Monster Distributes has just picked up the distribution rights to the new animated series, LIFEBOAT LUKE (52x5). The search and rescue adventure for kids 4-7 features Lifeboat Luke and his friends in the mad, magical seaside town of Donaghadoo. The stories use narration, effects and music and are easily re-versioned for different languages.
It has a quirky, colourful cast of boats, animals, cars, kids and townsfolk. The stories are sometimes daft, ridiculous or even whimsical, and although each episode has a message about coastal and water safety. However, the show never tries to preach and features plenty of slapstick fun mixed with the excitement of the rescues. It's the first production for this age group from director Alastair McIlwain and producer Richard Morss, since their award-winning and highly successful 2001 series TINY PLANETS for Peppers Ghost Prods. and Sesame Workshop.
LIFEBOAT LUKE is in production with 13 episodes available now, another 13 by late 2007 and the next 26 by April 2008.
The series joins Monster's successful animations, including the 13x30 series, HERMIE AND FRIENDS, which has just been licensed by Innoform Media for Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong; as well as SAT-7 for the Middle East and North Africa. SAT-7 has also taken the 4x30 animated series, WEMMICKS, as has UCBTV, which also picked up Oscar-nominated GIVE UP YER AUL SINS. Eternal Pictures in Brazil has taken WEMMICKS, THE STORYKEEPERS and HERMIE AND FRIENDS.
Additionally, THE STORYKEEPERS (13x30) has been licensed to SDT Poland and Lighthouse in the Philippines. Planete France and Yes Israel have taken the animated special, ANNA AND THE MOODS, along with Continental Airlines, while Tap Air and Saudi Airlines have taken non-dialogue animated series, JUNGLE BEAT.
THE STORYKEEPERS and BUGTIME ADVENTURES have both been sold to the Trinity Broadcasting Network in the U.S.
I'M AN ANIMAL (52x2) has just sold to DR Denmark and TV4 Sweden, as well as Innoform Media for Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. I'm a Dinosaur (52x2), a companion piece to both I'M AND ANIMAL and also WHY?, is currently in production, and will be ready for delivery in late 2007.
Monster Distributes (www.monsterdistributes.com) is an international distribution company, which finances and distributes TV series worldwide. Monster has sold programs to more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Dublin, Monster Distributes now has a U.S. office in Santa Monica, California.
