August Media Inks Deals with Classic Media, Scrawl Studios

CANNES: August Media Holdings has entered into a partnership with animation house Scrawl Studios, after having signed a production deal earlier this week with Classic Media. 

The deal with Classic Media is for the development and production of up to ten series, based on classic U.S. properties, for the international market. The agreement will see an initial production of five new series based on properties in the Classic Media catalogue. This represents an investment of up to $60 million in production. The two are already in discussions with co-production partners, studios and broadcasters for the development of the first five series. 

Eric Ellenbogen, co-CEO of Classic Media, said, “Classic Media has had a long-standing relationship with the founder of August Media and we are delighted to announce this new partnership, which will bring new productions based on some of our most famous characters to audiences worldwide.”

Jyotirmoy Saha, the CEO of August Media, added, “Classic properties are one of the major revenue drivers of the global TV business. This collaboration is an exciting step for August Media and we really look forward to working with Classic Media and its fantastic portfolio of renowned properties. It is important for us to develop indigenous talent and studios and we aim to position ourselves as the main point of entry for Singaporean companies looking to break into international territories.”

August Media and Scrawl Studios subsequently entered into a pact to co-produce and act as a service partner for several animation properties. This sees an initial production of three animated properties from the Classic Media portfolio. These three co-productions will be worth a total of $18 million. The first project will be for George of the Jungle, followed by Mr. Magoo. 

Saha said, “Scrawl Studios has developed an excellent reputation within the global animation industry. As one of the best animation studios from Singapore we are delighted to be working with Scrawl to bring these classic American kids properties back to life. This agreement, the first of its kind, underpins our strategy to work with Singaporean companies in the international marketplace and also to foster the animation network within the country.” 

Dr. Christopher Chia, the CEO of the Singapore Media Development Authority, added, “We are delighted to see two Singapore companies coming together to form a partnership of significant impact and value to the local animation industry. Such synergistic alliances will only help to produce top quality productions for worldwide audiences and place Singapore on the international animation map.”

Seng Choon Meng, the CEO of Scrawl Studios, commented, “The strength of the partners involved, the scale of the project and the opportunity to work on these classic kids properties excite us tremendously. I feel it’s certainly a watershed for Singapore animation, and we look forward to a wonderful and exciting journey ahead with August Media and Red Kite as we bring these beloved characters back onto the screen.”