Xilam develops preschool Oggy spin-off

Oggy Oggy is Xilam’s first CGI series

French animation studio Xilam Animation has developed a preschool comedy spin-off from its hit property Oggy & the Cockroaches.

Oggy Oggy (156×7′), Xilam’s first CGI animated series, will have a global budget of US$22m across its first two seasons.

Due to begin production next summer, the two-year project will see a team of 150 people actively working on the production in Xilam’s studios, with the first season expected to launch in late 2020 and the second season the following year.

The show will follow the adventures of the titular character, along with the cockroaches, in his youth as an eager and enthusiastic kitten.

Xilam is planning to produce at least half of its future slate in CGI, with most of the work set to take place at its animation studio in Angouleme in France.

The firm added that it had already begun a licensing strategy for Oggy Oggy, with a large consumer products programme across key categories including toys, apparel and homeware planned.

Marc Du Pontavice, CEO of Xilam Animation, said: “The brand’s heritage and cross-generational appeal means it is perfectly positioned to expand into the preschool arena. We’re confident Oggy Oggy’s heartfelt storylines, which are brimming with imagination and fantasy, along with the show’s adorable visual style, will resonate with young audiences and their families around the world.”

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.