Canadian animation production and distribution studio, 9 Story Ent., has started production on two new children's animated properties, a comedy, BEST ED, and an action/comedy, FUTZ! In addition, the company will complete production on additional episodes of four critically-acclaimed animated series: PEEP AND THE BIG WIDE WORLD (Season 3), MAX AND RUBY (Season 3) POSTCARDS FROM BUSTER (Season 2) and SKYLAND (Season 1).
BEST ED (52x11) is a 2D digital animation series that revolves around the unlikely friendship of the always helpful Ed, a dog, and his squirrel pal, Buddy. The show is a 9 Story original production for TELETOON, in Canada and Cartoon Network UK, and is being distributed by 9 Story's newly formed distribution division. The company has secured pre-sale deals for the property with Cartoon Network Europe and the Middle East. Delivery is slated for early 2008.
FUTZ! (26x3), an original 9 Story production to be broadcast on TELETOON, Canada, is a 2D digital animated non-verbal cartoon based on the comedic adventures of one odd-looking, yet strangely appealing character. Whether Futz is getting himself into trouble as a ninja with a flexibility problem or a medieval knight with iron boxers, he never walks away from a call to action. The series is produced and distributed by 9 Story Ent. and is scheduled to be completed Sept. 2007.
"We have a great lineup of productions started for 2007" said Vince Commisso, president/ceo, 9 Story Ent. "Our production slate reflects our commitment to excellence and to producing programming that we are extremely passionate about. Animation production is the core of our business and we are dedicated to producing top quality programming."
This month, 9 Story will complete an additional 10 episodes of PEEP AND THE BIG WIDE WORLD, bringing the total over three seasons to 49 episodes. Major broadcasters include TVO (Canada) and Discovery Communications International (USA).
An additional final 14 half-hour episode cycle of MAX AND RUBY is in production to be completed by May of 2007, with four delivered in 2006. It's based on the work of internationally acclaimed author and illustrator, Rosemary Wells, and broadcast in North America on Nickelodeon Jr. and Treehouse, partners for the series include Nelvana and Silver Lining.
9 Story has also completed production on 10 new episodes for POSTCARDS FROM BUSTER. Blending animation and live-action footage of real children all over America, the series exposes children to the interesting and diverse world around them and airs on PBS.
Founded in 2001, Toronto-based 9 Story Ent. (www.9Story.com) is an award-winning animation company dedicated to delivering the most loved children's properties internationally. 9 Story offers a full service, one stop shop, integrating creative, production, distribution and business services to maximize exposure and growth of intellectual property worldwide. 9 Story has delivered more than 100 half hours of animated television content.
