Gaumont Television-Animation’s Furry Wheels

TV Kids shines a spotlight on Furry Wheels, an upcoming animated series from Gaumont Television-Animation.

A hyperactive young sloth and his pursuit to master the art of driving is the premise of Furry Wheels, a brand-new animated show that is currently in production at Gaumont Television-Animation. The character-driven comedy is created and directed by Frédéric Martin, who has also worked with the company on such kids’ series as Dude, That’s My Ghost! and Mouss & Boubidi.

Furry Wheels is a unique property because the main character, André, is very much an extension of the show creator bringing forth a sincerity that makes characters unforgettable,” says Pierre Belaïsch, the president of animation at ImageGaumont Television. “Fred has also tried to build a strong comic perspective into all of his characters.”

The show initially came about through an artist-in-residence program that Gaumont Television-Animation established with its development department, according to Belaïsch. “Under the supervision of the director of development, Heath Kenny, we selected an experienced creative artist who we felt had the skill and voice to build a universe of their own if given the opportunity and time,” he says. “Fred Martin is an exceptional talent [who] not only has considerable experience as a storyboard artist and director, but he has also been actively working as a writer in France for some years.”

Furry Wheels is expected to begin airing on France Télévisions (FTV) and Disney XD EMEA at the end of next year or beginning of 2018. “It is tailored specially for FTV and Disney,” says Belaïsch. “Such demanding clients Imageconstantly help you improve your skills, which brings the show to international quality standards [regarding] concept, script writing, design, etc.”

In addition to the 52×11-minute Furry Wheels series—which will be available in both English and French—Gaumont Television-Animation plans to develop one-minute shorts, according to Belaïsch. “They’ll be available for our broadcasters/partners and future prebuyers,” he says. “They will be original and not re-edition from the existing Furry Wheels material.” Belaïsch notes that the company would also like to explore licensing opportunities for the property in the future.

Furry Wheels is an exemplary series, firstly because of the ability of Gaumont Television-Animation to build a lineup where successfully adapted large properties (without question, Noddy being the brightest star) live right alongside original creations thanks to an ambitious policy of R&D implemented a few years ago,” says Pierre Siracusa, the director in charge of animation at France Télévisions. “Secondly, a strong policy of investment into lengthy internal developments, but also a policy of search and support of new artistic talents.”

Looking ahead, Gaumont Television-Animation’s Belaïsch is confident that Furry Wheels will secure international sales in the coming months.