4Kids Entertainment Brings Viva Piñata to NATPE

NEW YORK, January 11:
4Kids Entertainment will offer 52 new episodes of its colorful hi-definition
animated television series Viva Piñata to buyers at NATPE next week, with the series already being picked up
by broadcasters in Canada, France, Germany, Norway, Portugal, the U.K. and
Israel, among other markets.

Canada’s YTV, France 3 and
Canal J in France, Germany’s RTL2, Norway’s NRK, Portugal’s SIC, Israel’s UCOI
and Nickelodeon in the U.K., Netherlands, Spain, Australia and New Zealand are
just a handful of international broadcasters who have signed on to broadcast Viva
Piñata. The fast-paced comedy
adventure series currently airs in the U.S. on Saturday mornings on 4Kids TV on FOX and features a cast of piñata “friends” who
embark on wild adventures on Pinata Island. The show can also be seen on the
4Kids TV VOD Channel on Comcast and Cox ON DEMAND. A video game was launched by
Microsoft last month, and Playmates Toys and American Greetings are on board
for other merchandise.

“These early broadcast
agreements reflect the global excitement and enthusiasm generated by Viva
Piñata,” said Brian Lacey, the
executive VP of international at 4Kids Entertainment. “The production values of
this series, especially its off-the-wall humor and stunning CGI animation,
clearly give this series a competitive edge that broadcasters are looking for.
Each of these networks is generally regarded as among the best children’s
broadcaster in their respective markets; and we are especially pleased to know
that Viva Piñata will be given
a premium broadcast platform that will help launch the fun-filled series and
its zany characters.”