UTVToons, the animation division of UTV has announced 6 new animation deals totaling Rs 16 crore. 2 of the 6 deals are co productions while the rest are production assignments.
The release states Ronnie Screwvala, CEO, UTV, as saying â€?Our Animation focus is in Flash & 3D. We are investing heavily in the Animation Space and in the next twelve months you will hear of many more announcements both in Service Outsourcing and Co-Productions. These contracts in just the last couple of months are the starting point”
Details of the production deals valued at $4 million are included in the UTV press release, these include
-ClubNow
with Hoek and Havenaar productions in Holland, a 26 part series on the adventures of a popular musical band on tour in Europe.
An animation series based on the adventures of a popular musical band on tour in Europe. They have their very own luxurious touring bus, which is used, as a driving theater, studio as well as living and sleeping area. Their experiences provide amusement and dispense educational information. Themes and dialogue are focused on the ages of 6-12. This is a co-production with Hoek and Havenaar Productions in Holland.
Speaking to Animation ‘xpress, UTV VP – Animation & New Media Jyotirmoy Saha commented that “Club Now is a 3D series and work has already begun on it and we plan to complete it by December. Interestingly EMI owns the music rights to this show, the music for which is being done in Canada”
-The Donz Family
with Palazzina Productions, Amsterdam – 52 episodes of a Fantasy Sitcom.
The Donz, created for ages 5 and above is a fantasy sitcom, based on a distant planet where life has evolved from fruit. The unique characters live out their zany and thought-provoking adventures in breathtaking, cutting-edge 3-D animation. Each episode focuses on one of many themes that appeal to children, such as love, friendship, fun, jealousy and bravery. There are 2 songs in each installment, covering a gamut of musical styles, all with a distinctive ‘Donz’ sound. The Donz is co-produced with Amsterdam based Palazzina Productions.
Giving additional inputs for Animation ‘xpress Moy commented on The Donz Family saying,” This is a 52 x 11 minutes show. Quite a few distribution deals for this show are already in place”
-Tripping The Rift, a bold 3D show with Cinegroupe of Canada to be aired on the Sci Fi channel.
Tripping The Rift is a terrifically bold show in 3-D, featuring humans interacting with never-seen-before creatures in outer space. The tonality is bold and brazen, and the humour is bawdy and irreverent. A huge favorite in the US in its run on Sci Fi channel, UTV will be doing the animation for the second series of this show in association with Chocolate Moose Inc and Cinegroupe of Canada. The show is targeted at late night TV watchers.
(13mins x 26 episodes)
-Dannie & Sally
with Animation Rights of Holland, a 52 part series.
Other than these shows UTV Toons will also co produce Clootie & Dumpling, a show about two cows and Snow Queen based on the famous Hans Christian Andersen fable. For this they have entered into co pro agreements with companies based in Scotland and Luxomberg.