into a wide range of kids' live-action entertainment, factual and drama programming. Calon is also producing BOBINOGS for BBC Wales.
