Mondo TV, one of the largest European producers and distributors of animated content, has announced the signing of a major new contract with Italian broadcaster Rai. In detail, producer and broadcaster of children’s programming Rai Ragazzi has agreed to pre-buy the animated series “Grisù”. The agreement with Rai Ragazzi grants TV rights for a period of seven years from the date of completion for free TV, pay TV, pay-per-view, VOD, and ancillary rights for the Italian territory.
Mondo TV Group, Toon2Tango and ZDF Enterprises will jointly co-produce the new series, which is based on the classic property “Grisù” and created by its original authors, Nino and Toni Pagot. The new version will consist of 52 new episodes of 11 minutes each and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2022.
The series follows the adventures of Grisù, a brave, positive, determined child – just like the firefighter he wants to be when he grows up. There’s just one problem: he’s a dragon – and when he grows up he is supposed to be a fire-breathing dragon. This ambition is a theme of all of his adventures – and his positive can-do attitude will give his 4-to-7-year-old audience a little hero that they can identify with.
“This contract with a major European broadcaster is a strong vote of confidence in the prospects for this new version of a truly classic property – and also in the strength of the team that will bring Grisù to the screen. Our plan is to continue building markets for Grisù ahead of its 2022 delivery date and this agreement will massively boost that aim,” said Matteo Corradi, President & CEO of Mondo TV.
Luca Milano, Director of Rai Kids, added: “We are confident that the iconic character of the little firefighter dragon Grisù, created by Toni and Nino Pagot in the 1960s, will, in this brilliant new version, continue to amuse and entertain today's children. We are very happy to welcome him on Rai Yoyo”.