• 39 new 7 minute Flash animated adventures
• The unstoppable noodle delivery girl is back and anything can happen!
• Pucca phenomenon continues with worldwide TV sales
Amsterdam, The Netherlands and London, UK – Jetix Europe has commissioned Studio B Productions®, one of Canada’s leading animation studios, to produce a second series of Pucca. Work on the 39 x 7”, Flash animated series starts in October and is scheduled to air on Jetix Europe from 2008.

Funny love and kung-fu kicks abound as feisty Pucca returns for more wok-fried fun in the second series. Simple stories explode into wild fiascos at the drop of a noodle as Pucca pursues her true love, Garu, the long-suffering ninja.

The new series transports audiences back to the rich and crazy world of Sooga Village, whose array of quirky inhabitants include ‘Ring Ring’ the jealous Beijing Opera singer and ‘Abyo’ who can’t resist ripping off his shirt like Bruce Lee! The new series will bring more globetrotting adventures and time-travel plots, including episodes set in London, Rio and Planet Funnylove.

Both the new and the first 78 x 7” Pucca series have been developed by Jetix Europe, based on characters created by Korean company Vooz Co. Ltd., also a series co-producer. The first series was also produced by Studio B and is currently rolling out on Jetix Europe’s channels and Jetix platforms worldwide. These include the Jetix block on Toon Disney channels in the USA and Japan – having been acquired by ABC CNG – as well as the three Jetix channels in Latin America. In addition, Jetix UK and Jetix Netherlands have been trialling a VOD service for Pucca via their websites since July 2006.

In addition to Jetix platforms worldwide, Pucca has been licensed by free-to-air broadcasters in fourteen territories to date, including Spain (Antena 3), Italy (RAI) and Australia (Ch7). Buena Vista International Television services the distribution of Pucca and all other series in Jetix Europe's programming portfolio.

Paul Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Jetix Europe, says:
“Pucca is a unique fusion of classic cartoon values with a truly original, modern style thanks to the combined talents of creators Vooz and animators Studio B. We are keen to create new adventures for Pucca to extend the franchise for our channels and businesses. Studio B did a terrific job on the first series and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them.”

Chris Bartleman, Partner, Studio B Productions Inc. says:
“We’re excited about this announcement and are eager to start work on Season 2 of Pucca. Not only does the series have a loyal audience, there is also a bit of a cult following here at Studio B. Everyone wants to work on it!”

The first series (episode “A Force of Won”) received nominations for the Annecy Festival 2006 in the TV series category and for the Prix Jeunesse Awards 2006 in the Animation category. Pucca won two 2006 British Columbia Leo Awards for Best Screenwriting in an Animation Program or Series and Best Overall Sound in an Animation Program or Series. Pucca also received four Elan nominations at the Canadian Awards for the Electronic & Animated Arts and is nominated for the Best TV Series for Children category at the Bradford Animation Festival 2006.

Pucca consumer products enjoy mainstream success throughout the world, particularly within Korea and Asia where the number of Pucca branded stores are expected to reach 86 by the end of 2006 and there are over 3,000 different Pucca products available. Pucca has won the prestigious Korean Character Award four times, including 2006.

The Pucca licensing and marketing programme for Europe and the Middle East is managed by JCP (Jetix Consumer Products) who have secured over 100 key partners for mainly teen focused products. JCP is looking to maintain the momentum of Pucca with an emphasis on categories such as plush, fashion apparel, stationary and gifts. In 2007, Pucca Travel books will be produced in France and Spain, with other new publications in the pipeline.

Agents have been appointed in several territories: Black and White for Greece, Lisans LDI for Turkey and Plus Licens for Scandinavia, CEE and Russia.

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