broadcast on bbc television in the early 1980’s and originally designed and written specifically with the pre-news 5.35 pm programming slot in mind, this is one of the few cartoon series to rival the magic roundabout for popularity. At its peak over 8 million people were tuning in to the show – making the original twenty six episodes made, one of the most succcessful british cartoon series ever. Aimed at the 5 – 9 years’ age group, the high quality, funny, intelligent, animation series featured an eclectic group of eccentric characters who all lived together in an excellent and picturesque outdoor setting and focussed on the strange events that occurred to them on a regular basis. As with several notable cartoon and comedy series produced at the time, the charming but sometimes waspish episodes included a little bit of political and social commentary which is as relevant to today’s world as it was back then. Like all the most successful children’s series it actually appealed to a much wider audience than that at which it was originally aimed – and more importantly was able to reach it, being watched as much by adults for its dry esoteric humour and wit as by the children for whom it was intended. Indeed the series was so popular it reached the high forties in the general barb charts whilst remaining at no.2 in the children’s charts for many weeks. Whenever lists of ‘cult’ tv shows or ‘top tv moments’ are produced this series is always to be found lurking somewhere near the top. In addition to the twenty six episodes originally broadcast – a further twenty six episodes have ben completed - with the design and storylines uttlerly faithful to the original in every detail. All complete with twenty five of them not released digitally, on dvd or on terrestrial tv, (one episode has briefly featured previously on a satellite tv channel) the full worldwide broadcasting rights to the new and original series together with worldwide distribution and licensing rights are now available together with full rights for the production of future series. With offers already made for dvd sales through major retail outlets alone likely to generate £250,000 in revenues, this opportunity should be very attractive to any company or individual involved in the distribution or licensing of broadcast entertainment or alternatively to a high net worth individual looking for a platform from which to launch into this exciting and extremely lucrative sector. . Key strengths: this series was and still is a totally unique piece of television and has gone on to achieve a cult status in the ensuing years. The individual nature of the series has not changed and now, as before, there is no other programming currently available that can compare with this milestone in british children's television. Books, annuals, audiocassettes, videos, cd’s and dvd’s have all been successfully released with stories or episodes taken from or based on the original series. Originally broadcast in the early 1980’s this was an extremely popular show and as such the re-make will undoubtedly appeal to the 28 – 45 year old generation keen to expose their children to the delights, excitement, fun and entertainment they enjoyed when watching the original series in their childhood. Available for what is in relative terms a small sum, the acquisition of this asset – which includes twenty five episodes not released digitally, on dvd or on terrestrial tv, managed appropriately, will undoubtedly generate a significant income for many years to come. Key opportunities: there is an outstanding opportunity to build extensive revenue streams from this property. With strong demand for products of this nature, a new owner of both the original and new series contributing fresh ideas, motivation, enthusiasm and commitment will have every advantage of building on an excellent platform. With such an unencumbered asset which is ripe for exploitation there are revenue streams available from broadcasting – through terrestrial television channels as well as the myriad of satellite and cable channels that have proliferated worldwide over the past few years as well as on-line downloads and dvd releases. There are also character and merchandise licensing opportunities – some of which were simply not possible when this series was originally distributed and whilst the animated series itself is aimed at the 5 – 9 year age range, any 3-d characters or merchandise produced will undoubtedly be aimed at a relatively mature 28 – 45 age group of parents with disposable income to spend on bringing a flavour of their own childhood to their children. In addition to the two series that have already been made there are a further three different animated series ready to go into production with additional spin offs possible including a stage version of the show.
