Fremantle inks kids deal with Shellhut

FremantleMedia’s kids and family unit has struck a copro deal with Thai prodco Shellhut as it seeks to establish deeper roots in Asia.

Fremantle and Shellhut will coproduce two animated series, although no details were given about the shows. Fremantle will then sell the projects internationally.

The agreement is similar in structure to that between Fremantle and the BBC in the UK, with the pair coproducing several shows including Tree Fu Tom.

Rick Glankler (pictured), president and general manager, FremantleMedia Kids & Family said: “This new deal sees FremantleMedia Kids & Family expand its global production capability and moves the division towards becoming one of the most active and successful western kids and family entertainment companies working in the territory.”

RTL-owned FremantleMedia has pushed into Asia under Glankler, hiring Henry Or as VP for the region in 2014, launching a new Hong Kong office at the same time, as TBI revealed at the time.

Shellhut founder and CEO Dr. Jwanwat Ahriyavraromp added: “This will create a new chapter for our company, and with FremantleMedia’s expertise, we are more confident that the TV series and the characters will have international appeal for millions of global viewers.”