The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is delighted to announce details of two new collaborative animation production projects, developed for young audiences across Europe.

Belgian production ‘Ray & Ruby’ and Danish concept ‘Pig & Andersen’ were chosen from over 70 projects presented last year at Cartoon Forum, a pitching & co-pro forum for animated TV projects. 

Produced by Creative Conspiracy with young audiences in mind, 'Ray & Ruby’ introduces the adventures of mouse twins navigating the vast and perilous world within a magnificent castle, whilst quirky comedy series ‘Pig & Andersen’, produced by Fleng Entertainment ApS, is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's works and based on the 2022 short film “The Swineherd” from the same producers.

Under the coordination of EBU Television, and at the initiative of France Télévisions and Cartoon Forum, a group of 15 public-service broadcasters have committed over €130’000 to the development of the two series. 

Matthew Trustram, Head of Television, EBU, said: “For many decades EBU Members have been collaborating on globally-loved animation series, perhaps most famously with ‘The Animals of Farthing Wood’ several years ago. This new initiative shows our Members renewing this spirit of collaboration to secure the most exciting new content for young audiences in a competitive market.”

Both projects’ pilots will be delivered in September 2024, building on the EBU network’s historical commitment to animated television programming, and reflecting current priority to engage young people across Member territories. 

Pierre Siracusa, Director of Children’s and Education/Head of Animation, France Télévisions, said: "I'm delighted to see collaboration between public broadcasters on the development of animation projects, taking shape under the efficient organization of the EBU. Thanks to the EBU and Cartoon Forum, we can join forces, discuss the best European projects, and strengthen our commitment to European animation producers."

Annick Maes, General Director of CARTOON, said: “Cartoon Forum supports initiatives which gather, under European leadership, energies, people, companies and projects. We are happy to have welcomed this joint initiative that gives European Public Media broadcasters the opportunity to join forces and to consolidate European animation.”

Participating Broadcasters

VRT (Belgium)
ARD/SWR (Germany)
DR (Denmark)
RTVE (Spain)
YLE (Finland)
France Télévisions (France)
BBC (United Kingdom)
RTÉ (Ireland)
RAI (Italy)
LTV (Latvia)
NPO (Netherlands)
NRK (Norway)
RTP (Portugal)
SVT (Sweden)
RTVS (Slovakia)