Deltora Quest Heads to Cartoon Network in Australia & NZ

SANTA MONICA: The Japanese fantasy-adventure series Deltora Quest is slated to air in Australia and New Zealand on Cartoon Network, starting this April to coincide with the re-launch of the book series of the same name.

Cartoon Network will also handle free-to-air and broadband distribution, as well as DVD and merchandising rights in these territories, through a deal secured with DCI Los Angeles (DCI-LA), the U.S.-based production division of Dentsu. The 52×30-minute series is based on the international top-selling book series, which Scholastic is re-launching in Australia and New Zealand around the same time the series is slated to premiere.

"We are excited to have Deltora Quest join our lineup of comedy, action and adventure programs in Australia," said Mark Eyers, the VP of content at Turner Entertainment Networks Asia. "Cartoon Network is continually strengthening its number one position in Asia Pacific with a solid mix of original productions and acquisitions. Deltora Quest will further deliver on our promise of animating kids’ lives with the best in animated entertainment."

Yuma Sakata, the senior VP for DCI-LA, said, "The animated series was a top-rated hit in Japan on TV Tokyo, and the series is highly anticipated in the Australian market. We are thrilled to have Cartoon Network as our partner for Deltora Quest."