Gruppo Alcuni Wraps 2010 with Strong Slate

TREVISO: Italian producer Gruppo Alcuni had a successful 2010 with projects such as the 3D animated film Pet Pals: Marco Polo’s Code, and is looking to follow this up with a host of new properties in 2011.

Created in co-production with Spain’s Edebé, Pet Pals: Marco Polo’s Code was released theatrically by 01 Distribution. In the first week in theaters, the film placed seventh in the general ranking and third amongst Italian films. The film release was accompanied by a number of promotional and marketing initiatives. Several agreements have been signed to release the film internationally, with deals in the U.S., Canada, China and Russia.

The Pet Pals series was also strong for Gruppo Alcuni in 2010. Four seasons have been produced in 2D, for a total of 104 episodes and 26 hours. A fifth series in 3D is currently in pre-production. The series has been a hit in Spain for broadcaster RTVE and also has a strong L&M presence, with products including sticker albums and collection cards with Panini and a series of five books with images from the film.

The Pet Pals are also the protagonists of H2Ooooh!. The series of 26 animated shorts, produced in 3D, deal with the theme of water: its importance, exploitation and responsible use. Gruppo Alcuni is working with UNESCO to bring the project into countries around the world in order to create greater awareness for this environmental issue.

Gruppo Alcuni’s newest project is Symo & Rose, aimed at preschoolers. The dialogue-free episodes tell the adventures of two siblings, ages 4 and 5, who have fun in the comfort of their own bedroom, with everyday objects around them coming to life. The series is currently in production, and is still open to a potential co-production.

The series Slash:// is completed and ready for broadcast starting in January 2011. Aimed at 8- to 12-year-olds, the show features the adventures of a group of five youngsters from across the world. Thanks to the magical powers of a green stone, these kids are able to physically travel through the worldwide web. The 26-episode series also has a special dedicated website that will launch in conjunction with the TV debut.