Telegael (Ireland), Lynx Multimedia Factory (Italy), Rai Ragazzi (Italy), TVCO (Italy) and Toonz Media Group (India) are teaming up to co-produce an animated feature titled Bartali’s Bicycle, inspired by Gino Bartali’s daring acts of kindness and humaneness during World War II. Bartali saved many Jewish lives during the Nazi occupation of Italy by concealing their identity papers in his bicycle.
Set in the modern day, the 80-minute animated feature follows two young boys, David and Ibrahim from rivaling communities who are brought together by their shared love of cycling. The multinational co-production will focus on themes such as tolerance, teamwork and diversity and will be distributed worldwide by Toonz and Rome-based distribution and production company TVCO. The PG-rated 2D animated feature will be targeted at the 7+ and family audience.
The development and pre-production of the movie will be led by Lynx Studio in Italy while the animation production will be completed at Toonz studios in India. Telegael will handle elements of animation pre-production as well as voice recording and full picture and sound post production at the Telegael studios in An Spidéal, Galway.
“Bartali’s Bicycle is a very emotional story which is inspired by the heroic and humanitarian actions of champion cyclist, Gino Bartali, during World War II. The multinational co-production focusing on themes of tolerance, team-work and diversity. Bartali saved many Jewish lives during the Nazi occupation of Italy by concealing their identity papers in his bicycle. Telegael is delighted to partner with Lynx, RAI, TVCO and Toonz to co-produce this animated feature and to bring the story of David and Ibrahim to children’s and family audiences around the world.” said Telegael CEO, Paul Cummins. Bartali’s Bicycle is set for release in the Summer of 2023.
Telegael co-produces a new 3D animated series – Klincus
Klincus (26 x 22’) is a children’s 3D animated series, co-produced by Telegael (Ireland), Showlab Srl (Italy), Rai Ragazzi (Italy), ZDF (Germany) and Fabrique d’Image (Luxembourg). Telegael will handle elements of the pre-production, Voice Recording as well as Picture and Sound post production at the Telegael studios in An Spidéal, Galway. The series will be distributed worldwide by ZDF Enterprises and Showlab Srl.
Klincus is an adaptation of the series of children’s books by Italian author Alessandro Gatti (Klincus Corteccia) which were published in 10 volumes, between 2009 and 2013. The series will focus on the adventures of Klincus as he lives with his new friends, the diminutive inhabitants of Frondosa, which is a village built into the trees of the Bosco Grande. Our young hero will try as best he can to defend this paradise on earth from the industrialist Graylock, who seeks to destroy the forest for his own personal gain. Little by little, as he protects the people of Frondosa from danger, Klincus discovers his true abilities and learns a new life lesson at the end of each episode. The series looks to raise the environmental awareness of the very youngest of audiences.
“Telegael is excited to work with our colleagues Showlab and Fabrique d’Image on such a wonderful and important series for children which not alone has highly entertaining storylines but at the same time raises awareness about the environment and how we can protect our planet” said Telegael Producer, Cathy Ní Fhlaithearta.
A new TV series – Sunnyside Billy – will premiere in 2023
Sunnyside Billy (52 x 11’) is a children’s 2D animated series, co-produced by Telegael (Ireland), Imira Entertainment (Spain) and Spain’s leading teen and children’s broadcaster, Clan. Telegael will oversee the scripting process as well as elements of pre-production, voice recording and picture and sound post production at the Telegael studios in An Spidéal, Galway.
Targeted at viewers seven and up, Sunnyside Billy is an upbeat, action-packed comedy about a friendly fried egg named Billy, who is oddly positive about every situation. The pre-adolescent Billy and his band of friends are on a mission to protect their colleague, the mythical Big Fish, from the prying eyes of the greedy Tooth.
The series will focus on friendship, spreading positivity and facing problems without losing heart. The series will also feature an original musical score and has protection of environment and ecology as a recurring theme.
“Telegael is delighted to work with our colleagues Imira Entertainment on such an exciting series. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to be involved in co-producing an animated series that was conceptualised by a team led by the legendary animation master, Oliver Jean-Marie who passed away in 2021. We believe that Sunnyside Billy will be a strong successful global series with significant potential for returning seasons” said Telegael CEO, Paul Cummins.
The series will premiere in Q1, 2023.