Based on the successful books by Michel Gay, the 104 x 11 minute series teaches young viewers valuable lessons about growing up and family, with the help of a delightful five-year-old zebra called Zou.

ZOU has achieved worldwide ratings success and earlier this year became the #1 series on France 5. In the UK, the first season of ZOU performed exceptionally well on Disney Junior and at the time of launch in May 2012 became the second best launch ever on the channel behind Jake and The Never Land Pirates.

Patricia Hidalgo, Vice President, Content & Programming Strategy, Disney Channels EMEA comments: "We are delighted with the addition of a second season of the French produced and distributed animated preschool show, ZOU, to our successful roster of Disney Junior shows in EMEA. This underscores our ongoing commitment to create programming content with the very best creative production companies from markets across Europe. ZOU features endearing characters, imaginative storytelling and showcases the theme of family values, which is a winning combination with young viewers and their parents."

“After such a wonderful start, we are thrilled to be already embarking on a second season so early on, while all foreign dubs of the first season have yet to be delivered. This is testimony of the trust from our partners and to the huge initial audience success of the series”, says Pierre Sissmann, Chairman and CEO of Cyber Group Studios.

One year on since its premiere, ZOU has been sold in more than 140 territories and broadcasted in 24 different languages throughout the world by the end of 2013, reaching over 100 million kids simultaneously. Channels include Disney Channels EMEA, as well as Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South East Asia, France Télévisions, Super RTL and WVG in Germany, TSR and RSI in Switzerland, YLE in Finland, TV2 in Norway, RUV in Iceland, TG4 in Ireland, S4C in Wales, ETV in Estonia, Welpol in Poland, Karusel in CIS, TRT in Turkey, IRIB in Iran, Channel B in Indonesia, Thai PBS in Thailand, Momo in Taiwan, KBS Kids in South Korea, Zee Learn in India, Télé Québec in Canada, Multirio in Brazil, CFI for Africa and TV5 Worldwide.

Cyber Group Studios is in final negotiation with a major network in the US, where it was awarded the 1st Children’s Jury Prize at The Chicago International Children's Film Festival, the oldest and largest film festival for children in North America, in November 2012.

ZOU has also shown very strong licensing and merchandising potential. In 2012, Cyber Group Studios signed contracts with four major European book publishers in France and Italy including LAROUSSE, HEMMA, HACHETTE and SALANI. Altogether, 69 books covering all the key publishing segments will be released throughout French-speaking Europe in the next three years. Edel Kids in Germany will launch audio books in 2014, and Cyber Group Studios has also confirmed toy-deals in continental and Eastern Europe with four major licensees including BAOBAB, PLAY BY PLAY, FLEXMETAL, RAVENSBURGER and MIKRO trading. A host of other licensing deals are currently in negotiation.

ZOU has also gone interactive. In February 2013, Cyber Group Studios announced the launch of the first eBook featuring the adventures of ZOU, which is set to be released in 15 languages throughout 2013, as well as a ZOU dedicated website and Facebook page. Cyber Group Studios is also planning to launch a set of apps and additional games on the App Store and the Android markets for summer 2013.

“Zou” (52x11'), the HD CGI series, coproduced by Cyber Group Studios and the Singaporean based company Scrawl Studios, launched with success in Germany on Disney Junior on December 26th 2012. Called Zeo on the German market, like the books of the original author Michel Gay, the series outperformed on the preschool segment, and the brand will soon be available on additional platforms.

The series actually convinced the Free-to-Air family channel Super RTL which just acquired it and will start airing this upcoming fall. Carsten Goettel, Programme Director of SUPER RTL says: “We instantly liked ZOU, it’s a warm and charming series with stories mainly about the everyday life of kids and their families. It perfectly suits SUPER RTL’s positioning for a pre-school audience. We are very pleased to be able to show the series on SUPER RTL’s preschool slot TOGGOLINO starting this fall and hope it will delight both children and parents with its lovable characters and playful stories.”

“We value very much this new partnership with Super RTL, one of the top European networks, following its initial success with Disney Junior, we have big plans upcoming for Zou’s future in Germany,” declared Carole Brin, Head of International Sales and Acquisitions for Cyber Group Studios.

Cyber Group Studios also sold the Home Video rights to the Hamburg-based company WVG. Five individual DVD’s Boxes will be released on the German market starting Easter 2014, to be followed by a complete boxset for Christmas. And Edel Kids will also be launching thirteen audio-storyteller books starting from beginning of 2014.

The series is finally becoming interactive with a Zou-dedicated Facebook page and the release of an animated ebook, all in German, end of April. And Cyber Group Studios has planned to launch a set of apps and additional games on the German App Store and the Android markets for summer 2013.

Zou, which received the Kids’ Jury Award at the prestigious Chicago International Children’s Films Festival 2012, has also just been nominated at the 20th Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film for Children.

Cyber Group Studios, as the executive coproducer, will be also in charge of worldwide distribution.

Adapted from the famous “Mini Ninjas” video game, which already sold over one Million units since 2009, the series will be comprised of 52 x 13 2D HD episodes. Targeting 6 – 10 years old, this action comedy series follows the adventures of a new generation of ninjas. A cool cast of bold and lovable characters, trained by their Ninja Master, who fight to liberate innocent animals transformed into fearsome samurais by the wizard warlord Ashida.

“The Mini Ninjas” brand, already well known by kids all over the world, will find a perfect home on “TFOU”’s programming slot, bringing both comedy and adventure with great heroes” says, Yann Labasque, Head of TF1’s Youth entertainment unit.

