Sony Pictures grabs Chorion's Olivia

Chorion has appointed Sony Pictures Home Entertainment as its international partner for new pre-school series Olivia.

SPHE is already the worldwide distribution partner on The Mr Men Show.

"We are delighted to further extend our relationship with Chorion and to be launching this property on DVD," said Bob Rubin, executive VP of SPHE. "Olivia is a beloved children's literary character, which is already proving to be a hit on TV and we believe the show will perform very well on DVD in international markets."

Eric Karp, executive VP of global licensing and merchandising at Chorion, added: "Our partnership with SPHE on The Mr Men Show has proven to be a success so we are excited to be working with them on the launch of Olivia on DVD. SPHE's international platform makes them the ideal company to expand the Olivia franchise in home entertainment."

The Olivia TV series will air in 20 territories in 2009 including YLE Finland, NRK Norway, RUV Iceland, Danmarks Radio, Nick Jr UK, Treehouse in Canada and The Walt Disney Company Latin America. It is already broadcasting on Nickelodeon in the US, Five's Milkshake block in the UK and ABC in Australia. It is soon to launch on TF1 in France.