Toon2Tango signs co-production agreement with Something Big for its TV adaptation of Niko – The Little Reindeer
In 2023 Toon2Tango announced that it had acquired the rights to adapt the hit European kids’ movie franchise NIKO – THE LITTLE REINDEER, produced by Animaker, Anima Vitae, Cinemaker, Ulysses Films, Moetion Films, and A.Film Production, into an animated TV series.
German company Toon2Tango, a LEONINE Animation Studios company, led by Hans Ulrich Stoef and Jo Daris, and French company Something Big, led by Frédéric Puech, have now signed a co-production agreement to collaborate on further development and production of Niko – the Series, a new 52×11′ animated programme designed for the small screen, mixing adventure and comedy in the spirit of the original franchise. Toon2Tango is planning to start production of the TV series in 2025.
Two very successful Niko feature films have already been released. A third, ‘NIKO – Beyond the Northern Lights’, is due to hit cinemas in November/December 2024.
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. Viewers will be able to follow Niko throughout the year, with his close friends, rivals and some new characters created especially for the series, at school and with his family, in the heart of a lush four-season landscape where togetherness and laughter help everyone to face unexpected challenges and perils and take on new adventures.
The concept has been developed by Toon2Tango. The bible was written by Jim Nolan (The Tiny Chef Show, Hot Wheels…). A number of top animation talents, notably from France, will soon be announced.
Toon2Tango and Something Big will present this very charming project at MIFA in Annecy this June. Broadcast partners will be announced soon.
Ulli Stoef, CEO & Producer, Toon2Tango, says: “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. We are sure that NIKO the TV series will become a huge international success.”
Frédéric Puech, Producer, Something Big, adds: “Niko’s films have won over French audiences with captivating stories told by sincere, engaging heroes. We are very sensitive to the values of loyalty and courage developed in this beautiful property. It’s a great pleasure to continue Niko’s adventures on television alongside Ulli Stoef and Jo Daris, and to enable these funny and charming characters to delight children all over the world.
