Toon2Tango announces sale of Monster Loving Maniacs to SUPER RTL
April 14, 2020
Funny, clever, exciting and original new animated kids’ comedy show to arrive in 2022
Toon2Tango GmbH & Co. KG., the new kids’ and family entertainment venture headed up by long-time television and movie industry experts Ulli Stoef and Jo Daris, has announced that German free-to-air television network SUPER RTL has commissioned Monster Loving Maniacs (aka Monster Park) – a clever, highly original and very entertaining co-production for kids that offers a brand-new take on the concept of monster hunters.
The new show is created and produced by JA Film, a full-service production company specialized in animation, visual effects and motion graphics. It is co-produced by Ginger Pictures, a Benelux-based production house emphasizing new and bold ideas with a strong development team of young talents and experienced executives. Toon2Tango is worldwide distributor for the new show.
Monster Loving Maniacs is an animated 52 x 11’ gender-neutral adventure-comedy in classic 2D for six-to-nine-year-olds about three kids who are being trained as monster hunters by their tough old grandfather, Arthur, who has many years in the business.
But these kids – a cool, clever and tough young teen called Edith, a monster-phobic monster expert called Ernest (he’s 10) and Bo, a fearless and often reckless five-year-old – are massive, all-knowing horror fans. They love dangerous paranormal creatures and want to protect them – and take selfies with them if possible! Grandpa Arthur, however, prefers to capture monsters and keep them in suspended animation in a prison in his basement, so he and the kids don’t always see eye-to-eye on monster welfare.
There’s fun, excitement and humour in this smart and funny show as well as action, character-driven comedy and a big heart. There are also bigger themes, like families, relationships, coping with our fears, being positive and of course the generation gap, but all delivered with wit, energy and stylish, skilled animation.
And there are lots and lots of monsters. Power-sucking energy birds, huge mountain creatures, ghosts, werewolves, sorcerers, and of course Dracula – they’re all there, along with a lot of very competitive monster hunters from all over the world – and the kids trying to get in their way.
This announcement comes at a busy time for Toon2Tango, which has a number of properties in development or ready for sale, including the tween-focused live-action/CGI project Rebel Nature, along with the preschool show Hey Fuzzy Yellow, the slapstick comedy Aliens vs Cavemen and the sci-fi action comedy Agent 203, which combines a spy twist with a girl’s touch. In addition, its distribution arm is building a sales network for a number of third-party representations including, among others, The Wee Littles and of course Monster Loving Maniacs. Many more announcements, including new projects and new distribution deals, are expected from Toon2Tango in the coming months.
Toon2Tango’s CCO Jo Daris says: “We’re delighted to be able to announce the sale of this show to one of Germany’s leading and longest-established names in kids’ entertainment. Monster Loving Maniacs is witty, fast-moving and full of great ideas. The writing, design and animation are sharp and funny. SUPER RTL viewers are in for a real treat!”
SUPER RTL’s Chief Content Officer Martin Gradl adds: “Monster Loving Maniacs combines a strong storyline, funny and likeable characters and a marvellous animation team in a highly original concept that will appeal to kids everywhere. We’re looking forward enormously to introducing it to the SUPER RTL portfolio of high-quality kids’ shows.”
Toon2Tango announces major appointment for kids' series Agent 203
February 07,
2020
Baboon Animation and respected children’s media experts join team on new show
Toon2Tango GmbH & Co. KG – the new kids and family entertainment venture headed up by long-time television and movie industry experts Ulli Stoef and Jo Daris – has announced some major appointments for its new animated adventure series Agent 203, which is to be co-produced with Mondo TV and V House Animation.
Zoe is a young girl who becomes friends with Ulav, a cute alien, and follows her mother into working for the Intergalactic Agency in this thrilling and funny new animated 52 x 11’ CG-animated show for six-to-nine-year-old audiences, for which the respected writing, directing and design agency Baboon Animation will be writing both the bible and the pilot. In addition, Jamila Metran and Alice Burden, two children’s media experts who have worked with many major brands, have been appointed as creative consultants.
