Kids’ WB Acquires “Monster Allergy”
[via press release]
Kids’ WB! And Cartoon Network Join Forces With Italian Production Company Rainbow S.r.l. For Original Creature-Comedy Series “Monster Allergy”
(October 14, 2005 – Burbank, CA) – Kids’ WB!, the #1 kids’ broadcaster in the business, Cartoon Network and pioneering Italian animation production company Rainbow S.r.l. are teaming up for the spine-tingling, thrilling comedy “Monster Allergy.” The joint acquisition includes 26 episodes of this original animated series. The announcement was made today by Betsy McGowen, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Kids’ WB!, Terry Kalagian, Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Cartoon Network, and Iginio Straffi, Director and Founder of Rainbow S.r.l.
“We are excited to partner with the creative talent at Rainbow S.r.l. and work together with Cartoon Network to bring kids this unique creature-comedy series,” said Ms. McGowen. “’Monster Allergy’ is a spine-tingling comedy with a unique combination of intricate storytelling, hilariously thrilling twists and turns and lots of ghosts and monsters. It is perfect for our Kids’ WB! viewers and will make a great addition to our schedule.”
“We’re looking forward to working with Kids’ WB! and Rainbow S.r.l. on this funny, irreverent comedy,” said Ms. Kalagian. “’Monster Allergy’ will be a great addition to our programming lineup.”
“Partnering with both prestigious networks, Kids’ WB! and Cartoon Network, is an important motivation to our creativity,” said Mr. Straffi. “We are extremely thrilled to have found the ideal home for our kid heroes and hilariously wacky monsters of ‘Monster Allergy.’ We are confident that American children will love our characters and their wild adventures each time they tune in.”
A frightfully funny series that stirs up thrilling humor with heavy doses of chilling fun, “Monster Allergy” follows the daily adventures of 10-year-old Zick, who has an eye for the supernatural and a sixth sense that allows him to see the ghosts and monsters that invisibly walk and live amongst us. Zick befriends the supernatural creatures that inhabit his home, but also protects his town by capturing the ferocious monsters trying to destroy the city. With a daily dose of monster mayhem, Zick hones in on his destiny to become a “Monster Tamer.” The creature-comedy is produced by Rainbow S.r.l.
About Kids’ WB!
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, Kids’ WB! is the children’s programming service of The WB Network. Kids’ WB! has maintained its leadership position as the #1 broadcast network for kids in all key demographics since Fall 2000, and has captured its 15th consecutive sweep victory as the #1 Saturday morning kids’ broadcaster.
A leader in kids’ television, Kids’ WB! continues to reinforce itself as a unique destination for kids. Home of such cornerstone hits as blockbuster “Pokémon,” white-hot “Yu-Gi-Oh!,” Emmy Award-winning “Xiaolin Showdown” and “The Batman” and new breakout hits Looney Tunes-inspired “Loonatics Unleashed,” zany comedy “Coconut Fred’s Fruit Salad Island” and action extravaganza “Johnny Test,” among many other favorites, kids can find more on Kids’ WB!’s web site at www.KidsWB.com.
About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network, currently seen in more than 88 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network showcases unique original ventures such as “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends,” “Codename: Kids Next Door,” “Teen Titans,” “The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy,” “The Powerpuff Girls,” “Samurai Jack,” “Ed, Edd n Eddy” and other Cartoon Cartoons. Cartoon Network also features Adult Swim, its signature late night block of animation for grownups. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable’s highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network’s Web site is located at www.CartoonNetwork.com.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.
About Rainbow S.r.l.
Rainbow is a pioneer in the Italian animation industry and also one of the largest animation studio in Europe. With an award-winning talent crew of creator, directors, scriptwriters, artists, special effects and 3D designers plus a fully dedicated sales and licensing force, Rainbow has quickly grown to be a leader in Europe for creating quality and top rating performer animation shows and successful licensing results.
Its biggest success to-date is “WinxClub” 52 half-hours broadcast in over 100 networks around the world and consistently staying on top of the ratings charts. You can find more about Rainbow products at www.rbw.it and www.winxclub.com