Nicktoons Network and MTV Networks International announced plans to secure 26 additional episodes of Animation Collectives property KAPPA MIKEY, which became the networks first-ever global acquisition when it was originally commissioned in 2005.
The new deal comprises 26 half hour episodes and will bring the total number of episodes available for the series to 52. MTV Networks International, as per the original deal, secures international distribution rights for third-party broadcast sales for the new episodes. KAPPA MIKEY is the first anime series created and produced entirely in the U.S. and beginning in May 2006, the first season of the series is set to launch across all of Nickelodeons international channels, including Nick Asia, Nick UK, Nick Spain, Nick France and Nick Europe.
"We are so excited to be picking up a second season of KAPPA MIKEY, which further demonstrates our commitment to bring new, original and distinct content to our audience," said Keith Dawkins, gm, Nicktoons Network. Kids have lots of choices and the brands that connect themselves to the freshest ideas win. We believe that KAPPA MIKEY the characters, the story and the funny prove to be the kind of idea that kids fall in love with."
In Nicktoons Network we were fortunate to find the perfect home in which to introduce KAPPA MIKEY. The Networks enthusiastic support and love for the property has led to its success. The speed with which they renewed the show less than a week after its first airing demonstrates the commitment they have made to building KAPPA MIKEY as a brand and how supportive they are of independent creator-producers. We feel very lucky to be able to continue to bring to life the world of KAPPA MIKEY, its characters and its stories, said Larry Schwarz, shows creator and ceo of Animation Collective.
Anime is an extremely popular genre around the world and we are delighted that the success of the first season of KAPPA MIKEY is being extended across 26 new episodes. Broadcasters have tremendous confidence in MTV Networks Internationals ability to provide cutting edge, unrivalled hit properties and KAPPA MIKEY is certainly delivering, commented Debbie Back, svp, international program sales, MTV Networks International.
A fish-out-of-water tale, KAPPA MIKEY chronicles the madcap adventures of once-struggling American actor, Cleveland, Ohio native Mikey Simon, as he adjusts to his new role as the biggest anime star Japan has even seen. When he is recruited to join the cast of LilyMu, formerly Japans hottest anime TV series, his co-stars know immediately that hes the wrong guy for the job. But, the audience disagrees, and suddenly Mikey is Japans newest rising star, rocketing LilyMu back to the top of the ratings. But fame doesnt come without a price, and when hes not being chased down by the paparazzi, Mikey must also find time to get to know his costars, adjust to Japanese culture and learn to love life inside the fishbowl.
New York City-based Animation Collective (www.animationcollective.com) is a leader in creating Flash-based animation for television, the Internet, home video and feature films. The company produces programming on a work for hire basis and develops and produces original proprietary properties.
Nicktoons Network, the 24-hour animation network owned by Nickelodeon, features a wide variety of programming that have defined kids and animation lovers television for more than 10 years. Nicktoons Network reaches 37 million homes via cable, digital cable and satellite, and can be seen on Cablevision, Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, Cox Communications, DirecTV, DISH Network and Time Warner Cable. Nicktoons, and all related titles and logos are property of Viacom Inc.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
