*Marathon opens educational division

PARIS: Marathon International has opened a new educational programming division headed by Marion Challier, formerly of Gallmiard Jeunesse, a book publishing company. With the launch of the new division, Marathon plans to move its projects into the multimedia, gaming and publishing areas. Two educational series are already in development with French broadcasters La Cinquime and Canal J.

*Happy trails for Roy Rogers

A deal to jointly develop an animated series, Roy Rogers Rides Again, has been struck between Paragon Entertainment and All American Television. Based on the legendary cowboy hero, the production of 26 half-hour episodes was announced on the occasion of Rogers’ 86th birthday. Roy Rogers, featured in 88 films and 100 episodes of the original Roy Rogers series, will serve as a consultant on the series, along with his wife and former co-star Dale Evans.

French animation house Pixibox Studios is in negotiation to participate as a co-production partner and will distribute the series in France. Other distributors include All American Television Inc. for the U.S. and Accolade Releasing, sales agent for Paragon, which will handle international sales with All American.