channelzero and Partners Begin Production on Animated Primetime Series "SoSophie"

News: Page (1) of 1 - 09/09/02

channelzero and Partners Begin Production on Animated Primetime Series "SoSophie" Co-production with Atomic Cartoons, SMEC Media & Entertainment and Hacienda Post By DMN Staff Writer Entertainment company channelzero announced that it is in production on the pilot episode of its animated primetime series "SoSophie." The short, entitled "Dead Dog Double-Dare," is a co-production between channelzero, Atomic Cartoons in Canada, SMEC Media & Entertainment in China and Hacienda Post, also based in Los Angeles.

According to "SoSophie" creator Dave Warren, "We had several co-production offers on the show in the months following NATPE. Of all the fine studios who approached us, SMEC Media shared my passion for the show's success. That's been the key so far. Surrounding the show with quality people who are excited by its possibilities and who share a common desire to see "SoSophie" on the air. SMEC was a perfect fit and the experience with them has been outstanding."

Another good fit was Atomic Cartoons. Atomic co-founder Rob Davies and channelzero founder Dave Warren met at Warner Bros. several years ago while working together on "Pinky and the Brain." While there the two also paired up with "SoSophie" writer Peter Gaffney to develop "Camp Whatever" for Jamie Kellner.

"It's a reunion of sorts," says Warren. "Rob and I raised hell at Warner's for years, along with "SoSophie" director Ralph Sosa. When the deal happened with SMEC we had little or no time to get the pilot made. I was in a situation where I needed artists to help with the pre-production and fast. Even though time was against us I still wanted artists who were extremely talented and understood our goals. We are creating something very special with this show and I wasn't about to sacrifice that in order to 'bang' out a pilot. I picked up the phone and called Rob. I trust him. Busy as they are, we quickly came to an agreement and they jumped right in and in doing so managed to plus every element of the production along the way, all the while working under ridiculous production deadlines imposed by me. I couldn't be happier. The entire staff there is just amazing."

Rounding out the co-production partners is Hacienda Post. "I'm a big fan of Tim's work," says Warren. "Tim Borquez is a talented artist and a fan of 'SoSophie.' Having a top-notch studio like Hacienda handle the post is the icing on the cake. 'SoSophie' is a model for how independent studios can band together for a common cause and the good of all. I'm honored to be associated with all these wonderful organizations and look forward to taking the show on the road."

The pilot will be premiering Oct. 7th thru the 11th at the 2002 International MIPCOM market, stand 02.10. To book an appointment to see the short and meet creator Dave Warren contact: Michelle Stratford at (514) 693-8926 (outside the United States) or: Jaci Warren at (800)709-9376 (inside the United States).

For more information:
channelzero
SMEC Media & Entertainment
Atomic Cartoons
Hacienda Post

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