Japan’s national broadcaster, NHK, has today (Wednesday 13 th February) announced that it will air
Gutsy Animations’ innovative new MOOMINVALLEY animation on its BS4K channel.
Launched in December 2018, the BS4K channel uses an ultra-high definition 4k image system and is
described as ‘the gateway channel for ultra-high definition visual images’. It features images and
audio far exceeding the levels used in conventional high definition broadcasting.
MOOMINVALLEY will premiere on BS4K on Thursday 4th of April. The animation is based on the
beloved Moomin stories by Finnish-Swedish author and artist Tove Jansson and each series will
consist of 13 x 22-minute-long episodes. It is directed by Academy Award® winner Steve Box
(Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit) and is true to the spirit and values of the original
Moomin stories. A Finnish-British co-production, it is produced by Gutsy Animations in association
with Yle and Sky. Season One premieres in Finland on Yle on Monday 25th of February 2019 and in the
UK on Sky One and Sky Kids at Easter 2019.
Marika Makaroff, CEO of Gutsy Animations and executive producer of MOOMINVALLEY, said: “The
Japanese have always been greatly taken with Moomin, thanks to Tove Jansson’s beautiful artwork
and her kind and courageous characters, but there’s been an explosion of interest in the past seven
or eight years in particular. Given the size and dedication of the fanbase, securing the right
broadcast partner in Japan was a big priority for us and we’re delighted to be working with NHK to
ensure Japanese fans will be able to enjoy our homage to Tove’s creations in such incredibly high
definition.”
The world’s first Moomin theme park outside of Finland is soon to open in Japan. Moominvalley
Park, situated in Hanno in the Saitama prefecture of the Greater Tokyo area, will open to the public
in March 2019. It is part of a park facility called Metsä comprising of two areas: Metsä Village,
which allows visitors to experience the Scandinavian and Nordic atmosphere and lifestyle and to
enjoy the rich nature, and Moominvalley Park, where visitors can discover the world of the
Moomins. Together, they form a unique Nordic hub in Japan, where visitors can learn about the
Nordic way of life and the Moomins at the same time.
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For further information please contact Caitlin Allen at Riot Communications on
020 3174 0118 / 07814 403 000 / caitlin@riotcommunications.com
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NOTES TO EDITORS
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About MOOMINVALLEY
MOOMINVALLEY is a brand new adaptation of the much-loved Moomin stories of Tove Jansson, a Finnish-Swedish writer and artist whose books have been translated into over 50 languages. Directed to a family primetime audience, the drama fantasy series is full of life and laughter for lifelong Moomin fans and complete newcomers alike.
MOOMINVALLEY has benefitted from a 25% cash rebate production incentive for production costs in Finland. This production incentive is intended to increase international interest in Finland as a production location and to promote the development, growth, and internationalisation of Finnish companies.
About Gutsy Animations
Gutsy is a team of creators and producers who believe that the world is in need of funny, clever,
gutsy and – above all – meaningful content. All of its productions are aimed at international
audiences and based on a concept of genuine social impact.
About Moomin Characters
Oy Moomin Characters Ltd is the owner, originator and official company responsible for supervising
and managing the Moomins' brand, copyright and registrations. The company was started in 1958 by Tove Jansson and her brother Lars Jansson and even today is run by family members. Sophia
Jansson, Lars' daughter and Tove's niece, is Chairman of the Board and Creative Director at Moomin Characters. All characters from Moominvalley are registered trademarks. MOOMINVALLEY has the approval of Moomin Characters and Bulls Licensing, their global licensing agent.
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