Something Big boards Toon2Tango’s ‘Niko – The Little Reindeer’ series

Niko – The Little Reindeer (Source: Toon2Tango)

Leonine-owned German animation studio Toon2Tango has struck a deal with French firm Something Big to develop and co-produce a series adaptation of kids’ movie franchise Niko – The Little Reindeer.

Toon2Tango acquired the rights to the franchise last year, originally produced by Animaker, Anima Vitae, Cinemaker, Ulysses Films, Moetion Films, and A.Film Production.

The new pact between the Hans Ulrich Stoef and Jo Daris-led Toon2Tango and Frédéric Puech’s Something Big will see them collaborate to bring the 52 x 11-minute series to the screen, with plans to begin production in 2025.

Two Niko feature films have already been released. A third, Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights, is due to hit cinemas later this year. The TV story will follow in the footsteps of the feature films, with Niko learning his trade at an academy in the hope of becoming one of Santa’s official reindeers.

The concept has been developed by Toon2Tango, with a bible written by Jim Nolan. Toon2Tango and Something Big will present the project at MIFA in Annecy this June.

Ulli Stoef, CEO & Producer, Toon2Tango, said: “We are very happy to welcome Something Big to the team. For some while we have been working closely with the original creators of Niko to bring these beloved characters to the small screen and we would like to thank them for their trust and support.

“Our partners at Leonine Studio have already distributed the home entertainment rights to the first two films successfully and will also bring the new movie Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights to German-speaking cinemas – a perfect example of how we can further build the brand”