TF1 and Technicolor Animation Productions to co-produce the series "Monchhichi"

Boulogne, february 4, 2016

MONCHHICHI

TECHNICOLOR ANIMATION PRODUCTIONS AND FRANCE’S TF1 TO
CO-PRODUCE THE NEW CHILDREN’S CGI SERIES monchhichI IN
COLLABoRATION WITH Japan’s SEKIGUCHI

Technicolor Animation Productions, (formerly Ouido! Productions), has signed an agreement with France’s TF1 to co-produce the 52 x 11’ episode CGI series, Monchhichi, based on the iconic lovable plush that first debuted in 1974 from Japan’s Sekiguchi. The announcement was made today by Yann Labasque, Director of Youth Programmes, TF1 and Sandrine Nguyen, Co-Managing Director, Technicolor Animation Productions.

“It’s very exciting to be able to move forward with the production of Monchhichi following our development of the series with TF1,” commented Nguyen.  “Monchhichi will be produced for the first time in CG, inviting viewers to follow the Monchhichi on their magical adventures--creating pleasant dreams, while recognizing the positivity of individual differences and the value of teamwork.”

“Monchhichi is an iconic character who has been winning over fans for three generations, uniting a broad audience ranging from young boys and girls to adults with inspirational stories mixing emotions, positive values and adventures,” added Yann Labasque, TF1. “Monchhichi is the perfect hero for our upper preschool audience which we are certain will be equally enjoyed by their parents and grandparents alike.”

The lovable plush, Monchhichi, were born on 26 January 1974 in Tokyo, providing comfort for young children and continues to serve as a nostalgic reminder for older age groups. Over 70 million dolls plus accessories have been sold in over 40 countries to date. 

“I am thrilled to announce the new Monchhichi TV series, added Sekiguchi Chairman, Koichi Sekiguchi.  “Monchhichi found his way through the years without a wrinkle. He is still delivering the same message of peace and love and will always be here to share his owner’s joys and sorrows. This new animation series will help Monchhichi to pursue his mission. We are happy to collaborate with both Technicolor Animation Productions and TF1 to make it happen.”

Technicolor Animation Productions is the production arm of Technicolor’s Animation and Games team, producing animated content. The team has a proven track record of bringing fan-favorite characters to screens across the globe. Technicolor Animation Productions will handle all artistic direction and production of the new series in close collaboration with the company Sekiguchi.

PGS Entertainment is the international media distribution partner for the property.

About Technicolor

Technicolor, a worldwide technology leader in the media and entertainment sector, is at the forefront of digital innovation. Our world-class research and innovation laboratories enable us to lead the market in delivering advanced video services to content creators and distributors. We also benefit from an extensive intellectual property portfolio focused on imaging and sound technologies, based on a thriving licensing business. Our commitment: supporting the delivery of exciting new experiences for consumers in theaters, homes and on-the-go. Euronext Paris (TCH); USA  (OTCQX: TCLRY). www.technicolor.com

About Technicolor Animation Productions (formerly OuiDO Productions):

Headed by Co-Managing Directors Sandrine Nguyen and Boris Hertzog, Paris-based Technicolor Animation Productions produces animated series adapted from well-known national and international licenses: Alvinnnn! & the Chipmunks (52 x 13’) for M6 co-produced by Bagdasarian Productions; Sonic  Boom (52 x 11’) for Gulli, Canal J and CN (USA) co-produced by SEGA; Mini Wolf, season 2 (52 x 7’) for France Télévision. Technicolor Animation Productions is also producing, in collaboration with TF1 and Canal J, an adaptation of The Legendaires (26 x 22’), a comic book published by Editions Delcourt, and intends to pursue its acquisition of audiovisual adaptation rights for licences or original properties.  Technicolor acquired the French independent animation company OuiDo Productions in February 2015. 

About Sekiguchi

Founded in 1918 by Mr. & Mrs. Sekiguchi, Sekiguchi is a 100% private family owned company specialized in doll manufacturing. Sekiguchi’s head office is located in Tokyo, Japan, at the same place where it all started. Mr. Sekiguchi’s grandfather first manufactured celluloid toys, a material that made it possible to create many forms--such as heads, bodies, legs and arms--which allowed the start of production of dolls. Born in 1935, Koichi Sekiguchi joined his father's company after attending university. In the early 70s, Koichi Sekiguchi had the ambition to create a product that delivered the message “a doll is gift from an angel,”and the idea of Monchhichi was born!

About TF1

TFOU, TF1’s children’s programming slots, is the favorite TV viewing of kids 4-10 in France. It broadcasts about 750 hours of programmes every year. Content ranges from animated series, short programmes and magazines to games and special events. Clear leader in children’s programmes in France, TFOU has made a very good year 2015 with an average of 24% viewing share vs 23.3% in 2014.

TF1 is France’s leading private-sector free-to-air TV broadcaster, with four freeview channels (TF1, TMC, NT1 and HD1) alongside an innovative digital offering with MYTF1. The group also broadcasts a number of targeted theme channels on pay-TV: LCI, TV Breizh, Histoire, Ushuaïa and Serieclub. TF1 has developed a broad range of spin-off activities associated with its core business, such as home shopping and licensing.