COOLABI GROUP OPENS SCREAM STREET FOR PRODUCTION WITH MAJOR MEDIA PARTNERS
Skwigly
Leading international media group and rights owner, Coolabi, has commenced production on its brand new stop-motion animated series, Scream Street (52 x 11’), with co-production partner, animation studio, Factory TM.
Lead broadcaster CBBC is on board to air the fast-paced comedy-horror for 8-10 year olds in the UK. Coolabi has secured ZDF Enterprises as global TV distributor for the series (excluding the UK, US and Australia). ZDF Enterprises has also taken German licensing rights to the property.
Scream Street is being produced by Manchester-based Factory TM, which draws on a wealth of experience in stop-motion animation. Renowned puppet and model-makers Mackinnon & Saunders (Fantastic Mr. Fox, Frankenweenie) are creating the cast ensemble. CBBC will start airing the series in 2016, while select footage will be available for the first time at MIPCOM this year.
Written by Tommy Donbavand and published by Walker Books, Scream Street follows the story of Luke Watson: a regular teen apart from the werewolf gene! When the Government Housing of Unusual Lifeforms (G.H.O.U.L.) gets wind of Luke’s hairy habit, they transfer him and his parents to Scream Street – where surfer-dude zombies, sarcastic vampires, glamorous witches and just plain-bad monsters put a whole new spin on community spirit.
“Scream Street is a stylish, spooky comedy, full of wonderful characters that will have instant appeal for the older end of the CBBC audience. The style and pace promise to be like no other CBBC stop-frame animated show”,comments Cheryl Taylor, Controller CBBC.
Zoë Bamsey, Director of Production & Development, Coolabi, says: “Scream Street is a truly individual book series that we know will translate into a fantastic and funny animated show for TV. We’re excited to be working with such amazing partners to bring to life the books for existing fans and new audiences.”
Phil Chalk, MD of Factory TM adds: “The show is innovative and combines cutting edge digital technologies with stop-motion. We are looking forward to creating a genre busting show.”
Katharina Pietzsch, Director ZDFE.junior of ZDF Enterprises says: “We are delighted to be partnering up with CBBC, Coolabi and Factory TM on this fantastic project and look very much forward to bringing the show to partners and markets worldwide. With its super cool look, great storylines and humour, it will appeal to kids and their families all over the globe.”
The Walker Books-created thirteen-book series is already a publishing hit with kids globally and has secured a growing fan base since the launch of the first title in 2008. Fans include authors Darren Shan and Philip Reeve, who describes Scream Street as ‘Like Harry Potter with extra bite!’The books have already sold into territories including USA, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Russia and Sweden. Helen McAleer, Director at Walker Productions, Walker Books’ production division, is an Executive Producer for the television series.