The Kilkenny-based Cartoon Saloon, which is probably best-known for features like Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells, struck a potentially lucrative deal when the video streaming giant Netflix said it was picking up the Irish-based Puffin Rock animated series, which Cartoon Saloon makes along with Derry-based Dog Ears.
Puffin Rock, aimed at pre-schoolers, is based on a family of cute puffins who live on a wild island off the coast of Ireland, like to explore and always end up living happily ever after. The lead character is Oona, with the Úna spelling presumably seen as a bridge too far for international audiences who might confuse it with the Spanish or Italian feminine indefinite article.
The series is currently available on RTÉ Junior and on Nick Jr but will now reach audiences in the US, Canada, Latin America, the Benelux countries, France and Germany from September.
Last year, the animation studio was nominated for the second time at the Oscars for its feature Song of the Sea after it was nominated in 2010 for The Secret of Kells.
