" UTILISING ‘UNREAL ENGINE 4’ (EPIC GAMES), MORGAN LIVES IN A ROCKET HOUSE IS ANOTHER FIRST FOR THE NZ INDIE IN PIONEERING EMERGING REAL-TIME RENDERING TECHNOLOGIES. "
Fuzzy Duckling Media, a New Zealand based multi-media children’s entertainment company and Aardman, a world leader in animation, announce today plans to develop and distribute the TV and virtual reality pre-school series, Morgan lives in a Rocket House, created by New Zealand animator Peter Monga. The CG-animated series pioneers real time rendering technology and entertaining stories rooted in play to produce a cost-effective, high-quality learning experience for pre-schoolers to enjoy across multiple platforms.
Morgan lives in a Rocket House will be distributed by Aardman, and marks the first global development and distribution deal for the recently launched Fuzzy Duckling Media. Today’s announcement was made in lead up to the annual Kidscreen Summit in Miami where the new series will launch for distribution. Kidscreen summit is the world’s leading kids’ entertainment conference, attended by top deal-makers from 50+ countries.
Morgan lives in a Rocket House (20 x 5’ and 1 x 4’ VR) centers on Morgan, a fun loving and optimistic Earth boy marooned on an alien planet light years from Earth. This funny and heartwarming series follows the every-day adventures of Morgan and his best friends Elliot (a cheeky little space-bear), and Synthia (a clever and creative space-fairy), as they play in the happy little village that Morgan’s ship crashed into many years ago. Inspired by classic short-form animation with discovery-based themes, Morgan lives in a Rocket House is created by New Zealand animator, Peter Monga and produced by Fuzzy Duckling Media.
“ MORGAN LIVES IN A ROCKET HOUSE EXEMPLIFIES THE CUTTING-EDGE, HIGH QUALITY CHILDREN’S MEDIA WE AIM TO PRODUCE AT FUZZY DUCKLING MEDIA. AS WE LOOK TO ESTABLISH AND GROW OUR 360 PORTFOLIO OF TECH-LED, CREATOR-DRIVEN CHILDREN’S PROPERTIES, WE ARE THRILLED TO BE WORKING WITH AARDMAN. AS A GROUND-BREAKING PARTNER THEY WILL BRING UNMATCHED EXPERTISE TO DEVELOPING AND DISTRIBUTING THIS EXCITING NEW PROPERTY. ”
- SAM WITTERS, CEO FUZZY DUCKLING MEDIA.
“ WE ARE DELIGHTED TO BE WORKING WITH FUZZY DUCKLING MEDIA AT SUCH AN EARLY STAGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR NEW PRE-SCHOOL SERIES, MORGAN LIVES IN A ROCKET HOUSE, IT’S A SHOW LIKE NO OTHER IN OUR CURRENT PORTFOLIO. THE NEW ANIMATION TECHNOLOGY BEING USED TO CREATE THE SERIES, WHICH ENABLES A QUALITY STOP-FRAME LOOK AT A MORE ECONOMIC RATE, IS REALLY EXCITING. THE SERIES’ HUMOUR AND QUALITY STORY-TELLING WILL BE VERY APPEALING TO A WIDE AUDIENCE, ALL AROUND THE WORLD. ”
- ALISON TAYLOR, HEAD OF SALES & ACQUISITIONS, AARDMAN.
In addition to Morgan lives in a Rocket House, Fuzzy Duckling Media properties include:
• Emily the One Winged Bee (13 x 11’) – This animated preschool series follows the one winged, Emily, and her bee friends (Bertie with bright orange hair and a stammer, and identical twins Bumble and Bumble with an identical weight problem) as they learn to use their differences to their own advantage and celebrate the differences we all have.
• Elastic Island Adventures (18 x 22’) – In the South Pacific, four children (Kiri, Jed, Emma and Ethan) discover an “elastic island” sends them pinging across the ocean to a variety of tropical destinations and new adventures. Based on the fantasy adventure book series by Karen McMillan, the series is aimed at 7- 12 year olds.
• Matariki Glow Show (6 x 11’) – Using a unique combination of large-scale glow-in-the-dark puppetry and animation, Matariki Glow Show explores the legend of Matariki through song and bilingual scripts to bring Māori myths and legends to the next generation. Matariki Glow Show is the television adaption of Sarah Burren’s hit stage production, an annual event touring across New Zealand.
• The Green Fairy – A book series based on the Green Fairy franchise developed in VR and AR by Conical Studios, published by Duckling Publishing.
ABOUT FUZZY DUCKLING MEDIA
Fuzzy Duckling Media was set up by global entertainment media executive, Sam Witters and feature film animation producer, Chrissy Metge to provide a commercially successful creative environment to showcase leading directors, writers and producers of children’s content. Combining a passion for good old-fashioned animation and storytelling, experienced marketing, financing and distribution knowledge, and a very deep global network, FDM is delighted to have come to the attention of international production partners and superb creative talent so quickly.
ABOUT AARDMAN
Aardman, based in Bristol (UK) and co-founded in 1976 by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, is a multi-award-winning independent studio. It produces feature films, series, advertising, interactive entertainment and attractions for both the domestic and international market. Their productions are novel, entertaining, brilliantly characterised and full of charm that reflects the unique talent, energy and personal commitment of the very special people who make up the Aardman team. The studio’s work is often imitated and yet the company continues to lead the field producing a rare brand of visually stunning independent and commercial productions and experiences.
ABOUT AARDMAN RIGHTS
Aardman Rights and Brand Development is renowned for developing and building enduring character brands across all media. They specialise in marketing and realising the commercial potential of their properties in a way that celebrates and respects their intrinsic creative values. Classic brands in the portfolio include Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph, while Aardman Rights has recently acquired third party representation for a number of top children’s brands.
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Contact:
Karen McKenzie - Lighthouse PR, karen@lighthousepr.co.nz