Founded by DreamWorks alumnus Mike de Seve, Baboon began as a directing service-house for MTV Animation, and has since expanded to become one of the most accomplished animation screenwriting teams worldwide, with story editing and writing credits on dozens of the most popular animated films and series for families and teens. Baboon Animation’s award-winning team of writers, directors and designers has provided top-level creative services for dozens of the leading firms in the children’s education and entertainment fields, both in the US and internationally.
Jamila Metran is an experienced children’s media consultant skilled in broadcast television, content development and strategy, media production and content acquisition. Her impressive CV includes roles as Head of Sony Kids Channels and Head of Programming for Citv.
Alice Burden is a Children's Media Consultant and Development Producer and founder of Alice Burden Creative Development, a creative consultancy and communications service developing brand, book and TV concepts and bringing IP to life on multiple platforms. She has been part of the children’s media industry for almost 20 years, working on children’s brands across publishing, TV and licensing, including The Gruffalo, Maisy, Guess How Much I Love You, Thunderbirds, Tilly & Friends, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Peppa Pig.
Agent 203 was created by Damjan Mitrevski, Managing Partner of V House Animation, one of the leading animation companies in South-eastern Europe, with over ten years’ experience in visual effects and eight years’ experience in TV and film animation.
Toon2Tango, in cooperation with Mondo TV, plans to finance Agent 203 throughout 2020. The production partners will also be building a long-term licensing campaign for the show with an initial emphasis on toys, games and apparel.
Jo Daris says: “This marvellous new show is already attracting some of the best names in the business. Jamila Metran and Alice Burden will bring relevant and extensive experience to the launch of Agent 203, while the award-winning writers from Baboon Animation will play a crucial role in the show bible and pilot. We’re delighted to welcome these respected figures to the Agent 203 team.”
Toon2Tango announced as worldwide distributor for Monster Park
November 04, 2019
Highly original kids’ animated series offers a funny, clever new take on monster hunters
Toon2Tango GmbH & Co. KG., the new kids and family entertainment venture headed up by long-time television and movie industry experts Ulli Stoef and Jo Daris, has announced a major new distribution deal – for a clever, highly original and very entertaining animated series for kids that offers a brand-new take on the concept of monster hunters.
Monster Park is an animated 52 x 11’ adventure-comedy about three kids who are being trained as monster hunters by their tough old grandfather, Arthur, who has many years in the business. So far, so (relatively) normal.
But these kids – a cool, clever and tough young teen called Edith, a monster-phobic monster expert called Ernest (10) and a fearless and often reckless 5-year-old called Bo – are massive, all-knowing horror fans. They love dangerous paranormal creatures and want to protect them – and take selfies with them if possible! Arthur, however, prefers to capture monsters and keep them in suspended animation in a prison in his basement, so he and the kids don’t always see eye-to-eye on monster welfare.
There’s fun, excitement and humour in this smart and funny show as well as action, character-driven comedy and a big heart. There are also bigger themes, like families, relationships, coping with our fears, being positive and of course the generation conflict, but all delivered with wit, energy and stylish, skilled animation.
And there are lot and lots of monsters. Power-sucking energy birds, huge mountain creatures, ghosts, werewolves, sorcerers, and of course Dracula – they’re all there, along with a lot of very competitive monster hunters from all over the world, and the kids trying to get in their way.
The new show is co-produced by Zentropa Belgium, and JA Film. Zentropa Belgium is part of a highly respected content house specifically set up to develop, produce and co-produce international, innovative projects for existing and new audiences. It takes a pan-European approach to filmmaking. JA film is a full-service production company specialized in animation, visual effects and motion graphics.
Monster Park has already made a very strong impression at Cartoon Forum, a unique event focusing on pitching sessions of pre-selected TV projects, where animation producers can find cross-border partners and speed up financial arrangements. Now it has as its distribution partner one of the most exciting new kids and family entertainment ventures in Europe in the form of Toon2Tango.
This announcement comes at a time of impressive growth for Toon2Tango, which, soon after launch, announced a major strategic cooperation agreement with Mondo TV Group, one of the largest European producers and distributors of animated content.
Toon2Tango also has a number of properties in development or ready for sale, including the tween-focused Rebel Nature, along with Hey Fuzzy Yellow, Aliens vs Cavemen and Redd, while its distribution arm is building a sales network for a number of third-party representations, including, of course, Monster Park. Many more announcements, including new projects and new distribution deals, are expected from Toon2Tango in the coming months.
