October 02, 2007 14:25 ET

Breakthrough Animation Celebrates Five Year Anniversary

TORONTO--(Marketwire - October 2, 2007) - Breakthrough Animation, Inc. was created in 2002, specializing in developing and producing high quality animated programming for young audiences. Five years later, the leading Canadian entertainment company continues to produce creative and innovative properties for children and has recently expanded its slate to include adult animation and multiplatform programming. Breakthrough Animation marks its fifth anniversary with a special celebration at this year's MIPCOM, it was announced today by Kevin Gillis, Executive Producer and Managing Partner.

"We are extremely pleased with the progress Breakthrough Animation has made in just five short years," said Gillis. "Our initial vision was to develop a company where creative individuals could come together to make fresh, memorable animated programming that would have annuity value. The popularity of our trademark properties like 'Atomic Betty' and 'Captain Flamingo' is a testament to our creative team's dedication to delivering a world class animation experience for viewers. We are thankful for the extremely supportive relationships we have enjoyed both with our Canadian broadcasters and our broadcast and production partners worldwide. We look forward to many more years of working with all of them."

"Congratulations to Breakthrough Animation on their fifth anniversary. Through an evolving production landscape, the company continues to produce a dynamic roster of original shows such as 'Atomic Betty,' an audience favourite on TELETOON," said Michael Goldsmith, Director, Original Content, TELETOON.

"Oh Oh Flamingo! The Captain's folks are turning five already! Congratulations to the team at Breakthrough Animation from all of us at YTV, "said Bonita Siegel, Director of Original Productions, Corus Kids Television. "Our partnership on the square shaped boy with a pink beak is just the beginning..."

"Congratulations to Breakthrough Animation on their 5th anniversary," said Marc Buhaj, Senior Vice President of Programming, Jetix Europe. "We always enjoy working with the entire Breakthrough team. They are a fresh, fun studio who creates standout characters. From 'Atomic Betty' to 'Captain Flamingo' and next with 'Jimmy Two Shoes' -- Breakthrough Animation are creating truly global shows and brands that stand out in the crowded market place."

"Cartoon Network UK has worked on several projects with Breakthrough Animation from 'Atomic Betty' to 'Miss BG' and they are a truly great team to work with," said Cecilia Persson, Cartoon Network Europe, Acquisitions Manager. "Their dedication and support has really benefited us when we have launched new shows and we wish them nothing but the best in the future."

Since its inception, Breakthrough Animation has soared to the forefront of the entertainment industry with such highly acclaimed properties as "Atomic Betty," "Captain Flamingo" and "Miss BG," among others. The company has remained an industry leader because of its commitment to meeting the demands of global buyers and international audiences. Last year, Breakthrough Animation created cutting-edge, multi-platform vignettes for its three most popular series. As a result, "Atomic Betty" and "Captain Flamingo" have been sold in over 100 countries. "Miss BG's" 104 x 11 minute episodes and 44 minutes of multiplatform content have just been licensed to Qubo in the U.S. Breakthrough Animation's track record for developing noteworthy animated television programs has given them a foundation for delving into the world of adult animation with "Producing Emily" and "Foolz in the Hood." The company has received a number of notable honors, including several Gemini nominations, a BAFTA nomination, The Actra Award and The New York Television Film Festival Award.

Breakthrough Animation will host a gala event on Sunday, October 7 at the Palm Square Hotel to commemorate the company's achievements and overall success.

According to Gillis, Breakthrough Animation's goal for the future is to remain an industry innovator by having a wide-open door policy for creators and a focus on building upon the production and broadcast partnerships that made them who they are today.

At MIPCOM, Breakthrough Animation will be located at booth # 00.01.

About Breakthrough Animation, Breakthrough Entertainment and Breakthrough Films & Television:

Breakthrough Animation was formed in 2003 when Breakthrough Films & Television's Co-Founders Ira Levy and Peter Williamson joined forces with Kevin Gillis, Breakthrough Animation's Managing Partner and Executive Producer. The company's first collaboration, Atomic Betty, has been sold in over 130 territories to date including Cartoon Network USA, M6 (France), CiTV (UK), ABC Australia, and Teletoon France in association with partner broadcaster TELETOON Canada. Breakthrough Animation is also producing Captain Flamingo for Jetix Europe and YTV, and Miss BG for TVO, France 5, Nickelodeon Australia and Cartoon Network U.K. In addition, Breakthrough Animation has just commenced production on Jimmy Two Shoes for Jetix Europe and Teletoon Canada.

As one of Canada's leading independent producers, Kevin Gillis has created, executive produced and produced a number of award-winning series and films, including "The Raccoons," "Robocop: The Series" and "I Was A Rat."

Breakthrough Animation is currently developing "My Big Big Friend" as a co-production with 2D Lab in Brazil. The company is also focusing on primetime adult animation with a number of programs in development; "Foolz N The Hood," "The Orphanage" (CBC) and "Producing Emily" (Canwest Global)

Breakthrough Animation is a world leader in producing cutting edge programming for the traditional broadcast medium and is a pioneer in implementing strategies for multi platform programming.

Over the past 22 years, Breakthrough Films & Television's executive producers and co-founders Ira Levy and Peter Williamson have built a creative partnership to establish themselves as one of Canada's most prolific providers of television programs, having produced over 550 half-hours of programming over the last two years. On the Web, the company is located at www.breakthroughfilms.com