23 Apr 09

Coolabi secures co-production deal

for Dead Normal (wt)

London, UK (Thursday 23 April 2009): Top UK children’s television producer, Coolabi Productions Ltd, today announced an exciting co-production deal with partner Burberry Productions Pty Ltd in Australia, and a raft of international broadcast deals for live action, comedy drama series, Dead Normal (wt).

Deals have been signed with CBBC, ABC Australia and Nickelodeon Germany.  The series is to be supported by Screen Australia and Film Victoria with CAKE Entertainment taking on the international distribution.  

The series, created by the award winning writer, Barbara Slade, follows the adventures of three beautiful, outrageous, strong-willed and sassy teenage sisters; Rebecca, Sophie and Hazel – who just happen to be ghosts. However the sisters refuse to let their ‘situation’ get in the way and armed with teenage determination, not to mention more than a few tricks up their sleeve, the three ghostly girls step into a series filled with fun and adventure.

Anne Gilchrist, Controller CBBC said: “Dead Normal (wt) is a brand new drama for CBBC. It is fun and funny - a ghostly take on school life and with three strong female leads it will make a strong impact in the CBBC portfolio. ”

Tim Brooke-Hunt , Executive Head of Children's Content at ABC Australia commented: "I have believed in this series from the moment Julian Scott introduced the concept.  I am delighted that it will be co-produced by Ewan Burnett and shot entirely in Australia.  Both Carla de Jong and I are proud to add a comedy of this quality and distinction to ABC's line-up for 2010."

Julian Scott, Head of Children’s Programming at Coolabi, commented: “We have brought together a strong calibre of companies to work on this exciting new product. This is a significant deal for Coolabi and very much in line with our business plan – very strong IP in partnership with A-list production partners and top global broadcasters."

Burberry’s Ewan Burnett (co-producer), added: “Burberry Productions are thrilled to be working with Coolabi to produce this exciting series.  Through our broadcast and distribution partners, we look forward to sharing the delightful adventures of our three ghosts with kids around the world.”

Oliver Schablitzki, Vice President, Nick Germany, said; "We are thrilled to be TV partner on this highly promising production. Dead Normal (wt) will be a crucial show for us to sustain the growth of NICK as the leading TV channel for kid’s live-action in Germany. Dead Normal (wt) combines strong concept and unique characters and complements perfectly our slate of social comedy shows like Neds Declassified, Drake & Josh and iCarly.”

Coolabi has completed a recent run of successful deals including a rights deal with Joel Gotler of the Hollywood based Intellectual Property Group on behalf of The Viney Agency.  The deal covers the dramatic rights for novelist Chris Bradford’s Young Samurai children’s books.  Coolabi has also announced the production of series two of the hit animation The Large Family for Cbeebies in the UK and TF1 in France.

***ENDS***

For further information, please contact:

Elena Kemp / Melissa Brookes

Premier PR

Tel: +44 (0)20 7292 8331 / 8354

Email: elena.kemp@premierpr.com / melissa.brookes@premierpr.com