– Putt-Putt drives away with TV deal

Putt-Putt, Freddi Fish and other original characters from software publisher and developer Humongous Entertainment are one step closer to starring in their own TV show, following a deal between Humongous and Lancit Media Entertainment to produce television, film and home video programming. The agreement entitles Lancit to use all existing characters, as well as future creations, including a new character to launch this fall. The first priority for the partners is to develop an animated television show for kickoff in the fall of 1998. Although the series is in early development, the partners are considering a show that would be broken into segments for each character. Strategy Licensing, a subsidiary of Lancit Media, has been acting as the licensing and merchandising agent for Humongous Entertainment for nearly a year.

-Gaumont Multimedia launches dreamy preschool series

PARIS: Following its success in the U.S. with Home to Rent, Gaumont Multimedia, whose turnover in 1997 is expected to reach 100 million francs (US$17 million), is looking to continue strengthening its position in the U.S. market. ‘We want to produce more original and long-life series such as The Magician,’ says Marc du Pontavice, head of Gaumont Multimedia.

The company is currently developing its first preschool series, Au clair de la lune, inspired by a children’s lullaby. ‘The preschool market is expanding, and it can harmonize with a merchandising strategy, and it allows us to lead intelligent campaigns,’ says du Pontavice. Au clair de la lune is the story of small boy who retells his fantastic dreams from the previous night. The show was launched for sales at MIP-TV.