– Davin introduces Alphanim at MIP-TV

PARIS: MIP-TV will be the first international market for the new French production company Alphanim, headed by Christian Davin, former head of France Animation. The company specializes in animated and live-action children’s programming. ‘My objective is to produce three series a year and to reach a FF60 to 70 million (US$10.6 to 12.4 million) turnover in the coming year,’ says Davin. The company also plans to invest FF3 million (US$530,000) a year in development.

-TV Cartoons and Varga form new studio

LONDON: The 40-year-old U.K. animation house TV Cartoons Ltd. has teamed up with the Hungarian company Varga Studio to form VARGA tvc Ltd.

John Coates, managing director of TV Cartoons, and Andras Erkel, senior director of Varga Studio, recently announced the creation of the new studio, which is set to open in May. TV Cartoons will stop production this summer, but will maintain all rights to its original catalogue, which includes The Wind in the Willows and The Snowman.

The new company’s goal will be to support British animation by creating opportunities for young talent. While the company’s long-term plan is to develop in-house projects, it will also act as a service company for broadcasters and distributors, and will move into the production of TV commercials.