Turner Asia Pacific and Chinese animation prodco UYoung have signed a memorandum of understanding this week for a new partnership. The scope of agreement includes UYoung developing new IP, for which Turner (along with its Cartoon Network, Boomerang and POGO brands) will provide production and international distribution experience. The new property will be announced later this year.

This partnership falls in line with Turner’s virtual studio model that the company uses in APAC for original animated projects, identifying creators, artists and studios from around the region for global audiences.

The announcement follows UYoung partnering with Boat Rocker Studios to co-produce an animated preschool series inspired by Rachel Bright’s Love Monster book series. The 54 x seven-minute show will be animated by UK-based Karrot Animation and A Productions and will premiere on CBeebies.

UYoung has partnered with many Western companies on distribution and licensing deals for China, however it is most well-known for its co-pro with Little Airplane Productions P. King Duckling (pictured), which was the first animated TV series from China acquired by Disney Junior.