Ankama

September 23, 2009 World Screen

Jérôme Chatelain
 International Sales Manager

How are sales progressing on Wakfu?
The Wakfu sales are progressing well. We are in contact with several broadcasters and are on the point of closing several agreements.
 
Why will buyers respond to this show?
I think the Wakfu TV series has three main strong points. First, the quality of its animation. Since the beginning of the project, we have chosen to keep all the production in house and to maintain all the animation production with a high level of quality. Secondly, the concept. The Wakfu TV series is at the center of, and is based within a cross-media concept, including an online game, comic books, licensed product. All these productions have interactions between them which deepen the viewers’ experience Third, there’s an existing community. The Wakfu universe is a sequel to our first online game, Dofus, which gathered more than 20 million players worldwide, players very receptive to all new Ankama productions.
 
What are some of your other highlights for MIP Junior?
We will present our new cross-media project: Dofus Pets, a cute series (with 104 episodes of 90 seconds) displaying five little pets. The concept of the series is a kids-oriented short-animation format, focused on situational comedy surrounding the characters, which, with their funny faces, expressions and universal sounds, get a laugh out of all of us. For this series, we are finalizing the co-production round.
 
What does French animation offer to the worldwide market over other styles of animation?
Hard to answer, but I think, the design and the scenario allow French producers to be appreciated by worldwide broadcasters.
 
Do you think there are any obstacles in distributing French animation to the international market?
No, we just need to continue to be original and innovative in our productions. We see kids enjoying online entertainment earlier and earlier, we have to keep that in mind and offer more and more concepts with online features.
 
Have you seen a reduction in the level of productions being commissioned by French broadcasters?
No, the opposite in fact, I think French broadcasters are asking for more quality and originality for their future shows and Ankama’s concepts are perfectly in line with their requirements.
 
What are the biggest issues currently facing distributors of French animation?
Nowadays, Kids are spending more and more time on the Internet, we have to create concepts where TV and online will meet and will create interactions for deepening the viewers’ experience