
LONDON, UK – Classic Media announced that it has acquired the rights to Olivia from media content group Chorion. Olivia originated as an award-winning book series by Ian Falconer that has inspired a critically acclaimed animated television series. Classic Media last week announced that it had acquired from Chorion the rights to Noddy — part of the Enid Blyton estate — one of the UK’s most beloved characters.
Olivia is a unique little pig…with ordinary challenges…and an extraordinary imagination. Originally created as a gift for his niece Olivia, Ian Falconer’s children’s book Olivia was first published in 2000 and became an instant best-seller and was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Honor. More than six million Olivia books have been sold worldwide. In 2009, OLIVIA debuted as a 3D CG TV series on Nick Jr. in the US. This top-rated series is seen in more than 120 countries and airs on leading broadcasters that include ABC (Australia), Five/Milkshake! (UK), Treehouse (Canada) and TF1 (France).
“Olivia has a strong universal appeal with young girls and their families,” said Mary Durkan, Managing Director, Chorion. “We are thrilled that Classic Media will continue to introduce her to new audiences worldwide.”