Formula Fun Entertainment scores six broadcast deals after debut at Cannes
The award winning Franco and Formula Fun™ has made a sensational debut at MIPJunior 2009, securing both the prestigious Licensing Challenge award and walking away with several broadcast deals for this highly innovative animated series.
Head of TV sales and licensing, Haukur Gislason, commenting on the breathtaking reaction to the 52 x 11 minute ground-breaking Franco and Formula Fun CGI animated series said “Rather than taking the usual few months to secure the first broadcast deal, we signed deal memos with broadcasters in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Israel and the Arab speaking countries immediately following MIPJunior – this is simply unheard of!”.
One of the first broadcasters to be committing to broadcast is Norway’s TV-2. Beathe Dee, head of children’s programming at TV-2 said “TV 2 Junior is known for high quality series and I am always looking for new hits for Norwegian kids. I look for joyous, uplifting, life-enhancing shows that also provide an educational element. When FRANCO was presented to me I felt that this series had potential and fitted perfectly into TV 2 Junior’s profile. The concept, image-quality, colours and the strong appeal of the characters are very good and I liked the idea of learning about different countries through visiting them and discovering their cultures and customs in a fun way, so that’s why I decided to go for it”
Driven by the imagination of Franco, a six-year-old boy with a passion for motor racing, the superhero cars race around the globe in a series of incredible adventures and is rapidly becoming the must-have property for boys aged three-six years. Under the watchful eye of Franco and among others, his friend Susie the Safety Car, Super Speed Zumi, Fantastic Flyer RBee and Special Gadget Taku, battle the dastardly dealings of Formula Fun’s own villain, Rossi the Chameleon.
Commenting on the Licensing Challenge award, Franco’s creator Marina Nicholas said “The judging panel recognised the enormous licensing opportunity that Franco and Formula Fun presents - children love the accelerated antics of these beloved race car characters as they visit different countries and learn about cultures and customs along the way. Parents will welcome Franco and his friends, with their positive message of teamwork, problem-solving and above all, friendship.”
In a demonstration of the enormous potential for the brand, Marina was joined at MIPJunior by Haukur Gislason and Sigvaldi J Karason, who will be using their experience gained from producing and selling the globally successful Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning children’s television show, Lazytown, to help build the global licensing and media programmes for Franco and Formula Funä.
Turning his thoughts to the licensing programme, Haukur is already juggling a number of discussions with key licensees who will be looking to capitalise on the undoubted excitement of Franco’s broadcast Autumn 2010. Haukur said “The appeal of and applications for Franco and Formula Fun are enormous. We are currently focusing on securing the right master toy licensee before finalising deals for other core categories”. As was recognised by the judging panel at Licensing Challenge, Franco and Formula Fun is a brand of wide international appeal and Hauker is now looking to build a firm base for both broadcast and merchandise across all key international markets.
Gentleman, start your engines for some top-fuelled fun!
Filed under on 30/10/09