Kids
Disney ups stake in Jetix to 96 per cent
MUMBAI: Walt Disney Co has entered into an agreement with Jetix Europe N.V. to boost its holding in the pan-European kid’s entertainment company to 96 per cent, at a price of $14.15 per share.
The agreement is an attempt to expand Walt Disney’s kids and family media business in Europe. Jetix Europe’s specialisation deals with TV channels, program distribution, and consumer products.
Post the completion of the transaction, which is expected to close before the end of 2008, Disney plans to obtain 100 per cent of the shares in the company. Disney previously held a majority share in Jetix.
The Jetix audience and distribution partners would be better served “through improved programming, more targeted branding, more integrated management, and implementation of company-wide synergies.”
“Television continues to be a strong brand builder for Disney around the world and this investment enhances our efforts to reach kids and families. By achieving operating efficiencies, we will have additional opportunities to create more family-friendly programming and locally-produced content across Europe,” Disney Media Networks co-chair and Disney-ABC Television Group president Anne Sweeney said.
Disney acquired its original interest in Jetix Europe (formerly Fox Kids Europe) when it procured Fox Family Worldwide from News Corp. in 2001.
Kids
Mukta Arts and Green Gold ink MOU to animate iconic film IPs
Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan to spawn animated shows plus features.
MUMBAI: When classic hindi movie meets animation, the result is a fresh reel of nostalgia with a cartoon twist. Mukta Arts Ltd. and Green Gold Animation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on animated shows and feature films drawn from Mukta Arts’ four-decade treasure trove of iconic IPs. The partnership taps Mukta’s SGM Animation Studio launched in 2025 as its dedicated animation and games arm and Green Gold’s proven track record in building scalable, homegrown franchises. Creative teams from both sides have already kicked off discussions, with the first project currently in development.
The slate will draw inspiration from landmark Mukta films including Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak, Saudagar and Iqbal, plus character-led spin-offs from those universes. The aim is to reimagine these stories for today’s young, global audiences while preserving their emotional core.
Green Gold Animation (home of Chhota Bheem) founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka said, “This partnership with SGM Studios allows us to apply our experience in building long-lasting animation IPs to a truly iconic film catalogue. Together, we aim to create animated worlds that are rooted in these legendary stories, yet designed to connect with today’s young, global audiences.”
Mukta Arts Ltd. filmmaker and founder Subhash Ghai added, “Mukta Arts has always believed in creating stories with lasting emotional value. Through animation, we are extending our IP into a new medium for the next generation.”
In an industry where timeless tales never go out of fashion, this collaboration promises to bring beloved characters back to life with a modern, animated glow proving that some stories are too good to stay in live-action. Stay tuned for the first animated frame to drop.
