Breakthrough Secures AsiaPac Sales for Kids, Factual Programming

TORONTO: Breakthrough Entertainment has sold more than 100 hours of children's programming to broadcasters in the Asia Pacific, including in Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and South Korea.

A new season of Dino Dan was snapped up by Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific. True Branded Channel in Taiwan went for the preschool show My Big Big Friend, while Taiwan's China Syndication International took the live-action/animated hit The Adventures of Napkin Man, which is also headed to Singapore's MediaCorp. In Indonesia, B Channel opted for Zerby Derby. Hong Kong's TVB licensed Think Big, while South Korea's MBC signed up for Zerby Derby and Dino Dan.

At this week's ATF, Breakthrough is slated to introduce Sports Lab, a new live-action show that looks at sports from a scientific perspective. The company will also be showcasing the animated comedy series Pirate Express.

"We are looking forward to meeting with our broadcast partners and to forging new relationships while at ATF," said Kate Blank, the director of international distribution for Breakthrough Entertainment. "We are also thrilled to be introducing our newest children's edutainment series Sports Lab at ATF. A series designed to help kids discover the science behind the sports they play, Sports Lab will open kids' eyes to a far richer understanding and appreciation of the games they love."

Breakthrough has also sold a number of factual programs to broadcasters across the region. Nat Geo People inked an Asia-wide deal for the travel and lifestyle series Rustic Adventures: Italy and Rustic Adventures: Argentina. Sales have also been finalized with Japan's DLife for Hollywood's 10 Best; Brand New Media in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines for Boundless, Sea Nation and Man on a Mission; and Japan's Orient Film for The Reinventors.

In addition, the company has added two new docs to its catalogue: The Clean Bin Project and A Day Without Cancer, both of which will be on offer at ATF. The former is meant to serve as a call to environmental action, while the latter explores the history of cancer research around the globe.

Blank added: "Breakthrough takes pride in being in tune with the major issues affecting our world today. The Clean Bin Project and A Day Without Cancer are provocative and universally appealing documentaries telling compelling stories that make us laugh, think and give us hope for the future."