McFarlane Unleashing More Animated Spawn New DVD Release For 2006 May 10th 2005 10:46am | Posted by: Michael Stevens, HNR Senior Editor Canada's Todd McFarlane Productions and IDT Entertainment have announced a multi-faceted development, production and distribution agreement to produce animated programming and merchandise based on 'Spawn' and other TMP original intellectual properties. Todd McFarlane Productions is known for its multiple Emmy-winning 'Spawn' franchise. IDT Entertainment, subsidiary of IDT Corporation, is a vertically integrated entertainment/animation company, producing animation and film through DPS/Film Roman, Mainframe Entertainment and DKP Effects. Video distribution is through Anchor Bay Entertainment. The initial project is the return of Todd McFarlane’s Spawn: The Animated Series and the story of a highly decorated U.S soldier, brutally executed by his own men. Reborn as a creature from hell, he fights a constant battle between the forces of good and evil. The first Spawn series aired on HBO from 1997 through 1999 and won two Emmy awards. "Spawn", one of the world's best-selling comic books with hundreds of millions sold worldwide, has also been the subject of a live-action feature film released in 1997. Distributed by New Line Cinema, the movie grossed over $100 million international. Todd McFarlane will oversee all aspects of development and production, as executive producer. Terry Fitzgerald, senior vice president of creative development of Todd McFarlane Productions, will serve as co-executive producer and Sidney Clifton, senior vice president and head of programming and development for DPS Film Roman, will lead the creative development team on the IDT Entertainment side. DPS Film Roman is the IDT Entertainment company known for its award-winning production work on The Simpsons, King of the Hill and other popular broadcast television programs. "Ever since the Spawn animated series left HBO in 1999, I have been asked -- almost daily -- when the show is going to return," said McFarlane. "I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to not only bring the show back, but also do it with the intent of making it better creatively than its first incarnation. Teaming up with IDT Entertainment’s DPS/Film Roman will allow us to take it to the next level of animation technology." McFarlane will also create two additional animated properties. All three projects include animated broadcast television series, DVDs, feature films, video games, apparel and action figures, as well as other consumer products. McFarlane Toys, one of the world’s premiere toy manufacturers, is currently on its 25th figure line for Spawn action figures and merchandise. The McFarlane Group of companies also produces animated television, feature films and music videos. Past projects include Pearl Jam’s animated music video Do the Evolution, Korn’s mini-movie-style video for Freak on a Leash and Jodie Foster’s critically acclaimed The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys. Animation and live-action projects under McFarlane and Fitzgerald have won a Grammy, two Emmys, two MTV Music Awards and a Much Music Video Music Award. The McFarlane Group owns rights and trademarks to more than 250 intellectual properties and characters. Source: Sneak Peek: Spawn In: General Movie News |Visit the HNR Forums

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