Ellipsanime Preps New 3-D Series

PARIS: Ellipsanime is producing Genius, a new 3-D series for 6- to 10-year-olds for broadcast on Canal J and Gulli, with international rollout to be handled by Mediatoon Distribution.

The show is based on the much-loved inventor hero of the comic-book series by Turk and De Groot, published by Le Lombard. The 78×7-minute production will air in 2010, first exclusively on youth channel Canal J and then on the Gulli.

Marie-Pierre Moulinjeune, Mediatoon Distribution’s manager, said: "Based on classic comedy values, the structure of each episode very quickly draws viewers into the story. The 3-D option makes the inventions even crazier visually and the chases between the characters even more frantic. Although the series is situated in the distant past —the end of the Middle Ages—anachronisms are very much the thing. Like The Flintstones, it’s an evergreen property accessible to a wide range of viewers. Each seven-minute episode will be followed by a one-minute feature providing an entertaining explanation of the invention or scientific phenomenon that the Master has tried to perfect before its time (ranging from the metal detector to football and the photo booth). To complete the offer, an online site with games and interactivity will also be available to broadcasters.”