Chorion, SMG in Co-Development Deal

LONDON/NEW YORK, November
3: Chorion and Shanghai Media Group (SMG) have
entered into a partnership to jointly develop new animation projects targeted
at the 6-to-11 set for the worldwide market.

The creative development
process will begin almost immediately. Chorion and
SMG will appoint co-development directors based in New York and Shanghai, respectively.

Chorion’s
chairman, WaheedAlli,
said: “At our initial meetings together we very quickly identified a common
creative mission to develop programs that can inspire and enrich the lives of
children throughout the world. It is always exciting developing new projects,
but working with the creative team at SMG makes this a dream initiative.”

Wang Lei, the deputy director of animation for the
Drama Center of Shanghai Media Group, added: “We are delighted to be partnering
with Chorion to create compelling programs that will
make their mark on young audiences throughout the world. This partnership
offers an exciting opportunity to showcase Chinese program-making talent to the
world.”

In a separate deal, SMG is
joining Chorion as its business partner in China for
the preschool series Olivia, which
will begin airing worldwide from spring 2009.

Lei commented: "According
to Chinese tradition, pigs are supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. The
character of Olivia is a willful piglet but one who we passionately believe
will be embraced by audiences in China and bring good fortune to both
sides."

—By Kristin Brzoznowski