MTV Networks ups its presence south of the border

Nick parentco MTV Networks is expanding its foothold in Latin America with the launch of a consumer products office and several new digital channels. The expansion is part of a larger push to take advantage of the growing digital market in Latin America. In Q2, the net will launch VH1 Latin America and the MTVN digital suite for Mexico, which includes Nickelodeon’s Games and Sports Network. The consumer products office has been set up to allow the regional channels to participate in merch programs targeting the Latin American market to a greater degree. MTVN implemented a similar gameplan in Europe last March.

Cybergraphix partners up in an American-Indian triumvirate

Tapping into India’s toon talent base, L.A.-based Cybergraphix Animation has teamed up with Mumbai’s Animation Bridge and Padmalaya Telefilms to develop a slate of new kids co-pros. The trio’s first project, Guardians of Luna, will benefit from the expertise of Emmy award-winning writer Michael Reaves (whose credits include Batman: the Animated Series and Disney’s Gargolyes). Targeted at boys eight to 14, the 26 x half-hour 2-D animated series is a good-versus-evil tale about the teenage descendants of an ancient race of werewolves.

Davey and Goliath hit the comeback track

Pushing a small-screen revival for its kitschy Christian characters Davey and Goliath, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and its agency DandG Licensing have teamed up with original producer Clokey Productions to animate a stop-motion holiday special called Davey and Goliath’s Snowboard Christmas, which is on track to be finished by November. The company is negotiating with a home entertainment partner to release the original 65 episodes and six specials on video and DVD this fall, as well as scouting for new licensees and distribution partners for a new Davey and Goliath series that Clokey is developing.