Ex-Viacom execs launch kids distributor

Former Viacom International Media Networks execs Irina Nazarenko and Maria Ufland have launched an animation and family content distributor.

Media I.M. will be based in London and launches in Cannes with more than 900 episodes of children’s animation. The firm has exclusive representation agreements for multiple territories with Russian toon houses Melnitsa Animation Studio, Petersburg Animation Studio and Studio Nebo.

An intial deal is for Melnitsa’s preschool series Luntik (440x4mins 30’) and kids animation series The Pooches (130x4mins 30’), both of which are for Russia One.

Nazarenko and Ufland recently exited VIMN to launch the business.