TOKYO, JAPAN — Cyber Group Studios, a leading producer and distributor of animated programs for kids and families, has teamed up with Nippon Animation to produce a feature-length animated fantasy adventure film based on the Japanese classic TV series, Tico and Friends. The new feature-length film, Nanami and the Quest for Atlantis, marks the beginning of what is expected to be a long-term collaboration between the new co-production partners, which will include several of Nippon Animation’s classic series as well as new properties and initiatives.
“We are honored to partner with Nippon Animation, a historic studio with a rich catalog of superb iconic properties,” said Pierre Sissmann, Chairman of Cyber Group Studios. “We are looking forward to starting this exciting adventure and embarking on a future filled with great projects.”
“We are so excited to work on this project with Cyber Group Studios, which has been producing and distributing a lot of wonderful programs on a global scale. We look forward to giving dreams and excitement to children around the world through this collaboration,” said Kazuko Ishikawa, President and CEO, Nippon Animation.
Nanami and the Quest for Atlantis is a 90-minute 3D x 2D animation hybrid geared to viewers ages seven to 14 years old, co-produced by Nippon Animation and Cyber Group Studios, which should be followed by a brand-new animation series. It will be based on the successful TV series, Tico and Friends, originally produced in 1994 and broadcast globally and on TF1 in France plus other global territories, including Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, Korea.
The animated film is set in the gold rush era, around 1850, and explores the relationship between humans and nature. The story follows 14-year-old Nanami, her lifelong orca companion, Tico, and her traveling partner, 17-year-old Seira, as they travel the ocean in search of a hidden treasure and discover what is truly important to humankind. During their adventure, they will come to understand the answer to the question Nanami’s father, Professor Scott, posed before they left home, “What is more important than material fortune?”
Tico and Friends was directed by Jun Takagi (Penelope, CHIBI MARUKO-CHAN). Nanami and the Quest for Atlantis is directed by Hitoshi Takekiyo (After-School Midnighters).
