Jetpack opens dialogue over Talking Tom

UK-based children’s programming company Jetpack Distribution has acquired worldwide rights (excluding Asia) to Talking Tom and Friends: The Animated Series.

The 52x11mins, CGI-animated show is based on the ultra-popular Talking Tom mobile app, which has been downloaded three billion times and has 250 million returning monthly users.

Jetpack plans to use those numbers to persuade buyers of the brand’s “built-in audience”.

Talking Tom and Friends comes from Cyprus-based family entertainment firm Outfit7 and Austria-based arm ARX Anima, with Tom Martin (WordGirl, The Simpsons) attached as writer.

Jetpack acquired the TV rights from app maker Outfit7, which had previously done a deal with Spain’s BRB Internacional to sell the show. It is unclear if these companies are still involved, with no-one available to answer TBI’s requests for comment at press time.

The show follows talking cat Tom and his friends as they create inventions and have adventures while shooting their own reality television show. Colin Hanks (Fargo), Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) and Lisa Schwartz (Party Girl) are among the attached voice talent.

“The franchise is a massively successful app, which has engaged millions of families around the globe in over 230 countries and territories,” said Jetpack CEO Dominic Gardiner.

“There is already much interest in this internationally recognisable brand, and we look forward to working with Outfit7 and our global broadcast partners as we bring this much anticipated TV series to living rooms around the world.”

The show launched on YouTube in April and has drawn 300 million views to date.