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Universal Pictures International Entertainment Signs Deal for Home Entertainment Rights in key European markets to Geronimo Stilton 
The most famous mouse-author, newspaper editor and klutz extraordinaire, Geronimo Stilton, is bringing his amusing adventures to home video through an agreement with Universal Pictures International Entertainment. Negotiated by Aurelie De Troyer, International Director of Acquisitions at Universal Pictures International Entertainment, and Atlantyca’s Sales Manager, Luana Perrero with final deal signed by Claudia Mazzucco, CEO, Atlantyca Entertainment and Moonscoop’s Lionel Marty, President of Worldwide Distribution. Both companies are co-producers of the new 26 x 22’ animated Geronimo Stilton series. Under the terms of the deal, all 26 episodes will be released on DVD in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, and Benelux kicking off with an Italian release in November 2009. Eddie Cunningham, President of Universal Pictures International Entertainment said: “We are delighted to distribute such a popular kid’s title for the home entertainment market in key territories. Universal has a keen and continuing interest in acquiring high quality family content and this latest acquisition with its international appeal is the perfect addition to Universal’s roster of children’s entertainment on DVD.” “This new agreement for home entertainment rights continues the incredible momentum sparked by the new animated series and is the next natural step in sharing the beloved Geronimo Stilton character with children throughout the world,” said Claudia Mazzucco. Moonscoop’s Lionel Marty adds: “We have had a fantastic response from broadcasters and securing a multi-territory home entertainment deal strengthens the international roll out of this amazing property.” The new fully completed Geronimo Stilton series, produced with the participation of RAI, M6 France and pre-sold to Radio-Canada, had an extremely successful premiere on September 15th on Italy’s Rai 2. Additional broadcasters include: TV2 Norway, MTV 3 Finland, Nickelodeon Northern Europe International picking up the rights for Belgium, The Netherlands. In Iberian markets, Turner’s Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Boing Channels have acquired the series for Spain with sales also signed with RTP and Canal Panda in Portugal. Based on the award-winning Geronimo Stilton international kids’ book series by Edizioni Piemme, the new TV series (26 x 22’), centers on the life and adventures of mouse-author Geronimo Stilton who works as a journalist for the fictional newspaper The Rodent’s Gazette. He has a younger sister named Thea Stilton, a cousin named Trap Stilton, and a favorite little nephew, nine-year-old Benjamin Stilton. Geronimo is a nervous, mild-mannered mouse who would like nothing better than to live a quiet life, but he keeps getting involved in far-away adventures with Thea, Trap, and Benjamin. |
