Netflix orders first French toon

Oggy Oggy has a budget of US$22m across its first two seasons

Netflix has ordered its first French animated original series, striking a deal with Xilam for the preschool spin-off from its hit Oggy & the Cockroaches franchise.

Oggy Oggy, which also marks Xilam’s first CGI animated series, was announced earlier this year. As part of the deal with the global streamer, Xilam retains global second-window linear TV distribution and merchandising rights to the show.

Xilam said earlier this year that the show would have a budget of US$22m across its first two seasons. The preschool comedy finds cat Oggy freed from the ceaseless tyranny of the cockroaches and living in a fantasy world inhabited by vibrant community of cats.

Oggy Oggy joins Netflix’s expansive offering of originals for two- to six-year-olds, which includes series such as Ask the StoryBots, Chip & Potato, Mighty Little Bheem, Motown Magic, Super Monsters and True & the Rainbow Kingdom.

Other previously announced Netflix preschool originals that will launch soon include DreamWorks’ Archibald’s Next Big Thing, Go! Go! Cory Carson and Chico Bon Bon.

“Xilam is one of France’s most prolific producers, having developed a distinct expertise in non-dialogue animated comedy for kids. We’re certain Oggy’s kindness and sweet charm will warm the hearts of preschoolers everywhere,” said Dominique Bazay, director of kids and family international originals at Netflix.

Xilam Animation CEO Marc du Pontavice added: “With this new development of our successful series Oggy & the Cockroaches, Xilam intends to establish the Oggy universe as one of the most important franchises for the preschool target audience.”

Oggy & the Cockroaches recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. So far, 350 episodes of the animated series have been produced, while its presence online is growing.

The deal marks Xilam’s latest collaboration with Netflix, which is set to launch its multi award-winning animated feature I Lost My Body on November 29.