Zen Animation Title ‘Tiger And Bear’ Lures Buyers at Cartoon Forum (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Ben Croll Of the 80 projects that presented at last week’s Cartoon Forum in Toulouse, no pitch attracted greater (proportional) buyer curiosity than “Tiger and Bear.” Produced by Germany’s Wolkenlenker and adapted from a beloved children’s series from author and illustrator Janosch, the upper-preschool project saw nearly 60% buyer attendance at its Tuesday pitch and fielded effusive feedback from American, British, and Scandinavian broadcasters in the days that followed – with many keying to the project’s laid-back tenor.

Following that Cartoon Forum launch, Wolkenlenker shared this first look with Variety. As it exploring life’s smallest moments, “Tiger and Bear” follows two cuddly best friends with the tranquil tone one might call Zen for Preschoolers. “The core of the Janosch IP is simplicity, honesty and quiet wholesome wisdom,” says Wolkenlenker co-founder Sebastian Wehner. “Janosch’s books are all about friendship.

His is a quiet, serene, and friendly world full of the simple joys in life: A friend’s hug, a home-cooked meal, and the reassurance that you’re not alone.

Since the world isn’t threatening, you can go out and adventure.” “We want t draw from the many philosophical nuggets in Janosch’s original work,” Wehner continues. “In terms of pace, we also want to put our foot on the break without being boring.