Teletoon Orders To Production 26 Episodes Of ’Iggy Arbuckle’ From Blueprint Entertainment In Association With National Geographic Kids’ Programming And Production

Top Canadian Studio C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures Begins Animation Production

TORONTO, CANADA (March 20, 2006)--Toronto-based production company Blueprint Entertainment has completed a deal with TELETOON to air the new comedy-adventure animated series "Iggy Arbuckle" in Canada, it was announced today by John Morayniss, co-president of Blueprint Entertainment.

TELETOON has commissioned 26 half-hour episodes set to air in January 2007. The animated series is also available to the global marketplace as 52 x 11-minute episodes.

Animation production has already started at C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures, one of Canada’s leading animation studios, whose credits include "Planet Sketch" "The Save Ums" "Franny’s Feet" "Hoobs" and "Angela Anaconda" Myra Fried ("Braceface" "Fragglerock" "The Zack Files") and Steve Wright ("Risk" "Lilian’s Story") head the "Iggy Arbuckle" writing team.

Aimed at kids ages 6-11, "Iggy Arbuckle" follows the misadventures of a hiking, climbing, singing, thrill-seeking "nature-freak" pig and his faithful sidekick Jiggers, a high-spirited, fast-talking, industrious beaver. Together, the pair enjoy (and sometimes barely survive) incredible escapades in the Kookamunga wilderness as they brave hot, sticky swamps, tropical rain forests, off-kilter critters, eccentric wildlife and other natural phenomena that are anything but natural.

Blueprint Entertainment and Oasis International retain international distribution rights for "Iggy Arbuckle" and National Geographic Kids’ Programming and Production group holds U.S. distribution rights to the animated comedy adventure. MIPTV attendees may obtain multiple episode scripts, presales information and the 90-second demo for "Iggy Arbuckle" by visiting Oasis International stand #20.02 or the National Geographic stand #R29.40, or by contacting John Morayniss at (310) 358-3081 or Donna Friedman Meir at (310) 828-5222.

"We are thrilled to join with TELETOON in bringing ’Iggy Arbuckle’ to kid viewers across Canada. ’Iggy Arbuckle’ is our company’s first animated comedy-adventure series targeted to kids, and we are extremely proud to be associated with such high-profile and prestigious partners as TELETOON and National Geographic Kids’ Programming and Production group" said Morayniss.

"’Iggy Arbuckle,’ which debuted in our highly popular sister magazine National Geographic Kids, has captivated the imagination of kid programmers everywhere. Blueprint has succeeded in transforming the property into a high-energy comedy for kids and a must-have for kid broadcasters" said Donna Friedman Meir, president of National Geographic Kids’ Programming and Production.

"We are thoroughly delighted to welcome ’Iggy Arbuckle’ to TELETOON" said
Carole Bonneau, TELETOON’s vice president, programming. "Blueprint has brought to market a truly innovative and wonderfully spirited and outrageous comedy-adventure series that kids are sure to love"

About Blueprint Entertainment

BLUEPRINT ENTERTAINMENT is a television production company involved in the development, production, financing, packaging and exploitation of dynamic and innovative programming for the North American and International marketplace. Established in January of 2002, by its two principals, John Morayniss and Noreen Halpern, Blueprint Entertainment is a Canadian company with offices in Los Angeles and Toronto.

About National Geographic Kids’ Programming and Production

Based in Los Angeles, National Geographic Kids’ Programming and Production is an independent rights exploitation entity of National Geographic Television & Film (NGT&F). Established in 2003, NGT&F’s Kids’ group brings the renowned National Geographic brand to children’s entertainment through the development, production and/or exploitation of quality animated and live-action, entertainment-driven programming that excites kids to explore their world. NGT&F’s Kids’ group will work with all major broadcast outlets in the United States and abroad. For more information about National Geographic, go to nationalgeographic.com; AOL Keyword: NatGeo.

About C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures Inc.

The C.O.R.E. group of companies consists of three Toronto studios that produce computer animation and digital visual effects exclusively for the feature film and broadcast television markets. The company, headed by C.E.O. well-known actor/director William Shatner, began operations in 1994. During the past 12 years, C.O.R.E.’s artists have provided award-winning effects and animation for more than 100 feature films, television movies and series.

About TELETOON Canada Inc.

TELETOON is Canada’s first and only 24-hour-a-day animation station, and is intended for both children and adults. With English- and French-language services, the network offers viewers classic cartoons and new animation from Canada and around the world, including commissioned TELETOON Original Productions. Founded in 1997, TELETOON is owned by Canada’s Astral Media Inc (40%), Corus Entertainment Inc. (40%), and Cookie Jar Entertainment Inc (20%).

About Oasis International

Established in 1991, Oasis International is an integrated film and television distribution company with offices in Toronto and Los Angeles.

Contact Information

Liz Nickless

Media Contact

National Geographic

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