TF1 making first animated series

The production arm of French commercial broadcaster TF1 is making its first animated series, Mini Ninjas. The show will be made by TF1 Production and French production and distribution group Cyber Group Studios.

Cyber Group will handle international sales of the series, which is based on the eponymous video game from Square Enix.

Italian public broadcaster RAI has also got on board the series.

The computer game has sold over one Million units since launch in 2009. The 52x13mins TV series will target 6-to-10s.

The comedy will follow a group of young Ninjas, trained by their Ninja Master, who fight to liberate innocent animals who have been transformed into fearsome samurais by a wizard warlord.

“The Mini Ninjas” brand, already well known by kids all over the world, will find a perfect home on “TFOU”’s programming slot, bringing both comedy and adventure with great heroes” says, Yann Labasque, Head of TF1’s Youth entertainment unit.