APC Kids, the children’s entertainment distribution company of boutique co-producer/distributor About Premium Content, is launching its own Paris-based production company: Zephyr Animation. The new studio will be headed by APC Kids partners Lionel Marty, Emmanuelle Guilbart and Laurent Boissel.
David Sauerwein, former head writer, story editor and script doctor for Xilam and Ubisoft, is coming on board as Chief Creative Officer to oversee and manage all projects created and produced by the company.
Zephyr will develop its own projects, as well as co-develop and co-produce with partners around the world. The studio’s mission for all titles are to express originality through strong characters and special attention to storytelling, with an emphasis on international sales potential. The studio will take on projects for a range target audiences, across all genres.
The first project on the slate is CG comedy Adoonga, from South Korean studio Vooz (Pucca). Zephyr and Vooz will co-develop and co-produce, with APC Kids handling global distribution and licensing rights outside Asia and Latin America.
Adoonga (52 x 11’, Kids 8-11) is the story of a young, good-hearted and adventurous gorilla who tries to make it in the big city. Along with his new friends, they seize every opportunity to hone their talents and skills, while also trying to survive in the concrete jungle. They may fail, and sometimes even wreak havoc, but they always have fun and learn something new in the process.
Three additional projects will be announced following Cartoon Forum and ahead of MIPCOM.
“As we continue to build our portfolio of animated properties it seemed the ideal time to set up our own production company,” said Lionel Marty, Managing Director of APC Kids. “With David joining the team we are looking forward to developing and producing more of our own shows, as well as working with leading producers from around the globe. We are excited to be working with Vooz on Adoonga, the first show to be made at Zephyr Animation!”
David Sauerwein added: “I am very proud and thrilled to be joining the wonderful team at Zephyr to develop and produce exciting new shows. Adoonga is the perfect blend between slapstick action and sitcom that we think will appeal to kids all around the world. We’re very proud to make it our very first show.”
