Cyber Group Studios and Timoon Animation have signed a coproduction and partnership agreement

At MIFA, Cyber Group Studios and Timoon Animation, subsidiary of Lagardère Entertainment, have inked two agreements: one relates to the coproduction of two TV animated series targeted to children aged 6 to 10, the second one refers to the international distribution and licensing of these series.

Timoon Animation and Cyber Group Studios will coproduce FISH’ N CHIPS, an action / comedy series telling the adventures of Coney Island aquarium’s residents and BAMBALAYE !, a wild musical / comedy series in Africa.

FISH’ N CHIPS is an original battle between a cat who is a champion deep-sea diver and a fish that is convinced he is evolving into… a mammal! Racing and chasing each other through the mythical setting of New York City, a unique, unorthodox combat right under the noses of the millions of inhabitants and tourists who visit the New York aquarium and Coney Island boardwalk every day…

BAMBALAYE ! takes place in Africa and features a group of wacky and out-of-control musician animals. Throughout fast-pace and funny adventures, they will sing the all-time standards of black music. Access to these worldwide blockbuster songs has been made possible thanks to an agreement with EMI Publishing Worldwide.

BAMBALAYE! story and characters have been created with the intention to be adapted to the four screens (TV, PC/Internet, mobile phones and movie theater).

Cyber Group Studios and Timoon Animation will handle together the art and editorial direction as well as the coordination with broadcasters.

Cyber Group Studios will manage the series’ international distribution and licensing, whose strategy will be defined together with Timoon Animation.

Arnaud Molinié, CEO of Lagardère Entertainment said: « Animation is one of Lagardère Entertainment’s key areas of development. Beyond our new ambitions for Timoon, I am convinced that this partnership makes a lot of sense, both from an artistic and a business standpoint. Furthermore, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to join forces with Pierre Sissmann who is one of the animation industry key players in France and internationally ».

« I am delighted to partner with Timoon Animation. This agreement will allow us to gather our respective strengths to create two 3D series with strong international potential and broad audience. I believe that their fast-pace action, humor and great soundtrack will please both kids and parents. Moreover, these series fit perfectly our company’s strategy to produce top quality, innovative, international and multimedia content » commented Pierre Sissmann, President of Cyber Group Studios.

Boris Hertzog and Sandrine Nguyen, Managing Directors of Timoon Animation, added « these ambitious series are a unique opportunity to fuel our development and leverage our deep 3D animation expertise into new artistic and storytelling concepts tailor-made for international markets for a larger audience. We are convinced that the strong complementarity of our teams will foster creativity in a powerful way ».

Billy, Producer at Cyber Group Studios commented: « Cyber Group Studios’ team demonstrated its capability in creating international intellectual properties for preschool kids, for example with OzieBoo! TV series. This partnership with Timoon Animation will give us the opportunity to apply our creative and technology expertise to an older age group ».

Broadcasting agreement with industry key players are being finalized and should be announced soon.