Taffy Boosts Asian Sales

PARIS, November 28: Taffy
Entertainment has closed a slew of sales to Asian broadcasters on four series: Code
Lyoko, Fantastic Four, Dive
Olly Dive! and Dr. Dog.

Fantastic Four was picked up by Asia TV in Hong Kong, ABS-CBN in the
Philippines and OBS Korea. The animated series is an action-comedy based on the
Marvel franchise of the same name. The
26×26-minute program is co-produced by MoonScoop and Marvel, with the
participation of Cartoon Network Europe and M6. Taffy Entertainment has
distribution rights outside the U.S., with Marvel handling U.S. television and
subsequent DVD distribution rights and worldwide merchandising.

Animax in Korea and Starlight in Pakistan have secured the rights to the
first season of Code Lyoko. The 97×26-minute series combines 2-D and 3-D
CGI animation to tell the story of four students who discover the existence of
a mysterious parallel universe called Lyoko. Code Lyoko is produced
by MoonScoop Productions, in association with France 3 and Canal J, and
distributed worldwide by Taffy Entertainment.

Dive Olly Dive! was bought by Cartoon Network India, Cineplex
Thailand and TPI in Indonesia. The 52 11-minute episodes follow Olly and Beth,
two young research submarines-in-training. Their underwater escapades are
designed to parallel the preschooler’s life experiences. The series is a co-production of Mike Young
Productions Limited (MYP), Flying Bark Productions of Australia, KI.KA, ARD of
Germany, Telegael of Ireland and GDC. Created by Andrew and Ian Ross, it is
produced with the support of the MEDIA Plus Programme of the European
Community.

Additionally, HBO Asia
picked up Dr. Dog. Based on the
book by Babette Cole, Dr. Dog’s
52 13-minute episodes delivers health information to kids in a humorous way.
France Animation, ZDF, Canal J and Colorland produce the series in association
with TF1, CNC, NRK, YLE and SVT.

“These deals, representing
a diverse number of Asian territories, are further testimony to the universal
success of our animated properties,” said Lionel Marty, the president of
worldwide distribution at Taffy Entertainment. “Asia is a key region for us and
it’s great that broadcasters are taking note of our commitment to working
closely with them with the opening of our Shanghai office only one year ago. We
hope to further expand the presence of our programming in Asia and these shows
will provide a great launching pad, as we are confident they will each prove to
be a hit with new viewers.”

—By Ned Berke