New X-men cartoon
"Under terms of the agreement, FST, which operates its animation studios in India, will begin pre-production immediately on 26 episodes in a 2D-3D combination of characters and background. The initial episodes are expected to be ready for worldwide distribution by summer 2007. First Serve Toonz will produce the Series while both Marvel Studios and FST will oversee the creative direction. International TV and DVD distribution will be managed by FST whereas Marvel retains distribution rights for the United States.
Avi Arad stated: "X-Men is one of Marvel's crown jewels, and it makes sense to focus on the popular Wolverine character for our second animation project. First Serve Toonz, one of the leading animation houses in the Indian animation market, was a natural choice for our first animation partnership in this creative and talent rich market."
Amritraj said he was eager to get Marvel to consider India as a strategic animation production base for its classic Marvel Super Heroes. "I am delighted to be working with Avi, Bruno and everyone at Marvel and look forward to a great association."
"It is a great pleasure to be working with Marvel and its outstanding creative and management team. Clearly, the opportunity to make a show based on such already world-famous characters as Wolverine and the X-Men is a unique privilege and an exciting prospect both artistically and business-wise" said Ed Borgerding, CEO of First Serve Toonz. "