Jo Daris says: “This is a wildly inventive story which takes on the popular themes of monsters and monster hunters but does so in a new and very appealing way with the help of some extraordinary characters, fantastically witty writing and stylish animation. We’re delighted to be on board with Monster Park, which we feel will have enormous appeal to kids everywhere.”
Toon2Tango investes in new IP
October 09,
2019
Original and arresting adventure drama Rebel Nature lays down a marker for new venture
Underlining its aim to produce truly original work, Toon2Tango GmbH & Co. KG., the new kids and family entertainment venture headed up by long time television and movie industry experts Ulli Stoef and Jo Daris has announced its first production.
Rebel Nature is an IP universe, aimed at an audience from tween upwards and set in our own future. A girl, living 50 years from now, is isolated from a world she has never known. She has been brought up by a robot and lived her life to date on an artificial intelligence-controlled oil rig. One day she decides she must go on a journey to find her real parents. As she does, she learns what has become of the world since our time.
The new show is created by Christian Faber, one of the main creators of Bionicle, a story-led Lego product based on a tale of heroic beings battling evil in a mythical universe. Bionicle became one of Lego’s success stories, appearing across a multimedia spectrum that included comic books, novels, games, movies and online content as well as licensed merchandise and the original Lego toys.
Rebel Nature will be different in that it will focus on our world and one young girl caught in the middle of the battle between out of control technology and nature in an unseen evolution. Like Bionicle, however, this will be a concept led by storytelling – and what a story! It’s a story of one person experiencing the earth like none of us have seen it before: chaotic, unpredictable, overpowering, full of danger and beauty. At the same time Rebel Nature is making us aware of what our consumption habits could lead to.
Rebel Nature will also echo Faber’s previous work in using multiple media platforms to reach the largest possible audience. The show now being produced will be seen across linear, VoD and OTT, as well as across a variety of print media.
Production on Rebel Nature is set to begin in 2020. Toon2Tango will be co-producing the show with Rebel Nature Pictures and handling global distribution as well as building a merchandising and licensing programme underpinned by sustainability and environmentally friendly products.
This announcement comes at a time of impressive growth for Toon2Tango, which, soon after launch, announced a major strategic cooperation agreement with Mondo TV Group, one of the largest European producers and distributors of animated content. It’s one of a number of announcements, including new projects and new distribution deals, that is expected from Toon2Tango in the coming months.
Ulli Stoef says: “The ideas behind Rebel Nature are original and arresting and as far from the mainstream as possible without sacrificing any of the thrills and fantastic storytelling that characterise truly great entertainment. At the same time, the story is very relevant in the context of today’s global challenges. We’re delighted to be working with Christian and his team, and fully expect with Rebel Nature to lay down a marker for the sort of exciting, unique ideas that we hope will drive Toon2Tango’s work.”
Toon2Tango appoints Jo Daris as Chief Creative Officer
September 04, 2019
Co-founder and highly experienced children’s TV executive will source and develop content
Underlining its intention to be a major force in children’s entertainment, German company Toon2Tango GmbH & Co. KG., the new kids and family entertainment venture founded by television and movie industry legend Hans Ulrich (Ulli) Stoef, has announced that the experienced and respected industry figure Jo Daris has been appointed Chief Creative Officer.
As Chief Creative Officer of Toon2Tango, Daris will source and develop new content for the company. He will work alongside Ulli Stoef, with whom he co-founded the company in July.
Daris brings to his new post an impressive and wide-ranging background in family entertainment, with a skillset that includes business development, international expansion, expansion strategies, growth modelling, network building, sales structures, media strategies and implementation, merchandising and licensing strategies and implementation, IP development, series financing and production.
Before coming to Toon2Tango, Daris was, in 2017, appointed Chief Content Officer at Studio 100, one of the largest independent providers of family and children content and entertainment, after it acquired m4e, an international brand management and media company focussing on children’s and family entertainment content, where Daris had been head of operations since 2014.
This was his second stint at Studio 100, where he had been EVP Global Business Development during a six-year tenure, from 2006-2012. During this time, Daris was instrumental in the acquisition of E.M. Entertainment in Germany, the creation of Studio 100 Animation in France and the opening-up of English-speaking markets in the US and UK.
