VIMN Unveils Nickelodeon Chinese Animation Development Project

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) is launching a five-year Nickelodeon Chinese Animation Development Project to bolster new animation co-pros in and with the country.

The inaugural Project is supported by China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA). The first initiative involves another deal with iQiyi to develop the second season of the tentatively titled animated show Deer Run. The news was announced this week during MIPCOM, where China is the Country of Honour.

Wang Xiaohui, iQiyi’s chief content officer, commented: “We are thrilled to expand our cooperation with Nickelodeon to develop Deer Run. Recently, iQiyi is committed to producing outstanding original content and we will continue to work with talented partners to bring the best content to our users.”

“Deer Run, with its endearing and humorous storylines and compelling, relatable characters, proves that great original animation content can come from any part of the world,” noted Nina Hahn, Nickelodeon’s senior VP of international production and development.

The partnership will see VIMN investing in a five-year intellectual property development project for up to two qualifying IPs per year. VIMN will also explore the licensing potential of completed projects outside of China. These projects could include the development of new animation titles, new seasons of existing popular Chinese animated series, or creating a Chinese version of Nickelodeon’s existing animated shows.

“With vital support from NRTA via the Nickelodeon Chinese Animation Development Project and through our ongoing strategic relationship with iQiyi, we believe there is an exciting opportunity to showcase China’s fantastic animation talent and resources to the international market,” stated Mark Whitehead, VIMN’s president and managing director for Asia Pacific.

A representative from NRTA added: “We are delighted an international media company like Viacom has demonstrated their commitment to the Chinese market and will be taking the lead in further promoting Chinese children’s animation. We look forward to seeing the co-creation of new intellectual properties in and by China’s animation community in partnership with Viacom.”