Chorion Signs “Noddy in Toyland” Broadcast Deals

Chorion has signed its first two major broadcast deals with Five in the U.K. and France 5 for the new series of preschool favorite “Noddy.”

Based on the book by Enid Blyton, which has been in print continuously since 1949, “Noddy In Toyland” is currently in production and will broadcast, respectively, in spring and summer 2009 on Five’s preschool strand Milkshake! and on Les Zouzous on France 5.

The 52x11 minute CGI series is being animated by the Academy-award nominated Brown Bag Films with Ian Carney (“Shaun the Sheep” and “Chop Socky Chooks”) as head writer.

The latest “Noddy” series has a fresh animated style making the characters appear like real plush toys. Previous “Noddy” series have sold to over 130 territories. Chorion has recently signed a number of major licensing partners for the brand including NSR as master toy licensee, Spin Master as distributor in the U.K., Lansay in France and Bandai in Spain.

“Noddy” celebrates 60 years in 2009 and Chorion will kick off the celebrations in November with a consumer and retail marketing campaign leading up to the 2009 debut of the new TV series, an innovative toy range and a new live experience.