31 Jan 08

Leading children’s television producer Coolabi Productions Ltd today announced the commission of new animated series Poppy Cat for Nickelodeon UK’s award winning pre-school channel Nick Jr.

The 52 x 11’ animated series is Coolabi’s first original commission for Nickelodeon, although two series of Coolabi’s hit animation King Arthur’s Disasters were picked up last year by Nick Jr, where they found a strong fan-base.   

Poppy Cat is inquisitive, excitable, and energetic character, already loved by pre-schoolers – since being published in 2002 the books by Lara Jones have sold over 1.7 million copies in Europe, Asia and Latin America.  

Due to air in late 2009 the animated series will use a multi-plane technique to mirror the pop-up feel of the books.

Julian Scott, Head of Children’s Programming for Coolabi, commented; “Poppy Cat is a fantastic and loveable character, who we know appeals to pre-school kids across the world.  We’re convinced that her existing fans, as well as loads of new ones, will fall in love with her on-screen incarnation, and its great to be continuing Coolabi’s relationship with Nickelodeon in bringing her to life.” 

Debbie MacDonald, Programming Director for Nickelodeon UK, continued; “There is a brilliant creative team with a great track record behind Poppy Cat, and we at Nickelodeon are hugely excited to be working with Coolabi in recreating such a popular character for the small screen.”

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For further information, please contact:

Louise Foglia

Premier PR

Tel: +44 (0)20 7292 7314

Email: louise.foglia@premierpr.com

Notes to Editors:

• The Poppy Cat deal with Nick Jr follows Coolabi’s recent Cbeebies success of The Large Family and its development deal with Disney Channel’s London based Global Original Programming hub for The Shaila Show.

About Coolabi Productions Ltd / Coolabi plc

Coolabi Productions Ltd is part of Coolabi plc (COO:L)  the AIM-listed company specialising in the ownership, development, production and creative management of high quality children's and family intellectual property assets and their global exploitation through licensing and merchandising and distribution. 

The group owns or controls the intellectual property rights to international brands including Purple Ronnie, as well as selected rights to properties such as the Hammer House of Horror.

In October 2007 Coolabi plc acquired Indie Kids Ltd, a boutique production company responsible for a variety of hit shows including The Large Family and Fungus the Bogeyman for CBBC and The Worst Witch for CiTV

Coolabi is actively looking to increase the number and range of intellectual property assets that it owns, develops and manages.  Whilst a proportion of this growth will come from the development of Coolabi’s existing development slate, the majority will be as a result of the group’s acquisition strategy. 

http://www.coolabi.com