Production of the new 52-episode CGI animated series NIKO has begun. Toon2Tango is producing the series based on the international film franchise centered around the young flying reindeer Niko, in co-production with ZDF Studios and 20 Pictures to Midnight. NIKO has been one of Europe’s most beloved animated characters for over 15 years. The feature films NIKO: BEYOND THE NORTHERN LIGHTS (2024), NIKO 2 – LITTLE BROTHER, BIG TROUBLE (2012), and NIKO & THE WAY TO THE STARS (2009) have reached a combined audience of more than 1.9 million admissions in German theaters alone. The charming and hilariously fun series picks up where the NIKO films left off and tells brand-new stories set in the snowy landscapes of Lapland.
The series is directed by Damjan Mitrevski, who previously helmed the internationally successful series AGENT 203, which was sold to more than 100 countries worldwide. Mikko Pitkänen, the creator of the visual worlds of the beloved NIKO feature films, joins the project as Art Director.
Ulli Stoef, CEO of Toon2Tango, says: “NIKO is one of the most well-known and beloved animated characters in Europe. We are thrilled to further develop this established brand together with the creators of the theatrical hits and in partnership with ZDF Studios and 20 Pictures to Midnight into a high-quality, modern series for children and families worldwide.”
Arne Lohmann, VP JUNIOR ZDF Studios, adds: “NIKO has been captivating children and families for many years – and us as well. It’s a great joy to continue telling the story of this very special franchise together with our partners in a new series. The warmhearted characters and the magic of Lapland have a charm that is simply impossible to resist.”
NIKO – the series – is a German-Belgian co-production, produced by Toon2Tango in co-production with ZDF Studios and 20 Pictures to Midnight. The service partners involved in the production are Anima Vitae Point Sdn Bhd (Malaysia), Digitoonz Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd (India), and Toon Pocket (USA).
The series NIKO will air on ZDF; international distribution will be handled by ZDF Studios.
About the Series
Inspired by the NIKO film franchise, this show is a fun adventure for children aged 5 to 8. It follows Niko, a young flying reindeer who has moved with his patchwork family to Home Valley in Lapland. Niko teams up with his friends Elfie, Stella, and Julius to found the “Mini Flying Forces” – inspired by Santa’s famous reindeer team – to protect not only Home Valley but also to fix the problems they themselves cause. Since Niko’s father Prancer is often away training with Santa’s Flying Forces, the Mini Flying Forces take on the responsibility of protecting their home. Niko hopes to join the Flying Forces one day, and through these adventures he gains new skills and courage. Every episode is packed with action, friendship, and fun in the snowy landscapes of Lapland.
About Toon2Tango
Toon2Tango is a kids and family entertainment powerhouse specializing in IP creation, development, financing, production, distribution and brand building. The company is positioned as a worldwide operation working across all types of children’s and family entertainment IPs with a strong focus on animated content. Toon2Tango also actively engages in co-financing and acquisition of quality programming with a strong international appeal.
Since its foundation in September 2019, Toon2Tango has been involved in the production of a total of five TV series - AGENT 203, MONSTER LOVING MANIACS, GRISU, HEY FUZZY YELLOW and SHOWTIME as well as the feature film MISSION SANTA: YOYO TO THE RESCUE. Toon2Tango is a LEONINE Animation Studios company and part of the Mediawan Group. www.toon2tango.com
About ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios is a commercial subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest TV broadcasters in Europe. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, the ZDF Studios Group operates more than 30 direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates spanning TV production, distribution and services. The parent company, ZDF Studios, is responsible for global programme distribution, realisation of international co-productions, acquisition of licences and merchandising of successful programme brands under its own name, for ZDF and third parties. ZDF Studios has the largest German-language programme inventory in the world and a constantly growing range of international productions, consisting of series and mini-series, television films, documentaries and children's programmes.
The companies of the ZDF Studios Group cover the entire value chain from the development of scripted and unscripted TV content to production, marketing and monetizing, including TV and streaming licences as well as merchandising and online rights. The positioning of ZDF Studios as an integrated media company enables the development of innovative, outstanding and high-quality programmes and makes the Group an attractive workplace for German and international talent to flourish in a very inspiring and creative environment.
Press Contacts
Henriette Gutmann
SVP Corporate Communication, LEONINE Studios
Tel.: +49 89 999 513-0
E-Mail: communication@leoninestudios.com
Christine Denilauler
Bereichsleiterin Marketing und Unternehmenskommunikation, ZDF Studios GmbH
Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 1, 55127 Mainz/Deutschland
Tel.: +49 6131-9911130
E-Mail: christine.denilauler@z...tudios.com
Photo © Anima Vitae, Cinemaker, Ulysses Films, Moetion Films, A. Film Production
