Aardman Animations Eyes Mobile Opportunities in North America

BRISTOL, March 19: In a deal brokered by its global mobile
agent Crucible Media, Aardman Animations has appointed Player X to represent
its mobile video content in North America.

Player X will launch mobile video content from the acclaimed
British studio—including clips from Wallace & Gromit, Angry Kid and Creature
Comforts—on two unnamed U.S. carrier networks, with other deals expected to follow.

Player X is also
sponsoring an Aardman short film competition, and will extend full marketing
support for the exclusive global rights of the winning entry after the winner
is announced later this quarter.

Player X already
distributes Aardman mobile video content across Scandinavia and on O2 UK. Later
this month, the company will launch a dedicated Aardman channel on the O2 UK
deck as part of its ongoing promotions, as well as distribute upcoming original
made-for mobile content such as Purple and Brown and Shaun The Sheep.

“We already enjoy
a very productive and innovative relationship with Aardman and it’s a natural
progression to extend this relationship across the Atlantic,” said Tony Pearce,
the CEO of Player X. “Millions of people have seen Aardman content such as
Angry Kid online and we’re delighted to be taking this content to mobile.”