news

Taffy Boosts Asian Sales.

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 26x26-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 97x26-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."