PARIS: The animation production arm of Ellipse Programme, Ellipsanime, recently announced a doubling of its output from 91 half -hours for three series in 1997 to 200 half-hours this year. Two animated films, based on the characters Babar and Bécassine are slated for completion by the year 2000.

According to Robert Rea, head of Ellipsanime, the division will reach a business volume of FF400 million (US$66.3 million), up from its current FF200 million (US$33 million).

Series currently in production include the 3-D program Ixcalibur, a 26 x 26-minute series co-produced with France’s Gribouille, Canal+, France 2 and Canada’s Cactus with a budget of FF56 million (US$9.3 million); and Corto Maltese, six x 30 minutes, set for delivery in September 1999. Canal+ will air the show during prime time. Other broadcast partners include Arte, France 2 and Italy’s RAI.