“It is a challenge and a pleasure to be handling such a terrific brand for TF1 Group. Three companies will be involved: TF1 Production as the main producer, TF1 as the broadcaster in France and TF1 Licenses, as the worldwide merchandise licensing agent” says Céline Roux, Director at TF1 Production, while Producer Giovanna Milano adds “MINI NINJAS is that kind of rare concept which appeals both commercial and public channels, like TF1 and RAI. The Italian pubcaster is also already committed and major creative talents are on board to deliver great storytelling and visuals to the international market".

“It is a pleasure and a great responsibility to be associated to TF1 Production for its first animated production, concludes Pierre Sissmann, Chairman and CEO of Cyber Group Studios, and we hope that our joint efforts will contribute to delivering to kids worldwide the entertainment they have always experienced with the brand in extending its reach even further”.

At Kidscreen 2012, Cyber Group Studios and Sardine Productions entered into a distribution agreement for the Canadian series My Goldfish Is Evil! (26x24’), produced by Sardine Productions for CBC and SRC in Canada.

The series, aimed at 6 to 12 year old kids, follows the adventures of Beanie, a pre-teen boy, and his not so innocuous pet goldfish Admiral Bubbles. The Admiral dreams of total world domination as he masterminds a reign of terror in the city he calls home- all this from his fishbowl!

Re-launched at MIPTV 2012, the series continues its road to success with brand new sales: JCCTV in the Middle East, TV5 Worldwide, MTV3 in Finland, Pop TV in Slovenia, MTVA in Hungary, Alshana in Africa, etc.

Delighted with the performance of the series on their channels, CBC in Canada, and CITV in the UK have both renewed their licenses.

The series is making waves on digital platforms as well. Available on the VOD service of Illico cable in Québec, My Goldfish Is Evil! has broken the barrier of 500,000 downloads.

The Chicago International Children's Film Festival, the oldest and largest festival of films for children in North America, took place for its 29th edition, from October 26 to November 4, 2012. Cyber Group Studios’ preschool series “Zou” (52x11’) was among the 246 films selected for screening. In its Animated Television Program Category, “Zou” was granted the 1st Children’s Jury Prize.

The series, produced by Cyber Group Studios and Scrawl Studios for Disney EMEA , is based on a book by Michel Gay, already distinguished by the ‘’Parents’ Choice Awards’’ in the USA. The animated preschool series, touching all themes of early childhood, follows the adventures of a lovable 5-year old zebra Zou, together with his family and friend Elzee living in a “Zebra town”.

Sold in more than 120 territories, the series featuring the young zebra Zou is already very successful across the world. The premiere of “Zou” in the UK in May 2012, became the second best launch ever of Disney Junior.

Cyber Group Studios will be showcasing for the first time at MIP some episodes of its all-new animation series “Mademoiselle Zazie” (78x7’). Coproduced by Cyber Group Studios and Scrawl Studios for France Televisions, the series is aimed at kids aged 5-8 years old, and tells the well-paced and realistic little adventures of Zazie and Max, the best of friends, in a resolutely contemporary world. They are 7 years-old, live by the seaside, and have so much fun with their bunch of friends! The series, set to debut on France 5 next December, has already been prebought by the Flemish-speaking channel VRT in Belgium, by MTV3 in Finland, Pop TV in Slovenia and MCD in Turkey. Completion of the series is planned for summer 2013.

The company is also delighted to announce a boom of its sales for the last few months.

“Zou” (52x11'), the HD CGI series, coproduced by Cyber Group Studios and the Singaporean based company Scrawl Studios, has convinced some new channels such as TSR in Switzerland, TRT in Turkey, Thai PBS in Thailand and Momo in Taiwan, adding to a growing list of more than 120 territories that have prebought the show : The Walt Disney Company in Europe Middle East and Africa, in Latin America, in Australia, in New Zealand, in Japan, and in South East Asia, as well as France Télévisions, Télé Québec in Canada, TV2 in Norway, YLE in Finland, Karusel in CIS, Welpol in Poland, RUV in Iceland, TG4 in Ireland, S4C in Wales and KBS Kids in South Korea. The series actually premiered on Disney Junior in the UK in May 2012, and outperformed, positioning the series as the second best launch ever of Disney Junior (after Jake and The Never Land Pirates).
“Zou” has already shown a very strong Licensing and Merchandising potential.
In 2012, Cyber Group Studios signed contracts with 3 major book publishers: LAROUSSE, HEMMA and HACHETTE. Altogether 69 books covering all key publishing segments will be released throughout French-speaking Europe in the next 3 years. Cyber Group is now discussing with other partners for the rest of the world, as the series will be aired worldwide.
Cyber Group Studios has also concluded some toy-deals in continental Europe with 3 major licensees. BAOBAB, which is a toy licensee, will develop a large range of bath toys, music toys, play-sets and electronic toys (all European countries except UK). BAOBAB is planning to bring the bath and music toys on to the shelves in spring 2013 and electronic toys for Christmas 2013. Manufacturer PLAY BY PLAY (a FAMOSA subsidiary) has already produced the first samples and is planning to launch these soft toys around April 2013 in France, Spain and Italy. FLEXMETAL have signed for helium balloons rights for southern Europe, and have planned their launch on the market for the beginning of 2013.

