MTV Networks International (MTVNI) debuted its first animated series of made-for-mobile shorts, WULFFMORGENTHALER. A co-production between MTVNI and the "Danish Duo" Mikael Wulff and Anders Morgenthaler, the series of 20 short animations is inspired by the famous WULFFMORGENTHALER comic strips of the same name. The witty, compelling animations are the perfect "snack-size" for mobile users wanting more.
WULFFMORGENTHALER underscores MTVNIs commitment to creating and providing users with breakthrough, original mobile content.
The clips are available on MTVNIs mobile TV channels and mobile video on demand (VOD, as of June 6, 2006) services in markets across Europe, Australia and the U.S. WULFFMORGENTHALER content is exclusive to mobile for eight weeks, then it will be rolled out on MTVNIs broadband services, such as MTV Overdrive, reinforcing the companys multi-platform strategy.
Each animated clip features different characters and storylines. The shorts continue the comical twists of WULFFMORGENTHALERs original cartoons. One episode, "Franks Pimple," features Frank squeezing a pimple; but somehow Frank squeezes his pimple the wrong way. Produced by the famous Zentropa Studios, the largest Scandinavian film production company, co-owned by Danish film director Lars Von Trier, WULFFMORGENTHALER is the first time the duo have produced animations of this kind.
WULFFMORGENTHALER delivers on our promise to provide audiences with the most original, compelling content on multiple platforms around the world," said Gideon Bierer, svp, digital media for MTVNI. "These edgy animations will offer audiences a new, bite-sized burst of humor and creativity that only MTV can offer.
Wulff and Morgenthaler commented, Entertainment on mobiles should work as a quick shot of adrenaline something creative and fun which can be enjoyed and used while on the move. Mobile handsets are the smallest stage for entertainment imaginable; it has to work in a very basic manner. There is no space for anything but the important stuff the good idea. Its exciting to be working with MTVNI on the animations and we value the experience they have in the digital space.
WULFFMORGENTHALER joins MTVNIs other made-for-mobile content, such as HEAD AND BODY, produced in partnership with Motorola. MTVNI has 20 mobile TV channels in 19 countries: 13 MTV, four Nickelodeon, one Paramount Comedy, one Game One and one VIVA.
Animations are available in French, German, Italian, Spanish and English. Territories include:
* UK, Mobile TV on the MTV Snax loop with Vodafone and 3
* Germany, Mobile TV with T-Mobile, Vodafone D2 and 02 Germany and on VOD including animations, wallpapers and themes with T-Mobile, Vodafone D2, 02 Germany, E-Plus, wap.mtv.de, handy.viva.tv
* Austria, Mobile TV with Drei
* France, Mobile TV with Vodafone and VOD with Orange, SFR and Boygues Telecom
* Italy on Mobile TV with TIM and Vodafone and VOD with Wind
* USA, SVOD on all MTV mobile video distribution partners
* Latin America, VOD with Netpeople
* Australia, operators to be confirmed
* Singapore, Mobile TV with Singtel, Starhub, M1 and VOD with Starhub
MTV Networks International includes the premier multimedia entertainment brands MTV: Music Television, VH1, Nickelodeon, TMF (The Music Factory), VIVA, Flux, Paramount Comedy, Game One and IFILM. MTV Networks' brands are seen in 480 million households in 171 countries and 28 languages via 122 locally programmed and operated TV channels and 100 websites. The company's diverse holdings also include interests in television syndication, digital media, publishing, home video, radio, recorded music, licensing & merchandising and two feature film divisions, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. MTV Networks is a unit of Viacom Inc.
Wulffmorgenthaler ApS is an international provider of entertainment content across all technological platforms. The company is most renowned for its Daily Comic Strip, which is displayed in numerous respected newspapers around Europe and on the companys website, www.wulffmorgenthaler.com, which has more than 20,000 daily unique visitors. Anders Morgenthalers feature film debut, a full-length animated film, PRINCESS, was presented at this years Cannes Film Festival.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
