Tag Archives: animated content

Global animation studio Snipple launches UK-based division Snipple Originals

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The global animation studio, Snipple, is to launch a new, UK-based internationally-focused division and team devoted to the development of long-form animated content for audiences around the globe.

Called Snipple Originals, the launch coincides with news that Snipple has secured a £6million investment from BGF – the UK’s most active investor – that will see it take a minority share in the business as it fuels its global growth.

Under the leadership of London-based CEO, Kaine Patel along with co- founders, studio director Jonathan Tinsay and creative director Romy Gacia, Philippines-based Snipple Animation has worked with some of the biggest broadcast networks globally, including the likes of Warner Bros., Disney, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, and more.

Its portfolio of animation work boasts some of the world’s best loved evergreens such as Where’s Waldo? Dora And Friends: Into the City! Animaniacs, Green Eggs and Ham, Ducktales, Be Cool Scooby Doo, Phineas and Ferb, and more.

The company is now realising its ambition to launch an original production arm, drawing on its wealth of knowledge, talent and expertise. As well as its close relationships with global broadcasters and in-depth understanding of what they look for.

The operation will be led by award winning producer Karina Stanford-Smith, appointed as animation development director. Karina’s 30 years’ experience includes working with industry giants Disney, Nickelodeon, Amazon, CBBC, CITV, Zodiak Kids, Milkshake and The Jim Henson Company. She will report directly to Kaine Patel.

Meanwhile, the award-winning Vincent James has been appointed as creative director. His experience includes BBC, Nickelodeon, ITV, Children’s TV Workshop and Dreamworks. Simon Godfrey joins as Creative Development Producer, having worked with companies including Amazon, Coolabi, The Jim Henson company and Zodiak Kids.

Snipple Originals is open for business and ready to present its first content slate of five shows to potential broadcasters, streamers and IP partners.

The slate kicks off with Peeled Prawn & Shaved Sheep, a comedy action adventure series aimed at six to 12 year olds starring a sheep and prawn combo who join forces to fight crime. It is joined by Snö, a magical adventure series for four to seven-year-olds set in the far far North.

Cassidy’s Castle is a metaphysical mystery series for six to 12-year-olds about dreams, doors and destiny, while Wise Island Woohoos is an environmental edu-tainment series aimed at three to six-year-olds. Finally, Trippin’ is an over 18s comedy series based around a high octane and extremely offensive US road trip.

Karina Stanford-Smith, said: “It is so exciting to draw on the huge talent and expertise of Snipple and to have the freedom to create and develop home grown ideas. We have the perfect team in place to produce high-quality global hits that audiences will love.

“The Snipple Originals development team have been working together for 30 years in various guises. We have a chemistry that has allowed us to hit the ground running; now bringing a varied slate of projects to the table.”

Snipple Group CEO, Kaine Patel, added: “It has been a dream for me to expand Snipple into the world of original content. It’s the perfect expression of our creativity and heritage as a studio. Animation is really having a moment right now and I can’t wait to start talking to potential broadcast partners and bring them on our journey.”

Hello Kitty finds her voice as Sanrio launches first short form animated series to YouTube

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Sanrio has launched a new short form YouTube animated series called Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures, a move that brings its globally popular Hello Kitty brand to animated content in a partnership with Split Studio.

Each episode in the YouTube series will catapult audiences into the world of Hello Kitty and her friends My Melody, Keroppi, Badtz-Maru, Pompompurin, and Kuromi as they embark on adventures in the world of Sanrio. Hello Kitty and Friends will share and showcase their unique personalities, going outside of their comfort zones to experience and learn new things.

Hello Kitty will lead her friends in helping each other overcome everyday obstacles and learn that through the power of great friendship, humor and fun, they can accomplish anything.

“Sanrio has always taken immense pride in its commitment to friendship, kindness and inclusivity, making the debut of the Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures animation series remarkably special during our 60th anniversary year,” said Jill Koch, senior vice president of sales and business development at Sanrio.

“Now, our fans and viewers will be able to engage and relate with our characters more closely than ever. We can’t wait to share their sweet stories and see them come to life as never seen before.”

Shaene Siders, story editor and head writer of Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures, added: “As a longtime fan of the brand, it’s an honor to give Hello Kitty a voice. Each episode will take viewers through fun and magical adventures that are relevant to today’s audience while highlighting Sanrio’s lovable characters and their unique personalities. It’s a series my daughter and I will enjoy watching together.”

Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures is the first YouTube animated series developed for the US audience that chronicles the adventures of Hello Kitty and her friends living and interacting in a shared universe. The first episode of the series is set to go live on the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube channel on Monday, October 26 at 1PM PST.