Production has officially begun on the new CGI animated series NIKO, a German-Belgian co-production brought to life by Toon2Tango, ZDF Studios, and 20 Pictures to Midnight.
Expanding upon the beloved film franchise that has captivated European audiences for over 15 years, amassing more than 1.9 million admissions in German theaters alone, this 52-episode series marks a significant move from the big screen to television. The story follows the young flying reindeer Niko and his friends Elfie, Stella, and Julius, who form the “Mini Flying Forces.”
Inspired by Santa’s legendary team, these young heroes take it upon themselves to protect the snowy landscapes of Lapland while navigating the humorous challenges they occasionally create for themselves.
The series boasts a high-caliber creative team, with Damjan Mitrevski, director of the internationally acclaimed Agent 203, at the helm, and Mikko Pitkänen, the original visual architect of the Niko films, serving as Art Director. Specifically designed for children aged 5 to 8, the show promises a modern blend of action, friendship, and heartwarming humor.
While the series is set to air on ZDF in Germany, ZDF Studios will manage international distribution to bring the magic of the North to a global audience. The production further benefits from a diverse international network of service partners across Malaysia, India, and the United States, ensuring a high-quality animation standard for this iconic reindeer’s latest adventure.
