Chinese & N. Ireland toon firms team for kids project

China’s UYoung and Belfast-based studio Sixteen South have teamed up to create a range of children’s programmes with global appeal.

The first joint project is an unnamed 52×11 preschool series. Currently in development, it aims to portray love and friendship across different cultures and nations. The full details will be announced by the partners in early 2018.

UYoung have also acquired Sixteen South’s animated mixed-media series Lily’s Driftwood Bay (pictured) for all rights in China.

Season two has already been sold to iQiyi, Youku and Tecent, and UYoung will take the brand to the China Licensing Expo in Shanghai later this month.

James Chen Gu, general manager at Animation Studio UYoung, said: “We’re delighted to team up with such a respected and creative company as Sixteen South.

“It’s a continuation of UYoung’s strategy of working with the best international talent to produce high-quality end content for a global market. Like our new co-production, we embody the ethos of friendship and cooperation across nations and cultures.”

Colin Williams, creative director at SixteenSouth, said: “UYoung have an outstanding record and we’re thrilled to become their first partner in the UK and Ireland.

“We’re excited about our new series with its message of global friendship without barriers, and look forward to creating more very special shows together for children all over the world.”