Studio Hari

During the France Télévision group’s conference on youth programmes on 10th June 2009, as part of the International Animated Film Market in Annecy, short programmes – and therefore the productions of Studio Hari were particularly honoured. Here are a few extracts from the press pack.

Short formats revive the rhythm of cartoons and unite very diverse audiences with the dynamism and humour which they bring to the screen. Generally lasting between one minute and three and a half minutes, the short programme enables its makers to innovate, to surprise and to open up to new forms of writing. It frees itself from the sometimes constrictive limits of the classic animated series, with episodes which run for 26 or 13 minutes.

“The Owl” from Studio Hari has to date been sold in more than 200 countries: what was yesterday considered on the markets to be an unconventional, marginal format is now thought of as a new genre, and a laboratory for all forms of experimentation, both graphic and literary.

Josselin Charier and Antoine Rodelet, the producers of Studio Hari, told us of their experience with short programmes, from “The Owl” to “Leon”, their next original creation soon to be shown on France 3.

The tradition goes back to the beginning of time, and no-one or almost no-one can explain its origins. It’s an unavoidable part of the Annecy Festival, a golden rule which is handed down from generation to generation, impatiently awaited by the festival goers: the rabbit …. in the preview of the Festival.

What exactly is it about? Well, just a rabbit which appears in the preview, just try and find out why. In the 2009 preview produced by Studio Hari, the rabbit, for the first time, gets a kick up the backside (in not just any old how) by a mad Owl. Result: he crosses the screen in less than a second, which sets off a wildly enthusiastic reaction in the audience.

The rabbit kick of « The Owl » will go down in the history of the festival!!

Each year, the making of the promotional trailer for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, which presents the Festival’s partners, is entrusted to a different production company.
It is with undisguised pleasure that STUDIO HARI has accepted this year’s proposal from CITIA, the Festival organizers, to make the trailer.
STUDIO HARI has chosen THE OWL to present the festival. For who could be better than this quick-tempered little character to present the Festival’s partners? The Owl hates advertising. And when she gets mad, there’s a show in store – and as we all know, entertainment makes for good promotion. CITIA were not wrong there!

The prestigious broadcaster is set to air LEON exclusively in Germany in late 2009.

Carsten Goettel, Head of Programming at Super RTL: “Leon fits perfectly into our programming portfolio because it’s totally gender neutral, suitable for all age groups, highly valued and appreciated by parents. I am therefore really looking forward to the show being on air!”

Justine Bannister, Head of Distribution at TV-Loonland added: “Following strong pre-sales for the show, we are thrilled to welcome another premium broadcast partner to the table. Striking a deal with Super RTL, the uncontested market leader in Germany´s children´s TV market, speaks for the programme itself. This deal marks another important step to expand the worldwide presence of LEON.”

SUPER RTL is joining UK´s CBBC and France 3 as third prominent European broadcaster to pick up the show scheduled for full delivery before Christmas 2009.

The magazine “A NOUS PARIS” says it best:
“WHAT A PHENOMENON – The series The Owl by Alexandre So was the TV phenomenon that took us by surprise! At the start, it was a short cartoon for toddlers (broadcast on France 3 and Canal J) about a shocking-pink little owl who does her best to stay in one piece in a forest populated with merciless creatures. In the end, it was a hilarious series along the lines of Têtes à claques where the little critter is struck by lightning, grated, blown up, crushed, swallowed whole, glazed and charred. For latecomers, four episodes are available on YouTube and the whole first season of this improbable series is being released on DVD. A purchase the entire household will love.”

Studio Hari and TV Loonland have teamed up with Longleat House & Safari Park to give visitors a comic treat this year throughout all the major holiday seasons. The Owl will make appearances at Longleat throughout 2009 including Half Term, Easter and Summer for all families to enjoy. You won’t miss the giant pink character costume as The Owl will come to life and join favourite feathered friends to meet and greet families and friends in and around Longleat’s popular main square.

CBBC have committed to a pre-buy deal for exclusive TV and ´catch-up´ rights in the UK. Premiering at this years MIPCOM and ready for delivery before Christmas 2009, LEON is a co-production between Studio Hari, TV Loonland and France 3.

Following on from the phenomenal success of the OWL for the BBC, LEON will be the second show from French Producer Studio Hari to be picked-up by the UK Pubcaster. According to Broadcast Magazine, the one minute animated series, THE OWL is currently rating at number 3 amongst all kids shows on TV in the UK! This is an exceptional feat for any show, let alone a short format! On the international front, TV-Loonland certainly has no complaints as the OWL is now ‘on the air’ in over 180 countries worldwide and also has a major presence on DVD, online, mobile telephony and across a number of digital platforms.

LEON is a hysterically-funny portrayal of life’s unluckiest lion. Appealing to viewers of all ages, the show has been inspired by the all time animation classics and a true celebration of slapstick, squash and stretch genius.

Comment from Jesse Cleverly – Head of Acquisitions & Original Animation at CBBC: “We are so delighted to be working with Studio Hari and TV-Loonland and again after our fantastic exprience with THE OWL. Leon is already shaping up to be a floppy fringed favourite with our audience who will love the combination of a great character and brilliantly judged physical comedy.”

Justine Bannister, Head of Distribution at TV-Loonland, commented: “Studio Hari have gone and done it again! LEON is pure animated genius. We have really enjoyed working with CBBC on THE OWL and delighted that they have committed to LEON at such an early stage of development. We couldn’t have hoped for a more perfect launch platform for LEON in terms of TV exposure worldwide.”