“Tales of Tatonka” (52x13’), produced by Cyber Group Studios for Tiji in France, continues to convince broadcasters worldwide. The series has already been sold to more than 60 broadcasters, covering over 120 territories on the 5 continents. The series has just been picked up by Discovery Asia, Australia and New Zealand, R2A in Malaysia, Alshana in Africa, Direct Sight in Ukraine and TV Brazil. Al Jazeera in the Middle East, Rai Due and Rai Yoyo in Italy as well as YLE in Finland, have confirmed the acquisition of the additional episodes of the series.
LAROUSSE acquired the rights for novelization and activity books for the French-speaking Europe. Ten different titles will be released from next April.

“Patch Pillows” (78x7’), produced by GDC and AGOGO Corporation, which got the Kids Jury Award at MIPCOM Junior 2011, has been confirmed by Direct Sight in Ukraine, Zee in India, Mininka in Turkey and Orlando Kids in Croatia.

“Animalia” (40x24'), the Emmy-Award series produced by Burberry Production, Lux Monky and DoubleBase, and distributed worldwide by Cyber Group Studios, has already been sold in 150 countries. Cyber Group Studios recently inked sales of the program with Alshana in Africa, TV Brasil, the Flemish-speaking Belgian VRT, Canal 22 in Mexico.

The humorous and exuberant series “Nina Patalo” (78x7’), coproduced with Je Suis Bien Content for France 3 and Canal J, has just been snapped-up by Pop TV in Slovenia, Noga in Israel, and Canal Plus in Poland. It was previously acquired by TV5 Worldwide, Canal Panda in Portugal, and RUV in Iceland.

In the series (39 x 11 minutes), Mia gets excited about anything! She’s six now! It’s the perfect age to develop an awareness of others and understand how we affect them.

“Mia is unique in that she is moving from computer to television screen while remaining true to what has made her so successful.” says Lisa Savard of Radio-Canada. “We are proud to have been part of this project from the onset of development to full production.”

“TiJi was charmed by the series’ unique take on growing up: as Mia discovers her world, she begins to see she is not always at the center of it. We are thrilled to have new partners in Sardine Productions and Radio-Canada and happy the team includes Cyber Group Studios, a long standing partner of TiJi.” says Caroline Adelus, Head of Programming at TiJi.

“A project like MIA effortlessly brings the production and broadcast partners together around a common vision.” says Ghislain Cyr, President of Sardine Productions. “We are pleased to launch MIA as our new pre-school initiative, following on the heels of “Manon” (52 x 7’), “Tales of Tatonka” (52 x 13’) and “Zou” (52 x 11’) that have all enjoyed world-wide success.” adds Pierre Sissmann, President of Cyber Group Studios.

As a first initiative, the company has signed a coproduction deal and partnership with Lille-based 3DDUO company, a leader in application development. A first e-book on “Zou” (52x11’), sold in more than 120 territories around the world to such broadcasters as Disney Junior (EMEA, Asia, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand), France 5, Tele Quebec, Karusel (Russia), KBS (Korea), RTS (Switzerland), YLE (Finland), TV2 (Norway), Momo Kids (Taiwan), TG4 (Ireland), RUV (Iceland), S4/C (Wales), will be published before the end of the year. Followed during the first half of 2013 by the release of a set of apps and games on Disney’s hit series “OzieBoo”, “Tales of Tatonka”(52x13’) and “Zou” (52x11’).

Marketed through regular channels and the social networks, the apps and games will be available in many languages. The initial 2013 release for “Zou” is planned in ten languages almost simultaneously.

“We are very excited to be able to extend the entertainment experience of our brands beyond the television screen and we are pleased to have entered into this partnership with 3DDUO which has a proven track record in the development of apps and games” declares Pierre Sissmann, President of Cyber Group Studios.

“It’s an honor for 3DDUO to have gained the trust of Cyber Group Studios and to have the company among our references in the animation industry. We strongly believe in the potential of their IPs and will do our best to ensure success is achieved,” adds Maxence Devoghelaere, CEO of 3DDUO.

Concurrently with the releases of the apps on various platforms, Cyber Group Studios is also developing a multi-media environment, including a large web platform dedicated to “Zou“ which will be available by the end of 2012.

The series, which was the first 3D stereoscopic series for preschoolers, is now composed of 156 episodes of 7’. The second season’s preproduction was overseen by the New York-based company “Little Airplane Productions”.

"Combining the design and animation approach of GIMC (Korea) and the story development and US-style curriculum and research techniques of “Little Airplane” (US), the new season of “Cloud Bread” promises to extend its reach around the world and become a truly global franchise,” declares Daniel You, Senior Vice President / Business Development and Marketing, at GIMC.

"Little Airplane” was thrilled to work with the team at GIMC on preproduction of “Cloud Bread 2”. The new season was headwritten by Emmy-award winning writer Billy Lopez (“Wonder Pets”, “3rd & Bird”) and the show's curriculum crafted by Dr. Christine Ricci (“Dora the Explorer”). We believe that children all over the world will enjoy the new season of Cloud Bread."

“The series has already been aired on KBS in South Korea, CCTV in China, YLE FST in Finland, TG4 in Ireland, POP TV in Slovenia, IRIB in Iran, RTV in Slovenia, etc. and we’re sure that the new pace of the second season will convince some additional broadcasters”, says Carole Brin, Head of Intl Sales & Acquisitions at Cyber Group Studios.

Receiving 1500 animated works from the world every year, the festival will take place on 18-22 of July 2012, in Seoul, Korea. The Final Selection will be conducted during the festival, where the International Jury is responsible to decide the award-winning series.

