Marvel and Antefilms Productions to produce Fantastic Four animated series

Acclaimed French animation specialist Antefilms Productions is to produce a new animated television series based on Marvel's 'The Fantastic Four'.
Antefilms will produce 26 thirty-minute 2D/3D animated episodes, expected to be completed for worldwide distribution in late 2006.
The announcement was made by Avi Arad, Chairman and CEO of Marvel Studios, and Christophe Di Sabatino, Chairman of Antefilms Productions.
The deal, spearheaded by Marvel's London office, will "drive consistent, high-profile exposure and excitement" for The Fantastic Four franchise worldwide. This is part of Marvel's aggressive strategy to fully support its characters through feature films, DVDs, video games, merchandising and television animation.
"Marvel is firmly committed to strongly support its characters in all relevant entertainment arenas throughout the world. We are especially excited that The Fantastic Four animated series will follow the release of our 2005 feature film with 20th Century Fox, and that we are able to work with such a great animation company as Antefilms to make this happen," said Arad.
Bruno Maglione, President of Marvel International, added: "Marvel has ambitious plans in animation and we are interested in working with some of the top animation companies emerging out of Europe and Asia. We are especially impressed by Antefilms' work and are delighted to have them on board for The Fantastic Four."
Under the terms of the agreement, Antefilms Productions will fund all of the development costs for the series. Antefilms will produce the content while both companies will oversee the overall creative direction. Marvel will control the US television and subsequent DVD distribution rights, while Moonscoop (Antefilms' distribution brand) will handle sales in the rest of the world.
Christophe Di Sabatino, Chairman of Antefilms Productions and Nicolas Atlan, Vice President and Executive Producer of Antefilms Productions, said: "We are very excited about helping adapt the adventures of The Fantastic Four for television. Themes of honour, adventure, family and exploration are just as relevant for kids today as when the comics were first published and we are delighted to be working with Marvel to bring these super heroes to a new audience."
(GB)