Viewpoints: sales strategies

Jennifer Monier-Williams Vice President of Worldwide Television Sesame Workshop USA

What are the coming trends in production of animation? 

In this new age of multiple media platforms, the new trend is a focus on format vs. style. The style of animation must marry the story and characters, accurately reflecting and enhancing the programs messages.  The format must be adaptable for use across various media distribution outlets including television, DVD, Video on Demand, broadband, mobile, and beyond.

The Adventures of Bert And Ernie

Can you tell us about your international co-productions?

We are currently developing an animated co-production entitled The Adventures of Bert & Ernie.  The entire series will be in the form of claymation, and features the friends like they ' ve never been seen before: in stunning 3D fantasy stories! In each episode, Bert and Ernie look through their scrapbook of photos and objects from places they visited together, prompting them to recall stories made funnier because of their very different perspectives. The series focuses on developing literacy through storytelling, cooperation and diversity.

What are the difficulties on adaptation of animated content in Asia ?  In Latin America ?

If we adapt U.S.-produced animations for use in any other part of the world, two things are imperative: the storyline must be relevant to the culture of that region, and our characters remain true to their personalities. We work with local production companies to ensure our character 's key traits are properly reflected and their voices remain as close to original as possible.

Whenever feasible, we enjoy working with these production companies and independent animators to produce original content for our co-productions so they accurately reflect and embrace the culture of that region.

To what countries do you sell animation?

Sesame Street is currently seen in over 120 countries. It is possible for us to sell animation to all of these countries.

Do you sell ready made programming in animation formats? 

In animation formats we sell ready made programming. 

Can you name us the most successful titles in 2006 season?

Sesame Workshop ' s most successful titles in the 2006 season were " Pinky Dinky Doo " (flash animation) and " The Upside Down Show " (Live Action).