The m4e AG subsidiary Telescreen has signed a worldwide distribution contract with
German production company youngfilms to distribute the new animated series CONNI (26 x 12’ or 52 x 6’).

Dutch Telescreen, a leading distribution, production and licensing company of kid’s & family entertainment programmes - and part of the German m4e Group - has been granted the exclusive worldwide (excluding German speaking Europe, Spain, Portugal and Latin America) distribution rights of youngfilm’s new animated production CONNI, including broadcasting, home entertainment, video on demand, internet, mobile phone, audio and non-theatrical rights.

youngfilms, holding offices in Hamburg, Germany, is currently producing the animated television series, in cooperation with producer Dirk Hampel, from Berlin, Germany and broadcasting partner ZDF. In total 26 episodes of 12 minutes each will be produced (or 52 episodes of 6 minutes). NFP Animation is the official German co-production partner, based in Wiesbaden and Berlin, Germany. Delivery of the complete production is planned for October 2010.

CONNI is a well-known established publishing character in Germany, with over 7 million picture books sold to date, that comes to life in a new animated series. Conni’s first book “Conni kommt in den Kindergarten” (Conni goes to nursery) was published in 1992 by Carlsen Verlag. Liane Schneider is author of the books, illustrated by Eva Wenzel-Burger, Annette Steinhauer and Ulrich Velte.

The animated series shows the life and experiences of little girl CONNI from her point of view. The audience gets to know the world of CONNI by hearing her dialogue and thoughts. As the books, the series isn’t full of action, fantasy or aliens, but the content is focused around the little adventures and ordinary daily life, not only of CONNI, but of many children and their parents. CONNI goes through all phases “growing up” entails, with all small incidents and rarities. CONNI enjoys a childhood how it most ideally should be. The series is aimed at boys and girls aged 3 - 6.

Sjoerd Raemakers, director of commercial affairs at Telescreen, commented: “We are very pleased with the acquisition of youngfilm’s CONNI, as we believe in the strength of the character, as proven by her publishing track record so far. The step from books to animation is a logical, yet challenging one, and we are confident youngfilms is the perfect partner to bring CONNI alive on screen. Soon viewers all over the world will love this happy uncomplicated little girl”.

Henning Windelband, managing director at youngfilms, said: “With Telescreen as our distribution partner for CONNI, we have great confidence in the professional international positioning of the property. The popularity of the character grew with its readers, and I am convinced CONNI’s fame will continue to grow with the addition of the TV series and its viewers”.