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Five commissions new Rupert series UK terrestrial Five has secured broadcast rights to the new animated television series of Rupert and Friends (52x10'), following a deal with rights owner Entertainment Rights (ER).  The new series (left), produced by animation studio Cosgrove Hall, will appear in Five's preschool block, Milkshake, from autumn 2006. The latest deal follows ER's acquisition of the controlling rights to Rupert the Bear from Express newspapers in October. Under the deal, the Express, which has published Rupert comic strips since 1920, retains a 33.33% interest in the brand and the right to continue with its strips, while ER gets worldwide in-perpetuity audio-visual, licensing and merchandising, publishing, live-event and new-media rights. The new series combines stop-frame animation and 3D CGI. New characters such as Ping Pong, Ming and Miranda the Mermaid join established characters Rupert, Bill Badger, Edward Trunk and Raggety the Tree Elf. Mike Heap, CEO of ER, said: "We believe that Five is the perfect home for Rupert. Today's announcement represents a significant programming commission from Five and demonstrates its commitment to the Rupert the Bear brand, which will become a key part of its children's schedule." ER also owns the rights to Postman Pat, He-Man and Masters of the Universe, Basil Brush and The Tweenies. The firm will roll out a consumer products online and DVD release campaign based on Rupert in 2007. Jules Grant 9 Jan 2006 © C21 Media 2006 
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