Research Guru
Posted:
Feb 6, 2012, 6:12 PM
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Arc Productions to animate "Thomas & Friends"
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Toronto-based Arc Productions has been appointed the new animation studio for the popular CG-animated television program Thomas & Friends, HIT Entertainment announced Monday.
This deal marks the first global TV series that the studio will produce following a series of successful theatrical movies including Gnomeo and Juliet and 9.
Thomas & Friends is the world's #1 preschool property, with its TV series airing in more than 185 territories. To date, 16 series have been produced for the brand.
Arc will provide animation for all 11-minute episodes of the upcoming 17th season, as well as a one-hour Thomas & Friends feature-length special. The new episodes animated by Arc are set to broadcast starting in the fall of 2013.
"We are proud to be entrusted with the stellar assignment of animating the highly regarded and much loved Thomas & Friends TV series," said Jeff Young, chief operating officer of Arc Productions.
"There are successful brands, and a handful grow to be franchises. Then you have those precious few that rise to iconic stature. Thomas & Friends is certainly one of those very rare successes, and we're truly excited to perpetuate its legacy under our creative stewardship."
"Having been impressed with their top-rated technical and artistic abilities, we look forward to Arc bringing their animation vision to the world of Thomas & Friends. We believe Arc will expertly bring to life all the thrills and adventure of the Island of Sodor for future generations of children around the world," said Karen Barnes, HIT Entertainment's executive vice-president for production and development.
In 2010, the first ever CG-animated look was unveiled for Thomas & Friends. Thomas and his engine friends began speaking in their own voices, allowing them to tell their own stories of teamwork, determination and friendship. The CGI programming has already proved popular around the world, with ratings up 86% in the United Kingdom (FIVE Milkshake!), 50% in the United States (PBS), and 47% in Australia (ABC).
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"Oh boy." -- Allan Sherman
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