This appointment comes at a time of impressive growth for Toon2Tango, which, soon after launch, announced a major strategic cooperation agreement with Mondo TV Group, one of the largest European producers and distributors of animated content.
Jo Daris says: “I am delighted to be working with this notable new force in children’s and family entertainment led by an experienced and highly regarded industry figure. This is an exciting time for children’s entertainment – and a great time to be working with a forward-thinking and dynamic company with the skills and desire to make a big impact in this sector.”
Ulli Stoef says: “The growth and development plans of Toon2Tango have made it essential that we boost our team with a skilled, respected and experienced figure who shares our commitment to high-quality, original kids and family entertainment. Jo Daris brings an impressive background to this new post and, more importantly, strong commitment to our aim of establishing Toon2Tango as a major force in children’s entertainment.”
Mondo TV Group and Toon2Tango forge a major partnership
June 20th
2019
Major TV and merchandise opportunities beckon for important new international alliance
Mondo TV Group, one of the largest European producers and distributors of animated content and German company Toon2Tango GmbH & Co. KG., the new kids and family entertainment venture founded by television and movie industry legend Hans Ulrich Stoef (Ulli Stoef), have announced a major strategic cooperation agreement.
The alliance will focus on developing, producing and distributing unique and high-quality programmes with strong merchandise appeal. In fact, Toon2Tango will develop for Mondo TV Group at least eight new animated TV series in the next four years which Mondo TV Group and Toon2Tango will co-produce and distrubte; a number of projects are already being evaluated. The alliance will target the international market, where Mondo TV’s main focus will be on Southern Europe and Asia, while Toon2Tango will manage Northern and Central Europe and the English speaking territories.
Distribution and licensing and merchandising rights will vary according to the territory. The parties will cooperate on multi-territorial deals, but will operate independently in some countries according to their core market strengths. Most importantly, the co-producers will co-own the underlying IP whereby Toon2Tango will be responsible for the brand identity of the shows.
This is an important development for both parties. It establishes Toon2Tango as a major force in children’s entertainment only a short while after its launch. For Mondo TV it continues the Group’s drive to develop high-quality partnerships with some of the finest talent the world has to offer. For both parties this is an opportunity to build new, high-quality and successful cross-media brands.
Ulli Stoef CEO and executive producer of Toon2Tango, has been a major name in the international television and movie arena for over 30 years as CEO of companies such as Studio 100 Media, m4e AG, Tele Münchens’s CTM and Universal Studios CP Germany. He has also gained fame as a producer of many highly successful IPs, including Mia And Me, Tip The Mouse, Wissper, How and Why TV, Tim Thaler to name only a few.
Matteo Corradi, managing director of Mondo TV, stated: “This is a very important alliance for the Group, helping us to build a stronger presence for Mondo in Northern Europe through a partnership with a notable new force in children’s and family entertainment led by an experienced and highly regarded industry figure. We are proud to be working with Mr Hans Ulrich Stoef, one of the most respected personalities in our industry, in his new venture. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
Ulli Stoef, CEO and executive producer of Toon2Tango, stated: “We are extremely thrilled with this strategic partnership. Right from the start it offers Toon2Tango the opportunity to develop and produce a slate of projects which has solid financing via one of the leading producers and distributors in Europe. It is our utmost goal to produce world class shows and films and thus build a strong portfolio of IP’s which will will travel through out the world. We look forward to announcing the first projects and productions very soon.”
Hans Ulrich Stoef sashays with "Toon2Tango"
July 01,
2019
Kids Veteran Launches New Company, Toon 2 Tango
Renowned kids’ entrepreneur Hans Ulrich Stoef (Ulli Stoef) has launched a new worldwide television production and distribution operation Toon 2 Tango GmbH & Co. KG. Founded and headed by Hans Ulrich Stoef, former CEO of m4e and Studio 100 Media in Munich, Toon 2 Tango is poised to take the international television market by storm.
