Keep it clean and get some green

A new US$1.5-million fund has been set up to help U.K. producers create family-friendly live-action and animated films. Jointly funded by the Children’s Film & Television Foundation, National Lottery cash from the UK Film Council’s Development Fund and the BBC, US$500,000 will be available for each of the next three years. Applications should be addressed to the CFTF at: Elstree Film & Television Studios, Borehamwood, Herts, WD6 1JG.

Sony exports its all-anime net

Next month, Sony Pictures Television International will be launching Animax Asia, the first 24-hour anime channel outside of Japan. Based in Singapore, the net will air in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Animax Japan, launched in June 1998, is the number-one cable and satellite network in Japan.

Novel signs on to develop Horrid Henry

London’s Novel Entertainment (The Fimbles) has signed a development deal to create a series based on Francesca Simon’s 11-book Horrid Henry series, which has sold more than a million units in the U.K. and is now published in 20 countries. Novel has optioned TV, film and home entertainment rights to the Horrid Henry franchise from Orion Children’s Books, and is currently on the lookout for broadcast partners.