Korea’s biggest comic book and animation festival has selected four programs of Cyber Group Studios’ catalogue: two preschool series: Zou (52x11’) and Patch Pillows (78x7’) and two animated kids series: Nina Patalo (78x7’) and Grenadine & Peppermint (78x7’).

Animated preschool series Zou (52x11’), telling the story of the daily-life of a five year-old zebra and his family, who live all together in a ‘’Zebra town’’, touches all themes of early childhood. Premiering this fall in more than 106 territories, the young zebra Zou is already very successful across the world. The series is produced by Cyber Group Studios and Scrawl Studios, and is based on a book by Michel Gay awarded ‘’Parents’ Choice Awards’’ in USA.

Patch Pillows (78x7’), produced by GDC and AGOGO, already got the award of MIPCOM Kids Jury in 2011. With noteworthy interactive and educational components, this funny series about a group of pillows dressed in patch work and living at their colorful home in Patch Valley offers kids a different moral lesson on every episode.

Nina Patalo (78x7’), co-produced with Je Suis Bien Content for France 3, is a fast-paced and crazy comedy for kids and family full of twists. Curious and playful Nina having a hyperactive imagination shares the same house with a bunch of unusual friends such as Andy, the punchy duck, Walter, the caveman and Patalo, a ‘’Polymorpho’’. Together with this extraordinary company Nina Patalo takes us on the most crazy and comic adventures.

Grenadine & Peppermint (78x7’), coproduced with Patoon and La Fabrique D’Images, for TF1, revolves around a little Inuit girl and her penguin friend. In the icy surroundings they experience plenty of adventures, strange investigations or operations. The series was already nominated at Cartoon on the Bay in Italy, at Anifest in Czech Republic and at Montreuil Children’s Book Fair in France.

The company has just placed two of its flagship series “Tales of Tatonka” (52x13’) and “Animalia” (40x24’) on the Brazilian public channel TV Brasil, and has signed a global agreement with the distribution company Synapse.

The series is planned to be on air next September.

“Tatonka and Animalia are two animated series endowed with an extraordinary technique and transmit messages of great importance for learning about life“ says Jose Zimmermann, International Acquisition Manager at TV Brasil.

“We know that TV Brasil is always very selective to choose the best content for their kids viewers, says Carole Brin, Head of International TV Sales and Acquisitions at Cyber Group Studios. We are very delighted that they picked-up both “Tales of Tatonka” and “Animalia” and we hope that these series will outperform as they do in the rest of the world”.

“Tales of Tatonka” (52x13’), produced by Cyber Group Studios for TiJi in France and Rai 2 in Italy has already been sold to more than 60 broadcasters, covering over 110 territories, on all five continents, including France TV in France, Karusel in Russia, Tele-Quebec in Canada, YLE in Finland or TV2 in Norway. The series, aimed at 4 to 8 year-olds, tells the adventures of four wolf cubs who learn about life outside the family in the plains and the forests of North America.

“Animalia” (40x24'), the Emmy-Award series produced by Burberry Production, Lux Monky and DoubleBase, is experiencing a continuing success and has already been sold in 140 territories. Based on a book by Graeme Base, “Animalia” skews 8-12 year-old boys and girls, and tells the story of two human children, Alex and his friend Zoe, who stumble into the magical library which transports them to the animal-inhabited world of Animalia.

The funds raised will help accelerate the company’s development in France and abroad.

Cyber Group Studios has topped CNC’s list of the most active French animation producers in 2010 and has become a renowned international player despite a difficult economic environment.

Pierre Sissmann, President of Cyber Group Studios, said "This capital increase will allow us to consolidate our growth as we increase the number of our productions, and our technological and artistic developments and as we deepen our international presence with new partners. Thank you to Idinvest Partners’ and Entrepreneur Venture’s teams for trusting us and supporting our growth."

The company’s catalog - over 450 HD CGI half-hours - built in just six years counts already many international industry or public awards. Such as "Ozie Boo!" rewarded in 2008 by the TV France International Award as the most exported French animated TV series with sales in 150 countries, "Tales of Tatonka" series sold to 94 countries and selected in 2011 for a "Gold Panda" at the Sichuan Festival (China); "Manon" a series co-produced with Planet Nemo and Sardine Production, rewarded by the AET Award in Canada in 2010, sold in 100 countries and particularly successful in Japan with 700,000 daily viewers on NHK2; "Grenadine and Peppermint" a series co-produced with Patoon, currently broadcasted on TF1 and selected at the 2011 Anifest and Cartoon-on-the-Bay festivals; "Nina Patalo" a series co-produced with JSBC for France 3 and nominated in the “Official Selection” at Annecy Festival which will take place in June 2012 and "Animalia" series produced by Animalia Productions, winner of a US "Emmy" award and rewarded many times around the world.

Cyber Group Studios is currently developing eight new original projects for all youth age-groups, including two from world-renowned intellectual properties which will be announced soon.

In 2012, the company will have two new series on the air. The first one is "Zou", an adaptation from the books by Michel Gay published in twenty countries and winner of the famous Parents’ Choice Award in the USA in 2004. The series will be simultaneously released in over 50 territories worldwide. The second one is "Mademoiselle Zazie", a series about children’s everyday life in the world of today, adapted from the books by Thierry Lenain and Delphine Durand and co-produced with France Télévisions.

