U.K. independent Tiger Aspect Productions (TAP) has created a new animation division and upped Claudia Lloyd, former creative director of comedy and entertainment at Tiger Aspect, to head of animation. With the creation of an animation division, TAP is pursuing an active animation development slate. Currently, producer Chris Skala is developing EARTH KID, a series to be co-produced with Cartoon Pizza for the 6-12 year old age group. Lloyd would like TAP to produce only two or three mainstream or childrens and family specials or series per year. "Any of the great animated comedy shows like THE SIMPSONS come down to a good premise, great scriptwriting and fantastic performer and artistic talent," said Lloyd. "At Tiger Aspect we can produce the scripts and attract the talent but we cant draw for toffee. One of the most exciting prospects of moving into animation is teaming up with some of the best animation talent from around the world. The opportunities for creativity in animation excites writers and performers and were lucky to be well connected in both arenas." Just into production for BBC ONE is BOSOM PALS, two half-hour animated comedy specials inspired by the paintings of Beryl Cook. The animation work will be directed by Ginger Gibbons in London and produced in Budapest by Varga Group. Also in production is the £10 million plus BEAN THE ANIMATED SERIES. These 26 half-hours for ITV star Rowan Atkinson as the hapless Mr. Bean in a brand new series of animated adventures. Atkinson was closely involved in the creation of the series, voiced Mr. Bean and was filmed for every script in order that the animators could capture the characters unique movement.
