New Zealand-based animation studio Pukeko Pictures has signed a deal with a Chinese trillion dollar investor, it is understood.
Its pre-school TV show Kiddets has become a huge hit in China. Kiddets land will form part of the new development, about the size of Paris, that is set to open next year.
Pukeko Pictures chief executive Clive Spink signed a Memorandum of Understanding with partners Shambala Cultural Industry Investment (Blossom Pictures division) and China Development Oriental. The bank is a joint venture of China Development Bank and Oriental Holdings with assets worth two trillion US dollars.
The move follows a 2015 deal between Pukeko Pictures and Guangdong Huawen Century Animation Company to develop Kiddets, a sister series to The WotWots TV show.
Talking about the same, Spink explained that Kiddets land would be a location-based experience. It is set to be a cross between an interactive museum and theatre. The park would use the Pukeko IP and a new IP would also be developed.
Pukeko is one of the Weta Group of companies. The deal could be a precursor for further cooperation.
Pukeko Pictures has been in close collaboration with Jeff Wen of the Chinese entertainment company for the last three years. “It has realised not only a high-end sister TV series for Chinese and international children’s audiences but also amazing Kiddets themed play spaces and extensive product support,” says Sir Richard Taylor, co-owner of Pukeko. “This includes traditional children’s toys and publishing right through to health drinks and educational support material.”
In an another development, Pukeko has signed an eight-year strategic deal with Wahaha – China’s largest drinks company. They have launched a Kiddets yoghurt drink into the Chinese market. Both deals are brand extensions of the Pukeko IP.
