'Olivia' Children's Books Get Animation Treatment

Nickelodeon continues to look towards their youngest audience members for what's new, fresh and most importantly, adaptable, for the world television market. The cable group recently announced their plans to co-produce a new animated television program based on a children's book series published by Simon & Schuster (Children's). The book series, Olivia, which is written and illustrated by Ian Falconer, treats readers to the everyday adventures in creativity of a fun little piggy named Olivia.

Olivia emanates a familiar creative drive found in many preschoolers; she won't take "no" for an answer, is always working to develop her own signature style, and loves to make noise. Ian Falconer's picture books benefit from the author's well-regarded experience as a professional illustrator and artist, often rendering the piglet's singing, dancing and other forms of free expression quite clear, through generous shades of blues or reds. Developing and producing an animated television series based on Olivia will be no small task, but with the minimalist artwork and genuine (and at times autobiographical) simplicity of the storytelling of the original publications, the transition may feel more natural than anticipated.

"Olivia is one of Simon & Schuster's most important franchise series and we are both excited and confident that the Chorion and Nickelodeon collaboration will result in a first class show that is on par with the level of excellence that readers and fans associate with Olivia," Rick Richter, the President and Publisher of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, commented in a press note.

Nickelodeon has announced that they will be partnering with the children's entertainment producers of Chorion to produce twenty-six half-hour episodes. The children's books have sold some six million copies to date, and Nick is hoping that the cartoon, scheduled for broadcast next spring, will be equally as popular.

Simon & Schuster, naturally, is already planning a massive merchandise tie-in, slated to roll-out by late 2009, which will reportedly include new coloring books to a variety of other items, published from the book publisher's children's imprints.

Olivia will be a computer animated series, similarly aimed at the preschool viewers and their parents and/or caretakers. Animation production will be handled by Dublin, Ireland-based Brown Bag Films (Noddy). Keen on recreating little Olivia's knack for being a little bit theatrical and a lot of bit charming, the CG television series has the goal of exhibiting just how great it must be, to be six-years-old. Olivia will be aired on Nickelodeon (United States) and Channel 5 (UK). The series is directed by Darragh O'Connell.

on Nickelodeon: Nick Jr. is a specially designed programming block airing on Nickelodeon weekdays from 9 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Curriculum based, fun and commercial free, at Nick Jr., kids play to learn with innovative, original shows created just for them. Nickelodeon, now in its 29th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does.

on Chorion: Chorion is a leading provider of quality family entertainment for the global marketplace. Chorion brings a combination of brand management savvy and creative vision to the development of classic literary copyrights across all media. Chorion's portfolio includes classic children's brands such as Mr. Men and Little Miss, Beatrix Potter, Paddington, Noddy, and OLIVIA.