Xilam Animation has sold its hilarious, brand new 2D animation series, Mr Magoo to UK commercial channel ITV for both its terrestrial channel and CITV branded digital channel. Based on the hugely successful classic of the same name, the new Xilam-produced programme will launch for audiences on ITV and CITV from Spring 2019 across United Kingdom.
Xilam’s Mr Magoo was originally commissioned by France Televisions, with Cartoon Network Asia and Discovery Italy’s K2 also on board as broadcasting partners.
The eponymous disaster-prone senior who first appeared on screens to delight young audiences nearly 70 years ago will continue to cause just as much chaos as before.
Darren Nartey, ITV’s Programme Acquisitions Executive, said, “We are thrilled to be the home of Mr Magoo in the UK. It is a fantastic comedy and his antics will be a must see for both fans of the classic series and those discovering it for the first time.”
Who is Mr Magoo?
In the neighbourhood, everybody loves Mr Magoo – the lively, kind-hearted and cheerful guy always happy to give a helping hand. But beware – he also causes disasters! Without his glasses, he mistakes his surroundings for other places, gets people mixed up, and wreaks havoc everywhere he goes. All his neighbours have kindly adjusted to his uniqueness…except for one: a megalomaniac hamster by the name of Fizz whose sole goal is to have all of humanity recognize his tremendous genius. He’s determined to leave his mark on history, but somehow Magoo always interferes, forever thwarting Fizz’s crazy plans!
Morgann Favennec, EVP Global Sales Development at Xilam Animation, added: “The UK is a major market and we are thrilled to expand Mr Magoo’s global presence with ITV. The trust and confidence both ITV and CITV have put into our series will further boost this iconic brand in the UK and allow a whole new generation of fans to meet Mr Magoo. The warmth and humour of this outstanding comedy will resonate with kids in the UK as it does globally, combining hilarious slapstick elements with witty writing to create a stellar series they’ll keep coming back to.”
Mr Magoo will be a key priority for Xilam in terms of consumer products development, starting with France and the UK.
Mr Magoo has been adapted from John Hubley’s original series, created in 1949, by Olivier Jean-Marie and is directed by Xilam’s Hugo Gittard.
Founded in 1995 by Marc du Pontavice, the award-winning Paris-based company Xilam owns a catalogue of more than 2,000 animated episodes and 3 feature films including strong brands such as Oggy & the Cockroaches, Zig & Sharko, The Daltons, Rolling with the Ronks and its first pre-school property, Paprika.
Xilam employs more than 400 people, including 300 artists, who are based across its four studios located in Paris, Lyon, Angouleme and Ho-Chi-Minh Ville in Vietnam.
