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Franklin emerges from shell in China

MIPCOM: A broadcaster in China has acquired Nelvana’s CGI-animated preschool series Franklin and Friends for its kids’ channel.

China’s state broadcaster Chinese Central Television (CCTV) has taken the 52×30′ toon about a turtle character and has already begun airing it on the CCTV Kids Channel (CCTV-14).

The broadcast deal follows Corus Entertainment-owned Nelvana’s content acquisition and representation deal with Beijing-based Ciwen Media Group.

The deal granted the Chinese firm exclusive distribution and merchandise representation rights to several Nelvana brands.

Franklin and Friends will now be available in 400 million households on CCTV Kids, said Colin Bohm, VP, television, head of Corus Kids.

“Franklin and Friends appeals to children across the globe, and its educational value transcends national boundaries,” said Sean Chu, VP of Ciwen Kids.

Coproduced by Canada’s Nelvana and Singapore’s Infinite Frameworks, the toon is based on the children’s book series by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark.

The series airs on Nickelodeon in the US, TF1 in France, and Corus preschool channel Treehouse in Canada.

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