'Mouk' Preschool Animation Licensing News

The international rollout and global licensing prospects of a preschool property are often among said property's earliest marginalia when in development. Few titles, perhaps, can make the claim to being as well geared toward international audiences from the onset as Mouk, a preschool animation from Millimages (Paris, France), whose characters spend most if not all of their time exploring foreign cultures. A relatively recent production, Mouk continues to travel, recently acquiring new licensing support in northern and central European territories.

Mouk and Chavapa are two buddies who love to travel. The excitement of going someplace new, meeting someone knew, and learning something new, is what drives these two kids. Frequently revealing their cross-continental finds to friends and relatives via webcam, Mouk and Chavapa are out to discover crowded markets, serene landscapes, and everywhere else their little bicycles will take them. Mouk (62x11; 30x1) was originally commissioned by France Televisions and Disney UK. The cartoon now airs on France 5 (France), KiKa (Germany), ABC TV (Australia), and multiple Disney Channel networks across the heart of Europe.

This past month, Millimages inked a few licensing agreements, the first of which was an exclusive licensing and merchandizing program with Atlantyca Entertainment, covering Italy. According to press notes from the Milan, Italy-based publisher, the Mouk cartoon is ideal for expansion into stationary, home wears, novelty items, children's apparel, and much more. Considering the animated series is based on a line of picture books (by Paris-based artist Mark Boutavant), the transition to new media should go smoothly.

"Atlantyca is always drawn to book-based properties that have such strong character appeal and whose creative storytelling captures the imagination of children everywhere," Rachele Geraci, Licensing Manager, Atlantyca Entertainment, commented. "Mouk is such a wonderfully innovative property, we are so thrilled to be working with Millimages and look forward to developing licensing campaigns throughout Italy that will enhance the fun of Mouk's wordly adventures even further."

From exotic islands to the barren outback, and from inner cities in North America to economically hampered savannas of western Africa, Mouk and Chavapa go everywhere and see everything. Mouk is a 2D Flash-animated program that incorporates Boutavant's warm and colorful style into each and every adventure with heart and energy.

Earlier this week, Millimages gained a partner with Early Bird Licensing (Stockholm, Sweden) to account for a growing consumer base in the Nordic countries. Early Bird Licensing is a full-service consulting agency on brand management, strategy, and implementation. The company anticipates a growing roster of representatives for the animated series in the coming months.

"We are very pleased to represent Mouk. It is such a lovely and likeable property," Louise Lindquist, partner, Early Bird Licensing, commented. "Aside from being a great, high-quality TV series for preschoolers, the artwork and design is absolutely gorgeous and highly suitable for a number of product categories even outside the core target group."

Recent 'Mouk' Animation News:
"TV Animation Sales News: End of Winter 2012" at AnimationInsider.net (03/2012)