Global kids and family content distributor Jetpack Distribution has acquired the rights for the new animated series Kung Fu Pork Choppers from global licensing company Centa IP. The deal comprises two seasons of 52 x 11-minute episodes of the CGI animated comedy-action-adventure aimed at four- to eight-year olds.
“This toon is genuinely hilarious! And will have kids across the globe squealing with delight!” Jetpack’s Global Director of Acquisitions & Development, Gillian Calvert-Ridge, enthused. “It’s been a number one hit in China for many years now and has all the attributes kids love, tonnes of humour, adventure and action – all with a strong porcine theme! . We’re very proud to present this at MIPCOM. And we’re certain kids beyond China are going to love it!”
The original series GG Bond (inspired by the Chinese for “Pig Hero”) launched in China in 2005 and has been consistently in the top five rated shows every year since, on average holding five of the top 10 kids’ slots each week.
The first three seasons of Kung Fu Pork Choppers are produced by China-based Winsing with CraneKahn LLC. They are currently airing on more than 100 channels in China, including CCTV and Kaku, where it’s the number one kids show, with an audience of 700 million views across all online platforms.
The series follows a team of five out-of-this-world pigs in space and their super-powered “Splaximal” pets, transformed by the slimy substance “Splaxis” from the cutest creatures to mega-sized fighting machines. In their action-packed quest to right wrongs, the Kung Fu Pork Choppers take off on planet shattering adventures, chock full of the coolest and craziest heroes and villains imaginable — and unimaginable — and much, much more!
“It’s a rarity to discover one show in a lifetime that has the hallmarks of a global hit. I saw it in Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! And both became a worldwide phenomenon, and are still going gangbusters 25 years later,” noted Al Kahn, CEO of CraneKahn. “When I first saw GG Bond I was in hog heaven and knew lightning had not only struck twice, but a third time as well!”
Winsing Animation Group, the Chinese commissioning platform, has committed to at least 300 episodes, which will see multiple seasons of the hit series produced. Kung Fu Pork Choppers is also building an extensive licensing and merchandising program, with all rights being handled by Centa IP.
“We absolutely love this property — the humor, the adventure, the cast and the storylines,” said Gail Mitchell, CEO of Centa IP. We have no doubt that this series will be a huge success and are very proud to be presenting it to the rest of the world alongside Jetpack Distribution.”
