Ann Austen

Senior VP, Development & U.S. TV/Video Sales
Cookie Jar Entertainment

A host of new series are set to join the likes of The Doodlebops, Arthur, Magi-Nation and Johnny Test in Cookie Jar Entertainment’s catalogue. Adding new programs to such a well-known lineup is a delicate process, and Ann Austen, the senior VP of development and U.S. television/video sales, has been a key figure in taking on this task. Having been in the children’s business for more than 15 years, Austen has become quite keen on what kids are looking for. And at Cookie Jar, she’s put this knowledge to good use, having developed a wide range of new properties for the company.

Among them, Tales from Cryptville is the latest adaptation of the classic EC horror comic book series, narrated by the infamous Cryptkeeper. "We are super excited to see that one move forward," says Austen. "We have a green light from our broadcaster in Canada, TELETOON, and we’ll be doing a 90-minute movie to launch the franchise premiering this fall. We are in the throes of preproduction right now, getting it all together—getting the cast, setting up our partners, finalizing the script—and it’s looking terrific."

Also moving forward is Peter Pepper’s Pet Spectacular, which is now in production for CBC. The series marks the first ever Canadian-South African co-production, with Cookie Jar teaming up with Clockwork Zoo. As for how the co-pro deal came about, Austen credits markets like the recent MIPTV for bringing new partners into the mix. "We were introduced to this company in South Africa and we loved their work; they were eager to take on projects from Canada. The treaty has only recently allowed for animation. They were eager to jump into this with us and join us in this venture."

Another big push for Cookie Jar is the new incarnation of The Doodlebops. "One of our hallmark properties, The Doodlebops, is getting animated," explains Austen. "We wanted to expand the brand and of course animation is really evergreen. Also, there are fewer dubbing issues in animation than we’ve found with our live-action franchise." MIPTV was the first time Cookie Jar presented the property, which targets a slightly older demographic, Austen notes. "There’s a little bit more tongue-in-cheek humor, but still the same great songs and the same great characters."

Kung Fu Dino Posse gets back to straight-forward animated comedy for the 6-to-11 set. The property is being co-produced with Sunwoo in South Korea. "It’s kind of an update of the live-action genre, but with dinosaurs. At the same time, it parodies classic action genres of the past. All I can say is check it out, it’ll make you laugh!"

Click here to view clips of Tales from Cryptville and The Doodlebops: The Animated Series.