Marvel seals M6 output deal

US comic studio and entertainment company Marvel has sealed a multiyear
programming deal with French broadcaster M6. Marvel recently inked an output
deal with Teletoon in Canada and as well as the French deal, is set to
announce an output agreement in Spain and is working on a deal for Latin
America.

The French deal will see M6 get Marvel programming and effectively act as a
licensing agent for Marvel in the country and not all Marvel shows will
necessarily appear on M6 or its affiliated channels, which include digital
terrestrial youth channel W9.

"M6 will get our programming and represent us on a licensing basis as well,"
says Eric Rollman, president of Marvel Animation. "If M6 is the right place
for a show great, but if its Canal Plus or another network it can go there."

Output deals works for Marvel and its broadcast partners, explains Eric
Rollman, president of Marvel Animation. "Distribution is always challenging.
We want to reach the right demo and be on the best platforms. It helps us to
know we have a home for our shows and it helps the broadcaster to know that
they have strong programming coming down pipe."

Last month Marvel announced an output deal with Teletoon in Canada and its
first-run programming will appear on the channel, starting spring 2009.

Marvel plans to roll out animated series after each of its major theatrical
releases hit movie theatres. The release slate for 2010 includes Thor and
development work is underway on the animated series.

Marvel¹s current slate includes Super Hero Squad, Wolverine and the X-Men
and Iron Man: Armored Adventures.