Animation channel TELETOON has struck seven new development agreements with Canadian producers for a diverse slate of titles that reflect the network's core programming blocks, including its kids and after-school lineup, as well as its successful Teen/Young Adult option, The Detour on TELETOON.
TELETOON the largest supporter of the Canadian independent production community in animation since its inception in 1997, has invested more than $120 million in the creation, development and production of Canadian content and has commissioned nearly 5,000 half-hours of original productions. The new projects are:
FOOLISH GIRL, Toronto-based CCI EntertainmentFlash animation, series"Foolish Girl" is based on the cartoon strip created by Canadian underground artist Vesna Mostovac, published in NOW, and Exclaim! The misadventures of a neurotic, guy-needing, and angst ridden 17 year-old girl provide female-skewing, dark humor content.
THE GHOST FIDDLER OF SABLE ISLAND, Ottawa-based Amberwood ProductionClassical 2D, specialBased on Canadian folklore, the romantic notion that Sable Island horses are descended from shipwreck survivors persists and becomes the backdrop to this special. A streetwise teenage girl is forced to spend the summer with relatives on Sable Island where she develops a friendship with a legendary ghost fiddler who assists her in rescuing a mare in distress; the girl leaves the island as a changed and evolved teenager.
HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS, Toronto-based Portfolio EntertainmentClassical 2D, Holiday specialFrom celebrated kid author Eric A. Kimmel, this holiday special relates how Hershel outwits the goblins that haunt the old synagogue and prevent the village people from celebrating Hanukkah.
IGGY ARBUCKLE NATURE FREAK, Toronto-based Blueprint Entertainment2D and Flash, seriesPartnering with National Geographic Kids' Programming and Production, the series targets kids 6-9, and follows the adventures of a "nature freak" pig and his sidekick Jiggers, a daredevil beaver. The series, created by Guy Vasilovich (MOVILLE MYSTERIES, HEY ARNOLD!), is being developed by TELETOON in conjunction with Blueprint Entertainment, a young television production company whose stop-frame sketch comedy, THE WRONG COAST, launches on TELETOON this fall.
JIMMY TWO-SHOES, Toronto-based Breakthrough EntertainmentFlash, seriesAimed at K10-12, the new Breakthrough series features an ever-optimistic Jimmy who, even if sent to hell instead of heaven, upon his death, keeps his cheery demeanor intact. The concept suggests high comedy potential, and would find a good fit in the network's after-school lineup.
ROAD HOGS, Montreal-based Cit�-Am�rique2D/3D, seriesThis DETOUR title does not play favourites and wants to attract both male and female viewers. When two teenagers head out for the summer hoping to meet as many girls as possible, the concept of the "road movie" is brought to the animated television screen.
POUSSI�RE D'�TOILE, from Matane's (QC) Les Productions Vic Pelletier in collaboration with Studio Art M�dia of Qu�bec City.Digital 2D, holiday specialFrom this reputed regional production house from Matane, a coastal town along the St-Lawrence River in Quebec, comes this charming tale of Simon and Camille, young twin siblings who find themselves miniaturized after eating some candy made of star dust, and the journey they undertake to reach the North Pole in hope of finding the antidote.
TELETOON's Original Production team will oversee the development process of these concepts, assisting these independent producers move their property into production.
TELETOON (www.teletoon.com) is Canada's first and only 24/7 animation station, providing English and French-language services to both children and adults. TELETOON is owned by Canada's Astral Media Inc (40%), Corus Ent. Inc (40%) and Cookie Jar Ent. Inc. (20%).
