Aardman will represent Sunrise’s brand new animated series, Munki and Trunk, which will premiere at MIPCOM Junior.

Phil Cunningham, founder at Sunrise Productions, says, “We are delighted to be working with such a prestigious studio such as Aardman. We have ambitious plans for Munki and Trunk building off the TV series including a series of feature films, physical attractions and an exciting licensing and partnership strategy. We know that the team at Aardman is the perfect distribution partners for our TV series and this is a vital part of building the brand globally.” 

Commenting on the partnership, Alison Taylor, newly appointed head of sales and acquisitions at Aardman, says, “We are really excited to be teaming up with Sunrise Productions, a pioneering studio who has a similar approach to producing high-quality animation as we do here at Aardman. Munki and Trunk is a beautifully crafted CGI series, with wonderful character design and brilliantly funny storylines. It’s sure to make kids laugh out loud and we are excited to be showing it to our partners for the very first time at MIPCOM Junior.” 
 
Sunrise made several hires this year including former Discovery and Turner executive, Jennifer Burgos; award-winning writer Will Brenton, who has co-created, written, produced and directed some of today’s best-known programmes for children, including The Tweenies; and writer Robin Crowther-Smith who has written on Shaun the Sheep and Morph.

The studio is best known for their flagship show Jungle Beat, the award-winning series that has been broadcast in over 180 countries, as well as their 3D sport animated characters for high-profile sports brands including England Rugby’s Football Union, the Welsh Rugby Rugby Union and Juventus Football Club.

Munki and Trunk is a tree-crashing, rock-smashing, water-splashing, fruit-mashing, knockabout comedy adventure for kids aged 4 to 7 years. Munki is caring, Trunk is crafty. But they are the best of friends. No matter if they are facing rolling boulders, bouncing mushrooms or grumpy hedgehogs, they do it together giggling all the way. It’s the most fun you can have in the jungle.

For more information, visit www.sunrise.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or visit their YouTube channel.