France Télévisions & Marathon Media Partner for New Kids’ Show

PARIS: France Télévisions and Marathon Media are on board to co-produce Ethan’s Island, a new series that mixes live action and animation.

The sitcom uses 3D animation integrated with live actors. The two companies have paired to do the pilot, which will employ a technique that has not previously been used in television. The show, set for 26 half-hour episodes, centers on the clash between a human family and the island’s animal community.

Julien Borde, the head of youth programming at France Télévisions, said: “We are delighted to partner with Marathon Media to create one of the first hybrid youth programs for France 3. The intense competition in the area of digital entertainment means we have to permanently come up with fresh and original program concepts that stand out from the crowd. Ethan’s Island will be the first TV series combining live action and 3D animation. It will offer a whole new entertainment experience to children and their parents. We are sure that Marathon Media’s expertise in the development of original and ambitious new youth series will make Ethan’s Island one of the biggest hits among our youth programs.”

Vincent Chalvon Demersay and David Michel, the CEO and MD of Marathon Media, respectively, added: “We are delighted and flattered by the confidence France Télévisions has placed in us to develop with them a program that will be both truly innovative and entertaining. Along with FTV, our aim is to make Ethan Island into a major international co-production in order to make a show with very strong production values.”