Nickelodeon Asia launches "Chinatoon"

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-06-26 09:51

BEIJING, June 17, 2009 – Nickelodeon announced on June 17 that it will launch ChinaToon, a 1-hour branded block dedicated to showcasing original Chinese animation. Debuting July 5th on Nickelodeon Asia, ChinaToon will premiere with two acclaimed animation series, Creative Power Entertaining Co., Ltd’s Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf and Zhejiang Zhongnan Group Animation Video Co., Ltd’s Magic Wonderland, broadcast to 13 territories across Asia.

As the premier original Chinese animation block created by an international broadcaster, ChinaToon becomes the first region-wide platform for Chinese animators to showcase their programming to vast audiences across the region.

“Chinese animation is gaining immense popularity and critical recognition internationally. ChinaToon will be the vehicle to bring this unique animation genre to a wider audience,” said Indra Suharjono, Executive Vice President and Managing Director for MTV Networks South East Asia and Greater China. “We are proud to introduce ChinaToon and its exciting lineup of Chinese animation programs as new members to Nickelodeon’s family of top-rated programs that kids of all ages in Asia love,” she added.

“Chinese-produced animation is now world-class, and it’s important to provide a springboard to launch it into the international marketplace,” said Mei Yan, Managing Director, MTV Networks China and Chief Representative of Viacom Asia In China. “Creative Power Entertaining and Zhejiang Zhongnan Group Animation Video are two excellent examples of how efforts to nurture the Chinese animation industry has led to success in the development of locally-produced programming."

Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf is an animated comedy created by Creative Power Entertaining Co., Ltd for audiences aged from 4-9 years old. In the year 3131, goats prosper on the green grassland. Pleasant Goat is the smartest goat in the village and through his daily adventures always outwits his nemesis, Grey Wolf and his wife, Red Wolf. This popular series already has fans in Chinese mainland and Taiwan Province and also has spawned a successful live action touring musical and feature film that has drawn box office revenues of 60 million yuan.

Ms. Mandy Lau, Deputy General Manager, Creative Power Entertaining Company Limited said, “I’m so proud to learn that Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf will be showing in Southeast Asia through Nickelodeon. “Given the success of the feature film in 2008, I’m delighted that children across Asia may share our joy and hope that Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf can soon reach other parts of the world, bringing laughter to all,” he added.

Magic Wonderland, a 2008 Accolade TV Award winning action adventure targeting kids aged 5-12 year olds, is created by Zhejiang Zhongnan Group Animation Video Co., Ltd (ZN Animation). A 3D-animation series, it tells the story of Ocean, a beautiful girl who lives on a sun-kissed island with her grandfather and battles an evil wizard and his ship-full of good-for-nothing pirates.

Mr. WU Jianrong, Chairman, Zhejiang Zhongnan Group Animation Video Co., Ltd. (ZN Animation) said, "The story of Magic Wonderland is timeless and heartwarming. It has not only captured viewers in China but it has also found audiences around the world from America to Africa. I am very proud that a global player in children's television such as Nickelodeon has picked up our series to telecast into Southeast Asia, so that the kids in this region will be thrilled and enchanted by this wonderful tale."