News round-up: ZED moves into animation; Netflix’s ‘Tiger King’ to return; Cineflix sails away with ‘Coast Guard’

Lina’s World

ZED moves into animation with Lina’s World

Paris-based producer and distributor ZED has picked up worldwide distribution rights to Lina’s World (aka Les Voyages d’Ismaël), an original 2D animated series that delves into the origins of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

The educational show explores the religions through three characters – Ismaël, Lina and Némo – and has been co-produced by Les Batelières Productions, Foliascope Studios and Cinemon Entertainment.

It has been created by Ismaël Saidi, directed by Hanan Kaminski and illustrated by François-Marc Baillet, with commissioner France Télévisions Éducation set to receive the first season in December.

Lina’s World is the first animation to be distributed by ZED, which has to date focused on documentary programming.

The 10-part show, made up of 3 minute and 30 second episodes, targets a wide audience but especially kids aged 10 to 15 years old. The first episode allows viewers to discover similarities between the three religions, with further programmes exploring the place of women, inter-religious relationships and how violence is viewed.

“We are incredibly enthusiastic about presenting this show worldwide,” said Chloé Persyn-Preljocaj, head of sales & distribution at ZED. “We see Lina’s World as a stand-out series that promotes awareness of the common history of peoples and the importance of living together. We are convinced that our broadcasters clients around the world will embrace its humorous, kid-friendly tone.”

Princely Korean drama lands on Japan’s NHK

NHK in Japan has picked up Seoul-based prodco Studio Dragon’s romantic period drama 100 Days My Prince for broadcast in May.

The series, which was originally shown on CJ’s tvN in South Korea, follows a prince who loses his memory and is taken in by a poor family, where he falls in love with commoner. It is being distributed by CJ ENM.

Min Jung, sales manager at CJ ENM, said “We are pleased to have CJ ENM’s first drama to be on air on Japan’s national terrestrial channel. Following 100 Days My Prince, we are hoping to increase viewership of K-dramas in Japan.”

Tiger King

Netflix extends docuseries Tiger King

Netflix is returning to its hit docuseries Tiger King, with a new episode in the works.

The show has become a global winner for the streamer and a new instalment is due to become available in the coming week, according to Jeff Lowe, who features in the programme.

Tiger King, which debuted on Netflix on 20 March, follows zoo owner Lowe and others working in the big cat business. It centers on the story of Joseph ‘Joe Exotic’ Maldonado-Passage, who is in prison after being convicted of the attempted murder of business rival Carole Baskin.

“Netflix is adding one more episode,” Lowe said via twitter on Saturday. “It will be on next week. We’re filming here tomorrow.” The streamer is yet to confirm the news.

Cineflix sails away with ‘Coast Guard’

US prodco RumLime Productions’ docuseries Coast Guard: Mission Critical has been picked up for distribution by Cineflix Rights.

The 10 x 60-minute series, which was produced by RumLime in association with Gulp Pictures and History US, goes behind the scenes with members of the US Coast Guard as they patrol and protect the country’s borders from drug runners, terrorists and human traffickers, while also rescuing people in peril at sea.

Richard Life, head of acquisitions at Cineflix Rights, said: “RumLime Productions has created a great example of what I call ‘blue chip, blue light’ content: high quality programming combining exclusive access and innovative filming methods to capture all the drama on the high seas. We’re thrilled to have them on board as a producer partner, and look forward to launching the show to our international buyers.”

“With Coast Guard: Mission Critical, we’re bringing the world unprecedented access to never before seen United States Coast Guard missions,” added show creator Cork Friedman.

“For the first time ever utilizing 360° body cams, viewers will see actual rescues and law-enforcement missions from the eyes of the specialty trained USCG operatives – as they go down.

“You’ll think you’re in a Hollywood movie, but in fact, it’s the real deal, with real bad guys and real bullets. If you’ve ever wondered how 80% of the drugs headed to the US are seized, or what it’s like to save people as a helicopter pilot, ship mate or a rescue swimmer, tune in.”