In 2006, 2009 and 2012, Cyber Group Studios’ innovative technology and production process have earned to the group, the OSEO "Innovative Company" distinction.

Bertrand Folliet and Guillaume Dhee from Entrepreneur Venture commented "Cyber Group Studios possesses the success-factors we are looking for: an ambitious strategy, a rapid growth in an expanding global market and an experienced and networked management team. Our investment in Cyber Group Studios showcases Entrepreneur Venture’s commitment to invest in fast-growing companies in the audiovisual industry."

Alongside its strong organic growth, Cyber Group Studios has initiated an external growth strategy and is seeking acquisitions.

Dominique Bourse, Chief Operating Officer of Cyber Group Studios continued "I wish to thank Idinvest and Entrepreneur Venture Partners for their confidence in our strategy and in our team's ability to implement it successfully. Their investment will also help our external growth as we are evaluating a majority stake investment in a leading international player."

Benoit Grossmann and Leatitia Vuitton from Idinvest Partners concluded "Being able to participate in this new growth stage for Cyber Group Studios is for us an opportunity. With its management experience and its international partnerships, Cyber Group Studios has all the ingredients to become a European leader in the animation industry."

About Cyber Group Studios:
Founded in 2005, Cyber Group Studios is a renowned player in the animation industry. The company produces 3D CGI animated TV series for youth. It distributes its productions worldwide through its own network which is selectively opened to series from third-party producers. Along with the production and distribution businesses, the company exploits its series’ intellectual properties via licensing deals with international consumer products companies in categories such as toys and games, CDs, books, apparel, interactive games.
The capital structure of Cyber Group Studios consists primarily of the company’s founders and of financial shareholders (Viveris Management, Entrepreneur Venture and Idinvest).
For more information, visit the site www.cybergroupstudios.com on the web, and on mobile platforms.

About Idinvest Partners:
With € 3 billion under management Idinvest Partners is a leading pan-European private equity management firm focused on the low and mid-market segments. The company has developed several complementary areas of expertise including investments in young and innovative European companies, primary, secondary and mezzanine investments in European non-listed companies and private equity consulting. Formerly part of the Allianz Group, the company was founded in 1997 and gained its independence in May 2010 with a back-up from the IDI Group.
Website : www.Idinvest.com

About Entrepreneur Venture:
Founded in 2000, Entrepreneur Venture is a fund’s management company sponsored by AMF, specialized in private companies, owned and run by entrepreneurs. Entrepreneur Venture has invested so far in more than 80 companies. It manages two institutional FCPRs and one available to individuals, 16 local investment funds (FIP) covering 12 of the 22 metropolitan areas. Total assets under management amount to € 300 million of which € 180 have been raised to-date via ISF FIPs which grants Entrepreneur Venture a leading position in this segment.
Website : www.entrepreneurventure.com

Cyber Group Studios will also be starting at MIP some presales of their new animation Mademoiselle Zazie (78x7’). Coproduced by Cyber Group Studios and Scrawl Studios for France Televisions, the series is aimed at children aged 5-8 years old, and tells the well-paced and realistic little adventures of Zazie and Max, the best of friends, in a resolutely contemporary world. Cyber will be showcasing for the first time a little clip illustrating the colourful and lively universe of the series. First episodes will be launched at MIPCOM 2012, and the completion of the series is planned for spring 2013.

Cyber Group Studios is also thrilled to announce that it has taken over the distribution of the series: My Goldfish Is Evil (26x24’). Produced by Sardine Productions for CBC and SRC in Canada, the series follows the adventures of a pre-teen boy, Beanie, and his pet goldfish, Admiral Bubbles, who actually has dreams of bringing a reign of terror on the city and of world domination. The series has been outperforming worldwide, and has already been aired on ITV in the UK, ABC in Australia, Noga in Israel, MNet in Africa, etc.

Cyber Group Studios is delighted to announce a raft of its sales for the 1st quarter.

Zou (52x11'), the HD CGI series, coproduced by Cyber Group Studios and the Singaporean based company Scrawl Studios, has convinced some new channels such as Disney Japan, RUV in Iceland, TG4 in Ireland, AVA in South Korea and S4C in Wales, adding to a growing list of more than 100 territories that have prebought the show : The Walt Disney Company in Europe Middle East and Africa, in Latin America, in Australia, in New Zealand, and in South East Asia, as well as France Télévisions, Télé Québec in Canada, TV2 in Norway, YLE in Finland, Karusel in CIS and Welpol in Poland.

Tales of Tatonka (52x13’), produced by Cyber Group Studios for Tiji in France and just completed, is continuing its road to success. The series has already been sold to more than 50 broadcasters, covering over 100 territories. The series has just been picked up by Boomerang in Italy, MTVA and FilmsReel for DVD in Hungary, Canal Panda in Portugal, TVES in Venezuela, Urania for DVD in Eastern Europe, KTH in Korea, Al Hijrah in Malaysia, CFI in Africa, TV5 worldwide, etc. And Cyber Group Studios is currently finalizing some negotiations with a regional network in Asia, as well as with major broadcasters in Belgium, in Colombia, in Brazil, and in Poland. The series is actually outperforming on the channels which have already started airing the series.

