Chapman Entertainment successfully cemented a partnership in Cannes last week with Pukeko Pictures, with interest received in the new joint venture from 15 broadcasters over two days at Mipcom Jr.

Trooper Tom (working title) is a CGI animated adventure aimed at six to 12 year-old boys. Half human, half robot, Trooper Tom is a futuristic Pinocchio, an experimental android infused with human DNA.

The series is jointly led by Richard Taylor and Martin Baynton, the duo responsible for Pukeko Pictures, plus Chapman's creative director, Keith Chapman. The production will be made by Weta Workshop at its New Zealand studio.

"We are always looking for gaps in the market to fill, and this partnership with Pukeko Pictures provides an opportunity to do just that," said Chapman. "We are really excited about this great new sci-fi series and even more excited about working with Weta Workshop, who are the best in the business in their field."

Pukeko's Taylor added: "The experience of presenting our show together in Cannes was nothing short of fantastic and the reactions to Trooper Tom was very rewarding."

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