French TV producer Marathon Media Group has inked a three-year multimedia production deal with eTF1, the digital arm of Paris-based broadcaster TF1, Variety reports. Under the terms of the agreement, Marathon will contribute 1.3 million Euros ($1.8 million) annually to create digital content related to three of its kids’ animated series, including Totally Spies and Monster Buster Club; the third show has not been announced. eTF1 will provide additional financing to create content for TFou.fr, its website for kids.
Marathon GM David Michel said that the financial arrangement between the two companies will help them create more sophisticated web content, including a Second Life-like virtual world for particular brands. “Until now producers and broadcasters have been squabbling over new media rights, but no one has come up with a model allowing both sides to benefit,” he told Variety. Dominique Poussier, who is in charge of children’s programming at TF1, said that the company is exploring similar arrangements with companies outside of France. TF1 plans to sign another multimedia production deal with a children’s TV programmer in the U.S. sometime after next week’s Mipcom festival.
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