After a successful launch on pay TV channel TiJi, Tales of Tatonka registered the second best performance of 2011 for a weekday morning cartoon aired on France 5. In Italy, Tales of Tatonka was to be found on Rai 2, and the series averaged the second best score of the Cartoon Flakes strand over the second semester of 2011, outperforming popular titles such as Winx Club and Disney's Phineas and Ferb. On TV2, the main private channel in Norway, Tales of Tatonka ranked among the ten top rating cartoons on TV2 of 2011.
The series has just been nominated in China at the 11th Sichuan TV Festival – “International Gold Panda” Awards, in the category “Best Animation Series”.

Al Hijrah in Malaysia, Hop Channel in Israel, POD in Thailand, and Pop TV in Slovenia have jumped on-board for CGI preschool series Guess What? (78x7’), adding to a growing list of more than 80 territories that have acquired the show. Others include Al Sayyar and ATE (Middle East), Tiji Russia, Canal Panda in Portugal, Content Union in Kazakhstan, Yoopa in Canada, Irib in Iran, Kim Media in South Korea, Mediacorp in Singapore, POD in Thailand, Pop TV in Slovenia, PBS in Malta, Rai Yoyo in Italy, Spectrum in Indonesia, TVB in Hong Kong, TRT in Turkey, TV2 in Norway, and the French leading preschool channel that actually initiated the show : Tiji. And the series will actually be soon launched on Gulli.

The humorous and exuberant series Nina Patalo (78x7’), coproduced with Je Suis Bien Content for France 3 and Canal J, has just been inked by TV5 Worldwide, Canal Panda in Portugal, and RUV in Ireland. The series is outperforming on France 3, where it has proved to be one of the flagship local brands of the second semester of 2011. Nina Patalo has just been nominated at the Official Selection of Annecy.

Patch Pillows (78x7’), produced by GDC and AGOGO Corporation, which got the Kids Jury Award at MIPCOM Junior 2011, has been confirmed by Prava I Prevodi in Serbia, Hop in Israel, and Minika in Turkey.

Nutri Ventures (26x22’), the adventures series produced by Nutri Ventures Corporation and introducing children from 6 to 10 y.o. to the world of healthy eating will be aired on RTP and Canal Panda in Portugal, MTVA in Hungary and Noga Communications in Israel.
Animalia (40x24'), the Emmy-Award series produced by Burberry Production, Lux Monky and DoubleBase, and distributed worldwide by Cyber Group Studios, has already been sold in 130 countries. Cyber Group Studios recently inked sales of the programme with MTVA in Hungary, Prava I Prevodi in Serbia and ERT in Greece. The series is now in discussion with major broadcasters in Mexico, and Brazil.

Raju (78x7'), an enlivening and entertaining Indian CGI preschool series, produced by Accel Animation in India, has just been picked-up by MCD in Turkey, MTVA in Hungary, Kim Media in South Korea, and Urania in Czech Republic.

Grenadine and Peppermint (78x7'), a comedy series for 6-10 year-old kids and coproduced by Patoon, Cyber Group Studios and La Fabrique d'Images for TF1, has just been acquired by Tiivi5 in the US, POPTV in Slovenia, and MTV Oy in Finland.

Tales of Tatonka (52x13’), a series by Pierre Sissmann and Olivier Lelardoux, produced by Cyber Group Studios for TiJi in France and just completed, is continuing its road to success. The series, telling the adventure of four wolf cubs and their best friends in the plains and forests of North America, has already been sold to more than 50 broadcasters, covering over 100 territories on the five continents.

The series was picked up by France 5 and Citel for DVD in France, Rai 2, Rai Yoyo and Boomerang in Italy, RSI in Italian-speaking Switzerland, TSR in French-speaking Switzerland, YLE FST in Finland, TV2 in Norway, RTBF in Belgium, MTVA and FilmsReel for DVD in Hungary, Canal Panda in Portugal, Minimax and Urania for DVD in Eastern Europe, ETV in Estonia, Channel One’s Karusel and Mysteria for DVD in Russia, Altin Barys in Kazakhstan, TRT in Turkey, Noga in Israel, Al Jazeera and ATE in the Middle East, IRIB in Iran, KTH in Korea, Okto in Singapore, TVB in Hong Kong, Spectrum in Indonesia, Télé Québec in Canada, True Visions in Thailand, TVES in Venezuela, CFI in Africa, TV5 worldwide, etc. And Cyber Group Studios is currently finalizing some negotiations with a regional network in Asia, as well as with major broadcasters in Belgium, in Colombia, in Brazil, and in Poland.

The series is actually outperforming on the channels which have already started airing the series. After a successful launch on the French pay TV channel TiJi, Tales of Tatonka registered the second best performance of 2011 for a weekday morning cartoon aired on France 5. In Italy, Tales of Tatonka was to be found on Rai 2, and the series averaged the second best score of the Cartoon Flakes strand over the second semester of 2011, outperforming popular titles such as Winx Club and Disney's Phineas and Ferb. On TV2, the main private channel in Norway, Tales of Tatonka ranked among the ten top rating cartoons on TV2 of 2011.

The series has just been nominated in China at the 11th Sichuan TV Festival – “International Gold Panda” Awards, in the category “Best Animation Series”.

Cyber Group Studios is actively developing a major licensing activity in the media and non-media area. In France, for instance, Larousse, a major publisher, is scheduled to release soon a full line of books based on the series.

