Toonz Media Group, Neon Creation and Backbones Entertainment have signed a co-production partnership deal for ‘Chi-Chi, The Apprentice Sorceress’. It is an eleven-minute 52-episode 3D CGI Comic Fantasy kids’ series, based on the pop-up book by the same name. The production is expected to be completed by mid-2019.
‘Chi-Chi, The Apprentice Sorceress’ which is aimed at 4-6-year old, is the story of a cheerful young girl, full of curiosity who, ever since she found a book of magic spells, constantly tests out new spells and potions. Accompanied by her friends including Nino the dragonfly, Mew-Mew the artistic rabbit, Tiggy the squirrel who loves to cook, and postman Charlie the rhinoceros; together they embark on wonderful fantasy-filled adventures. It is an enchanting, fun series full of magic and surprise, that focuses on the importance of learning to live and grow together and teaching kids to have a true community spirit.
The signing ceremony and following cocktail party was hosted by Hub City of Asian Culture Gwangju under Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and tourism.
Commenting on the association, Toonz Media Group CEO, P. Jayakumar said, “Chi-Chi is an amazing show which will entertain and enrich kids across the world. I am very happy that Toonz found the perfect partners in Neon Creation and Backbone Entertainment. We are absolutely positive that this collaboration would go a long way”.
Post-Production is to be entirely done by Toonz; pre-production between Neon and Toonz; and animation production between Neon, Toonz and Backbone. The series will be distributed in Korea, Greater China and Thailand by Neon Creation, in Malaysia by Backbone Entertainment, and for the rest of the world by Imira Entertainment, part of Toonz Media Group.
Neon Creation President, Sara Kyungwon Han-Williams said, “When I introduced Chi-Chi to the world for the first time it was received with accolades for its beautiful and outstanding design of characters and backgrounds. Since then I’ve dedicated my time and energy to making Chi-Chi into the highest quality program.”
Paul Robinson, Imira’s CEO further added, “This delightful and colourful series set in a magical fantasyland reminiscent of a pop-up book, takes kids on an imaginative problem-solving journey through which they can learn the importance of friendship, tolerance and solidarity, all universal values that kids around the world can relate to.”
Founded in 1999, Toonz Media Group and its flagship divisions encompass dedicated units with activity spanning IP creation, production, distribution and rights exploitation, digital and gaming content, licensing and merchandising, as well as training.
