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Noddy is to return to American television screens next year after helping owner Chorion more than double pre-tax profits to £1.1m in the first half of this year.
The company, chaired by Lord Alli, announced yesterday that it had reached agreement with PBS Kids, which provides children's programming for 349 public television stations in the US.
Nicholas James, chief executive, said the deal represents five-years' work. Make Way for Noddy will be broadcast in a year's time following extensive market research in the US. "These things take time but if you get it right, it pays off," he said yesterday.
Two 10-minute episodes already shown in the UK will appear in the US with specially created educational slots and a live presenter in order to fulfil the US broadcaster's demand for a 30-minute slot.
There will be no need to dub the programme as it was originally produced in Los Angeles using Canadian voices.
Although PBS, and its sister digital channel, will pay nothing for the programming, Chorion is expected to capitalise from merchandising and distribution deals.
Mr James called the tie-up a "landmark deal". The company is expected to announce a partnership with a distributor of DVDs and videos in the next few weeks. It then hopes to sign a publishing deal by Christmas to produce books for the US market.
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As a long-time lover of cartoons and animation, it's always disheartening when a near-masterpiece of the genre goes unappreciated. Such is the case with The Iron Giant (1999), a genuinely touching, funny, and charming tale of a boy and his fifty foot-tall robot. After mysteriously crash-landing on Earth and eventually befriending eleven year-old Hogarth Hughes, this massive machine faces the threat of a 1950's-era world already paranoid of the atom bomb and Russia's recent launch of Sputnik. As an animated film aimed at the younger generation, it really stands out among the crowd with an ample supply of heart and intelligence. As a film for children of all ages, however, is where The Iron Giant really shines.
Based on the 1968 children's book The Iron Man by Edward Hughes (who was incidentally married to noted poet Sylvia Plath), it's a simple story that works on many levels. Some fans of the film claim the robot to have Christ-like qualities, and it's certainly a valid comparison; after all, the Giant is not of this world, and the people don't understand him. A similar storyline has also been employed in the classic E.T., although it's safe to say this story works on a much larger scale. Regardless of your personal analysis of the film, it's easy to see that The Iron Giant succeeds on nearly every level. It's a rare breed
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Research and Markets has announced the addition of European Animation Industry: Strategies, Trends and Opportunities to their offering.
Animation studios in European countries such as France and Spain have emerged as the market leaders in Europe. This is in part driven by the proactive steps taken by the governments of these countries by offering a range of tax breaks. The European animation studios started partnering to produce animation content for Television. These alliances resulted in content suited for local population. This is particularly seen in countries such as France, UK, Germany and Spain.
However the European animated feature film industry is still has not achieved the popularity and global appeal of their American counterparts. The feature film industry is more expensive and riskier. However this medium has attracted the interests of animators in Europe, who have been building on their capabilities of producing animation content for TV. International marketing is a key area for improvement for European animation studios. There are very few European films with trans-national success. This is partly due to the diverse cultural backgrounds. However, this is undergoing change with a small number of local European productions enjoying European and global success. This includes films such as Chicken Run, Bellev
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NewTek is pleased to announce the release of the first maintenance update to LightWave 8. Designated Revision 8.0.1, the update provides dozens of stability enhancements to LightWave 8, already noted as one of the most rock-solid releases ever for the industry-leading 3D application.
"We're very pleased to be bringing our users the first update to LightWave 8," said Dr. Andrew Cross, PhD., NewTek's Senior Vice President of Engineering. "LightWave 8 is already production-proven in some of the most demanding production pipelines in the film, television, and games industries. With this release the new development team has addressed many legacy issues, taking LightWave to a new level of dependability."
"LightWave has always been our tool of choice because we know we can depend on the results. We get our work done fast, efficiently and on budget every time." said Emile Smith, Visual Effects Supervisor, Zoic Studios. "With the new animation tools and work flow improvements in LightWave 8 we have the opportunity to push the envelope even further."
NewTek also recently announced the LightWave 8 Training Editions, limited time special offers for North American customers. The Upgrade version provides up to $190 in training materials FREE with purchase of a LightWave 8 Upgrade. LightWave 8 Training Edition - Full Seat, provides o
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The GW Bush Animation Festival as scheduled to come together at some time this October is looking for submissions. Headed by Hargrove Entertainment, Inc., this animation festival is looking for aspiring animators to put together their wits and their skills for a short film that may be screened at the festival. Regardless of the animator's standing (pro or anti), all submissions will be considered.
The two worlds of American animation and American politics collide this coming October in what is called the "GW Bush Animation Festival." Certainly finding a way to bring together animation fans across the country, Hargrove Entertainment Inc. plans on hosting a theatrical screening for the opening of this animation festival. There are also plans of a DVD domestic release throughout the country in the near future, after the assembly of films.
Regarding the leniency of the festival, the GW Bush Animation Festival fairly previews/accepts animated films that are "pro" and "anti." Scheduled for an opening in mid-October, the entertainment company is currently looking for submissions from animators all over the nation.
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