Cyber Group Studios will showcase, for the first time, the episodes of one of its most ambitious productions to date: Zou (52x11'). The HD CGI series, coproduced by Cyber Group Studios and the Singaporean based company Scrawl Studios, tells the daily life of the lovable five-year old zebra and his extended family. The series has already been prebought by Disney Junior in Europe Middle East and Africa, in Latin America, in Australia, in New Zealand, and in South East Asia, as well as France Télévisions, Télé Québec in Canada, TV2 in Norway, YLE in Finland, Karusel in CIS and Welpol in Poland.
“Zou has been very well received by the broadcasters since the beginning of the production, says Carole Brin, Head of International Sales and Acquisitions, and we'll be very proud to show them the first episodes at MIPjunior. The production value which includes new technological developments is really high and we know that the series will seduce all buyers looking for shows for aimed at 3-7."
In addition to Zou, Cyber Group will be introducing for the first time in Cannes two new properties.
Patch Pillows (78x7’), is produced by GDC and AGOGO Corporation, and will soon be aired on CCTV. This utterly delightful and charming series for preschoolers is about a group of patchwork pillows and their many friends.
Nutri Ventures (26x22’), produced by Nutri Ventures Corporation, welcomes children from 6 to 10 y.o. to the world of healthy eating. The series was coproduced with RTP in Portugal, and has already been presold to Canal Panda.

Tales of Tatonka (52x13’), which was launched at MIPCOM 2010 and is still in production, is a real hit worldwide with already more than 20 broadcasters covering over 80 territories. The series is outperforming in France on Tiji, and has been picked up by RAI 2 in Italy, Karusel and Mysteria in CIS, TéléQuébec in Canada, Okto in Singapore, France TV, TVB in Hong Kong, RSI in Switzerland, Minimax in Hungary, RTBF in Belgium, TV5 worldwide, Noga in Israel, Minimax in Eastern Europe, True Visions in Thailand, KTH in Korea, Spectrum in Indonesia, TVES in Venezuela, ETV in Estonia, Barrandov in Czech Republic, Irib in Iran.

The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences recognizes excellence in television produced and aired outside of the United States at a black-tie event in New York, attended by major figures from the global television community. The event took place at the St James & Albany in Paris and the jury was composed of several leading TV executives from some of the biggest television broadcasters around the world: The Walt Disney Company, Cartoon Network, France TV, Spacetoon, ZDF, BBC, Rai, etc. The jurors devoted the entire day to the judging process, which was supervised by the Emmy Judging Director; Ernst & Young will tabulate the votes. The programs screened comprised productions from the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. “We are very honored by our partnership with the Academy, and delighted we were able to attract some key representatives from many countries to participate to this event”, declared Pierre Sissmann, Chairman and CEO of Cyber Group Studios, and an active member of The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. “The quality and diversity of the shows produced for kids around the world is amazing and really motivating. You can feel a common ambition for content in all the shows that we have screened”, declared Julien Borde, Director Children and Youth Program Director, France Televisions. Arne Lohmann, Director of Coproductions of ZDF Enterprises, added "I was impressed by the variety and quality of the semifinalists. Therefore the final decision was a difficult one. Thanks to all participants and their great work." “It was an honour to sit on the Emmy semi-final jury in Paris, finally commented Jackie Edwards - Content and Acquisitions Manager at CBeebies. It is so refreshing and invigorating to be reminded of the breadth and quality of programming available to children and young people internationally, and I'm very proud to be a part of the rigorous selection process for this award." The results of this event will be combined by the Academy with the other semi-final results, and the winner will be announced at The International Emmy Awards Gala on the 21st of November in New York.

Cloud Bread, a 78 x 7’ 3D CGI series tells the story about two curious children that find a small piece of cloud snagged on a twig. They take it to their mom and she bakes it into bread. When they eat it, they begin to float like clouds. This wonderful new series combines stories full of warmth & strong values with all the fantasy and whimsy of a child’s imagination. Cloud bread takes us into a world of striking animation design, brought to life in three dazzling dimensions. Produced by GIMC, a Korea based studio, Cloud Bread explores edutainment in a new way through 3D vision. Created, funded and produced by GIMC and Carloon Film&TV Animation in China, and supervised by Larry Huber, a renowned animation producer who has worked for years for Nickelodeon, Cloud Bread is a unique way to appeal to preschoolers through a total immersion in the image. Debuting on KBS this fall in Korea, the full stereoscopic episodes of the series will be available together with a regular CGI version and fully delivered in early 2011. “We are thrilled of this association with GIMC, in view of our long-term commitment to top preschool properties and also to the development of new technology to enhance entertainment for our public” declares Pierre Sissmann, President of Cyber Group Studios. “The launch of Cloud Bread in 3D as a world premiere marks a very important step in delivering edutainment to children around the world and we are pleased to be associated to Cyber Group Studios in Europe, whose own pre-school series have already travelled the five continents”, declares Heung-Soo Park, GIMC’s President and former founder of EBS. Cloud Bread 3D episodes will be on display in Cannes throughout MIPCOM at Cyber Group Studios booth R31.13.

