9 Story Media Group and GO-N enter into option agreement to develop and co-produce new BEWITCHED animated series
Toronto, Canada – February 7, 2018 – 9 Story Media Group and GO-N Productions are pleased to announce that they have entered into an option agreement to develop and co-produce a new animated series based on the classic live action series, BEWITCHED. Under the terms of the agreement, 9 Story and GO-N will also control worldwide distribution while 9 Story will control the majority of merchandising and licensing rights for the series.
The original BEWITCHED television series starred Elizabeth Montgomery as a witch married to an ordinary mortal and chronicled the way her powers and her supernatural family get in the way of her efforts to live a normal, magic-free life. The series aired on ABC from 1964 to 1972 and became the longest-running supernatural-themed sitcom of the era. The show continues to be seen around the world in syndication, and has inspired several spinoffs as well as a movie adaptation. The new 22-minute animated television series will be reimagined for a 6-11 year old audience, with strong family co-viewing appeal.
“BEWITCHED is one of the most beloved television series of all time,” said Vince Commisso, President & CEO for 9 Story Media Group. “It spoke to universal messages about acceptance and diversity, and people fell in love with the characters. We are thrilled to work with GO-N to reimagine this adored classic, and bring it to new audiences worldwide.”
“The opening credits of “Bewitched” were animated: could this have been a sign of things to come?,” said Eric Garnet, Producer and Co-Founder for GO-N. “We are thrilled to be working on the animated adaptation of this monument of popular television culture. The winning combination of magic, a thoroughly modern heroine, iconic artistic direction, sparkling wit & universal humour all remain intact. The challenge to retain and respect the precious DNA of the show is an exciting challenge that we are happy to share with the 9 Story team. We are completely under the spell and truly “bewitched!”
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About 9 Story Media Group
9 Story Media Group is a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family focused intellectual property. Its award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films, is recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Octonauts, Wild Kratts, Peter Rabbit and The Magic School Bus: Rides Again. The company’s international distribution arm, 9 Story Distribution International, represents 2,700 half-hours of animated and live-action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. With facilities in Toronto, New York, Dublin and Manchester, the 9 Story Media group of companies employ over 600 creative and corporate staff.
www.9story.com
About GO-N
For over 10 years, GO-N Productions has been fully dedicated to the creation of high quality animation for kids and the exploitation of its own properties across all media platforms.
Internationally renowned as a pioneer in animation production and distribution, Paris-based GO-N Productions has maintained its independence, meticulous attention to detail and a nurturing approach to in-house artists and creatives.
The fully autonomous animation studio houses a world-class pool of resident creative directors and graphic designers who are widely recognized within the animation business community – this winning combination has enabled GO-N to partner, co-produce, develop and produce with the most reputable companies worldwide.
GO-N has expanded international distribution team in order to develop an extensive network of influential International partners such as France Télévisions, TF1 and Lagardère in France, BBC & BBC Worldwide in the UK, SuperRTL and KIKA in Germany, TVE in Spain, Cartoon Network EMEA, Disney Channels worldwide, Netflix and many more.
GO-N Productions properties span all genres of kids programmes:
– Pre-school: The Large Family and SIMON
– Comedy Cartoon: Commander Clark, Zip Zip and Tib & Tumtum
– Sitcom: Lou! and Tootuff
For further information:
Jennifer Ansley, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, 9 Story Media Group
+1 416 530-9900 ext 230, jennifer.ansley@9story.com