With offices in Munich Toon2Tango will specialise in IP creation, development, production, distribution and brand building within the kids and family entertainment sector. The new company will also look to co-financing and acquiring quality programming with strong international appeal. Under the direction of Ulli Stoef, Toon 2 Tango will be positioned as a major worldwide . operation across all children’s and family entertainments
IP’s offering high quality content with strong story-telling and unique characters at its core.
Upon making the announcement of the company’s launch, Ulli Stoef commented, “This is an incredibly exciting venture to build Toon 2 Tango from the ground to a leading player in the field. Working in the international television and movie arena for over 30 years, Toon2Tango represents a personal challenge and I am very pleased to continue working with my friends and network partners around the world. I’m keen to utilise the vital and unique experience I have gained working in this great industry. We want to explore, develop and produce new IP’s and help creative talent to open doors to commercial success”.
Ulli Stoef began his professional career in the toys and games sector with German games publisher Schmidt Spiele and held several positions thereafter including Managing Director and shareholder at Universal Studios Consumer Products Merchandising GmbH and CTM Concept-TV & Merchandising GmbH, Chief Executive Officer and founder at m4e AG. He became Chief Executive Officer of Studio 100 Media in 2017 when Studio 100 Group, Belgium acquired a majority stake in m4e. He was also Chairman of the Group Content Committee. As a producer and brand builder he was responsible for many brands, including Mia and Me, Huntik, How and Why TV, Wissper, Tim Thaler and Tip the Mouse. Ulli Stoef also had a hand in various successful brands, including the hit franchise Mia and Me, Winx Club, Monster Allergy, Sitting Ducks, Digimon, Dragonball Z and Hamtaro which were created and/or coproduced/or imported and managed by him and his team at m4e AG and CTM.
Mondo TV Group and Toon2Tango forge a major partnership
June 20,
2019
Major TV and merchandise opportunities beckon for important new international alliance
Mondo TV Group, one of the largest European producers and distributors of animated content and German company Toon2Tango GmbH & Co. KG., the new kids and family entertainment venture founded by television and movie industry legend Hans Ulrich Stoef (Ulli Stoef), have announced a major strategic cooperation agreement.
The alliance will focus on developing, producing and distributing unique and high-quality programmes with strong merchandise appeal. In fact, Toon2Tango will develop for Mondo TV Group at least eight new animated TV series in the next four years which Mondo TV Group and Toon2Tango will co-produce and distrubte; a number of projects are already being evaluated. The alliance will target the international market, where Mondo TV’s main focus will be on Southern Europe and Asia, while Toon2Tango will manage Northern and Central Europe and the English speaking territories.
Distribution and licensing and merchandising rights will vary according to the territory. The parties will cooperate on multi-territorial deals, but will operate independently in some countries according to their core market strengths. Most importantly, the co-producers will co-own the underlying IP whereby Toon2Tango will be responsible for the brand identity of the shows.
This is an important development for both parties. It establishes Toon2Tango as a major force in children’s entertainment only a short while after its launch. For Mondo TV it continues the Group’s drive to develop high-quality partnerships with some of the finest talent the world has to offer. For both parties this is an opportunity to build new, high-quality and successful cross-media brands.
Ulli Stoef CEO and executive producer of Toon2Tango, has been a major name in the international television and movie arena for over 30 years as CEO of companies such as Studio 100 Media, m4e AG, Tele Münchens’s CTM and Universal Studios CP Germany. He has also gained fame as a producer of many highly successful IPs, including Mia And me, Tip The Mouse, Wissper, How and Why TV, Tim Thaler to name only a few.
Matteo Corradi, managing director of Mondo TV, stated: “This is a very important alliance for the Group, helping us to build a stronger presence for Mondo in Northern Europe through a partnership with a notable new force in children’s and family entertainment led by an experienced and highly regarded industry figure. We are proud to be working with Mr Hans Ulrich Stoef, one of the most respected personalities in our industry, in his new venture. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
Ulli Stoef, CEO and executive producer of Toon2Tango, stated: “We are extremely thrilled with this strategic partnership. Right from the start it offers Toon2Tango the opportunity to develop and produce a slate of projects which has solid financing via one of the leading producers and distributors in Europe. It is our utmost goal to produce world class shows and films and thus build a strong portfolio of IP’s which will will travel through out the world. We look forward to announcing the first projects and productions very soon.”
