Toonz sets up in New Zealand

Indian animation company Toonz Entertainment has set up in New Zealand.

The new office will be helmed by Mark Nicholls (pictured) joins on a full-time basis having worked with Toonz on specific projects for the past two years.

Before moving into media, he was in the international freight business with Mondiale.

The expansion follows Toonz’s acquisition of Spain-based producer and distributor Imira last year.

The new New Zealand-based subsidiary will oversee the roll out of Toonz brands and content in NZ and Australia and feed into Toonz development pipeline.

“This is a significant opportunity for Toonz,” said P. Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media Group. “New Zealand and Australia are key markets for our properties and we believe that there is considerable potential in having a dedicated operation on the ground to help to maximise our presence in the region and establish mutually beneficial partnerships.”

Nicholls, who becomes director of Toonz New Zealand added: “[New Zealand] has substantial talent, resources and a supportive government committed to growing the entertainment production sector. With this new base, Toonz will be able to maximise the synergies across Asia, New Zealand and Australia as well as offering opportunities to local businesses.”

Toonz New Zealand plans will start off with the launch of an unspecified retail product, which will be released in the New Zealand and Australian markets.