Strong profile for the Irish animation industry at this prestigious event
Just announced at the international financing event Cartoon Forum in Toulouse: major broadcasters Nick Jr. UK and RTÉjr have bought Puffin Rock, an Irish animated children's TV series developed with funding from Bord Scannán na hÉireann/The Irish Film Board. The Irish animation industry had a very strong profile at Cartoon Forum this year, with 12 Irish-connected projects presented to the world's top international financiers.
Commenting on the sales, James Hickey, Chief Executive, Bord Scannán na hÉireann/The Irish Film Board (IFB) said, "The Irish Film Board invested in Puffin Rock at an early development stage, and we are really delighted to see both international and domestic broadcasters come on board the project. We are confident that the series will sell worldwide.
"The IFB has a strong commitment to investing in the development and production of animation film and TV series. Investment in a TV series such as Puffin Rock at an early stage enables Irish companies to develop the project and raise international finance and sales for their projects, aiming to export them around the world. "
Irish actor Chris O'Dowd is set to narrate the series, and production will begin on the series at the Kilkenny-based Academy Award-nominated animated studio Cartoon Saloon next month.
Commenting on his recent acquisition, Tim Patterson, VP, Director of Programming at Nickelodeon UK, said, "Puffin Rock, with its beautiful art style and charming storytelling, is a perfect complement to the Nick Jr. schedule."
Other Irish projects selected to pitch at Cartoon Forum and developed by the IFB include Nelly & Nora (Geronimo Productions), Early Bird (JAM Media), The Day Henry Met... (Wiggleywoo), Epic Eric by Treehouse Republic, Fuzzyworld by Avalon Films & Monster Entertainment and Tipto by Kavaleer Productions.
For more information contact Louise Ryan, Marketing and Communications Executive, Bord Scannán na hÉireann/The Irish Film Board: +353 86 329 7819, louise.ryan@irishfilmboard.ie
About Puffin Rock
Puffin Rock is a multi-platform brand that follows the adventures of a family of puffins living on a wild and beautiful Irish island. It is produced by global publisher Penguin, Northern Irish children's media company Dog Ears and Cartoon Saloon. The TV series is expected to broadcast in Autumn 2014.
About Cartoon Forum
The 24th edition of Cartoon Forum Toulouse took place from September 17th to 20th, and brought together 800 professionals from 30 countries with the aim of boosting co-productions and speeding up financing. Of the 69 projects in consideration, nearly half are co-productions between two or more countries, and 45% of the projects are aimed at children aged 6-12
years. More than 500 animation series have obtained over 1.7 billion euros in financing from the forum to date.