Viacom extends Nick’s China partnership

MIPCOM: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has launched the Nickelodeon Chinese Animation Development Project here in Cannes.

Supported by China’s National Radio & Television Administration, the inaugural project is aimed at encouraging new animation coproductions in and with China.

The first initiative is the confirmation of another collaboration deal with online video platform iQiyi to develop the second season of original children’s animation series Deer Run.

This move follows VIMN’s on-going strategic partnership with iQiyi. Last year, the two agreed to develop Deer Run, which marks the first time Nickelodeon Asia has signed up to take a Chinese original on its network from the conception phase.

The new project will see VIMN invest in up to two Chinese animations per year for the next five years.

With Nickelodeon supplying creative guidance and supervision, VIMN will also explore the licensing potential of completed projects outside China, after production is finished.

These projects could include the development of new animation titles, new seasons of existing Chinese toons or the creation of Chinese versions of Nickelodeon’s existing animation properties.