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Leading family entertainment producer and distributor Chorion has signed a major deal for new animated property Gaspard and Lisa with Japan’s Sony Creative Products Inc (SCP). SCP will become a co-producer on the property, picking up television, home entertainment and merchandising rights for a number of North Asian territories. SCP and Chorion are also extending their current relationship with the renewal of SCP’s exclusive licensing representation for Gaspard and Lisa in the same territories. This landmark deal marks a major step in the international roll-out of Gaspard and Lisa with several key broadcast and licensing deals in the final stages of negotiation. TF1 is the lead broadcaster and has been involved in the development of the show, picking up television and merchandising rights to Gaspard and Lisa for France where it is set to debut in 2010. Plans in France include working closely with original publisher Hachette Jeunesse to develop consumer products to sit alongside publishing. Aiichiro Furukawa, President of Sony Creative Products Inc. comments: “We are very excited to be collaborating with Chorion on the Gaspard and Lisa television series. The picture books are very well known across Asia, especially in Japan where we will celebrate their 10th anniversary year in 2010. We are convinced that Gaspard and Lisa's many fans in the region will be delighted to hear this news.” Frédérique de Buron, Director, Hachette Jeunesse Image adds: “Both Hachette and the authors are extremely pleased by this news, safe in the knowledge that they have entrusted this property to SCP and TF1, leaders in their respective fields.” Dominique Poussier, Head of Children’s Programming, TF1 says: “I have a longstanding desire to see the property on the small screen. I’m delighted that this will become a reality in 2010.” Waheed Alli, Chairman of Chorion adds: “Gaspard and Lisa is such a unique property and we are delighted to have signed a further multi-rights deal with Sony Creative Products, extending the reach of the brand in Japan and across Asia. This deal mirrors our collaboration with TF1 in France. The books are already established worldwide and we are thrilled to be using our expertise in book-to-screen adaptation to bring the show to new audiences.” Chorion is currently in production on the series (50 x 11-minute plus 1 x 22’ special), animated by Impossible Television, based on the book series Gaspard and Lisa written and illustrated by the Paris-based husband and wife team of Anne Gutman and George Hallensleben. Chorion has secured the television and merchandising rights to the brand from Hachette Jeunesse, the original publisher and worldwide publishing owner of the property. To date over 25 books have been translated in more than 15 languages worldwide and the property enjoys a high level of success both in publishing and licensing and merchandising in Japan where it celebrates its 10th anniversary next year. The Gaspard and Lisa TV series follows two six year old best friends as they experience the wonders and challenges of school, family life and their Paris neighborhoods. Outgoing, curious, and devoted to each other, Gaspard and Lisa are the centers of each other’s lives, and the rest of the world usually finds itself caught up in their adventures as well. And while Gaspard and Lisa may sometimes disagree in the end, they’re always there for each other – because that’s what best friends do. |
