Animation and live action shows for young, tween and teen audiences at Budapest event.
Mondo TV, one of the largest European producers and distributors of animated content, brought an exciting portfolio of newly launched, returning and upcoming properties at this year’s NATPE Budapest global TV market and conference, that took place from 19 – 22 June.
As ever, Mondo TV’s wide-ranging catalogue is varied, entertaining and highly original, offering a selection of attractive properties with enormous appeal to young children as well as tween, teen and family audiences. All the titles also offer strong licensing potential.
Fresh from a launch across Latin America and a successful licensing summit at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, Heidi, Bienvenida a Casa (60 x 45’), Mondo’s first live action show, produced by Mondo TV Iberoamerica along with Alianzas Producciones, succeeded at NATPE. Attendees were able to find out more about the show, which follows the adventures of a country girl in the city, bringing together comedy, humour and music in a moving and charming update of the classic novel. Already making an impact in the Latin American market on Nickelodeon, the show is expected to attract strong broadcast interest in other regions in the coming months.
By contrast, the 3G CGI HD Invention Story (104 x 11’), which arrives in 2018, is an animated show for younger children. However, this highly original concept is already creating a buzz. The story takes place in a forest full of joy and magic, near a place called Carrot Town. The main character is an intelligent, thoughtful and very creative fox, who, in each episode, comes up with a new invention, delighting the rabbit inhabitants of Carrot Town and infuriating Silas, their angry, jealous mayor.
There are plots, conflicts and rivalries as well as funny and engaging characters — but this show also offers something different. By following the little fox in his efforts to build each new invention, the young audience will find out more about science and how it works. In fact, such is the enormous potential of Invention Story, on TV and across both play and learning-related licensed product, that production partners Henan York Animation and Mondo TV have already committed to five series.
Another highly original concept is the 3D, CGI HD show YooHoo & Friends (52 x 11’), launching in 2018. The show is based on the globally successful line of Aurora World YooHoo & Friends plush toys, more than 80 million of which have been sold since the worldwide launch of the line in 2007. Co-produced by Aurora World Corporation and Mondo TV Suisse, YooHoo & Friends brings YooHoo, Pammee, Lemmee, Roodee and Chewoo to the screen, along with 70 additional characters representing the endangered animals Yoohoo & Friends help and support.
Eco-friendly themes such as environmental awareness and help for threatened species are an important part of the show’s appeal. But the show also aims to be inclusive of all backgrounds and audiences — and the wide range of characters allows the show to speak to individuals of different ages, nationalities and characteristics. And of course young viewers can see animated versions of amazing and unusual animals from all over the world.
Mondo also promoted established hits. The first season of Sissi the Young Empress (26 x 26’), the adventures of the free-spirited empress who resists etiquette and the duties of the court to follow her heart, was a big success with its target audience of young girls, who loved Sissi’s strong and positive character and identified with her desire to follow her dreams. The show’s mixture of adventure, love and intrigue as well as magic and mystery has already attracted numerous broadcasters. The series has so far been distributed to over 35 countries worldwide, with a notably strong presence in Europe and the Far East. A brand-new 26-episode series is already showing in Italy and arriving in other territories soon. A new 3D season is in production. Themes like fashion and the popularity of its heroine have also inspired a successful licensing campaign.
Targeted at children aged 4-8 and featuring many of the characters from the wildly popular Suzy’s Zoo property, Adventures In Duckport (52 x 11’) brings Suzy Ducken and her friends Jack Quacker, Penelope O’Quinn, Corky Turtle and others to life in a cast of friendly animals who try to be helpful and save the day — although things don’t always go according to plan. The show, which is expected to debut on air in autumn 2017, evokes a simpler way of living, and its endearing characters and engaging plotlines are certain to inspire success across a wide range of broadcast territories.
Another 3D, CGI show due soon, Cuby Zoo (52 x 11’) is based on an exciting and highly original concept. This children’s animated TV show is about a group of cube-shaped animal toys. But they are much, much more than just toys. When humans are away the inhabitants of Cuby Zoo come to life to play and explore — and help to look after the children who are looking after them! Kind-hearted and sometimes mischievous creatures, the Cuby Zoo characters play a vital but secret role in keeping the world in balance.
Further 3D CGI fun comes from Eddie is a Yeti! (26 x 3’), the story of an average yeti living in the glaciers of Alaska, far away from mankind. But this yeti is a little more curious than most, and stumbles upon a quaint little town and nine-year-old Polly, who helps him out of an elaborate bear trap. Eddie fills Polly’s day with adventure, while Polly tries to keep Eddie’s true identity secret and Eddie himself away from the evil animal collector Dr. Atrocious. It’s a delightful short-form non-dialogue series that’s full of fun and surprises — and it’s coming soon.
Matteo Corradi, Mondo TV CEO, says: “With our 2017 launches already well under way, and many more shows to come this year and next, Mondo TV and its broadcast partners are looking forward to one of our busiest NATPE events ever. Containing shows that young people of all ages will love, many of which also have enormous family appeal, this is our strongest portfolio yet.”
