KidsCo channel to air Indian animation series in 47 nations

Speaking to IANS, Image Ventures' Managing Director R. Mathiseelan said: "The company is working towards signing more broadcast licences in Europe, North America and Asia, including India."

"We expect the series to be telecast in more than 100 countries by 2011. The series is expected to generate revenues of more than $3 million over the next three years," said Mathiseelan.

According to Paul Robinson, CEO at KidsCo, it is important to teach kids to understand and respect cultural differences.

"KidsCo is committed to delivering content that teaches children about diversity in a fun and engaging way. 'Bommi and Friends' fits in perfectly with our existing programming and encourages kids to help make the world a friendlier place," he added.

"Bommi and Friends" features the adventures of Bommi, a young girl whose family has moved to a new town. 

Lonely, she constantly reads her favourite pop-up book, "Adventures in Dazzle Land", and discovers the book can transport her into a wondrous place she thought only existed in fantasy.

Through her exploration of Dazzle Land with newfound friends, Bommi learns about friendship and community, and brings these skills back into her real world life.

The $2 million programme revolves around the interaction between characters from different backgrounds and cultures.

"Bommi and Friends" will be the first original animated TV series going global from India.
The serial will next be featured in front of international buyers at the television content market in Cannes, France next month.

On KidsCo's Indian foray, Robinson said: "The company is excited to bring its family-friendly children's channel to India, which is a thriving market with tremendous capacity for further development and significant momentum behind it."

"The quality and efficiencies of the production industry in India make it very appealing to international networks such as KidsCo as we consider new commissions," said Robinson.