9 Story & Magic Mall Join Forces for New Animated Show

9 Story Distribution International and Magic Mall Entertainment have partnered on the animated children’s series Luo Bao Bei.

The 52×11-minute series was created and produced by Magic Mall, with Cloth Cat Animation commissioned for production. 9 Story Distribution International acquired global distribution and merchandising rights for Luo Bao Bei, excluding China. Dave Ingham (Shaun the Sheep, The Octonauts) is on board as head writer. The series is currently in production and is expected to premiere in China in the fourth quarter of this year.

9 Story Distribution International will launch the series at MIPJunior next month with several completed episodes. The series follows Luo Bao Bei, a bright and spirited 7-year-old girl with a vivid imagination who is on a quest to understand the world around her with her friends, family and animal companions.

“We are so thrilled to be representing this one-of-a-kind property,” said Alix Wiseman, the VP of acquisitions and business development for 9 Story Distribution International. “We immediately fell in love with Luo Bao Bei’s irrepressible determination and with the funny and touching storylines about growing up and being part of a family. We are also very excited to become a part of this unique international collaboration between Magic Mall and 9 Story. We feel the series has tremendous potential around the world and can’t wait to share initial episodes at MIPCOM.”

“We’re excited to form this partnership with 9 Story,” commented Grace Tian, the general manager for Magic Mall Entertainment and creator of Luo Bao Bei. “After our successes in working with Dave and Cloth Cat, I’m confident that 9 Story will make Luo Bao Bei a household name worldwide. I cannot wait to see a truly meaningful cultural exchange with this series on every level.”

“Luo Bao Bei’s experience is drawn from contemporary China, but her curiosity and love for life are universal,” added Alex Chien, executive producer on Luo Bao Bei. “We love how she figures things out around her with the help from her family and friends. She learns to be both smarter and kinder as each story unfolds.”

“We’re so pleased with the opportunity to work on this fun series; it’s such a departure from what the market is accustomed to when it comes to animation for this age group,” remarked Jon Rennie, the managing director for Cloth Cat Animation. “The storytelling is truly unique and we all love Luo Bao Bei’s sense of humor.”