“Trotro & Zaza” and “Dreamland” the new animated series by Ellipse Animation

“Trotro & Zaza” and “Dreamland” the new animated series by Ellipse Animation

The French study Ellipse animation is expanding its range of content, with numerous projects of various genres and target audiences being developed across its various production labels. Two of these new series will be presented at the Cartoon Forum in Toulouse (19-22 September): the preschool project Trotro & Zaza , based on the illustrated books by Bénédicte Guettier (Gallimard Jeunesse), e Dreamland , a teen / adult project in co-production with La Chouette Compagnie, adapted from the manga of the same name (Pika Edition), which continues to win new fans.

“We are delighted to be in Toulouse this year with two projects illustrating the diversity of our editorial line in Ellipse Animation. With this diversification, we will continue to open new collaborations both in France and internationally. Our participation in the Cartoon Forum is a crucial step in this development strategy, ”said Caroline Audebert, managing director of Ellipse Animation.

Announced at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2022, Dreamland is the new project for teenagers / adults by Ellipse Animation developed through Dupuis Edition and Audiovisuel with La Chouette Compagnie and in collaboration with ADN (Animation Digital Network, platform dedicated to Média-Participations animation streaming). Mediation on board for international distribution.

This adaptation of the manga created by Reno Lemaire is published by Pika Edition (20 volumes published to date and almost 600.000 copies sold, volume 21 will be released on October 12), the 10 x 24 ′ 2D animation series will bring the viewer into the world of Terrence. . By day he is a simple high school student, desperately trying to take boring lessons and be with Lydia, the girl he is in love with. He is also terrified of fire as his mother died in a house fire when he was only 7 years old. One night, in his dreams, he overcomes his fear and manages to keep a fire under control. He becomes a traveler, a very particular type of dreamer who, every night when he sleeps, is taken to Dreamland ...

“Convinced of the universal scope of the story developed by Reno Lemaire since 2006, we have dreamed for years to adapt the manga Dreamland to La Chouette. It has now become a reality, thanks to ADN and Ellipse Animation, ”said series producer Sylvain Dos Santos of La Chouette Compagnie. "The whole team is thrilled to bring this story to the screen and show this incredible world of dreams to as many viewers as possible both in France and around the world."

Audebert added: “We are encouraged by the great interest expressed in this new project following the screening of the trailer in Annecy. We've had over 165.000 views on YouTube, along with hundreds of thousands of Twitter views. Another positive sign is the Dreamland , conference organized by Pika Edition at the Japan Expo last July 14, which received an excellent reception. This is just the beginning and we have every reason to dream of success Dreamland ".

Ellipse Animation will present “Dreamland: When a successful MangFra (manga made in France) becomes an anime "Wed, September 21 at 15pm in the Blue Room, with Audebert, Dos Santos and screenwriter Antoine Maurel (Drones S2, Imago, Marblegen).

Trotro and Zaza

Trotro & Zaza is the latest iteration of a powerful IP from the past 20 years. The first series, which won the Unifrance Award for audiovisual exports in 2017, is currently broadcast all over the world, including on major platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. On Youtube, Trotro it generated more than 700 million views and collected more than a million subscribers in the eight available languages.

This new series follows the famous donkey at a time when he faces a huge new challenge: becoming a big brother of Zaza. Mediatoon will also handle international distribution for this 2D preschool project.

“We are proud to accompany  Trotro and Zaza in new stories designed for a younger audience. These two cute characters complete Ellipse Animation's family of iconic heroes, ”said Lila Hannou, VP Creative Development and Strategy at Ellipse Animation. "We know they have what it takes to achieve the international success they deserve with children and their parents who almost certainly enjoyed the first series."

During the 78 x 3'30 ″ episodes, Trotro will take on his new magical, rewarding and sometimes surprising role. He will have to share everything he learns, his emotions and even his toys! All kinds of important daily activities between a brother and sister will spice up their adventures and create a whole range of emotions shared by children all over the world. All this obviously together with the love for the family.

“I remember how happy I was to see Trotro animated and to hear his voice for the first time with the tests of the first series! I was in seventh heaven! Now he has become a big brother and is back with his little sister Zaza, a mini-turbine that wants to say the about him, ”said Bénédicte Guettier, who wrote the books and is the graphics for the series.

“With adoration, arguments, messes, mischief and affection, through their many adventures together they learn to know each other and to find their place. They have the keys to making everything go well, because even if 'Trotro is too funny', his little sister is 'Zazadorable'!

"I love working on this new series with Gaëlle Guiny and Alexandre Coste: choosing the voices, finding the backgrounds, the bright colors, defining the contours, the size of the eyes and the length of the ears, looking for the right gestures and expressions for the characters. and finally see them come to life! "

Hannou, Guettier, producer Gaëlle Guiny and director Alexandra Coste ( Akissi: A Funny Little Brother) will present the pitch of Ellipse Animation " Tratra & Zaza : a completely new preschool project based on an important property ”Thursday 22 September at 9:45 am in the Blue Room of the Cartoon Forum. 

Source: animationmagazine.net