UK's ITV Picks Up Broadcast Rights To "Poppy Cat" For Their Children's Channel CiTV; To Air On CiTV From Spring 2012

From C21Media:

UK net sweet for Poppy Cat

UK prodco [production company] Coolabi has struck its first significant deal since last year's management buy-out, selling preschool show Poppy Cat to a local terrestrial.

London-based Coolabi Productions, which has delisted from the stock exchange since last month’s £4.9m (US$7.6m) MBO, has sold the 52×11’ series to ITV. The show, made together with King Rollo Films, will premiere on ITV children’s diginet [digital network] CiTV this spring.

The latest deal for Poppy Cat follows its launch on Nick Jr in the territory last May. It has subsequently been picked up by Nick Jr’s Australian counterpart; Sprout in the US; Disney Junior in Spain and Latin America; Irish pubcaster RTE; and TVO, SCN and Knowledge Network in Canada. Entertainment One also scored a home video and digital distribution deal earlier this month.

“This latest signing with yet another huge broadcast partner demonstrates the enormous appeal that Poppy Cat has,” said Coolabi’s director of content Michael Dee.

The series features vocal talent from Joanna Page (Gavin & Stacey) and is based on the titular Lara Jones preschool book character.

Jesse Whittock
19-01-2012
C21Media