Toon2Tango and ZDF Studios launch worldwide distribution of 'Dino Mite'
Kids and family entertainment leaders to distribute eagerly awaited new kids’ show
Mainz, June 2nd, 2023
Toon2Tango GmbH & Co. KG, the kids and family entertainment venture headed by long-time television and movie industry experts Ulli Stoef and Jo Daris, has been awarded the worldwide distribution rights for Dino Mite, the eagerly awaited new 39 x 11 minute animated show for children, which already has been picked up by German broadcaster ZDF. The show is currently in production, with delivery expected in 2024.
Toon2Tango has also entered into a partnership with ZDF Studios, the commercial subsidiary of ZDF, to jointly work together on the distribution of this fantastic new show. As part of this agreement, Toon2Tango will be in charge of the French-speaking territories, Italy, Iberia and China, while ZDF Studios will handle the distribution in all other territories worldwide.
Based on the charming children’s books Minus Drei, written by Ute Krause and published by Random House, Dino Mite is set in an alternative prehistoric world, in which dinosaurs are the superior species. Humankind? Dino Mite had never heard of it. And then Lucy showed up…
Dino Mite tells the story of a resourceful young dinosaur and his extraordinary ‘pet’ Lucy, a headstrong ‘cave girl’ who together tackle the adventures and challenges of childhood, sharing friendship, fun and a lot of crazy ideas.
Admired animation experts TRIKK17 and M.A.R.K.13™ together with Fabriques d’Images are co-producing this delightful new venture. TRIKK17 was founded in 2001 as a stop-motion studio. Today it is known for award-winning kids entertainment and animation films of every kind and genre. M.A.R.K.13™ founders Holger and Dominique were involved in the early stages of German computer animation and went on to become a leading force in today’s virtual production techniques. Their company develops, finances, produces and delivers state-of-the-art films for all platforms and genres. Based in Luxembourg, Fabriques d’images is developing, financing and producing quality European content for children and the whole family, for the small and the big screen, as well as the new digital media for more than twenty years already.
Toon2Tango co-founder Ulli Stoef says: “The visuals and comic potential of the wonderful stories from Ute Krause makes them ideal for animation and perfect for a global audience. It’s no surprise to us that two innovative and admired production companies are already on board for Dino Mite and that the show has attracted such strong interest from a major broadcaster. We’re delighted to be joining them as distributor of this funny and original new show.”
Marei Bruckmann, Director Junior, ZDF Studios, adds: ”Dinosaurs are always a guarantee for success in children's programmes. This perennial theme, together with a successful mix of humour and stories of friendship and the great execution of the creative team, are sure to make the series a worldwide success. We are elated to be working again with some of our key partners in children’s animation.”
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About Toon2Tango
Toon2Tango is a boutique company specializing in IP creation, development, financing, production, distribution and brand building within the kids and family entertainment sector. The company is positioned as a worldwide operation working across all types of children’s and family entertainment IP. Toon2Tango also actively engages in co-financing and acquisition of quality programming with a strong international appeal. Its founders are Hans Ulrich Stoef and Jo Daris, two major names in the international television and movie arena.
About ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios is a commercial subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest TV broadcasters in Europe. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, the ZDF Studios Group operates more than 30 direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom spanning TV production, distribution and services. The parent company, ZDF Studios, is responsible for global programme distribution, realisation of international co-productions, acquisition of licences and merchandising of successful programme brands under its own name, for ZDF and third parties. ZDF Studios has the largest German-language programme inventory in the world and a constantly growing range of international productions, consisting of series and mini-series, television films, documentaries and children's programmes.
The companies of the ZDF Studios Group cover the entire value chain from the development of scripted and unscripted TV content to production, marketing and monetizing, including TV and streaming licences as well as merchandising and online rights. The positioning of ZDF Studios as an integrated media company enables the development of innovative, outstanding and high-quality programmes and makes the Group an attractive workplace for German and international talent to flourish in a very inspiring and creative environment.
Contact ZDF Studios
Christine Denilauler (VP Marketing and Corporate Communications), ZDF Studios GmbH, Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 1, 55127 Mainz/Germany, Tel.: +49 6131-9911130, Email: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com