France’s dedicated children’s channel Teletoon is gearing up for the launch of a miniblock of teen- and young adult-targeted animation. Starting late this month or early November, the new programming package will broadcast from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., with 1.5 hours of transitional fare bridging Teletoon’s current 9 p.m. sign-off time and the start of the young adult window. The new block will have its own specific design and name, which was unavailable at press time. The new fare will consist of international and U.S. series, short productions and a few Japanese Manga cartoons.

As Teletoon’s general director François Deplanck explains, ‘the idea is to open a complimentary window to house new animated forms and styles, such as short films and new technologies.’

Series that have already been picked up for the block include Bob & Margaret (Nelvana), Paramount’s satirical toon Duckman, and clay animated Rex the Runt (BBC and Aardman Animations).

Regarding potential co-pros, Teletoon is in touch with Paris-based Antefilms Production for two projects that are currently in development: Fred The Caveman, a 40 x seven-minute, 3-D/cut-paper series whose co-production could involve CBS; and Disco Cops, a parody that pokes fun at U.S. police dramas and Travolta-ish disco movies. At press time, no concrete deals had been signed.

Teletoon’s latest offspring will be transmitted on satellite platform TPS, as well as on cable.