Ozie Boo “Save the planet”, coproduced with French pre-school network TiJi, aims at explaining to young kids through an interactive way, the environmental issues facing their future. Mixing animation and live-action high definition images, the series covers four major themes such as species in danger, natural resources and climate, protection of the planet and pollution. Benefitting from the editorial advice of WWF-FRANCE experts, Ozie Boo “Save the planet”, which has been close to two years in the making, presents facts in an interactive and entertaining way to young children geared at stimulating their interest on the world they live in. WWF-France is very proud to be part of this initiative which aims at further educating children about the environmental challenges facing the world in which they live in. “Today’s children will become tomorrow’s eco-citizens; they are particularly sensitive to the nature and to the flora and fauna condition when they discover the world’s beauty. TiJi had to make available to families and teachers a series to sensitize children to little gestures that have large effects on the health of our Earth, through characters that they know and appreciate, declares Caroline Adelus, Director of the network. The Co-production team of Lagardere’s TV division has heavily invested on the content to offer tailormade to our viewers, combined with the WWF-FRANCE scientists’ knowledge and the talent of Cyber Group Studios: the series is of outstanding quality… This program is a gem… and will be aired on TiJi.” “We are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to work with WWF-FRANCE and TiJi on this very exciting series, says Pierre Sissmann, President of Cyber Group Studios who adds, It is important that the kids of today think about the world of tomorrow they need to respect and protect and we hope that the Ozie Boos already present in over 160 countries will help contribute to that objective” Ozie Boo “Save the planet” which is debuting this Fall on TiJi in France has already been presold to over 20 countries around the world to broadcasters such as Radio Canada, Astro in Malaysia, MTV3 in Finland, Spectrum in Indonesia, Canal Panda in Portugal, Irib in Iran, Al Jazeera Children’s Channel in Middle East, TiJi for CIS, ATE in Lebanon, Content Union in Kazakhstan, TV5 Monde for worldwide broadcast… who all have a strong mission in children edutainment.

Timoon Animation and Cyber Group Studios will coproduce FISH’ N CHIPS, an action / comedy series telling the adventures of Coney Island aquarium’s residents and BAMBALA-YÉ !, a wild musical / comedy series in Africa. FISH’ N CHIPS is an original battle between a cat who is a champion deep-sea diver and a fish that is convinced he is evolving into… a mammal! Racing and chasing each other through the mythical setting of New York City, a unique, unorthodox combat right under the noses of the millions of inhabitants and tourists who visit the New York aquarium and Coney Island boardwalk every day… BAMBALA-YÉ ! takes place in Africa and features a group of wacky and out-of-control musician animals. Throughout fast-pace and funny adventures, they will sing the all-time standards of black music. Access to these worldwide blockbuster songs has been made possible thanks to an agreement with EMI Publishing Worldwide. BAMBALA-YÉ! story and characters have been created with the intention to be adapted to the four screens (TV, PC/Internet, mobile phones and movie theater). Cyber Group Studios and Timoon Animation will handle together the art and editorial direction as well as the coordination with broadcasters. Cyber Group Studios will manage the series’ international distribution and licensing, whose strategy will be defined together with Timoon Animation. Arnaud Molinié, CEO of Lagardère Entertainment said: « Animation is one of Lagardère Entertainment’s key areas of development. Beyond our new ambitions for Timoon, this partnership makes a lot of sense, both from an artistic and a business standpoint. Furthermore, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to join forces with Pierre Sissmann who is one of the animation industry key players in France and internationally ». « I am delighted to partner with Timoon Animation. This agreement will allow us to gather our respective strengths to create two 3D series with strong international potential and broad audience. I believe that their fast-pace action, humor and great soundtrack will please both kids and parents. Moreover, these series fit perfectly our company’s strategy to produce top quality, innovative, international and multimedia content » commented Pierre Sissmann, President of Cyber Group Studios. Boris Hertzog and Sandrine Nguyen, Managing Directors of Timoon Animation, added « these ambitious series are a unique opportunity to fuel our development and leverage our deep 3D animation expertise into new artistic and storytelling concepts tailor-made for international markets for a larger audience. We are convinced that the strong complementarity of our teams will foster creativity in a powerful way ». Billy, Producer at Cyber Group Studios commented: « Cyber Group Studios’ team demonstrated its capability in creating international intellectual properties for preschool kids, for example with OzieBoo! TV series. This partnership with Timoon Animation will give us the opportunity to apply our creative and technology expertise to an older age group ». Broadcasting agreement with industry key players are being finalized and should be announced soon.

Paris , March 30th 2009. Cyber Group Animation becomes Cyber Group Studios in order to present a better reflection of the diversity of it productions, which comprise animation films and series, drama and documentaries. The company is also pleased to announce that Jean-Marie Colombani is joining the Board as Vice-President of the Strategy Committee. “I am particularly happy and honoured to welcome to our company Jean-Marie Colombani, whose experience in matters of content and company management will be a precious asset in helping us guide the organic and external growth of Cyber Group Studios, in France and abroad” stated Pierre Sissmann, Chairman of the Board of Director. Jean-Marie Colombani declared that he was “particularly happy to be sharing Cyber Group's adventure at a key moment in its development, which will include the opening of a division devoted to news and documentaries. Jean-Marie Colombani was Chairman of the Board of Le Monde SA and director of the Le Monde newspaper from 1994 to 2007 and in early 2009 was co-founder, along with Jacques Attali, Johan Hufnagel, Éric le Boucher and Éric Leser, of an on-line news website slate.fr , the French version of the American site of the same name, slate.com.

Actukids organised last Monday January 12th 2009 the 3rd Edition of the Junior Communication Award. This prize rewards advertisers and their agencies for their campaigns' efficiency and creativity, but also for the respect of ethics in the messages conception such as consideration of the judgmental abilities of children, refusal to overconsumption incitement… This is also about rewarding communication media for their editorial quality, and the new licences that keep arriving in the youth media-related universe. A prestigious jury made of youth and media world's specialists will award 4 Prizes for best advertisement aiming at children, best youth media, best out-of-media communication aiming at children, and the new kid-universe licence with highest development potential.