Kids television channel Hungama TV is looking to pick up local animation content.
Speaking to Animation ‘xpress at the recently concluded Promax 2005, Hungama TV head Zarina Mehta said that,”We are very keen to buy locally created animation content”
On being asked as to what kind of content was the kidcaster was looking for and the kind of rates it was willing to pay, Zarina remarked,”We can’t afford to pay the full cost of animation, however we are willing to get involved in the pre production stages, where we could co own and co finance the project. Studios can even come to us with a pilot, the series need not be completed”
“We are also looking at buying animated features whether Indian or International to add to our bank of kids films” she concluded.
Currently the ratio for animation/liveaction content on Hungama TV is 50:50. The channel is also trying to bring in some internatrional animation content for older kids (11 to 14) that’s in the process of being finalised.
Amongst the animated shows faring well on Hungama are SonicX and Doraemon. While Sonic X is a TV series based on the one of the world’s largest selling video games, Doraemon is one of the most popular Japanese (Manga) animated characters of all time.
Hungama has a daily pre schooler slot from 10.00am to 12.noon where the channel airs international animated shows likw Arthur, Martin Morning, Jymm &Jam, Tractor Tom and Babaloos.