NEW YORK, April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon, the number-one US TV
network for kids and the most widely distributed kids' network in the
world, has partnered with media content company, Chorion, to present
Olivia, a new children's animated television series based on the
best-selling books by acclaimed author/illustrator Ian Falconer.
The new CGI series (52 x 11 minute and one 44 minute special) will be
animated by Academy Award-nominated Irish animation studio Brown Bag Films.
Nick Jr. will present 26 half-hour episodes in the US and sales for the
international territories will be made at MIP this month.
"Olivia is one of our most exciting properties and we are thrilled that
our enthusiasm for the brand is shared wholeheartedly by our partners at
Nickelodeon," said Nicholas James, Chief Executive of Chorion. "We are
committed to delivering the very best quality entertainment to audiences
globally, and we could not have better partners in that endeavour."
"Olivia is that rarest of creatures: a children's publishing phenomenon
with an established international appeal," said Brown Johnson, EVP,
Executive Creative Director, Nickelodeon Preschool. "We are delighted to be
partnering with Chorion on this new series and look forward to introducing
the television adventures of the world's most precocious, yet lovable
piglet to new fans in the US."
The first Olivia picture book by US author and acclaimed The New Yorker
illustrator Ian Falconer was published in 2000 to rave reviews. Since that
time, the series has sold an impressive 2.5 million copies worldwide in 21
languages.
Olivia is a sophisticated yet charming piglet with a flair for the
dramatic. Her character is one of boundless energy, self-confidence and
exuberance and the new series will see these traits reflected faithfully in
Falconer's trademark humor and unmistakable, minimalist, illustrative
style.
The production marks a key growth pillar for Chorion's development and
production of literary-based entertainment properties with global appeal.
As part of its strategy, the company will also develop a significant online
presence for the brand alongside a refreshed and revamped licensing and
merchandising program.
Chorion acquired the non-publishing rights to Olivia in 2005. It is
currently handling worldwide television sales, and will be showcasing
'Olivia' at MIP TV in Cannes, France, 16-20 April 2007.
About Nick Jr.
Nick Jr. is a specially designed programming block airing on
Nickelodeon weekdays from 9 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Completely dedicated
to preschoolers ages 2-5, Nick Jr.'s Emmy, Peabody and Parents' Choice
Award- winning programs are curriculum based, fun and commercial free. At
Nick Jr., kids play to learn with innovative, original shows created just
for them.
Nickelodeon, in its 28th year, is the number-one entertainment brand
for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in
everything it does. The company includes television programming and
production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer
products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films.
Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 92 million
households and has been the number-one- rated basic cable network for
almost 12 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters
and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).
About Chorion
Chorion is a media content company that owns and manages an extensive
portfolio of classic and contemporary premium copyrights with worldwide
appeal. The company comprises three divisions: Children's, Literary
Estates, and TV and Film. The Children's division directs global
entertainment and merchandising for Chorion-owned brands including Noddy
and Mr. Men, as well as managing the non-publishing rights for properties
such as Olivia; Literary Estates manage such Chorion-owned properties as
the works of Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler; while TV and Film acts
as an executive producer or licensor of Chorion's TV and film rights, such
as Raymond Chandler's Marlowe, recently commissioned by for a US TV pilot
by ABC, and undertakes its own productions including the popular Marple and
Agatha Christie's Poirot series, co-produced with ITV in the UK and PBS in
the US. Chorion has offices in London, New York, Tokyo and Sydney. In the
US, all children's properties are managed by Chorion Silver Lining, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Chorion Limited. http://www.chorion.co.uk
Contacts: Sharyn Traub Jessica Varon
Nickelodeon Tracy Paul & Company
212/846-6381 212/741-5459
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SOURCE Chorion
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Related links:
http://www.chorion.co.uk
CONTACT:
Sharyn Traub of Nickelodeon, +1-212-846-6381;
or Jessica Varon of Tracy Paul & Company, +1-212-741-5459
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