European Animation & Children Programming

John Morris
President of Distribution
EM.Entertainment GmbH

Can you tell us about your sales strategies in Europe ?

As one of Europe' s leading producers and distributors of animation programs for children and young people our extensive rights library ranks among the world' s largest within the children's and youth sector apart from the major studios. EM.Entertainment is therefore equipped, in particular to help new platforms such as digital TV channels, video-on-demand platforms and other IPTV services in their start-up process by supplying them with volume on reasonable terms. We are also producing a slate of new programs such as Action/Adventure/Comedy series Master Raindrop. The 3D, 2D animated program targeted at 8 to 10 year-olds is a witty and irreverent spin on Asian martial arts and mythology - we' re convinced that this series will fill the needs of our clients in reaching their target audiences. Furthermore, we' re developing content in innovative formats specifically designed to fit emerging platforms in the Online and Mobile sectors. Thus, our new comedy program Life Rules that is targeted at a teen demographic and consists of 10 episodes of 1.5 minutes is particularly suitable for online as well as mobile devices. Apart from new programming, EM.Entertainment is seeking to further push the internationalization of its existing multi-platform brands such as classics "Maya the Bee", "Vicky the Viking", "Heidi and Tabaluga" - building on their success in the German-speaking countries, France, Italy and Spain.

Can you name the most important European countries for your sales?

Currently the German-speaking territories, France, Italy and Spain continue to be our most important countries. Recently we have also enjoyed increased demand in Central and Eastern Europe, including the Russian market.

Can you name the titles that performed well on European TV Channels in 2007?

In terms of our new programming, the Sci-Fi/Comedy series "Dogstar" has performed well on the BBC airing on Saturday mornings. This 2D animation program celebrated its premiere and also aired as double-header weekdays at 4pm on the German children' s channel KI.KA.

Marvi Hammer presents National Geographic World - our entertaining, bilingual knowledge show featuring 3D, 2D animation and live-action footage of National Geographic - has also enjoyed TV success, on ZDF and KI.KA in Germany, Greece' s ERT Digital, RTV Slovenia, Telewizja Polska, Samanyolu, Mehap TV and Yumurcak in Turkey amongst others.

What European countries are you targeting in 2008?

Central and Eastern Europe are becoming more and more important and we are also targeting the highly potential UK market.

What are your new titles for MIPCOM 2007?

For MIPCOM we will be focusing on "Master Raindrop" (26 x 24'). This CGI and 2D animation series is a witty and irreverent spin on Asian martial arts and mythology. The program is a co-production by Flux Animation Studio Ltd, Big Communications Pte Ltd and Flying Bark Productions PTY. Ltd and will be available in 2008. We will also be highlighting Staines Down Drains (26 x 24'), Life Rules (10 x 1.5') and VIPO (26 x 11').